Gretha Blake

Gretha “Mike” Blake passed away on June 3, 2106 at Stratford House in Danville, VA., where she had resided for 12 years.                She was born in Asheville, NC on June 17, 1927 to Jesse Ivey Cuthriell and Gretha Lorane Feagen.  She was married for 55 years to Ronald “RW” Blake of Fairfax, who preceded her in death in Leesburg, VA.  They had five children; Caroline Patteson (Harry), Diana Boon (Chris), James Ronald Blake (Tammy), Robert Palmer Blake (Lynn) and Richard Michael Blake (Mindy).  Also surviving are ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.                As a young wife and mother she was very fond of music and the arts.  She performed in Minstral Shows for the Vienna Lions Club and in theatre productions.  She continued her interest after moving to Waterford, VA appearing in plays with the Waterford Players.  She took great pleasure in volunteer work as a Pink Lady at Loudoun Memorial Hospital.  After moving to Stratford House she developed her talent for sculpting and was mentored by an art professor at Averett University.  She was honored by the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History with a private showing of her work.                 She will be greatly missed by her family and the staff and residents of Stratford House.                “Mike” requested a family graveside service at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA.  She will be interred next to her husband. `              Any memorials are to be sent to Capital Caring Hospice, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA  22042 or to SouthernCare Hospice Services, 801 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA  24112.                Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Blake family.