Dessie Louise Crawford Obenchain, born on March 2, 1946, passed away last Saturday, June 23, following a short illness. Louise was born and raised in New Castle, Virginia, and graduated from Craig County High School. She then moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where she lived with her late husband, Mack. She worked several years at Roanoke City Mills and Orange Dog. Louise was a member of Paxton Chapel Church in New Castle.
Louise is survived by her mother, Helen Booth Crawford, of New Castle; sister Linda Crawford Oiler and brother-in-law Joe Oiler, of New Castle; sister Nancy Crawford Ellett and brother-in-law Rick Ellett, of Smith Mountain Lake; nephew Chris Rose and wife Jessie of New Castle; and nieces Amy Rose Witmer and husband Phil of Smith Mountain Lake along with Mary Beth Oiler Davis and husband Rick of Lynchburg, Virginia.
Also left to cherish her memory are six great-nieces and nephews: Luther Davis, Anthea Davis, Alfred Davis, Madalyn Rose, Cooper Rose and Brody Witmer. She also leaves behind numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and a special friend in Sandy Chafin who spent many hours sitting with her during her short illness, and her “Angels” who helped her out over the last few years. Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Percy Mack Obenchain Jr.
Louise loved playing the piano, crocheting and working crossword puzzles. Family and friends will sadly miss her.
The family received friends at Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle on Tuesday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Pastor Jim Morris conducted funeral services on Wednesday, June 27, at 3:00 p.m. A burial service in Crawford Memorial Cemetery, located beside Paxton Chapel Church in New Castle, followed shortly afterward.
Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle handled arrangements. www.paitselfh.com