Wilma (Hodge) Obaugh, age 97, of McDowell, Virginia, passed away Sept. 22, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.
Born July 31, 1928 in Highland County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late George Henry and Camilla (Hupman) Hodge.
Raised by her father in Salem, Virginia, Mrs. Obaugh was a graduate of the former Andrew Lewis High School and would go on to attend Mary Baldwin College.
A woman of considerable faith, she was a member of the Stonewall Christian Fellowship, former member of the United Methodist Women, and the former McDowell United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years and faithfully served as pianist for 45 years.
She spent a good portion of her years as a homemaker, raising her children and helping her husband on the farm, as well as with his business affairs. In 1966, she would go on to assume a vast majority of the clerical and managerial responsibilities of Obaugh Funeral Home, and together with her husband, Bill, diligently worked to ensure the continuance of the funeral home. She retired as co-owner and manager of Obaugh Funeral Home in 1998, following 32 years of service to the community.
Always a lady, she was known for her integrity, resilience, and genuine sincerity. Even in her later years, with great ease, she maintained the poise and unassuming confidence of her youth. However, neither was she one to shy away from hard work. She prepared countless meals for her family, farmhands, and community members, and ensured that no one left hungry. Additionally, she tended to their flock of sheep, assisted with the funeral home’s ambulance service, and managed her household in the midst of the demanding hours of the funeral home business.
She loved traveling with her friend, Ruthie Condra, and taking family vacations with her children and grandchildren. She loved her independence and maintained her driver’s license well into her 80s in spite of her lead foot, which she always denied. She enjoyed playing board games and card games with her grandchildren, or simply visiting with her family. Some of her granddaughters’ most cherished memories include staying up until the wee hours of the night talking with her until they would fall asleep in her “fancy canopy bed.” An avid reader, she had impeccable grammar and was always quick to correct her grandchildren’s speech.
Above all, she was a giver – she would give her love, her time, her prayers, and even her finances to anyone in need. No matter the occasion, she was faithful in sending heartfelt letters and cards to family, friends, and acquaintances. This was evidence of the fact that she simply cared about people. Her faith, her strength, her joy, and her generosity made her the role model who her family so lovingly adored and still aspire to become.
On Jan. 29, 1949, she married William G. “Bill” Obaugh, who preceded her in death on Jan. 1, 1996.
Surviving family members include her children, George William “G.W.” Obaugh, Roy Brent Obaugh and Kyle Todd Obaugh and wife, Karla, all of McDowell, Virginia, and Donna Kay Ashby and husband, Forrest of Staunton, Virginia; grandchildren, Bryan Obaugh and wife, Megan of Monterey, Virginia, Ben Obaugh and wife, Jill of Moneta, Virginia, Bryce Obaugh and wife, Beth of St. Paris, Ohio, Beth Obaugh Linkenhoker and husband, David of Goodview, Virginia, Kelly Ashby Throckmorton and husband, Josh of Rockingham, Virginia, Jenna Ashby MacFarland and husband, Zack of Natural Bridge, Virginia, Kate Obaugh Sponaugle and husband, Matthew and Rhonda Obaugh, all of McDowell, Virginia, Kari Obaugh Lightner and husband, Chad of Head Waters, Virginia, and Emily Ashby Blose and husband, Trevor of Spokane Valley, Washington; great-grandchildren, Lane Obaugh, Jackson Obaugh, Blaine DeMarco, Noah Obaugh, Savannah Linkenhoker, Eva MacFarland, Alyssa Obaugh, Olivia Obaugh, Ariella Obaugh, Liam Obaugh, Nora Linkenhoker, Kylee Lightner, Lowell Obaugh, Annalise Obaugh, Forrest MacFarland, Laurel Obaugh, Kash Lightner, Malak Obaugh, Eleanor Sponaugle, Oliver Blose, Alexander Blose, Titus Obaugh, Lilith Obaugh, Mary Sponaugle, and Faith Throckmorton; and a special cousin, Holly Jordan.
She was also preceded in death by an infant great-grandson, Griffin Obaugh; lifelong best friend and college roommate, Ruth Condra; and special “brothers,” Elmer and Donald Allanson.
A graveside funeral service was conducted Sunday at the Head Waters Cemetery with Pastor Chip Hill officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433, or the Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 268, Monterey, VA 24465.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.
