ICIE CRINER

Icie Criner, 93, of Hallsburg, Clay County, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at her home.

She was born at Nicut, the daughter of the late Annis and Rebecca Vaughan Hardway.

She had been a cook at Shady Lawn Nursing Home, Dalton, Ohio, and Orma Elementary School. She was a home caregiver and a member of Clay First Baptist Church.

Surviving are four daughters, Marie Marks of Fairmont, Waneta Marks of Duck, Ruth Burnside of Ivydale and Cora Criner of Clay; two sons, Denver “Leon” Criner of Akron, Ohio, and James “Jim” Criner of Glendon; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grand-children; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Denver Criner; three sisters; six brothers; and two grandchildren.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Gary Maynor officiating. Burial was in Criner Cemetery, Wilsie.

FLARA GHERKE

Flara B. Gherke, 97, of Grantsville, died Thursday, Apr. 24, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born at Rush Run, the daughter of  John and Biddie Kerby.

She was a homemaker and a member of Lower Steer Run Baptist Church, Normantown.

Surviving are her children, C. Eugene Gherke of Millsboro, Dela., Marge Gherke of Grantsville, Pauline Vanhorn of Sissonville, Jurlene Thorn of Spencer, Radene Kuhl of Walker, Lorene Hathaway of Elkview and Arlene Kay Smith of Williamstown; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Bertha Webster of Grantsville.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Cleburn L. Gherke; one son, Ardene Gherke; two sisters, Almedia Stump and Goldie Ball; and four brothers, Allie, Simon, Hagan and Bob.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Elder Mark Minney and Rev. Curtis Smith officiating. Burial was in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown, with Rev. David Vanhorn officiating.

MOLLIE DeWEES

Mollie DeWees, 99, of Spencer, died Saturday, Apr. 26, 2008, at Roane General extended care facility.

She was born at Walnut Grove, the daughter of the late John and Florence Brannon.

Surviving are two daughters, Mildred Yoak Bowen of Millstone and Elsie Rhodes of Mineral Wells; two sons, John Parsons of Spencer and Nelson Parsons of Texas; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Gomer Parsons; her second husband, Carl Carper; her third husband, Harry DeWees; one grandson, Herbert Parsons; one great-great grandchild; and one step-son, Garland Parsons.

Services will be held Thursday, 1 p.m., in John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Damon Rhodes and Rev. David Lancaster officiating. Burial will be in Carpenter Cemetery, Orma. Visitation was scheduled Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

JUANITA STUMP COLLINS

Juanita Stump Collins, 98, of Normantown, died Friday, Apr. 25, 2008, at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late Alexander “Doc” and Hannah Stump.

She had worked in a store that she owned with her husband. She was an active member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Stumptown, and a member of Women’s Mission Circle.

Surviving are one daughter, Hannah Davis of Toledo, Ohio; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Ores Collins, who died in 2001.

Services were held at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Underwood and Rev. Mark E. Davis officiating. Burial was in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown.

DOYLE ELLIOTT

Doyle S. Elliott, 86, of Greensburg, Pa., died Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2008, in Westmoreland Manor, Hempfield Township.

He was born in Grantsville, the son of the late Paul and Mae Stump Elliott.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and Korean War. He retired from Peoples Natural Gas Co. and was a member of First Baptist Church, Greensburg.

Surviving are one daughter, Jill K. Bollinger of Noblesville, Ind.; one son, Timothy Q. Elliott of Greensburg; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lea Burns Elliott, on Sept. 7, 2007; one son, William K. Elliott, on Dec. 1, 1978; and several brothers and sisters.

Services were held at Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home, Greensburg, with Rev. David D. Moutz officiating, and burial in Bethlehem Cemetery, near Grantsville.

RESSIE MURRELL KING

Ressie Murrell King, 96, of Orma, died Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2008, at Miletree Health Care Center, Spencer.

She was born in Orma, the daughter of the late William and Emma Bailey Allen.

She was a homemaker.

Surviving are her husband, Edward Blaine King; one son, William Ray White of Parkersburg; two sisters, Ethel Waldeck and Chloe Cover, both of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Blake Allen of Mason; one half-brother, Roger Allen of Grantsville; two step-children, Debra Sinclair and Kenneth King, both of Fairmont; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alton White; one brother, Rex; three sisters, Nell, Juanita and Ann; and one half-brother, Lowell B. Allen.

Services were held at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Carl Marks officiating. Burial was in Minnora Cemetery.

DELORES MARIE DYE

Delores Marie Dye, 64, of Big Springs, died Thursday, Apr. 17, 2008, at her residence.

She was born at Big Root, the daughter of the late Lawrence Hale and Dessie Marie Richards Goodnight.

She worked for U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier at Brohard Post Office and in janitorial service at Professional Services of America, Parkersburg.

Surviving are her husband of 44 years, Donald Earl Dye; one daughter, Kimmy Dye of Vienna; one brother, Arthur Goodnight of Ravenna, Ohio; one sister, Mavarine Butler of Bowie, Md.; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Tammy Hatfield; two brothers, Ronzel and Delmas Goodnight; and one sister, Freda Bush.

Services were held at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville, with Rev. Alfred Hickman officiating. Burial was in Goodnight Cemetery.

CLORIS HICKEL

Cloris K. Hickel, 85, of Parkersburg, died Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2008.

She was born in Roane County, the daughter of the late Harry P. and Viola A. George Thompson.

 She was a member of Hope Freewill Baptist Church.

Surviving are eight daughters, Ethel Barnhart of St. Marys, Faye Marlow, Vora Dennewitz, Agnes Spellman and Lynn Hickel, all of Parkersburg, Dolly Godfrey of Calhoun County, Jean Cottrill of Dallison and Kathy Dille of Mineral Wells; four sons, Clyde Hickel of Walker and Vergil Hickel, Denver Hickel, Sr., and Buck Hickel, all of Parkersburg; one brother, Donald Thompson of Parkersburg; 130 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and four special nieces, Kathryn, Mae, Ruth and Helen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Hickel, in 1968; two sisters, Vera Buck and a baby sister Thompson; one brother, Harry O. Thompson; and one great-grandson, Roseman Lee Boley.

Services were held at Hope Freewill Baptist Church, with Pastor Kenny Welch and Pastor Bud Corbin officiating. Burial was in Mayberry Cemetery, Palestine.

BETTY BARNETT

Betty Barnett, 67, of Newport, Arkansas, died Thursday, Apr. 3, 2008, at Jonesboro, Ark.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of the Ivan M. and Lillie Palmer Curry.

She was a member of Rush Run Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

Surviving are one son, Robert Allen Hoge of North Carolina; two daughters, Hope McCune and husband Clayton of Grantsville and Eileen Stratton and husband Robert of Newport; one sister, Doris Hauser of Hidnight, N.C.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Allen Hoge; her second husband, Robert Lee Barnett; one brother, James M. Curry; and one sister, Patricia Holland.

Graveside services were held at Coffeyville Cemetery, Bradford, Ark.

BESSIE MARGARET LEDSOME

Bessie Margaret Ledsome, 96, of Reedy, died Friday, Apr. 18, 2008, at Jackson General Hospital, Ripley.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late George and Bessie Stump Wilson.

During World War II, she worked at Viscose and O.J. Morrison’s. She was a member of Good Hope Church, Reedy.

Surviving are one son, Heisel Ledsome of Reedy; one sister, Ocie Fowler of Grantsville; one brother, Raleigh “John” Wilson of Parkersburg; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tona A. Ledsome, in 1979, and one grandson, Rodney Ledsome.

Services were held at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. John Price officiating. Burial was in Good Hope Cemetery.

RAY SIERS

Ray L. Siers, 87, of Chloe, died Friday, Apr. 18, 2008, at Miletree Health Care Center, Spencer.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late James L. and Alice Butler Siers.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, where he served in the infantry in the Philippine Islands and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and was recipient of two bronze stars. He retired from Union Carbide Co.

Surviving are two daughters, Janet Siers of Chloe and Janice Forney of Temple, Tex.; one step-son, Ernest P. Edgell of Richlands, Va.; two sisters, Nell Jarvis of Spencer and Verba King of Ohio; one brother, Shirley Siers of Charleston; seven grand-children; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Metz Siers, on June 10, 1958.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial was in Minnora Cemetery, with military graveside rites.

JAMES ‘Jim’ WEAVER

Memorial service for James F. “Jim” Weaver, 56, of Okinawa, Japan, will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on Sunday, Apr. 27, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jim Weaver Memorial Fund at Calhoun Banks. All proceeds will benefit Calhoun County 4-H.

ADA SLIDER

Ada B. Slider, 92, of Arnoldsburg, died Sunday, Apr. 20, 2008, at Roane General Hospital.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Waitman and Mary Blake.

She was a homemaker and a member of Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church, Arnoldsburg.

Surviving are one daughter, Naomi Starcher of Monroe, N.C.; one son, Larry Slider of Cameron, N.C.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Slider.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, Apr. 23, 11 a.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Loren Price officiating, and burial in Gibson Cemetery, Arnoldsburg.

RUBY GLEN MCCOY

Ruby Glen McCoy, 97, of Belpre, Ohio, died Monday, Apr. 7, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Hur, the son of the late John Ira and Virginia Riggs McCoy.

He was formerly employed with O’Ames as a maintenance foreman and retired from W.Va. board of education as a bus operator. He was active in Belpre Senior Citizens Association.

Surviving are one daughter, Norma J. Kemp of Belpre; one sister, Bessie Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz.; one granddaughter; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Almira Whytsell McCoy, in 1984; his second wife, Mary Stump McCoy; two sisters, Myrtle Weaver and Thelma Roach; and five brothers, Howard, George, Edward, Ernest and Holly McCoy.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, 7 p.m., at Belpre Senior Citizens Center, 1614 Washington Blvd., Belpre, with Chaplain David Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the center.

JAMES WALLACE

James T. Wallace, 90, of Grantsville, died Thursday, Apr. 10, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of the late Henry and Mary Wallace.

He was a retired employee of U.S. Steel Co. He was a Mason and a member of Enon Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Gerry; on nephew, David Wallace of Kokomo, Ind.; one great-nephew, Jeremy Wallace of Princeton, N.J.; and one great-niece, Channie Mize of Delray Beach, Fla.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. John Vannoy and Rev. Tim Davis officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites.

WILMA LEE DeWEESE

Wilma Lee Kelley DeWeese, 71, of Doylestown, Ohio, died Saturday, Mar. 29, 2008.

She was born in Greenbrier County, the daughter of the late George R. and Ada C. Kelley.

 She was a member of Liberty Freewill Baptist Church, Norton, Ohio.

Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Orville Jennings DeWeese; two daughters, Jenny Lee Evans and Janice Lynn Hill; four brothers, Gerald Kelley, George Kelley, Jr., Guy Kelley and James Kelley; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Billie Joe Kelley.

Services were held at Liberty Freewill Baptist Church, with Pastor Cecil Farmer and Pastor Robert L. Webb officiating. Burial was in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

FRANK HATHAWAY

Frank D. Hathaway, 79, of Grantsville, died Saturday, Apr. 12, 2008.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Ira D. (Doc) Hathaway and Bertie Sturm Hathaway.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and retired from E.I. Dupont Co. in 1986. He served as a member of Wirt County board of education and Wirt County Development Authority. He was a member of Loyal Order of Moose.

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis Hathaway; three sons, Tim and Terry, both of Washington, and Rick of Parkersburg; one daughter, Kim of Salt Rock; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four step-children, Diane, Sherry, Kim and Kevin; seven step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Hathaway; six brothers, Ophard, Ira D., Cleo, Willard, Frederick and Freddie; and three sisters, Dessel, Mittie and Janivee.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville. Burial was in Good Hope Cemetery, Reedy.

KENNETH ‘Kenny’ DALE HARRIS

Kenneth “Kenny” Dale Harris, 55, of Stumptown, died Saturday, Apr. 12, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

He was born in Elyria, Ohio, the son of Virgie Harris of Stumptown and the late Kenneth Darrell Harris.

He graduated from Murray Ridge School and was employed by Murray Ridge Workshop, Elyria. He was a former member of Midview Baptist Church, Grafton, Ohio, and a member of Rush Run Baptist Church, Stumptown, and Rush Run CEOS.

Surviving in addition to his mother is one sister, Kathy Bishop of Fairfax, Va.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Rush Run Baptist Church, with Rev. John Vannoy officiating, and burial in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown. Visitation was also scheduled Wednesday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville.

JOHN EDWARD ‘John John’ STARCHER

John Edward “John John” Starcher, 25, of Millstone, has died.

He was born in Grantsville, the son of Charles Edward Starcher of Millstone and Carolyn Sue Paxton of Arnoldsburg.

Surviving in addition to his parents are one sister, Teresa Lynn Hicks; one niece, Kayla Lynn Hicks; one nephew, Michael Allen Hicks; paternal grandfather, Charles Edward “Ed” Starcher, Sr.; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Helen Starcher, and maternal grandparents, John and Erless Gay Blake.

Services will be held Saturday, 6 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Robert Shannon officiating. Burial will be in Starcher Cemetery, Arnoldsburg. Visitation will be held Saturday, 4 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home.

JAMES ‘Jim’ WEAVER

Memorial service for James F. “Jim” Weaver, 56, of Okinawa, Japan, will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on Sunday, Apr. 27, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jim Weaver Memorial Fund at Calhoun Banks. All proceeds will benefit Calhoun County 4-H.

ALICE MARIE ARNOLD

Alice Marie Arnold, 93, of Coolville, Ohio, died Friday, Apr. 4, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Parkersburg.

She was born at Walnut, the daughter of Charles Clinton and Ettie Duffield Knotts.

She was a homemaker and helped her husband work in a grocery store at Nicut and a grocery store and service station at Orma. They moved to Coolville in 1977 and joined Torch Baptist Church, where she was active as a deaconess, VBS helper, Sunday morning greeter and Women’s Mission Society member. She was a member of Golden Banner Sunday School class.

Surviving are a close companion, Lewis Kaczmarski of Little Hocking, Ohio; two sons, Herbert Neal Arnold of Vienna and David Edsel Arnold of Coolville; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Juanita Siers of Fayetteville.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Roy Ernest Arnold, on Mar. 25, 1984; six brothers, Basil, Thomas, Cecil, Scott, Bernard and Charles; four sisters, Sadie, Reva, Opal and Jean; and one great-granddaughter, Jennifer Arnold.

Services were held at Torch Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Runion officiating. Burial was in Troy Township Cemetery, Torch.

JAMES JONES

James E. Jones, 77, of Harrisville, died Saturday, Apr. 5, 2008, at his residence.

He was born in Freed, the son of the late Pearl and Stella Jones.

He was an industrial painter and had worked out of Painters Local Union 867, AFL-CIO, Cleveland, Ohio.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Mary Frances Jones; five daughters, Judy D’Apice of Euclid, Ohio, Tina Mullins of Spring, Tex., Marie Hearne of Corsicana, Tex., Lisa Moore of Charlotte, N.C., and Liz McNiel of Charlotte; one son, David Jones of Wickliffe, Ohio; five brothers, Mac Jones and Ivan Jones, both of Brohard, Herschel Jones of Big Springs and Lester Jones and Danny Jones, both of Smithville; two sisters, Maxine Goodnight of Macfarlan and Gracie Ayers of Smithville; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Larry Jones; two sisters, Ada Billy and Betty Able; and one grandson, Bobby Merrill.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville, with Pastor Robert Perine officiating, and burial in Chevauxdefrise Cemetery. Visitation was also scheduled Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

LENA FOWLER

Lena G. Fowler, 89, of Windham, Ohio, died Thursday, Mar. 20, 2008, at her residence.

She was born in Big Springs, the daughter of the late Everett and May Whipkey Wilson.

She was a homemaker.

Surviving are five sons, Charles, Edwin, Richard, Gary and Kevin Fowler; three daughters, Earlene Laymon, Renda Pettit and Renee Seljan; one adopted daughter, Loretta Miller; one sister, Emogene Shafer; one cousin, Nila Osborne; 24 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Albert; one son, Ronald; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Fowler; one grandson, Jeffery Laymon; one granddaughter, Sheryl Lynn Seljan; four sisters; and three brothers.

Services were held at Borowski Memorial Home, Newton Falls, Ohio, with Pastor Peter King officiating. Burial was in Windham Township Cemetery.

RUBY GLEN MCCOY

Ruby Glen McCoy, 97, of Belpre, Ohio, died Monday, Apr. 7, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Hur, the son of the late John Ira and Virginia Riggs McCoy.

He was formerly employed with O’Ames as a maintenance foreman and retired from W.Va. board of education as a bus operator. He was active in Belpre Senior Citizens Association.

Surviving are one daughter, Norma J. Kemp of Belpre; one sister, Bessie Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz.; one granddaughter; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Almira Whytsell McCoy, in 1984; his second wife, Mary Stump McCoy; two sisters, Myrtle Weaver and Thelma Roach; and five brothers, Howard, George, Edward, Ernest and Holly McCoy.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, 7 p.m., at Belpre Senior Citizens Center, 1614 Washington Blvd., Belpre, with Chaplain David Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the center.

LONA KIMBLE POPE

Lona Kimble Pope, 91, of Austin, Tex., died Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2008.

She was born in Grantsville, the daughter of the late Albert Clifton and Rosa Jane Kelley Kimble.

 She lived in Memphis, Tenn., for a number of years and retired as a beautician. She was a member of Decatur-Trinity Christian Church, Bartlett, Tenn.

Surviving are one son, Richard McMillin of Austin; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by three husbands, Harry McMillin, Kerney Parker and Fred Pope; and several brothers and sisters.

Graveside services were held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

WILLIAM GIFFORD MARKS

William Gifford Marks, 67, of Mt. Zion, died Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2008, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Ernest and Hannah Slider Marks.

He was a farmer.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Eva Basnett Marks; one daughter, Debbie Murphy and  husband Jim of Mt. Zion; one son, William Daniel Marks and wife Stacy of Mt. Zion; three sisters, Marie Adkins of Doylestown, Ohio, Waneta Helmick  of Clinton, Ohio, and Lorraine Myers of Mt. Zion; one brother, Gordie Marks of Harrisville; one granddaughter, Deva Murphy Wooden of Martinsville, Va.; two grandsons, Quentin Murphy and Danny Marks, both of Mt. Zion; one great-grandson, Hendrix Hardman of Mt. Zion; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Foster Marks in 1980 and Alva Starcher in 2005.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Carl Marks officiating. Burial was in Blackshire Cemetery, near Big Bend.

CLARA BELL NEWELL

Clara Bell Newell, 85, of Mt. Zion, died Thursday, Mar. 27, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late William David and Esta Palmer.

She was the oldest of eight sisters and was a homemaker and a cook.

Surviving are one son, Jim Newell of Grantsville; four grandchildren, Shelly Stevens, Kelly Whytsell and Tommy Newell, all of Grantsville, and Michael Newell of Huntington; nine great-grandchildren; five sisters, Alice Ramsey, Leora Mae Kalman and Dola (Dode) Palmer, all of Maryland, Cora Foester of Pennsylvania and Lora (Nell) Hewitt of Michigan; and special friend and caregiver, Audrey (Jeanie) Smith of Mt. Zion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy W. Newell; two daughters, infant Judith Ann and Georgia (Lou) Kish; and two sisters, Grace Palmer and Delma Ruth Kerby.

Services will be held Thursday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial will be in Sand Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

TRESSIE CHURCH

Tressie Church, 92, of Orma, died Friday, Mar. 28, 2008, at Roane General Hospital.

She was born at Mt. Zion, the daughter of the late John and Maggie Wood Crawford.

She was a homemaker and a member of Leatherbark Community Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Ernestine Starcher and Christine Starcher, both of Arnoldsburg, and Karen Bragg of Ripley; two sons, Fred Church, Jr., and wife Yvonne of Orma and Victor Church and wife Linda of Newton Falls, Ohio; one sister, Bea Shaffer of Spencer; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Church, Sr., in 1982; one son, Bernard Eugene Church; and nine sisters and brothers.

Services were held at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Austin White and Rev. David Weaver officiating. Burial was in Starcher Cemetery, near Arnoldsburg.

HAROLD STUMP

Harold L. Stump, 76, of Parkersburg, died Monday, Mar. 31, 2008.

He was born in Gilmer County, the son of the late Albert and Almeda Kerby Stump.

He was retired from the U.S. Navy and Kaiser Aerospace, California. He was a Mason and a Shriner and a past worthy patron of the Order of Eastern Star.

Surviving are his wife, Bernice Stump; one son, Larry Don Stump of Boise, Idaho; three daughters, Patricia Hudson of San Diego, Calif., Brenda Latham of Imperial Beach, Calif., and Sandra Diana Brady of Dunlap, Tenn.; one sister, Joann Stump of Grantsville; two brothers, Bernard Stump of Pineville and Alfred Stump of Parkersburg; and 11 grandchildren, including Roger and Richard Campbell.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Carl Stump.

Services will be held Thursday, 2 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville. Burial will be in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown, with military graveside rites. Visitation will be on Thursday, 12:30 p.m. until time of services, at the funeral home.

SHIRLEY ANN STARCHER

Shirley Ann Starcher, 61, of Spencer, died Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2008, at her home.

She was born in Spencer, the daughter of the late Milford S. and Pauline Miller Miller.

She was retired from B.F. Goodrich and had worked at Norris Industries, Kellwood Co., and as an aide at Gordon Memorial Hospital. She was a Christian and attended Steele Hollow Community Church.

Surviving are four sons, Luke Starcher of Barberton, Ohio, Matt Starcher of Akron, Ohio, and Mark Starcher and John Starcher, both of Spencer; one step-son, Billy Starcher of Akron; six sisters, Phyllis Milhoan of Reedy, Pauline Lawson, Myrtle Sue McKown and Madeline Fouty, all of Spencer, Melinda Jones of Charleston and Debra Marks of Millstone; one half-sister, Ruth Starcher of Mt. Zion; seven brothers, Phil, Bob, Jack, Larry, Tom and Bill Miller, all of Spencer, and Curtis Miller of Reedy; three grandchildren; and one step-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Starcher, in 2004; one daughter, Tammy Denise Starcher; three sisters, Mildred Ash, Jennifer Miller and Janice Miller; and one brother, Milford Miller, Jr.

Services were held at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Jackie Roberts officiating. Burial was in Craig Hill Cemetery, near Spencer.

EARNEST NEWLON LANE

Earnest Newlon Lane, 89, of Nicut, died Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2008, at Roane General Hospital, Spencer.

He was born at Nicut, the son of the late Jim and Ida Metz Lane. He was a heavy equipment operator on pipeline construction and was a retired member of Operating Engineers Union, Barberton, Ohio.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Jones Lane; four sons, Shirley Gale Lane of Illinois and Jack Lane, Timothy Lane and Larry Lane, all of Nicut; two daughters, Carolyn Sue Gumm of Nicut and Sandra K. Beitz of Williamstown; one brother, Carl Lane of Fairmont; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son and five brothers.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Carl Marks officiating. Burial was in Lane Family Cemetery, Nicut.

CLEO THELMA METHENEY

Cleo Thelma Metheney, 87, of Chloe, died Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2008, at Miletree Center, Spencer.

She was born in Nicholas County, the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Francis Gibson Keffer.

Surviving are five sons, Don Metheney, George Metheney, Darrell Metheney and wife Patty, Creston Metheney and wife Linda and James Lee Metheney and wife Corine; three daughters, Wanedith Greathouse, Phyllis Anderson and husband Wendell and Carol Arnold and husband Danny; two sisters, Merial Parsons and Maggie Clutch; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lee Metheney; one daughter, Garnet Sue Bishop; two infant sons, Billy Gene and Sylvie Alphie; one grandson; three great-grandsons; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Dewey Tanner officiating. Burial was in Metheney Cemetery, Nebo.

GLEN GAINER

Glen A. Gainer, 85, of Hebron, formerly of Grantsville, died Saturday, Mar. 22, 2008, at the family residence.

He was born at Lockney, Gilmer County, the son of the late Dennis W. and Farie Fitzpatrick Gainer.

 He was a 1941 graduate of Normantown High School and served as a member of U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He retired from Consolidated Natural Gas Co., primarily working in the Grantsville area. He had formerly attended Rush Run Baptist Church, Stumptown.

Surviving are his wife of 19 years, Sylvia L. Parsons Tucker Gainer; three sons, Larry Gainer of St. Marys and Gary Gainer and Terry Gainer, both of Weston; two step-children, Robin Morgan of Hebron and Phillip Morgan II of Minot, N.D.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Earl J. “Tex” Gainer; one sister, Geraldine Elder; and one grandson.

A celebration of his life was held at McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro.

JOHN WESLEY CHENOWETH

John Wesley Chenoweth, 95, of Parkersburg, died Thursday, Mar. 20, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg.

He was born at Nicut, the son of the late David Oscar Chenoweth and Mary Jane Knotts Chenoweth.

He retired from Wood County Board of Education after having taught 35 years in Calhoun and Wood counties. He was a member of local, state and national teacher organizations and National Rifle Association and North American Hunting Club. He attended St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Stella Brannon Chenoweth; two sons, John Roger Chenoweth of Houston, Tex., and Frederick Allan Chenoweth of Mineral Wells; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one infant daughter; one sister, Etta Wheeler; seven brothers, Thurl R., David, Denver and Carl Chenoweth and three infants.

Services were held at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Pastor James Kelly officiating. Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 

HELEN MARIE FRANCIS

Helen Marie Francis, 74, of Vienna, died Friday, Mar. 21, 2008, at Eagle Pointe.

She was born in Mt. Zion, the daughter of the late Hayward and Cina Jarvis Francis.

She was a born again Christian.

Surviving are one brother, William “Bud” Francis of Newark; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jeff and Sherry DeLong of Vienna.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Lois Elfrink, and one brother, George Francis.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg, with William Stutler officiating, and burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

WILLIAM JONES

William G. Jones, 72, of Rockport, died Sunday, Mar. 23, 2008.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Merl and Ervin Jones.

He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was an employee of C.H. Heist for 32 years and a member of Painters Local 1144.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Norma “Jeanie” Jones; three daughters, Penny Jones, Peggy Kendall and Sharyn Tallman; several grandchildren; two sisters, Bernadine Stephens and Ernestine Dulany; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Jones and Thurl Lance, and one sister, Eleanor Casto.

Graveside services were scheduled Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Riverview Cemetery, Williamstown.

LONA KIMBLE POPE

Lona Kimble Pope, 91, of Austin, Tex., died Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2008.

She was born in Grantsville, the daughter of the late Albert Clifton and Rosa Jane Kelley Kimble.

 She lived in Memphis, Tenn., for a number of years and retired as a beautician. She was a member of Decatur-Trinity Christian Church, Bartlett, Tenn.

Surviving are one son, Richard McMillin of Austin; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by three husbands, Harry McMillin, Kerney Parker and Fred Pope; and several brothers and sisters.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, 11:30 a.m., at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

HALCIE LAMB

Halcie M. Lamb, 92, of South Charleston, died Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2008, in Ludington Woods Care, Ludington, Mich.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Okie Deel and Ivy Postalwaite Deel Helmick.

She was a 1936 graduate of Calhoun County High School. She was a retired sales clerk from Sears, Roebuck and Co., and was a member of South Charleston Church of Christ.

Surviving are one son, Ronald Lamb of Ludington; two grandchildren; one sister, Maxine Witte of St. Albans; one step-sister, Darlia Lowe of Massillon, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Creed, and two brothers, Marcel Deel of Pineville and Forest Deel of Mansfield, Ohio.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston, with Minister Louis Watts officiating, and burial in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

MARJORIE RUTH WILLIAMS

Marjorie Ruth Williams, 85, of Spencer, died Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2008, at Miletree Health Care Center, Spencer.

She was born in Roane County, the daughter of the late Levingston and Ida Bell Miller Greathouse.

She was a member of Church of the Living God, Spencer.

Surviving are two sons, Roger Williams of Elizabeth and Richard Williams of Reedy; one daughter, Carol Bottenfield of Spencer; one brother, Rev. Harvey Greathouse of Manchester, Ohio; two sisters, Betty Seymore and Macel Schreckengost, both of Barberton, Ohio; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Williams; five grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Randy Wilson officiating. Burial was in Betts Cemetery.

LEON ‘Burl’ WYER

Leon B. “Burl” Wyer, 77, of Harrisville, died Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2008, at Pine View Continuous Care, Harrisville.

He was born in Gilmer County, the son of the late Albert Whipkey and Hannah R. Wyer.

Surviving are two sons, Ronald Wyer and David Wyer, both of Harrisville; one daughter, Debbie Moyers of Harrisville; one brother, Harland Wyer of Hazelgreen; two sisters, Virgie Barker   of Smithville and Esta Tingler of Beatrice; seven grandchildren; one step-grandson; two great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nora Maxwell Wyer; one infant son, Leon B. Wyer, Jr.; one daughter, Linda Wyer-Jackson; two brothers, Leroy Wyer and Alson Wyer; and two sisters, Muriel Tingler and Elsie Wells.

Services were held at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville. Burial was in Nobe Cemetery.

WILMA BAILEY VANNOY

Wilma F. Bailey Vannoy, 74, of Parkersburg, died Friday, Mar. 14, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Charles Greely and Evelyn Gaye Sears Greely.

She was a homemaker and Christian.

Surviving are one daughter, Linda Young of Ellwood City, Pa.; three sisters, Mary Cooper of Washington, Karen Lutz of Beaver Falls, Pa., and Sue Smith of Parkersburg; two brothers, David Bailey of Ellwood City and Chesley “Buck” Bailey of Parkersburg; one grandson; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vannoy; five brothers, Bernis Frank, Charles, Jack, Dan and Roger Bailey; and two sisters, Iva Jean and Irene Bailey.

There will be no services.

CLIFFORD NELSON BYERS

Clifford Nelson Byers, 82, of Harrisville, died Friday, Mar. 14, 2008, at his residence.

He was born at Knob Fork, the son of the late Herbert and Goldie Stewart Byers.

He was a U.S. Marine during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater. He retired from Hope Gas Co. with 41 years service as a measurement specialist. He was a past president of Grantsville Lions Club, past chairman of Calhoun County Wood Festival, and founder of little league baseball in Ellenboro in the mid 1950’s. He was a member of Knotts Memorial United Methodist Church, Grantsville.

Surviving are his wife, Beulah Miller Byers; two daughters, Linda Cunningham of Harrisville and Connie Ferrell of Middlebourne; two brothers, Robert Byers of Paden City and Zack Byers of Wyandotte, Mich.; one sister, Pauline Moore of Wyandotte; eight grandchildren; one step-grandson; five great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by five brothers; four sisters; and one great-grandson, Christian Lutz.

Services were held at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville. Burial will in Ellenboro Masonic Cemetery.

SARAH FRANCES BURROWS

Sarah Frances Burrows, 86, of Vienna, died Saturday, Mar. 15, 2008.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Elihu and Clara Metz.

She retired from Wood County Board of Education in 1983 after 10 years of service and was a cook at Neale and Jackson junior high schools. She was a member of River Valley Nazarene Church, Vienna.

Surviving are her husband, Leonard Burrows of Vienna; three daughters, Dortha Gregg of Walker, Mary Whitlock of Parkersburg and Beverly Scales of Kingwood, Tex.; one son, Dexter Burrows of Little Hocking, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Arminda Maxwell.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Hershel and Daniel Anderson and Lewis Metz; and one sister, Blondena Morrison.

Services were held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Rev. Keith Hostutler officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memory Gardens. 

AARON MICHAEL BLAND

Aaron Michael Bland, 36, of Dublin, Ohio, died Friday, Mar. 14, 2008. 

He was born in Parkersburg, the son of James Bland and wife Jeanie and Sandy Shears and husband Phil, all of Elizabeth.

He graduated from Wirt County High School in 1989 and from Glenville State College. He was employed by Verizon Wireless, Dublin. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Wilmington, N.C.

Surviving in addition to his parents are grandmother, Lillian Bland of Grantsville; grandparents, Jim and Mary Somerville of Elizabeth; one sister, Ashley Bland Wanosky of Parkersburg; three step-brothers, Jeff Shears of Lewisburg, Steve Shears of Elizabeth and Steve Shaffer of Glenville; one step-sister, Kristi Shaffer of Parkersburg; and two special nieces, Gillian and Juliet Wanosky.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, George Lawrence Bland of Grantsville.

Services were held at Busch-Kimes Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with Pastor Harold Francis and Rev. Mark McCloy officiating. Burial was in K of P Cemetery, with graveside rites by Wirt Masonic Lodge 82.

ELBERT RAY KING

Elbert Ray King, 89, of Akron, Ohio, died Saturday, Mar. 15, 2008, at Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown.

He was born in Roane County, the son of the late Clark and Ella Mae Houchin King.

He was retired from Goodyear with 34 years of service.

Surviving are one sister, Anna Marie Hess of Morgantown, and special friend, Mary Smith of Akron.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jenny Irene King; his second wife, Lucille Sherrill King; one sister, Elva Cave; and three brothers, Denver, Dennis and Lovell King.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with burial in Houchin Cemetery, Beech Road, Calhoun County.

RUBY STARCHER

Ruby M. Starcher, 82, died Saturday, Mar. 16, 2008.

She was born in Nebo, the daughter of the late Alec West and Addie Tanner.

Surviving are six sons, Jack, Clark, Bim, Bub, Bill and Gary Starcher; four daughters, Carolyn Beck, Delsie Pierson, Thelma Ree Schlesinger and Kathie Fuiten; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and five brothers and sisters, Ota, Berthie, Ollie, Homer and Ed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lambert Starcher, and one daughter, Martha Starcher.

Services will be held Thursday, 3 p.m., at Unity Gospel Tabernacle, Nebo. Burial will be in Coen Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, noon to 3 p.m., at the church. Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

LENZIE ‘MASON’ WEST

Lenzie “Mason” West, 75, of Lorain, Ohio, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at Amherst Manor Retirement Community.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Seldon and Ivy West.

He enlisted in the Army in 1952 and served until 1954, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He moved his family to Lorain in 1958 and retired in 1985 from the coupling shop of US Steel. He was a member of Murray Ridge Road Church of God, Elyria, Ohio.

Surviving are two sons, Marvin of San Diego, Calif., and Michael of Lorain; one daughter, Melissa Swetz of Amherst, Ohio; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Hartis West and Benjamin Smith West, both of West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Toler West; one granddaughter, Melissa; and several siblings.

Services were held at Dovin Funeral Home, Lorain, with Rev. Thom W. Cody officiating. Burial, with full military honors, was in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

JOSEPH LEO PADGETT

Joseph Leo Padgett, 16, of Orma, died Monday, Mar. 3, 2008, at Charleston Area Medical Center of injuries received in an auto accident on Mar. 2 at Chloe.

He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Janet Marks of Orma and Ronald Padgett of Indianapolis.

He had been a student at Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his step-father, Phillip Marks of Orma; three step-sisters, Marie Leach of Wooster, Ohio, Jeni Hannah of Orma and Patti Gainer of Doylestown, Ohio; one step-brother, Doy Hannah of Chloe; two half-brothers, Michael Hannah of Wooster and Ronnie and Marcus Padgett of Indianapolis; maternal grandmother, Penny Taylor of Chloe; great- grandfather, Alphonse Obermeyer of Indianapolis; aunt, Christina Taylor of Orma; uncle, Donald Engle of Indianapolis; two cousins; nine nieces and nephews; and former step-father, Doy Hannah of Orma.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jeremiah Taylor; grandfather, Joe Taylor; and great-grandmother, Thelma Taylor.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Tim Hickman officiating. Burial was in Foreman Cemetery, Maysel.

FAYE THOMAS BARR

Faye Thomas Barr, 93, of Glenville, died Saturday, Mar. 8, 2008, at SunBridge Care Center, Salem.

She was born in Marion County, the daughter of the late S.K. and Rose Haggerty Thomas.

She retired in 1991 with 21 years of service as a school teacher in Calhoun County. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Glenville.

Surviving are two daughters, Rosemary Ailes of Grantsville and Phoebe B. Dailey of Nicholasville, Ky.; one son, James T. Barr of New Milton; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James T. Barr, and one daughter, Susan Griffin.

Services will be held Thursday, 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church, Glenville, with Rev. Gerald Morgan officiating. Burial will be in Meadow Lane Cemetery, Glenville. Visitation was scheduled Wednesday, 1 to 7 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, and one hour prior to services at the church.

JAMES ‘Jim’ WEAVER

James F. “Jim” Weaver, 56, of Okinawa, Japan, died Sunday, Mar. 9, 2008.

He was the son of Betty Fern Holpp Weaver and the late James Lauren Weaver of Mt. Zion.

He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Glenville State College in 1974 and a master’s degree in administration from  West  Virginia  University  in 1983. He taught for several years at Calhoun County High School before accepting a teaching position with Dept. of Defense Dependent Schools in Okinawa, where he taught middle and high school science on Kadena Air Force Base. In 2001, he was named Air Force Teacher of the Year.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Takayo; one son, Alex of Okinawa; one daughter, Jamie Hickman of Grantsville; one brother, David Weaver of Grantsville; and three sisters, Lora Sturm of Ripley and Linda Shock and Martha Haymaker, both of Mt. Zion.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

FRANK McCARTNEY

Frank McCartney, 78, of Morgantown, died Friday, Mar. 7, 2008, in Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown.

He was born on his mother’s birthday in Lake Lynn, near Morgantown, the son of the late Lloyd and Georgia Stump McCartney.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and retired as a barge loader after 27 years of service with the former Green Bag Cement Co. He was a member of the Monongalia Lodge #10, IOOF, Orphan Friend Encampment #14, Patriarchs Militant Canton #3, Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans #276, and Laurel Ridge Hunting Club. He was president of Triune Senior Citizens. He joined Rush Run Baptist Church, Calhoun County, in 1947 and had been attending Faith Baptist Church, Morgantown.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Lenora Lawson McCartney, whom he married Jan. 12, 1951; three children, Diane J. Hevner, William D. “Bill” McCartney and Douglas K. McCartney, all of Morgantown; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Foster McCartney and Eugene McCartney, both of Morgantown; two sisters, Carolyn Matthew of Reedsville and Linda McFadden of Gans, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Corey Maxon, and five sisters, Emily Petrich, Emmajean Pearl McCartney, Ruth Schiffbauer, Edith Saylor and Mary Daugherty.

Services were held at Hastings Funeral Home, Morgantown, with Pastor Bennie Moran officiating. Burial was in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover, with flag folding ceremonies conducted by members of the W.Va. National Guard Honor Guard of Camp Dawson, Kingwood. Memorial service was held by Monongalia Lodge #10 at the funeral home.

WALLACE STEMPLE

Wallace D. Stemple, 83, of Kingwood, died Saturday, Mar. 8, 2008, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.

He was born in Kingwood, the son of the late Victor Tilden and Alice Bridget Bosley Stemple.

 He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during World War II and retired after 35 years from West Virginia Northern Railroad, where he was a brakeman and a mechanic. He also worked for Haney’s Service Center for 23 years.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Gladys E. Blake Stemple, whom he married May 22, 1947, in Oakland, Md.; one son, William Stemple and wife Nancy of Arnoldsburg; three daughters, Betty L. DeWitt and husband Charles of Kingwood, Mary C. Harris of Arnoldsburg and Janice E. Stemple of Kingwood; five grandchildren, Scott DeWitt and Courtney Templon, both of Kingwood, Connie Summers and Trisha Harris, both of Orma,  and Wally Stemple of Arnoldsburg; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Edward T. of Marlington; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Wallace D. Stemple, Jr.; two sisters, Georgia Stemple Browning and Evelyn Stemple Ervin; and three brothers, Jim, Cecil and Ted Stemple.

Services were held at Rotruck-Lobb Funeral Home, Kingwood Chapel, with Bill Kerns officiating. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.

MABEL MAE ‘Nanny’ METZ

Mabel Mae “Nanny” Metz, 85, of Otto Route, Spencer, died Monday, Mar. 10, 2008, at her home.

She was born in Randolph County, the daughter of the late George Randolph and Opha Blanche Mahaney Louk.

She was a Baptist.

Surviving are four daughters, Emogene Bowers and Mary Butler, both of Spencer, Elsie Hamrick of Massillon, Ohio, and Bertha Dyer of Jeffersonville, Ky.; one son, Olen Metz of Shreve, Ohio; special friend, Bonnie Spellman of Creston, Ohio; one sister, Ola Coager of Rock Cave; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Owen Vear Metz; one daughter, Grace Metz; six brothers, Dan, Roy, Burr, Bedford, William and Elsworth; four sisters, Virgi Night, Glady Boiggs, Virginia Goad and Tippy Bender; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; one half-brother, Albert Louk; and one half-sister, Alice Louk.

Services will be held Friday, 11 a.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Leon Strickland and Rev. Darin Cale officiating. Burial will be in Wilson-Lester Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home.

RUDOLPH KEVAK, SR.

Rudolph M. Kevak, Sr., of Hughestown, Pa., died Saturday, Mar. 8.

He was born in DuPont, the son of the late Wladyslow and Agnes Kiwak Kevak.

He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont.

Surviving are his wife, Rita Brody Kevak; two sons, Rudolph M. Kevak, Jr., and Dennis L. Kevak, both of Palestine; one daughter, Rita Ftorkowald of Naples, Fla.; three grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and two sisters, Frances Marino of Geneva, N.Y., and Helen Mlozinski of Bloomfield, N.J.

Private services were held at Kizla-Lokuta Funeral Home, Pittston, Pa., with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

BEULAH CONLEY

Beulah G. Conley, 95, of Ripley, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Eldercare of West Virginia, Ripley.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late John and Hattie Gillian Smith. She was office manager for several years at Hardman’s Home Center, Spencer, and a member of Reedy United Methodist Church.

Surviving are one son, Les W. Conley of Elyria, Ohio; two daughters, Eleanor Rae Mills of Leroy and Barbara Lynn Conley of Ripley; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray R. Conley; one infant son, John W. Conley; two brothers, Milo M. Smith and Paul H. Smith; and one sister, Olive C. Coon.

In honoring her wishes, she will be cremated. There will be no services.

NYLE WILSON NICHOLAS

Nyle Wilson Nicholas, 79, of Dunbar, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at home.

He was the son of the late Hope Wilson Nicholas and Denver B. Nicholas of Grantsville.

He attended schools in Grantsville and Glenville State College. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, spent nine months in the Naval Hospital in Dublin, Ga., and served aboard aircraft carriers USS Midway and USS Coral Sea. He retired from Liquid Transport, Charleston, and was a member of First Baptist Church, Dunbar, and past master of O’Dell Lodge 115, AF&AM, Grand Lodge of West Virginia.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Doris R. Nicholas; one daughter, Linda Nicholas Smyser of Reston, Va.; two sons, Stephen Nyle Nicholas of Virginia Beach, Va., and Jeffrey Kyle Nicholas of St. Albans; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a very special girl, Breanna.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Karen Nicholas Fisher, and one great-grandson, Jacob Wade Nicholas.

Services were held at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Rev. Thomas E. Stevens officiating. Burial was in Bethlehem Cemetery, near Grantsville.

BILLY GENE RICHARDS

Billy Gene Richards, 67, of Norman Ridge, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at his home.

He was born at Norman Ridge, the son of the late Mack and Geraldine Taylor Richards.

He had worked in the oilfields and retired from Sav-A-Tool. He was a member of Norman Ridge Fairview United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Louise Richards; two sons, Billy Joe and Darrell Richards; two daughters, Patricia Richards and Angela Dye; two grandchildren, Elijah and Aleah Dye; four sisters, Loraine Pursley, Isabelle Davis, Hazel Gribble and Margaret Wagoner; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two infant children, Carl Ray and Sherry Ann Richards; nine sisters, Rosalea Davis, Goldie L. Richards, Clara B. Richards, Irene B. Richards, Pauline Jones, Yetta Webb, Thressie Graham, Hettie Beatty and Alice Richards; and five brothers, Mack Richards, Jr., Shirdie Richards, Bernard Richards, Desmoin Richards and Denver Richards.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Pastor Randy Wilson officiating. Burial was in Hunt Cemetery, Norman Ridge.

ANDREW LEE SNIDER

Andrew Lee Snider, 60, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008.

He was the son of Geneva Snider and the late J.L. Snider.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife of 30 years, Cathi; two daughters, Alescia Rhodes and Ivory Boatright; two sons, Justin and Ryan Andrew; seven grandchildren, Jace, Taegan, Quentin, Logan, Mason, Mikayla and Kiera; three sisters, Doris Davis of Spencer, Sandra Ferrebee of Ravenna, Ohio, and Wanda Crawford of North Carolina; 28 nieces and nephews; 34 great-nieces and nephews; and five great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Ray.

The family will receive friends at Calhoun County Park from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday for memorial services and military rites.

MARIE TAYLOR

Marie R. Taylor, 64, of Grantsville, died Saturday, Mar. 1, 2008, at Charleston Area Medical Center.

She was born in Camden, N.J., the daughter of Willard and Rose Bishop.

She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Lawrence “Larry” J. Taylor; two daughters, Elaine Weinberg and Billie Jo Freeberg, both of Westville, N.J.; two step-sons, Daniel L. Taylor of Blue Ridge, Va., and Brian Duffield of Mullica Hill, N.J.; one sister, Linda Boyle of Glendora, N.J.; four grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Rick Swearengin officiating, and burial in St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

ARLAN RAY SCHOOLCRAFT

Arlan Ray Schoolcraft, 75, of Sistersville, died Monday, Feb., 18, 2008, at Sistersville Center-Genesis Eldercare.

He was born at Sand Ridge, the son of the late Lonnie and Janie Cogar Schoolcraft.

Surviving are one brother, Arnold Schoolcraft of Sistersville, and two sisters, Coleen Bray of Clinton, Ohio, and Lorraine Dillon of Crummies Creek.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Zee Blosser and Dorothy Yoak.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Glenville McBride officiating. Burial was in Schoolcraft Cemetery, Sand Ridge.

MERLE GERTRUDE HENSLEY

Merle Gertrude Hensley, 90, of Hurricane, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

She was born in Mudfork, the daughter of the late Mamie M. Cadle and Clarence White.

She was a member of Mudfork Union Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Ellen Martin and Carol Young; three brothers, C. Don Cross, Dorse Cross and Vertis White; one sister, Mildred White Simmons; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Sandra Lou Brannon and Etta Lana Hensley, and two sisters, Alta Cross Mathews and Wilma Cross “Bid” Postalwait.

Services were held at Hardman Cemetery, Nebo, with Darius Arnold and Donal Dawson officiating.

MELVIN SIERS

Melvin R. Siers, 64, of Rosedale, died at home on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008.

He was the son of the late Earl and Hallie Sampson Siers.

Surviving are one brother, Pete Siers of Rosedale; one sister, Pearl Wildman of Jacksonville, Fla.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Marion Everette, Walter Lee and Robert Lee Siers, and one sister, Myrl Kaye.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial was in Cottrell Cemetery, Frozen Run.

MARISSA OPAL WAGONER

Marissa Opal Wagoner, newborn daughter of Jason Keith Wagoner and April Dawn Bayles of Williamstown, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

Surviving in addition to her parents, are maternal grandparents, Bill and Monica Bayles of Williamstown; paternal grandparents, Hatzel and Bonnie Wagoner of Big Bend; three aunts; and one uncle.

Services were held at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Rev. Wayne Brown officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Waverly.

NORMA JEAN NORMAN COTTRILL

Norma Jean Schoolcraft Norman Cottrill, 77, of New Bern, N.C., formerly of Mt. Zion, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008.

She was born at Sand Ridge, the daughter of the late Harley and Louise Ross Schoolcraft.

Surviving are three sons, Donzel Norman and wife Cathy of New Bern, Harley Norman and wife Pam of Lynchburg, Va., and Vernon Norman and wife Gloria of Creston; one daughter, Norma Mowrey and husband Ron of Arnoldsburg; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers; Gordon Schoolcraft of Orma, Leon Schoolcraft of Elyria, Ohio, and Raymond Schoolcraft of Grantsville; and one sister, Lou Schoolcraft Boggs of McCellandtown, Pa.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donzel “Dude” Norman; one brother, John Schoolcraft; and one sister, Nina Schoolcraft Groves.

She was cremated at her request. Private burial will be held at the family’s convenience in Metz Cemetery, Sand Ridge.

VIRGIE FAYE YOAK

Virgie Faye Yoak, 89, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008.

She was the daughter of the late Oakie and Nellie Norman.

She worked for many years as a cafeteria worker in Green, Ohio.

Surviving are two daughters, Hazel Hyland and Jean Christner; four sons, William, David, Rod and Dan; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty Bennett and Thelma Collins.

She was preceded in death in 1984 by her husband of 49 years, William Johnson Yoak, whom she married in 1935; two daughters, Martha Abernathy and Mary Summers; one grand-daughter, Cindy Summers; two sisters; and one brother.

Services were held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Rick Metheney officiating.

LIZZIE MAE LINVILLE STOUT

Lizzie Mae Linville Stout, 73, of Mt. Zion, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, at Roane General Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Billie and Veta “Pete” Hathaway Linville.

She worked at Rubber Fabricators and at Calhoun General Hospital as a nurse’s aide for many years. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church and a homemaker.

Surviving are three daughters, Carol Valentine of Cleburne, Tex., Brenda Muck of Chesapeake, Va., and Kathy Stout of Richmond, Va.; two sons, Bill of Carbondale, Colo., and Bob of Orma; eight grandchildren, Steve and Brian Valentine of Cleburne, Chris Muck of Chesapeake, Brandon Church and Sarah McCutcheon of Richmond, and Patty West, Jordan Delaney and Zachary Stout of Orma; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Hibbert Linville of Mineral Wells; and her precious dog, Bambi.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Eugene Stout, on May 24, 1993; three brothers, Calvin, William and Howard Linville; and one sister, Isabel “Sis” Raines.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Charles McDonald officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

KENNETH SAMPSON

Kenneth B. Sampson, 57, of Arnoldsburg, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at The Arbors of Marietta.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Oral G. and Ruby Dillon Sampson.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a member of Victory Baptist Church. He was a member of 4-H Big Foot Tribe and had taught classes for Lights On! program. He was a funeral director’s assistant at Stump Funeral Home for several years.

Surviving are one daughter, Anna Marie Sampson of Millstone; two brothers, Willard Sampson of St. Marys and Otis Sampson of Clayton, N.C.; and two sisters, Ellen Coen of Barberton, Ohio, and Mary L. West of Arnoldsburg.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Mike Worf officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Grantsville.

ROBERT LEE GREATHOUSE

Robert Lee Greathouse, 62, of Parkersburg, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of Orville and Helen Dotson Greathouse.

He was a 1966 graduate of Calhoun County High School and 1967 graduate of Charleston Barber College. He was a former employee of W.Va. Dept. of Highways and a member of Grand Central Avenue Church of Christ, Vienna, and the church’s Prime Timers group. He was retired from Wood County board of education as custodian at Jackson Junior High School.

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis Carol Hixson Greathouse; two sons, Eric Robert Greathouse of Vienna and Mark Allen Greathouse of Parkersburg; five grandchildren; one uncle, Joe Dotson of Lebanon, Tenn.; and several cousins.

Services were held at Grand Central Avenue Church of Christ with Evangelist Joe Spivy officiating. Burial was in Parkersburg Memorial Gardens.

RUBY JARVIS MAY

Ruby Jarvis May, 93, of Spencer, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at Miletree Center, Spencer.

She was born in Stinson, the daughter of the late Nelson and Lora Hicks Jarvis.

She had lived in New York, Colorado and California until returning to Spencer in 1957. She worked various jobs, including care giving to the sick and elderly.

Surviving are one sister, Eva Parsons of Spencer, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James May; one infant son; three sisters, Mae Moss, Violet Smith and Myrtle Lauber; and three brothers, Harry, Cecil and Ernest Jarvis.

Services will be held Thursday, 1 p.m., at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Tom Fletcher officiating. Burial will be in Lamb Cemetery, near Stinson. Visitation will be held two hours prior to services at the funeral home.

JAMES STALNAKER

James O. Stalnaker, 93, of Leachtown, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Parkersburg.

He was born in Orma, the son of the late Clark and Nora Hughes Stalnaker.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, having achieved the rank of Sergeant. He spent the majority of his life as a cattle farmer. He was a member of Boggs Fork Community Church and W.Va. Farm Bureau.

Surviving are one son, Mike Stalnaker; three grandsons; four sisters, Brunna Penman of Mesa, Ariz., Juanita Shorb of Pinetop, Ariz., Emma Deel of Minnora and Naomi Simms of Waterloo, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewell Luzader Stalnaker; four brothers, Fenton, Eucal, Euell and Bee; and one sister, Eupha Stalnaker Jones.

Services will be held Saturday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial will be in Orma United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

ELEANOR WELCH

Eleanor G. Welch, 89, of Grantsville, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born in Marion County, the daughter of the late George and Alverta Wells Deulley.

Surviving are four sons, Howard and wife Sandra, James and wife Bessie, all of Nobe, Larry of Tennessee and William and Pelma Wolfe of Ravenswood; five daughters, Thelma Winter and husband Owen of Burning Springs, Patricia Metz and Jean McCray, both of Parkersburg, Loretta Scott of Five Forks and Betty Wilson and husband Marvin of Grantsville; 44 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Arnold Yoak; and one sister, Jean Godfrey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Delmar Welch; an infant son; one grandson; five sisters; and two brothers.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Rick Metheney officiating. Burial was in Broomstick Cemetery.

BOYD ‘Jim’ DUSKEY

Boyd F. “Jim” Duskey, 66, of East Canton, Ohio, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at his home.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Boyd H. and Virgie Slider Duskey.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Bonnie R. Horpestad Duskey; one son, Anthony “Tony” Duskey of East Canton; two daughters, Melissa Cook of Canton and Deanna Duskey of Parkersburg; three grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Duskey of Elizabeth; two sisters, Virginia Whytsell of Arnoldsburg and Beverly Carpenter of Mt. Zion; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Bob Cook officiating. Burial was in Wright Cemetery, Cremo, with military graveside rites.

DONALD LEE WAYNE

Donald Lee Wayne, 46, of Zanesville, Ohio, formerly of Calhoun County, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at his residence.

He was born in Zanesville, the son of the late Robert and Florence Bugglin Wayne.

Surviving are two brothers, Daniel and James Wayne of Zanesville, and two sisters; Rita Bagley of Zanesville and Agnes Allen of Grantsville.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Wayne, and one infant sister.

Memorial service will be held at a later date by the family.

PAULINE HAYS KELLEY

Pauline Hays Kelley, 103, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Willow’s Center, Parkersburg.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Perry C. and Lily Rose Stump Hays.

She was a retired school teacher, having taught in the one-room Deep Valley School, Mt. Zion. She and her husband were owner/operators of Kelley’s Store, Mt. Zion. She was a member of DAR, Daughters of the Confederacy, Colonial Dames of the 17th. Century and Rebecca Lodge.

Surviving are three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest L. Kelley, in 1975; one son, Richard H. Kelley; three sisters, Janice Crumley, Geraldine Perrin and Bernice Hays; and one niece.

Graveside services were held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, with Rev. Rich McClure officiating.

CLAIR PERKINS

Clair Perkins, 76, of Vienna, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.

He was born in Nicut, the son of the late Clarence and Zell Newell Perkins.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He worked at Viscose Corp. until 1969 and owned Perkins Construction.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Shirley Bircher Perkins; two daughters, Angela J. Gant and Teresa A. Smith, both of Vienna; one son, Matthew Clair Perkins of Vienna; six grandchil-dren; two sisters, Jacqueline Cowan of Massillon, Ohio, and Eleanor Gilmore of Parkersburg; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Maxine, and one brother, Bernard “Bun” Perkins.

Services were held at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Burial was in IOOF Cemetery, Harrisville.

DOLLIE BAILEY

Dollie F. Bailey, 67, of Parkersburg, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Roane County, the daughter of the late Clarence O. Davis and Icy Cole Smith.

Surviving are her husband of 47 years, Carl B. Bailey; three daughters, Debra Anderson and Rebecca Beiry, both of Parkersburg, and Patricia Stephens of Wirt County; one son, Timothy Bailey of Parkersburg; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Davis of Grantsville and Coy Davis of Parkersburg; one sister, Bonnie Summerville of Spencer; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Carl Ray Bailey; two brothers; and two sisters.

Services were held at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with Jim Lynch officiating. Burial was in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

MARY JO MIHELICH

Mary Jo Merzwieler Mihelich, 64, of Glenville, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of the late Richard Paul and Agnes P. Blake Merzwieler.

She worked as an LPN at hospitals in the Akron area, Roane General Hospital and Sunbridge Health Care. She attended Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Glenville, and was former owner of Heavenly Stitches, Glenville.

Surviving are her companion of 23 years, Gary Rose of Glenville; three daughters, Robin Ritter and Mary Agnes Hosey, both of Glenville, and Vickie Cain of Mt. Zion; one son, Frank J. Mihelich of Akron; one step-son, Brad Rose of Newark, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; one brother, Richard M. Merzwieler of Akron; one sister, Paula Drope of Suffield, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Tammy Merzwieler.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Edwin Daschbach as celebrant. Burial was in St. Boniface Cemetery, Camden.

LORANZA ‘Jack’ PITTS, JR.

Loranza G. “Jack” Pitts, Jr., 82, of Grantsville, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at Charleston Area Medical Center.

He was born at West Union, the son of the late Loranza G. Pitts, Sr., and Ortha Lea Cain Pitts.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and Korean War and retired after 36 years with Hope Gas Co. He attended First Baptist Church, Grantsville.

Surviving are one daughter, Jackie Blankenship and husband Ron of Grantsville; two sons, Rick M. Pitts and wife Sharon and B.K. Pitts and wife Melissa, all of Grantsville; seven grandchildren, Paige Toney, Cam Blankenship, Ashley Pitts, Dylan Baker, Brandon Baker, Tyler Walling and Brianna Pitts; two great-grandchildren, Bradyn and Alexis Toney; and two sisters, Margarete Dykman of Virginia and Ortha L. Blackrun of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Glenna L. Hardman Pitts, on Dec. 30, 2005; one sister, Gladys Pitts; and two brothers, Don Pitts and Barry Pitts.

Services were held at Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., Glenville, with Pastor Bill Law officiating. Burial was in Collins Community Cemetery, Stumptown.

MISSOURIA KAY NICHOLAS

Missouria Kay Nicholas, 53, of Orma, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Lizzie Nutter and Elbert Beckett.

She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Denver Nicholas; two daughters, Emma Howell and Melissa Nicholas, both of Orma; five step-children, David Nicholas, Joyce Stout and Robin McCumbers, all of Orma, Dale Nicholas of Alabama and Patrick Nicholas of Chloe; 12 step-grandchildren, Allen Nicholas, Chris Carpenter, Patricia West, Jordan Delaney, Lucas McCumbers and Carol McCumbers, all of Orma, Dean Nicholas of Arnoldsburg, Travis Nicholas of Chloe, Sean Carpenter of North Carolina, Kirstie Nicholas of Spencer, and Denver Nicholas and Timothy Nicholas of Alabama; 13 step-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Ruth Rhodes of Parkersburg, Evelyn Beckett of Orma, Margaret Rush of Sand Ridge and Barbara Taylor of North Carolina; two brothers, Danny Beckett of Chloe and Virgil Beckett of Millstone; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two infant sisters and one step-daughter, Wanda Carpenter.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Elder George Rose officiating. Burial was in Nicholas Cemetery, Orma.

PAULINE RUTH DUSKEY

Pauline Ruth Duskey, 76, of Canvas, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.

She was born at Annamoriah, the daughter of the late Holly and Elizabeth Gibson Kerby.

She was a member of Jordan Chapel United Methodist Church, Canvas.

Surviving are her husband, Harold Duskey; one daughter, Sandy Hanshaw; two grandchildren; and three brothers, Robert of Columbus, Ohio, William of Mt. Zion and Foster of Spencer.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Linda, Sue and Marie.

Services were held at Jordan Chapel U.M. Church, with Rev. Clifford West officiating. Burial was in Walker Memorial Park, Summersville.

BETTY LEE HOWELL

Betty Lee King Howell, 73, of Louisville, Ken., died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at Baptist Hospital East, Louisville.

She was born in Calhoun and retired from Rite-Aid Co.

Surviving are her husband of 52 years, John D. Howell; two daughters, Leslie Houck and Susan Hopkins; and two grandchildren.

Services were held at Resthaven Chapel, Louisville. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park.

PEGGY ALENE MARCOU

Peggy Alene Marcou, 62, of Sand Ridge, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born in Belleville, Tex., the daughter of Sylas and Ella Kolby Waggoner.

Surviving are her husband, Charles Douglas Marcou; two children, Gwendolyn Gee and Billy Don Jordan, both of Texas; one sister, Rosie Dalton of Texas; and one brother, Charles Waggoner of Texas.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg.

ORDA MAE OFFUTT

Orda Mae Offutt, 93, of Creston, Ohio, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at Smithville-Western Care Center.

She was born in Calhoun County, the daughter of the late Okey and Myrtle Jarvis Conley.

She had retired from Nabisco Brands, Seville, Ohio. She was a member of the former Enterprise Baptist Church, Rittman, Ohio.

Surviving are six children, Dave Offutt of Stoutsville, Ohio, Darrell Offutt of Brunswick, Ohio, Charlene Amick of Brick, N.J., Jean Harrold of Dunbar, Robert (Bill) Wilson of Big Springs and Opal “Toots” Thompson of Wooster, Ohio; one grandson whom she raised, John Miller of Creston; two special children, Taylor and Lexie; 22 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Carsie Conley of Chloe; one sister, Oleta Yentz of Wadsworth, Ohio; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert Offutt, on Apr. 30, 1980; three sons, Charles, Garrett and Carroll; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers, Ray, Harley, John and Claret; and two sisters, Emil Coen and Mildred Lewis.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 2 p.m., at Murray Funeral Home, Creston, with burial in Sherwood Memorial Gardens. 

BRENT BUTLER

Brent Butler, 33, of Elizabeth, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008.

He was born in Lorain, Ohio, the son of Billy Pims Butler and Sandra Arthur.

He was a welder and former security guard.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his wife, Deavin Butler; one daughter, Brooklyn Dawn Butler; three sisters, Sabrina Dooley of Burning Springs, Sharma Butler of Rockport and Jessie Butler of Elizabeth; and one brother, Jacob Butler of Elizabeth.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Rev. Delmas Stutler officiating, and burial in Bailey Cemetery, Minnora. Visitation was scheduled one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

VIRGIE MAE FISHER

Virgie Mae Fisher, 70, of Spencer, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at Roane General Hospital.

She was born at Nicut, the daughter of the late Earl and Ona Mae McCumbers Knicely.

Surviving are four sons, Junior Fisher II of Ripley, Robert Dale Fisher of Warren, Ohio, and Russell Wayne Fisher and John Martin Fisher, both of Spencer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Fisher; an infant son, David Lee Fisher; two sisters; and one brother.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Burial was in Mt. Run Cemetery, Nicut

ALVA WILLIAMS

Alva Williams, 88, of Ripley, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Elder Care, Ripley.

He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Jesse and Mary Stalnaker Williams.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a former employee of W.Va. Dept. of Highways.

Surviving are one daughter, Teresa Diane Dennis of Strasburg, Ohio, and one sister, Irene Stevens of Lorain, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Hale, Albert and Holly Williams, and three sisters, Opal Bowers, Gladys Williams and Millie Holbert.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville. Burial was in Bethlehem Cemetery, near Grantsville, with military graveside rites.

THELMA GRIFFIN

Thelma S. Griffin, 86, of Parkersburg, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

She was born at Arnoldsburg, the daughter of the late Lital and Ruth Anderson Starcher.

She was a homemaker and a member of Fairlawn Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Ferrell Griffin; two sons, Joseph Griffin of Little Hocking, Ohio, and Eric Griffin of Caldwell; two grandchildren; and one sister, Faye Hibbs of Parkersburg.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Beverly R. Jarvis, and one sister, Leno Ash.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg, with Pastor Paul Drake officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation was also one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

WYONA CHURL LOTT

Wyona Churl Lott, 71, of Ravenna, Ohio, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at her residence.

She was born in Big Bend, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Dolly Dawson Bell.

She was a homemaker and a member of Freewill Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Harold W. Lott, whom she married Aug. 1, 1950; two sons, Harold Lott and Randy Lott, both of Ravenna; one daughter, Linda Gibson of Ravenna; eight grand-children; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Harold Bell of Smithville and Bud Bell of Ravenna.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, Mark Gibson; one great-grandson, Malachi M. Treadwell; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Services were held at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ravenna.

MICHAEL EARL McCARTNEY

Michael Earl McCartney, 58, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of Georgia Pearl Stalnaker McCartney Burke and the late Col. Loren “Buck” McCartney.

He graduated from Glenville High School and Glenville State College, where he was president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a former Marine and served with the 305th Army Reserves. He retired after 31 years as a teacher at Calhoun County High School, where he had been a football and wrestling coach and had served as faculty senate president. He was president of midget league football and wrestling programs in Calhoun and was a former town council member. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Grantsville, and a Sunday School teacher, and a member of Masonic Lodge 40 and the Society of Sons of the Revolution.

Surviving are his mother, who resided with him; his wife of 28 years, Patsy Gherke McCartney; one daughter, Carri Leann Catapano of Columbus, Ohio; two sons, Eric Michael McCartney of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Travis Shane McCartney of Lexington Park, Md.; one grandson, Michael Ian Catapano; two brothers, Patrick McCartney of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Kevin “Terry” McCartney of Alliance, Ohio; one sister, Kathleen Gilbert of Eldersburg, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Grantsville, with Tim Davis and Patrick McCartney officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, near Grantsville, with military graveside rites. Visitation will be on Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. until time of services, at the funeral home.

REECE ‘Fuzzy’ COTTRILL

Reece “Fuzzy” Cottrill, 81, of Spencer, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at Roane General Hospital.

He was born at Frozen Run, the son of the late Ezra and Ellen Salyers Cottrill.

He worked as a laborer and retired as custodian from Gilmer County Schools. He was a member of Frozen Run Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Suzanna Bennett Cottrill; four daugh-ters, Virginia Covalt of LaGrange, Ohio, Carolyn Conley and Patty Woods, both of Spencer, and Sheila Nelson of Poca; three sons, James “Ace” Cottrill of Normantown, Burlan Cottrill of Cleveland, Ohio, and Steven Cottrill of Shock; two sisters, Annabelle Stump of Orma and Myretta Riley of Stumptown; four brothers, Ronzel “Cobb” Cottrill of Warren, Ohio, Russell “Dee” Cottrill of Shock, Denzil “Leon” Cottrill of Mt. Zion and Denver “Paul” Cottrill of Nicut; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Geneva and Mae.

Services were scheduled Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Elder Larry Fisher officiating, and burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Normantown.

IDA MAE CALHOUN

Ida Mae Curry Simers Calhoun, 86, of Grantsville, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at Minnie Hamilton Health System.

She was born at Tanner, the daughter of the late Charles Alexander and Sarah Ellen Kelly Curry. She was a member of Cherry Fork United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three sons, Charles Simers and Burl Simers and wife Jean, all of Grantsville, and John Simers and wife Linda of Mt. Zion; one step-grandchild, Charlie Roy Richards, Jr.; one great-grandson, David Bugby; four step-great-grandchildren, Alexa Richards, Brogan Richards, Kyler Propst and Mason Propst; and two grandchildren, Sandra Bugby and Cindy Simers.

She was preceded in death by her first