06/09/2026
Eleanor Jane Vaught Link, aged 90 of Newport passed away peacefully Sunday, June 7 in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was born on January 2, 1936 in Goodwins Ferry, Virginia to the late Rev. Elston Ronald Vaught Sr. and Eva Irene Smith Vaught.
Eleanor was the eldest of six children and quickly learned the values of hard work and responsibility. A standout student, Eleanor graduated as valedictorian from Newport High School in 1953. She worked at Kenrose in Radford and Electro-Tec. She was a devoted member of Sherry Memorial Christian Church serving in many ways through the years. Eleanor was also a member of the Loosely Woven Quilters and the Newport Garden Club, and served at the Newport Fair in the Sewing Department for many years.
Eleanor was an expert seamstress, known for her ability to create everything from wedding dresses to beloved doll clothes. Her talent for quilting produced many beautiful pieces, cherished by those who had the privilege of receiving them. She loved flower gardening with a special affection for her irises. Eleanor enjoyed crocheting, creating many beautiful doilies, and she found joy in feeding and watching birds.
Eleanor's life was marked by her commitment to her family, her church, and her community leaving a legacy of beauty and service that will be remembered by all who knew her.
She will be greatly missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Roxanna Link; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and John Herr; her grandson, Benjamin Herr; her sisters, Phyllis Sparks, and Joyce Kessinger (Darrell); her sisters-in-law, Ella Mae Vaught, Beulah Epling, and Jean Porterfield; her many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends; and her beloved cat, Mary.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Allen Link; her brothers Ronnie Vaught, Paul Vaught and Larry Vaught; her sisters-in-law, Mary Vaught and Doris Link; brothers-in-law, Russell Link and David Link; and her nieces Debbie Porterfield and Amanda Porterfield, and her great-niece Baylee Crawford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Newport Rescue Squad.
The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Cox officiating. Funeral services will conclude in the Earnest Link Family Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Link family.
