Helen Maria Kahle Barksdale
Apr. 28, 1960 – May 4, 2019
Barksdale, Helen Maria Kahle, 59, of Roanoke, Virginia passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
“Mia” was born in 1960 to W. David Kahle and Poily Adams Kahie in Christiansburg, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law, B. H. Barksdale and her husband of 27 years, Robert B. Barksdale who passed away in May of 2014.
Survivors include her daughters, Anna Barksdale and Susan Barksdale [Garrett Belcher] and their daughter, Cassidy; her brother W. David Kahle, Jr. [Sarah]; and her sisters, Paula K. Curle [“Mack”] and Joanna K. Wilkinson [Doug Fogarty]; her mother-in-law, Mary Anne Barksdale; sister-in-law Mary Alice Barksdale and brother-in-law, John Barksdale.
Over the last 6+ years, Mia bravely battled a progressive degenerative neurological disease [PSP]. She most recently lived in the Beth Sholom Lifecare Community near her sister in the Richmond area. The family is grateful for those there and from Amedisys Hospice who took loving care of her over the last 21/2 years.
After a family memorial service, her ashes will return to Southwest Virginia to be with those of her husband, Robert.
Family and friends that remember Mia and Robert’s annual Derby Day parties will perhaps note with a smile that Mia’s passing occurred on 201 9’s Derby Day. Mia certainly fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. [2 Timothy 4:6-8].
Donations to help fight this cruel disease can be sent to CurePSP, 1216 Broadway-2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001.
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard on our hearts when we see someone who is full of life and have so much more to offer, fall asleep in death. It seems unfair and is easy to blame God. But the more we understand his word and the promises he holds out for those who have fallen asleep in death, even in the past, we realize he can undo the bad and make it good. In John 5:28-29, he gives us hope to see our families again. We see that when Jesus came to earth, he heal the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, gave hope for the future and died for us..what a tremendous amount of love for us. I’m really sorry for your loss but soon all this will be behind us. You are in our hearts and prayers
I am so very sorry for the family’s loss of Mia. She will be remembered for her soft kindness and, willingness to host her and Robert’s years of fun Derby parties. May she be at peace.
Sorry to hear of Mia passing, I’ve missed her since she moved from thier home. She was a good friend and neighbor. Barbara Fralin
We are saddened to hear this news but rejoice knowing Mia and Robert are together again. Mia was a loving, caring, devoted wife. Robert must have been thrilled to welcome her to heaven on Derby Day. I can see the giant smiles on both their faces. Keeping the girls and all the family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love! Steve a
My heart goes out to her family and friends Robert must have called her up to join him on their beloved and historic Derby Day. Mia will be missed. May she Rest In Peace with Robert.
Thinking of Mia’s family during this sad time. She is at peace now after this horrific disease rendered her body and mind useless. I’ll bet she and Robert are kicking up their heels in heaven right now. I will always think of Robert and Mia on Derby Day and smile. Mia was a sweet soul.
To family and friends of Mia Barksdale, may her love and graciousness be a continued inspiration on how our lives are impactual to others for epochs beyond imagination. Forever grateful to Mia (and to Robert) for all of the joy, wisdom, and strength that they instilled within the hearts of their two daughters, and now thusly shining within their divine grand-daughter Cassidy! May God envelope you all with his reassuring presence at this time of earthly loss of the loving Mia Barksdale.