Eva Lorraine Racey Gochenour

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Eva Lorraine Racey Gochenour. On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Eva Lorraine Racey Gochenour entered into her eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was surrounded by her family, whom she said she was “so blessed” to have near her. She was born July 8th, 1932, in Cedar Creek, Virginia, daughter of the late Carl Guy & Allie Mae Plaugher Racey. She is preceded in death by her brother, Harold “Dukie” (Robyn) Racey, and siblings Loretta Mae and Carl Jr. She was an active member of the Valley Pike Church of the Brethren, where she served in many positions including Sunday School teacher, chairperson of the board, commission member, deacon, choir director, pianist, among other positions. She was on the beginning board for the Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center, where she was devoted to providing support for expectant mothers. She also was on the founding committee of the Valley Pike church booth for the Shenandoah County Fair, where they have witnessed for the Lord for many years. She always enjoyed learning and excelled at it, beginning with being the valedictorian of her graduating class. Her love of the Bible pushed her to learn more by taking the Three-Year Reading Course every Monday night at Bridgewater College, through the Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren. She also studied and received a certificate from Liberty University. Her love of the Bible helped everyone to understand her favorite saying “Read the Book!” which is on her tombstone. She also expressed how “blessed” she was to anyone with whom she conversed. She especially enjoyed her Friday afternoon domino games. “JOY” was a favorite word, which we could all see in the way she lived her life. She was truly an example of a godly life well-lived. Now there is no pain, no sorrow, no sadness – Just the perfect peace in the presence of the One she has faithfully loved and served. She married Lewis Ford Gochenour on June 24, 1950, who predeceased her on January 1, 2010. She enjoyed her life on the farm and was well-known for her home cooking for the helpers on the farm. Many young men in the community worked on the Gochenour family farm over the past 70 years. Her children include: Garlan (Sherry) Gochenour, Guy (Wendy) Gochenour, and Gloria (Sam) Spire, all of Woodstock, Va. She also enjoyed her grandchildren immensely: Michael (Nikki) Gochenour, Joe (Katie) Gochenour, Matthew (Emily) Gochenour, Alex (Kaylee) Gochenour, Allie (Jason) Ruckman, Evan Gochenour, Ben Gochenour, Olivia Gochenour, Noah Steele and step-grandchildren Brittany (Tyler) Polk, Joe (Kelli) Steele, Keith Eugene (Ibtissam) Steele and Lydia Spire, along with 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Michael Gochenour, Joseph Gochenour, Matthew Gochenour, Alex Gochenour, Noah Steele, and Jason Ruckman. Honorary pallbearers are Evan Gochenour, Ben Gochenour, Roy Wimmer, Gwyn Plauger, Junior & Dianne Ryman, Phil Hockman, Doug Edmonds, Joyce Smart, Dave & Cindy Powell, Ronnie Combs, Lacy Rush, and Kenny Hamrick. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm at Valley Funeral Home in Bowman’s Crossing. The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3pm at the Valley Pike Church of the Brethren, 83 Headley Road, Maurertown, VA, with her nephew Pastor Wayne Racey and Pastor Jonathan Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center or Blue Ridge Hospice. Her favorite color was red, as is evident as you drive by her new red roof. Please wear red in honor of her to the service. Online condolences may be made to valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Eva Lorraine Racey Gochenour

July 8, 1932 - October 13, 2024