Rebecca Staples

Born in Bedford County, February 26, 1934, she was the daughter of John Otey and Ruby Gray Blankenship. She was married to Samuel Wayne Staples for almost 70 years and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She retired from Babcock & Wilcox after approximately 20 years of service. She was a member of Indian Hill Methodist Church. She was an accomplished painter, enjoyed quilting, and loved reading. She was in the antiques business for many years after her retirement from B&W.

In addition to her parents, three brothers – John William Blankenship, Carl Blankenship, and Ray Blankenship, one sister – Phylis Blankenship Bruffy, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Samuel Wayne “Chip” Staples, Jr. and his wife Nicole, two brothers – Frank Blankenship and Donald Blankenship, five grandchildren – Haden Staples, Riley Staples, Taylor Longwell, Madeline Martin, and Emma Verbeke and several nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating her life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Indian Hill Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Stevens officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, VA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Indian Hill Methodist Church, 1683 Oxford Furnace Road, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is serving the family.