Our Valued Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

  • Julie  Huffman

    Julie Huffman Owner

    Julie Huffman became the owner of Paitsel Funeral Home in 2008. Julie is the daughter of the Late James and Arlene Paitsel and sister to her late brother Jimmy Paitsel. She is a graduate of New Castle High School. She has been a Unit Secretary for Blue Ridge Surgery Center at Lewis Gale Hospital for 30+ years. Julie has been a active member of Mountain View Christian Church for 20+ years. She is a current member of VFDA, BRFDA, NFDA and IFHA. She has been married to Mike Huffman for 30+ years and has two children Crystal Hickson and Justin Huffman. She has five grandchildren; Austin and Sarah Hickson and Hayli, Jadeon and Maverick Huffman.

  • Wayne  Lovelace

    Wayne Lovelace Funeral Director

    Wayne Lovelace is a lifelong resident of Salem. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and has a Mortuary Science degree from John Tyler Community College. Before joining Lotz in April 2007, Wayne was previously employed with John M. Oakey & Son for 17 years, after working with the Roanoke County Sheriffs Office. Wayne has served as President of the Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association and is a member of the Salem Kiwanis Club. He has been married to his wife, Brenda since 1974 and has three grown children. He spends most of his spare time with his five grandchildren and riding his Harley.

  • Penny  Stebar

    Penny Stebar Office Manager

    Penny Stebar came to work at Paitsel Funeral Home in 2000 working part- time doing housekeeping. After the retirement of Hazel Hatfield in 2002, Penny became Paitsel Funeral Homes Office Manager. Penny has two children; Justin and Jessica Stebar. She has two beautiful grandchildren that she absolutely adores; Aiden and Alaina Stebar

  • Mike  Huffman

    Mike Huffman Funeral Attendant

    Mike Huffman helps out part-time at Paitsel Funeral Home when needed. He is the husband of Julie Huffman. Mike is a graduate of New Castle High School and Auto Diesel College in Tennessee. Mike served in the National Guard for 9 years. He has worked at Castle Sands for 30+ years. He is an active member of Mountain View Christian Church for 20+ years. He is married to Julie Huffman and together have two children and four grandchildren