Belva Lockwood Bowers Guard, 99 years, two months, and 29 days of Woodstock, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018, in Greenfield Senior Living, Woodstock.

Born in Shenandoah County in 1919, she was the third daughter of the late Albert Cornelius and Ida Good Bowers. After marrying Edward Guard in 1942 Belva spent her married life in Baltimore, Maryland and Stephens City, Virginia. A lifelong homemaker, Belva enjoyed gardening, raising chickens and taking care of their numerous Pekingese pups. Belva and Ed spent time together traveling and visiting the Grand Canyon, St. Louis Arch, as well as Texas and other states. Belva enjoyed reading especially National Geographic magazines. She also enjoyed crocheting. Over the years her siblings called her “Tissy”, “Puffy” as well as Belva. Belva and Ed witnessed placement of Interstate 81 as it separated their street where they lived close to one of her sisters. Her home with her husband retained a quaint yard where they hosted July 4th picnics. Some of the Bowers’ Christmas gatherings were held in the Stephens City home.

Belva’s parents preceded her in death as well as her husband, two sisters, and their husbands, two brothers and their wives, four nephews and multiple in-laws.

Surviving are a niece, Diane Ackerman (Scott) of Utah; three nephews, Tim and Jeff Bowers of Florida, and Wayne Bowers (Deborah) of Woodstock; a niece, Ellen Bowers of Maurertown; other Bowers kin, great nieces, nephews, great great nephews and nieces; Mary Ann Guard (Ralph) and children Betsy Jenkins, Phil Guard, and David Guard. Other relatives include Linda Ebersole, Carol Fogle and Alfred “Sonny” Guard.

Thanks to special friends Bridgette Hoffman and all the Greenfield care givers that gave Belva excellent care for several years.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 15th from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Omps, South Chapel, 1260 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, Virginia.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 am on Friday at Omps, South Chapel with Pastor Johnathon Fletcher officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity.