Kermit Thurston Via

Kermit Thurston Via, 86, of Martinsville peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 18th. He was born in Madison, N.C. on September 5, 1936, to the late Amos and Carrie (DeHart) Via of Horsepasture, Virginia.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 63 years, Helga Hofmann Via, who he met on a blind date while serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Germany and his adoring daughter, Carrie Via Quinn and son-in-law, Ronald Quinn of Hampton. He also leaves behind his four sisters: Shelby Oliva of Riverside, CA, Joyce Via of Los Angeles, CA, June Carole-Via of Charlotte, NC, and Janet Thomas of Helendale, CA.

Kermit attended Drewry Mason High School and graduated from Frankfurt (Germany) High School and attended a year of college through the University of Maryland while serving in the Army. He was employed by Home Credit Services and later by Crestar Bank for 25 years as a branch manager and Assistant Vice President. He was a former member of the Ridgeway Ruritan Club and served in local chapters of the March of Dimes and United Fund.

He enjoyed a full life of traveling throughout 49 states and some of Canada and Mexico with his wife and road partner, carving and woodworking in his self-built workshop, as well as camping, grilling, gardening, fishing, canoeing, and hunting deer and elk.

The family would like to thank the caring nursing staff and physical therapists at the Stanleytown Health and Rehabilitation Center and the wonderful nurses at Sovah Hospital who made his final journey comfortable and pain free.

Kermit was a voracious reader throughout his life and spent many enjoyable hours at Martinsville’s Blue Ridge Public Library. A celebration of his life will be held there on June 10th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Library in his memory.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.