Lesia Linkous Pristas

June 25, 2023, Lesia Linkous Pristas of Riner, left this world to be with our Lord and Savior at the young age of 50 years old. Lesia found out she had cancer in early April 2023. After 3 short months, she gained her wings. Lesia never gave up and continued to talk about a life of recovery, future time working, and being an active part of her family.
Lesia was preceded in death by her father, Edgar Linkous, Jr.; step-son, Andrew Pristas; and father-in-law, Ronald Andrew Pristas. She is survived by her husband, Robert Ronald Pristas; mother, Lucell Link Linkous; children, Tayelor and Colin Pristas; step-sons, Edward and Justin Pristas. Lesia will also be missed by her sisters and their husbands, Neta Byerly (Steve), Dinah Akers (Jim), Kathy Mitchem (David); mother-in-law, Marie Teresa Pristas; Rob’s godmother, Polly Fryer (her husband David Fryer is predeceased); brother-in-law, John Martin Pristas (Laura); as well as nieces and nephews, Jon Byerly, Jessica Akers Gillespie, Casey Akers, Donnie Black, Daniel Black, Abby Mitchem, Kacey Pristas, and Sidney Pristas.
Lesia was a delight to so many people during her life. She was the owner and lead dancer of the “Back Porch Studio”, located in Floyd County. She taught many how to dance and have fun. Clogging was her favorite, but she dabbled in many different dance forms, providing opportunities for all ages and levels. Lesia also led WeightWatchers meetings for 18 years in the New River Valley. Speaking and helping people on their journey to better themselves was something she took pride in. Lesia was a member of Mt. Elbert United Methodist Church and enjoyed taking her mother to church on Sunday mornings.
Lesia graduated from Auburn High School in 1990 and went on to receive a Paralegal Degree from Virginia Western. She worked at Legal Aide, Montgomery County, early in her career. Recently, while working full time at the Division of Polymer Chemistry, Virginia Tech, she completed her Master’s Degree in Education from Old Dominion University. Lesia had a great desire to teach others through her gifts of inspirational speaking and organization.
The family would like to thank Kimberly Filer and the staff at Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech for their support during her sudden illness. Special thanks to Dr. Sheela, and Nurse Vonda along with the excellent nursing staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care for their professional dedication and kindness. Special thanks also goes to “Nurse Anna (RN)” who worked at Roanoke Memorial in the Oncology wing.
Visitation is Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 3 p.m. in the Chapel, with Pastor Donna Sharp officiating.