Barbara Zell Blair

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Zell Blair, on December 21, 2025. A resident of Troutville, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude Hannabass; her brother, Eddie Hannabass; her sister, Helen Kingery-Smith and her husband, Gordon Blair.

She is survived by her two sons, Jason and Randy, and daughter-in-law, Vicky. She also leaves behind her sister, Frances Gamble. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Will Gamble, Grayson Blair, Ana Blair, Mikayla Blair, and Riley Rutledge.

Barbara was a strong woman and loving mother devoted to her family. She worked at General Electric as a Union Secretary and switched to being a school bus driver in order to spend more time with her growing family. She lived a life of service dedicated to others and worked many years in customer service at Food Lion while still finding time and energy to be a family caregiver and loving grandmother. Her community involvement was extensive, including fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network, serving as an outreach leader at Belmont Christian Church, organizing for Star City Cruisers, and serving as President of the local Women's Democratic Party.

In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed racing cars, and attending car shows and she discovered hobbies that included cooking, flat-footing and bowling.

She leaves behind a legacy of teaching others the value of learning to "stand your ground." Her spirit , strength and abundant love will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Cornerstone Caregiving and Good Samaritan Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Barbara. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dementia Society of America.

Visitation will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, located at 5731 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, on December 29, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at the same venue on December 30, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.