Virginia Blanche Gardner Nester, Hillsville, VA., devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away at her home on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the age of 76 of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs Disease).

Blanche was born on July 26, 1934, in Hillsville, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melton S. Nester, her parents, Dewey and Lola Ayers Gardner, and brothers Glen Gardner, Moyer Gardner, Joseph Gardner, John Gardner, Raymond Gardner, and Sebert Gardner.

Blanche is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Jo Lynn Nester Horton and Rush B. Horton, Jr. of Wytheville, VA and Janie Nester Horton of Hillsville, VA. Also surviving are four very special grandchildren and their spouses, Charles Michael Horton and Stacy Fowler Horton of Draper, VA, Jacob Melton Horton and Kristen Crigger Horton of Hillsville, VA, Audra Lynn Horton and Jared Barnard Horton, both of Wytheville, VA. Blanche is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Hazel Gardner Worrell of Max Meadows, VA, Opal Gardner Spencer of Hillsville, VA and Archie R. and Mary Francis Gardner of Fredericksburg, VA.

Also surviving are her brother-in-law and spouse, James E. Nester and Tina Nester and sister-in-law and spouse, Reba and Willard Ratliff.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Blanche enjoyed walking, yard sales, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Blanche inspired everyone with her strength, courage, and determination during her battle with ALS.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Pickett of the Hillsville Pentecostal Holiness Church officiating. Burial will follow in Monta Vista Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855.