Eleanor Bowling Staples

Eleanor Bowling Staples passed away peacefully in her Madison Heights home on October 3, 2026, following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Amherst, Virginia on March 21, 1942, she was the daughter of the late John William Bowling and the late Ruth Staton Henson Bowling and is the widow of the late James Val Staples, Jr. (JV) to whom she was married for 52 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, William Henson and John Bowling and sisters, Sarah Alcock and Elsie Scott. 

She is survived by her children, James Val Staples, III of Columbus, Ohio and Elizabeth Ruth Staples of Santa Monica, California. She is also survived by her sisters; Barbara Scott of Madison Heights, Virginia and Margaret Smoot along with husband William Smoot of Monroe, Virginia as well as many nieces and nephews scattered across central Virginia and North Carolina. 

Eleanor Staples retired from Sweet Briar College where she worked administratively for over 40 years. During retirement, she enjoyed tending to her yard and spent countless hours happily feeding the birds, deer and neighborhood cats who frequented her quiet home. Her children would like to thank the Trent/Glass family who were not only great neighbors, but the best friends anyone could be lucky to live near and hold close as chosen family. They would especially like to recognize Vicki Trent Harlow and the late Nancy Glass Trent for their loving kindness to Eleanor in her later years. Additionally, they would like to express their gratitude towards Judy Tillery and Chris Phillips who provided around-the-clock care for Eleanor in her final months. 

A private burial will take place at Amherst Cemetery in the coming weeks. No public viewing or visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local animal shelter or feline rescue.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.