Sue Owens Updike

Sue Owens Updike, 86, died May 29, 2012. Born in Gates County, N.C., she was the daughter of Benjamin A. Owens and Katy Lynn Pitman Owens of Gates, N.C. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, O. Kenneth Updike.

She graduated valedictorian from Gates High School in 1944. She went on to attend the Women's College of the University of North Carolina — Greensboro. As it was wartime, she left college to work at Consolidated Aircraft until she met and married her husband, who had returned from serving in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific.

For 35 years, Sue was the office manager for the Boy Scouts of America, Stonewall Area Council. She served on the board of the American Red Cross and also was a member of the Kings Daughters Hospital Auxiliary.

Sue is survived by three sons and their wives, Kenneth and Gale Updike of Roanoke, David Updike Sr. of Staunton and James and Lundy Updike of Alexandria. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Christopher and Jennifer Burdett, David Updike Jr., and fiancee, Marion Mader, Leslie and Zac Hart, Samuel A. Updike, James L. Updike and Thomas P. Updike; three great-grandchildren, Erin Updike, Graeme Burdett and Rhys Burdett. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Ellen O. Eure of Gatesville, N.C.; and a niece, Alta L. Blowe.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 18 W. Frederick St., Staunton. A service in the chapel will follow at noon with Alphonzo Hamilton officiating.

Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences on line at www.reynolds hamrickfuneralhomes.com.