Rader, Dianne Blanton

Beverly Dianne Blanton Rader, 77, of Pearisburg, VA, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at her home. Dianne was born on June 8, 1948, in London, KY, and was a daughter of the late Matt B. Blanton and Loretta Hale Blanton. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Samuel Ray Rader, and a half-sister, Dana Hale.

Dianne grew up in Blackwater, KY, surrounded by her cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family. She graduated from Valley Station High School outside of Louisville, KY. She met the love of her life, Sam, at Fort Knox, KY. Sam was a lifeguard at the pool where they met, and they married later in 1966. They resided in Charlottesville, VA, where Sam was working toward his master’s degree in education. Afterwards, they moved to Narrows, VA, where Sam had grown up. Dianne was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Narrows and very active in several church circles. She was also a member of several local Women’s Clubs. She worked many years for the state of Virginia, including the Virginia Cooperative Extension, where she impacted the lives of many young people in Giles County through the 4-H Program. After retirement she was the Executive Director of the United Fund of Giles. Dianne enjoyed planting all types of flowers and plants, working in her gardens every day. She also enjoyed her adventures with the Red Hat Society, and socializing at the Giles Senior Center.

Dianne is survived by her son, Brett Matthew Rader, and his wife, Patricia Leigh Rader, of Floyd, and by her grandson, Connor Ballard Rader of Pearisburg.

The family will receive friends at her home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2-5 pm. A celebration of life will be held Sunday June 7, 2026, at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Narrows, VA, with the Rev. Taylor Hines officiating.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.