Madeline Myers Wickline

Madeline "Happy" Kern Wickline, 96, of Salem, Virginia, also a lifelong resident of Botetourt County, joined her beloved husband, C.T. Wickline and loved ones on December 21, 2013. Happy was the oldest of 13 children born to Matthew Brown and Ethel Haddox Kern on July 17, 1917 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Surviving siblings include her sister, Elsie Bradley of Fincastle, Virginia; Connie Kern of Sherwood, Arkansas; and Gary Kern of Eagle Rock, Virginia. Happy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Happy is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Judy Fisher, of Salem, Virginia; daughter Reba Firebaugh and husband, Roger, of Buchanan, Virginia; three granddaughters, Bobbi Hall and husband, Bernie, of Daleville, Virginia; Tina Nolan and husband, David, of Salem, Virginia; Amanda Firebaugh of Buchanan, Virginia; two great grandsons, Jacob Nolan and girlfriend, Ashley Smith, of Elliston, Virginia; Trey Hall of Richmond, Virginia; great granddaughter, Brennan Firebaugh of Buchanan, Virginia; three step-great grandchildren, Michael Nolan (April), Jason Nolan (Shannon), and Erin Miller (Travis); and five great-great grandchildren, Abby, Emily, Nathan, Madilyn and Kaleb. Special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Botetourt Funeral Home and graveside service will be held at Mill Creek Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2013. Happy's life exemplified the true meaning of genuine kindness and nurturing love. May we all learn to live life by Happy's example. Donations in her memory may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or your local volunteer rescue squad.