EMOGENE RIGGS SHAFFER MILLER

Emogene Riggs Shaffer Miller, 83, of Clarksburg, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at her home.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Lester Merlin and Ethel Bell George Riggs.

She was a legal secretary for most of her life. She attended Bryner Chapel United Methodist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Rev. David K. Shaffer of Clarksburg and Michael E. Shaffer of Newport News, Va.; three sisters, Willadean Poling, Evelyn Ferrell and Maxine Duskey; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen E. Miller; first husband, Ernest Keith Shaffer; one brother, Lester Merlin Riggs; and three sisters, Ellodean Law, Irene Basnett and Geraldine Riggs.

Burial was in Bryner Chapel Cemetery, Joker. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Mar. 24, 11 a.m., at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

 

GERALD LEE BALL

Gerald Lee Ball, 75, of Davisville, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at his residence

He was born in Grantsville, the son of the late Paris and Goldie Kerby Ball.

He retired from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant with 32 years of service and from W.Va. Dept. of Highways with 22 years of service. He was a member of SH Kwan Tae-Kwon-Do Academy and earned his second-degree black belt. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Vienna.

Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Loretta Marie Ball; three sons, Michael Ball of Marysville, Wash., Andrew Ball of Firestone, Colo., and Gerald D. Ball of Vienna; two step-sons, Robert Lee Lockhart of Catlettsburg, Ky., and Steve Lockhart of Davisville; eight grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Mitchel Ball, and two step-grandsons, Andrew Lockhart and Adam Lockhart.

Services were held at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Dr. John T.R. Powell and Rev. Lloyd Mayes officiating. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Parkersburg, with military honors by American Legion Post 15.

 

INA LAWTON

Ina R. Lawton, 67, of Milan, Ind., died Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at home.

She was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the daughter of Nora Minney Lawton of Stumptown and the late Raymond O. Lawton.

Surviving are three sons, Raymond Dale Hartmann of Hamilton, Ohio, Lee Michael Hartmann of Milan, Ind., and Christopher Sean Hartmann of Fairfield, Ohio; one daughter, Sheri Dawn Hartmann of Dillsboro, Ind.; one sister, Janet Galaska of Stumptown; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, William David Profitt of Fairfield.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial was in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown.

 

MABEL ARZETTA JONES

Mabel Arzetta Jones, 96, of Big Springs, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.

She was born in Wirt County, the daughter of the late Johnnie and Emily Deems Furr.

Surviving are two daughters, Nellie Edgell of Harrisville and Shirley Todd of Delaware; five sons, Robert Jones and Roger Jones, both of Glenville, Don Jones of Tuppers Plains, Ohio, Olen Jones of Big Springs and Glen Jones of Troy; two grandchildren, whom she raised, Arzetta Raines of Camden and Debbie Miller of Big Springs; and several additional grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jones; one son, Wayne Jones; and one granddaughter, Crystal Jones.

Services will be held Thursday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Ronzel Roberts officiating. Burial will be in McGuffey Cemetery, Elizabeth. Visitation will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

 

CHARLES DOUGLAS O’NEAL

Charles Douglas O’Neal, 78, of Chloe, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, at Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Clarksburg.

He was born in Wake County, N.C., the son of the late Robert Roy O’Neal and Willa Carter O’Neal.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a retired truck driver.

Surviving are one son, Charles Dewayne O’Neal of Chloe; one brother, Robert Lance O’Neal of Wake Forest, N.C.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vesta O’Neal, and one sister, Margert O’Neal.

Military rites by American Legion Post, Spencer, were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial was in King Cemetery, Chloe.

 

CARL JAMES LUZADER

Carl James Luzader, 85, of Sand Fork, died Sunday, Jan. 15,  2012, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, Weston.

He was born in Gilmer County, the son of the late Raymond and Melvie Danley Luzader.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a coal miner. He retired from West Virginia Dept. of Highways as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Sand Fork Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Doris Jean Lowther, whom he married Apr. 15, 1950; two daughters, Kathy Chapman and husband Darrell of Mt. Olive, N.C., and Diana Langford and husband Jim of Chloe; two sons, Billy Joe Luzader and wife Shae of Grafton, Ohio, and James “Randy” Luzader and wife Sherry of Sand Fork; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom Luzader of Glenville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Roscoe Luzader, Aaron Luzader, Raymond Luzader, Danley Luzader and Jennings Luzader, and three sisters, Evelane Miller, Annabell Luzader and Catherine Williams.

Services were held at Ellyson Mortuary, Glenville, with Pastor Bryan Groves and Pastor Phil Wilson officiating. Burial was in Hiney Cemetery, Linn.

 

PATRICIA JEAN BLAIR DUFFY

Patricia Jean Blair Duffy, 74, of Plum Borough, Pittsburgh, Pa., died Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.

She was born at Big Bend, the daughter of the late Dorsey Blair and Pearl Blair.

She was a 1956 graduate of Calhoun County High School and worked with children at Riverview Children’s Center, Verona, Pa.

Surviving are two sons, William J. Duffy, Jr., and Michael A. Duffy; three grandchildren; two brothers, Douglas Joe Blair and Charles Blair; one sister, Ruth Ann Reeves; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William James Duffy, Sr., and one daughter, Roberta L. Duffy.

Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled Wednesday, 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, with burial in Plum Creek Cemetery.

 

CHESTER RAY PARSONS

Chester Ray Parsons, 61, of Tanner Creek Road, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at Arnoldsburg.

He was born in Gilmer County, the son of the late Delbert and Geneva Harris Parsons.

As a youth, he attended Chestnut Lick Baptist Church.

Surviving are eight sisters, Lenora “Sis” Miller, Greta Peters and Gena “Kay” Peters, all of Glenville, Hallie Minney of Sand Fork, Cora Kimes of New Haven, Wanda Accord of Beckley, Patricia Knisley of Spencer and Madeline Duskey of Tanner; four brothers, Jack Parsons and Bobby Parsons, both of Lockney, Jessie Parsons of McFarlan and Steve Parsons of Glenville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Pearl Parsons, and one brother, Eddie Parsons.

Services will be held Thursday, 11 a.m., at Ellyson Mortuary, Glenville, with Pastor Randy Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown. Visitation was scheduled Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., at the mortuary.

 

BLAIR BRADY

Blair Brady, 83, of Walker Road, Rosedale, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport.

He was born in Gilmer County, the son of the late Elbert S. and Josephine Boone Brady.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of 20 year, serving in World War II and the Korean War, and retiring in 1967. He also retired from construction as a heavy equipment operator.

Surviving are his wife, Charlotte Ihlefeld Brady, whom he married on Apr. 30, 1955; three sons, Kenneth James Brady of Washington, Michael Brady of Sutton and Timothy Brady of Charlottesville, Va.; one daughter, Karen Steiner of Little Birch; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Brock Brady of Shock and Borden Brady of Texas; and one sister, Bernice Rogers of Baltimore, Md.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard Brady and Blaine Brady, and two sisters, Beulah Bailey and Barbara Sauor.

At his request, he was cremated, with no services.

 

KENNETH ‘Buddy’ STALNAKER

Kenneth R. “Buddy” Stalnaker, 72, of Marietta, Ohio, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012.

He was born in Orma, the son of the late Fenton Kenneth and Ruth Kunklar Stalnaker.

He attended Calhoun County Schools and worked for Ohio Dept. of Transportation for 30 years as assistant superintendent before retiring Mar. 31, 1997.

Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Ella Louise (Eloise) Quick Stalnaker; three sons, Calvin Stalnaker and Kevin Stalnaker, both of Marietta, and Jeff Stalnaker of Grove City, Ohio; one daughter, Joyce Thompson of Marietta; one step-son, Robert Sturm of Parkersburg; one step-daughter, Debbie Davis of Newport, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Helen Jewell of Tucson, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Wright; infant grandson, Calvin Stalnaker, Jr.; and one granddaughter, Riley Marie Stalnaker.

Services will be held Saturday, 11 a.m., at Hadley Funeral Home, Reno Chapel, with entombment in East Lawn Mausoleum. Visitation will be held Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

 

DOROTHY KIGHT

Dorothy Kight, 71, of Tanner, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Harrisville.

She was born in Gilmer County, the daughter of the late Denver and Ruth Barker Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Peggy and Charlene of Ohio; one son, Robert of Colorado; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Kight; four brothers, Arley, Arnet, Henry and Oren; and one sister, Naomi Ford.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Ronzel Roberts officiating. Burial was in Nobe Cemetery.

 

ARLENA HICKS

Arlena Hicks, 81, of Arnoldsburg, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Ferris and Hallie Stump.

Surviving are one daughter, Loraine Bailey of Statesville, N.C.; two sons, Harless Eugene “Bud” Hicks of Vandale Fork, near Spencer, and Edward Dorell Hicks of Stinson; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Leon of Beaver Falls, Pa.; and one sister, Ella Elliott of Millstone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Darrus Hicks; one son, Paul Edward Hicks; four sisters; and five brothers.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Lester Tanner officiating. Burial was in Bailey Cemetery, Beech.

 

MELVIN COTTRELL

Melvin Cottrell, 67, of Crummies Creek, near Arnoldsburg, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at home.

He was born at Crummies Creek, the son of the late Noah and Fronia Jones Cottrell.

He was employed in pipeline construction and as a mechanic in auto and heavy equipment.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Patricia Elaine Groves Cottrell; one daughter, Lisa Thomas and husband Roger of Parkersburg; one son, Gregory Paul and wife Kristen of Crummies Creek; four grandchildren, Cody Cottrell of Fairmont, Cameron Cottrell of Crummies Creek, Tiffany Davis and husband Marcus of Mt. Zion and Tyler Lee of Sand Ridge; two great-grandchildren, Albany and Baron Davis of Mt. Zion; eight sisters, Greta Bargeloh and Mildred McBride, both of Parkersburg, Freda Mae Falls Bugden of Arnoldsburg, Vera Johnson and Carol Summers, both of Crummies Creek, Loretta Bishop and Connie Hoskins, both of Spring Run, and Kathy Starcher of Elizabeth; five brothers, Donald Cottrell of West Lafayette, Ohio, Calvin Cottrell of Siers Run, David Cottrell and Gerald Cottrell, both of Arnoldsburg, and Randall Cottrell of Spring Run; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, a memorial service was held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Glenville McBride, Jr., and Rev. Glenville McBride, Sr., officiating. Burial was in Metz Cemetery, Sand Ridge.

 

DORIS LOUISE SAUNDERS

Doris Louise Saunders, 77, of Spencer, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Summa Barberton Hospital, Barberton, Ohio.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Cecil Cleo and Dessell Tanner Wright.

She was a retired lab assistant for St. Thomas Medical Center, Akron, Ohio.

Surviving are three sons, Dale Bennett of Ohio, Allen Bennett of Alabama and Othel Bennett of Barberton; 12 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; three brothers, Willard Wright of Newton Falls, Ohio, and Darrell Wright and Gerald Wright, both of Calhoun County; and five sisters, Eva Harbaugh of Pennsylvania, Hazel Nichols of Spencer, Linda Staton of Grantsville, Marie Dotson of Florida and Virginia Holbert of Belpre, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Darrell Bennett and John Saunders; one son, Glenn Bennett; one daughter, Donna Comedi; two grandsons, Cole Charles Bennett and Nicholas Lee Bennett; two brothers, Stanley Wright and Cecil Wright; and two sisters, Mary Sue Goodrich and Dottie Lou Wright.

Services will be held Friday, 1 p.m., in John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Rick Metheney officiating. Burial will be in Husk Cemetery, Husk Ridge, Calhoun County. Visitation will be held Friday, noon to 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhomeinc.com.

 

DONALD BUSCH

Donald M. Busch, 74, of Parkersburg, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at Camden Clark Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Parkersburg.

He was born at Big Bend, the son of the late Ray Maxwell (Max) and Theresa Lynch Busch.

He was a 1956 graduate of Calhoun County High School. While in high school, he began working with the family excavating business, R.M. Busch Excavating, and became known for his skill in operating excavating equipment. After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined his father and brother as a heavy equipment operator with Max Busch, Inc. Upon retirement of his father in 1978, he and his brother formed Busch Crane Rental, Inc., and operated throughout West Virginia and Ohio until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 132, AFL-CIO, 50-year member of Mt. Olivet Lodge #3, AF&AM, 32nd degree member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Nemesis Temple of the Shrine.

Surviving are his wife of 19 years, Martha Mace Busch; two sons, Gregory T. Busch of Elizabeth and Mansfield, Ohio, and Michael Shawn Busch of Parkersburg; one step-son, Tony L. Lopez of Parkersburg; one brother, Glenn K. Busch of Lubeck; one sister, L. Kathryn (Katie) Slider of Parkersburg; four grand-children; one great-grandson, Gregory Maxwell (Max) Busch of Parkersburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Vaughan Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Pastor Loyd Winans and Pastor Dave Cumpston officiating. Entombment was in Chapel of Peace, Sunset Memory Gardens, with Masonic graveside honors by Mt. Olivet Lodge #3, AF&AM, and military rites by American Legion Post 15, Parkersburg.

 

SONJA ANN CURRY RAMSEY

Sonja Ann Curry Ramsey, 65, of Glenville, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.

She was born in Gilmer County, the daughter of the late Joseph Bernard Curry and Zelda Fowler Curry.

Surviving are her husband, Cecil Ramsey; one son, David Curry of Tanner; one daughter, Chrissy Dormeier of Tennyson, Ind.; one sister, Ellen Brady of Wakeman, Ohio; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Bryan Groves officiating. Burial was in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Tanner.

 

WILLIAM HUGH MAZE

William Hugh Maze, 94, of Belpre, Ohio, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, Camden Clark Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Parkersburg.

He was born in Big Bend, the son of the late Less and Ethel Jones Maze.

He moved to Ohio in 1930 and was a 1937 graduate of Belpre High School. He married Norma Reed in 1940 and has three daughters, Jan Marchesa of Cape Carol, Fla., Dottie Catheart of Spartanburg, S.C., and Barb Marks of Belpre, Ohio; two sisters, Olive Phillips of Belpre and Ellodene Shields of Parkersburg; one brother, Joe Maze of Texas; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Delma Wentz, and one brother, Edward Maze.

Graveside services were held at Fairview Memory Gardens, Belpre, with Pastor David Ellenwood officiating.

 

ADRIAN KYLE BALL

Adrian Kyle Ball, 81, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012.

He was the son of the late Freddie Ball and Ethel Doris Snider Ball.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Germany in the early 1950s. He retired from Metal Seal and Products, Willoughby, Ohio, in 1992, and returned to Calhoun County, where he volunteered for many years as a van driver for the Veterans Administration. He was an active member of Enon Baptist Church.

Surviving are one son, Steven Kyle Ball of Willowick, Ohio; one daughter, Wanda Marie Ruple of Indian Trail, N.C.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Freda Whytsell of Grantsville, Delores Byrd of Tanner and Erma Moss of Mentor, Ohio; and one brother, Ernest Ball of Broomstick.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olena Mae Vannoy Ball; two brothers, Wilfred Ball and Freddie Ball, Jr.; and one sister, Earnestine Ball.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. John Vannoy officiating, and burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

 

WILLIAM ‘Billy’ BOGGS

William L. “Billy” Boggs, 77, of Canton, Ohio, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011.

He was born at Mt. Zion, the son of the late Ray and Flossie Burrows Boggs.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from Brewster Cheese after 35 years of service. He was a member of Faith Community Church, Canton, and attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three sons, Kevin Boggs, Keith Boggs and Kent Boggs, and two granddaughters, Kourtney Boggs and Kristina Fousek.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Juanita McCartney, Deloris Mace, Oleta David and Murdayne Pistrowski, and six brothers, Thurl Gunn, Tommy Boggs and four infants.

Services and burial were private.

 

ALICE RICHARDS

Alice J. Richards, 89, of Big Bend, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late John Paul Jones and Samantha Kerby Jones.

Surviving are five daughters, Patricia Givens of Walker, Helen Sampson of Millstone, Kathy Morris of Grantsville, Connie Starcher of Ravenswood and Pattie Wilson of Troy; three sons, Jimmy Lee Richards of Big Bend, Oral Richards of Annamoriah and Willard Richards of Big Springs; one sister, Alma Lanham; one brother, Willard Jones; 24 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Willard Jones; one son, Raymond Richards; one daughter, Anna Mae Richards; one granddaughter, Olema Ann Richards Endicott; one sister, Mary Jones; and three brothers, Lee Jones, Bruce Jones and Harley Jones.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with burial in Taylor Cemetery, Big Bend. Visitation was scheduled Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

 

GERALDINE MARIE ‘Gerry’ BLAIR

Geraldine Marie “Gerry” Blair, 67, of Big Bend, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at her home.

She was born at Orma, the daughter of the late Acie and Dola Parsons Nicholas.

She was a 1964 graduate of Calhoun County High School. Most of her married life was spent living in Ohio, where she and her husband worked at Whirlpool.

Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Sanford Blair; one daughter, Deanna Blair of Bellefontaine, Ohio; two sons, Allen Blair at home and Mitchell Blair of Bettsville, Ohio; four brothers, Ivan Henderson of Brohard and Russell Burl, Carder Paul and Calvin Glen, all of Bear Run, Orma; five sisters, Nella Jean Yancey of Rosedale, Carlene Frederick of Nobe, Evalene Drake of Clemmons, N.C., Connie Nichols of Canton, Ohio, and Linda McQuain of Sutton; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Velma Jean Frame, and two brothers, Cecil Nicholas and Bernard Nicholas.

Services will be held Friday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Alfred Hickman and Rev. Rick Metheney officiating. Burial will be in Nobe Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

 

LEON RIGGS

Leon B. Riggs, 92, of Parkersburg, formerly of Hughes Fork, Calhoun County, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at home.

He was the son of the late Locksie Park Riggs and Roxzetta Cooper Riggs.

He retired from Sav-A-Tool after 20 years of service.

Surviving are one daughter, Kathryn Jean Lydick; one son, Jerry Riggs and wife Doris; one granddaughter, Lisa Marks and husband, Darren; one great-grandson, Tyler; one brother, Burl V. Riggs and wife Polly; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Knight Riggs; two brothers; and two sisters.

Services will be held Saturday, noon, at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville. Burial will be in Bryner Chapel Cemetery, Joker. Visitation will be held Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.