Our Valued Staff

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  Rodney Barrow, Manager

  Rodney was born in Martinsville, VA in April of 1957. He grew up in Collinsville and attended Henry County Public School in 1975. Rodney then attended Patrick Henry Community College before graduating from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. He started out in funeral service when he was 15 years old working for Collins Funeral Home in Collinsville. Rodney began his apprenticeship upon graduating form high school. In August of 1980, after completing Gupton-Jones and receiving the National Board Certificate in Atlanta, Georgia, he returned to Collins Funeral Home and worked for many years. In 1991, he moved to St. Paul, VA and was associated with Huff Cook Funeral Homes. In December of 1993, he transferred to Rocky Mount and became manager of Lynch Funeral Home. In August of 2000, he had the opportunity to join Lotz Funeral Home as the manager of the Vinton Chapel. Rodney has two children, a son, Bryce and a daughter, Brianna. Rodney says his children are re-educating him in the ways of the world. “Over the years, and everyday, I truly enjoy being able to assist and help families through the most difficult time in their lives.”

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  Carl Mann,

  Carl Mann is the retired Manager of Lotz Vinton Chapel. He remains very active with the funeral home and serves as a consultant.He is married to his wife, Donie Stump Mann. He is a member of the Masonic Order, the Shriner and Scottsh Rites and the Lions Club. Carl graduated from American Academy in New York in 1966. He worked for West End Chapels while in school. He came to Vinton, Virginia to become the manager of Lotz Vinton Chapel. Carl and his wife, Donie have a son, Charles Patton Mann and a daughter, Carla Patricia Mann Honaker.Carl is very proud of his grandchildren, Mallory Mann, Makinzie Mann and tripletts, Grayson, Colin and Brendan Honaker. Carl became interested in the funeral business when he would ride the ambulances at times with a friend, while in High School. Upon graduating, he made his start in funeral service.
  
  In Loving Memory
  "Our Co-Worker, our friend- we will miss you so very much Carl."
  April 26, 2010.- February 18, 1936

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  Nancy Bates, Administrative Assistant

  Nancy Bates is a part-time Office Assistant at Lotz Vinton Chapel. She retired from Roanoke County Schools in 2003 after 33 years as a teacher. She still shares her time working 25 days a year for the school system. She was born in Galax, VA and recieved her BS from Radford College. Her husband, David is a police officer for Carilion Police Department and they have two grown children, a son and a daughter. For relaxation Nancy loves to read. She always has at least one novel she is reading with several more close by waiting to be read. She and her husband also enjoy riding their Harley when weather permits.

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  Ann Pierce, Administrative Assistant

  Ann has been employed at the Lotz Vinton Chapel since May 1, 2002. She was born in Vinton and moved to Bedford County when she was seven. She is a graduate of Stewartsville High School and attended National Business College. Ann is married to W. Russell Pierce and they have one son, William Jr. and his wife, Robbie (a peach from Georgia). She is a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church and enjoys teaching her class of pre-primaries in Sunday School. Her hobbies include antiques, reading and birds.

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  Myrna Trussler, Administrative Assistant

  Myrna has been a part-time office assistant at Lotz Vinton Chapel since 2003. She was born and still resides in Vinton, Virginia and graduated from William Byrd High School in 1959. She was formerly employed in Planning and Production offices at Halmode Apparel for 31 years. She attends Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Myrna has been married to husband, Lee for 43 years. They have three children; Steven, Christopher and Wendy and two Grandchildren; Kellie and Jerry. As a lifelong Vinton resident, it's a pleasure to work this close to home and come in contact with so many people she has known over the years. Myrna enjoys reading especially; also gardening, photography, antiquing, family scrapbooking and taking care of the grandchildren. Myrna assists with setting up and decorating the Lotz Vinton Fall Festival booth every year and helps create the flower books and memorial videos for families.

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  Lewis Jones, Ambassador

  Lewis Jones has been with Lotz Vinton Chapel for three years serving families as an Ambassador. He is a retired dispatcher and tanker driver spending 35 years in the trucking industry and a member of the million mile safe driver club. Lewis proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy with 8 years in communications. Lewis has been a member of Waverly Place Baptist Church for 30 years and a member of the American Legion. He and his wife, Judy F. Jones have been married for 38 years and have one son and a daughter.

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  Sara Cooper, Administrative Assistant

  Sara was born in Bedford County, Virginia and graduated from Moneta High School. She has a son, daughter and three grandchildren. Sara enjoys physical activities like camping, bowling, attending and watching all kinds of sports. She worked in retail for many years before becoming a valued member of the Lotz family two and a half years ago.

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  Jerry Finch, Ambassador

  Jerry has been employed part time with Lotz Funeral Home assisting with funerals, burials and visitations since November 2008. He was born in Roanoke, graduated from Jefferson High School and attended VPI and UVA before serving in the Air Force. He is retired from General Electric in Salem VA, with 42 years service as a Design Specialist. Jerry and his wife Claudia have lived in the Vinton area since 1961 and have one daughter Tracey. They are long time members of Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church - Vinton and active choir members. Jerry enjoys reading, camping, especially at Myrtle Beach, gardening and taking cruises as money and time allow.