Melinda Dowdy Richards, 63, of Christiansburg, passed away Sept. 2, 2024. She was born Jan. 13, 1961, to the late George and Violet Gerberich. Melinda worked at Wolverine Advanced Materials in Blacksburg for 36 years as a shipping operator before retiring. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that would make anyone enjoy being around her. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Wayne Dowdy, and her brother, Roy Gerberich. She is survived by Curtis Baldwin; her nieces Janet Norville and Sandy Light; good friends Pattie Robinson, Sharon Tinley; and wonderful neighbors Daniel and Bobbie Davis.
She will be buried in Musselman Family Cemetery in Shawsville. A graveside service will be held at a later date.
