Rachel Peters Pring

Rachel Peters Reed Pring, age 95, passed away on July 9, 2024.  She was the eldest daughter of Blanche and Charles Peters and is survived by two loving sisters Betty Snead and Flora Anne Chittum.  She was preceded in death by three brothers Alvin, Everette, and baby Jesse.  Rachel cherished her rural upbringing.  Farming was a tough life yet full of love and happiness. 

Rachel was a hard worker and proud Christian lady.  She was born and raised in Franklin County Virginia, graduating from high school at age sixteen.  She then moved to Roanoke where she worked for the American Viscose.  During these single years, she made many life-long friends and had the opportunity to travel for one month throughout the United States with a girlfriend and her family in a new 1949 Buick. 

Rachel married Hassel Burton Reed and they moved to the Williamson Road area.  She joined Oakland Baptist Church.  Rachel owned and operated a small business (full service car wash) with her husband until his passing.  She was a hard worker, working six days a week, ten hours a day, and raising three children.  Surviving are three children:  Judy Moles and her husband Arthur; Charles Reed; and Burton Reed and his wife Sissy.  In addition to her strenuous work schedule, she always found time for PTA, Boy Scout meetings, home economics projects, and Oakland Baptist Church.

In 1979, Rachel married Harry Pring.  Harry had three daughters and Rachel was so happy to be a part of their lives.  Surviving are her daughters by marriage:  Cheryl Boone and her husband Norvin; Pamala Thompson and her husband Doug; and Donna Roberts.  Rachel retired from Basham Oil Company and travelled with Harry for two years before settling in Myrtle Beach for fifteen years.  They volunteered their time to save a financially strapped resort park (Briarcliffe RV Resort) facing bankruptcy.

After Harry passed, Rachel lived independently in her Vinton apartment until she was 91 years old.  She participated in events at the Vinton senior center, was active in two church groups, and enjoyed her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

Rachel spent her last years in Salem.  Her family prayed for her as her health faltered.  Rachel loved her Lord and earned her place in heaven.

The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM in the Lotz chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Oakland Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.