WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI PAGE

Obituaries, Page 21

HAYESVILLE, Kan. — Walter “Engie” Arndt, 58, formerly of Beckley, passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. Services will be 10 a.m. today at the Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S. Main St., Whitewater, Kan. Burial to follow in the Burns Cemetery. Arrangements by Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater, Kan. [WWHS Class of 1969]

Patrick Ross Blymyer (May 20, 1938–January 5, 2009). Pat was one of a kind. People say that about lots of folks but if you knew Pat, you’d agree that he beat any of those others on that phrase. Pat loved life, he loved food, he loved to walk, he loved having a list, he loved to read, he loved to sit and watch the sunset, he loved his quiet times, he loved to help us see how happy life could be, help you to laugh at yourself, he loved to laugh. He took care of people, especially the love of his life, Ginger. He applauded all of our successes no matter how big or small, he was proud of his kids. He knew how to make an entrance, he loved show biz, his stories were endless and always made you laugh. He loved to dance, whistle and sing, sometimes the same tune over and over but it still made you smile. He loved to wear shorts, winter, summer, anytime. Making a meal was an event. He taught us how to make a sandwich the right way, he taught us how to iron, he taught us how to enjoy a walk, a piece of fruit, everything. If you met him for only a moment or for a lifetime, you would remember him forever. Pat was not someone you ever forgot. He will be missed. He is survived by Ginger, his wife, his children Laurie Bates, Tanya Rinck, Xochi Blymyer, Tim Blymyer and Kim Cochran and lots of grandchildren who adored him and his best pal little Ramsey who went everywhere with him. Pat was born in West Virginia, had a colorful life as a gaffer in the movies traveling the world, 30 years in Snowville, New Hampshire and spent his last year, what he said was the best year of his life in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. [WWHS Class of 1956]

Jack Donald Riffe, 73, of Petersburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 11, 2008, with his family by his side. Jack was born in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, the son of the late Cecil Owen Riffe and Mary Evelyn Riffe. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years, stationed at Chelveston Air Force Base in England, where he met his lovely wife of 50 years, Anne. Jack worked at Fort Lee in the photo lab and DOIM Department for 40 years, before retiring in 2003. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and to his grandchildren, he was their "Big Daddy". Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Riffe; sister, Wanda Grant; and brothers, Tommy and Owen Riffe. He is survived by his wife, Anne Riffe; daughter, Debra Riffe and Victor Lavimodiere; son, Alan Riffe and his wife, Beth; granddaughters, Kacy Hitchcock and Katie Riffe; brother, Teddy Riffe; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Monday, December 15, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 804 West Roslyn Rd., Suite E, Colonial Heights, Va. 23834, or to Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, P.O. Box 574, Petersburg, Va. 23804. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com. A guestbook is here. [WWHS Class of 1953]

Randolph M. Halloran, M.D. In the presence of God and his family, Randolph M. Halloran died peacefully at his home on Christmas morning [2008]. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Barr Halloran; his three children, Scott Randolph Halloran of Glen Allen and his wife, Tina, Christopher Michael Boswell of Lynchburg and Blair Boswell Lawson of Williamsburg and her husband, Brock; his three grandchildren, Bailey, Sean and Claudia Halloran; his younger brother, Philip Halloran, M.D. of Dallas, Texas, and his wife, Margie; a wonderful sister-in-law, Susan Farrell of Richmond; and his former wife, Jean Halloran of Montpelier. He was predeceased by his older brother, Gregg Halloran, M.D. of Richmond. Dr. Halloran was born in Beckley, W.Va., on May 11, 1939. He received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and his medical degree from Medical College of Virginia. During his training, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed as a medical officer at Hof AFB in Germany from 1967 - 1969. Upon returning from service, he completed his residency and fellowship in cardiology in 1972 and began his cardiology practice with the McGuire Clinic at St. Luke's Hospital. He was one of the first in Richmond to perform cardiac catheterizations and devoted himself to the service of his patients for over 30 years. His "post-medical life" upon retirement was full of fun with Deborah, his children, and grandchildren, and his many close friends, both on and off the golf course. His passion for learning was a way of life and extended well beyond medicine. He delighted in traveling to familiar and new places, but his favorite spot remained his chair at the kitchen table, where the many conversations that were shared with his family and friends are a treasured part of all of their memories. The family will look forward to receiving friends at Bliley's-Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Avenue, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 28. The memorial celebration will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, on Monday, December 29 at 11 a.m., with a private graveside service at Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, or the Massey Cancer Center. [WWHS Class of 1957. Richmond Times-Dispatch. A guestbook is here.]

Barbara M. Haney, 78, a longtime resident of Charleston, and wife of the late John N. Haney, passed away Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, following a lengthy illness. She was a former member of First Presbyterian Church, Charleston. She was born in Raleigh County on June 13, 1930, and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley. She was employed for many years by the W.Va. House of Delegates (Speaker Chambers Office and House Finance Committee) and by the Office of former Gov. Jay Rockefeller. Additionally, she was a longtime employee of the Charleston Hardware Company and C&P Telephone Company in both Beckley and Charleston. Bobbi was an accomplished church pianist and organist and particularly enjoyed traveling, antiquing, music, and musical theater. She will long be remembered for her sense of humor, kindness, beauty, and gift of the gab. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, John N. Haney; a son, Thomas Randall Haney; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hall Haney; sisters, Margaret Dawson and Charlotte Manning; and brothers, Stuart and Fletcher Lively, Jr. Bobbi was a proud mother and grandmother and is survived by her son, Steven Haney of Charleston; a daughter, Rebecca Haney and partner Bobbi Thornburg of Grand Rapids, Mich.; granddaughter, Abigail Haney-Mikami of Oceanside, Calif.; “granddaughters,” Alissa and Adiele Mikami, also of Oceanside, Calif.; sister, Patricia A. Mose and her husband Rick; brother, Ronald Lively; sister-in-law, Patricia Lively; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thanks for the support and kindness of our dear Wilkie Drive neighbors, the staff of St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Mark Allen and colleagues, and family members, Dr. Bobbi Thornburg and Brian Looney. Memorial visitation will be 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 30, 2008, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge of arrangements.

Orlando - Davis Benton Roush Sr., 87, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2008 in Orlando, FL. Born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, he moved to Ocala from Beckley, WV in 1963. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Ocala. He is survived by his wife Peggy Roush of Orlando; daughter Ann Roush Alyea (Chan) of Orlando; son Davis B. Roush Jr. (Jeanne) of Bay City, TX; sisters Myra McVey (James) of Huntington, WV and Ellen Nickell (Pat) of Buckhannon, WV; several nieces and nephews; three grandchildren; Chip (Jenn), Julia (Michael), and Andy one great-grandchild Allison. A memorial service will be held in January at the First United Methodist Church of Ocala. [WWHS Class of 1939. A guestbook is here.]

LEWISBURG — Frances Crawford Martin, of Lewisburg, age 94, passed away on Dec. 22, 2008, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, following a stroke. She had long been an active member of the Old Stone Presbyterian Church, the Lewisburg House and Garden Club, and her bridge club, all of whose members include her dearest friends. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Crawford of Beckley, and the wife of the late John Frederick (Fred) Martin of Lewisburg. Born in 1914 at her family’s farm in Fort Spring, W.Va., she grew up in Beckley, where she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. She attended The State Teachers College at Farmville, Va., now Longwood University, and graduated from West Virginia University, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She went on to teach English at the high school in Winding Gulf, W.Va., then a large coal mining town near Beckley, until she married Fred Martin of Beckley in 1939. They were married for 65 years until his death in 2003 at the age of 90. She was elected a lifetime member of the Women of the Presbyterian Church and was recently named an Elder Emeritus of her church in honor of her lifetime of service. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and the P.E.O., as well as a retired National Flower Show Judge in association with the National Council of State Garden Clubs. Frances Martin was a beloved wife and mother and a lifetime leader, learner, and volunteer. In her 90s she was tutoring young public school children with reading problems as part of the national STAIR Tutoring Program. She was also involved with The Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley, part of a national interfaith organization serving the elderly in each Chapter’s local community. As a Shepherd’s volunteer, she organized this year’s Christmas program at Greenbrier Manor nursing home, where she recited “The Night Before Christmas” from memory. She is survived by her children, Fred Martin, Jr., (Donna) of Mission Viejo, Calif., Harry C. Martin (Judith) of Washington, D.C., and Evelyn Martin Greene (David) of Shaker Heights, Ohio; her brother, Harry L. Crawford, Jr., of Atlanta, Ga.; her grandchildren, Dr. Lucy Martin McBride, Walter R. Martin, Harry L. Martin, and Margaret L. Greene; and her great-grandchildren, Henry, George, and Stella McBride. Her memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg. A reception, for which the family gratefully thanks the Women of the Church, will follow the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall. All family and friends are invited to attend both the memorial service and reception. Her remains will be interred the following day in a private family service in Fort Spring, at a cemetery on the Curry farm where family members have been buried since the late 1700s. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Old Stone Presbyterian Church, 200 Church St., Lewisburg, WV 24901. Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com. Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. [WWHS Class of 1932]

Judith Ann Meador Richards, age 51, of MacArthur, departed this life Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at her home. Born Oct. 19, 1957 in Beckley, she was the daughter of Robert Meador of MacArthur and Drema Norris Donaghue of Beckley. Judith was a 1975 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and held various jobs in the area, the last being Telespectrum Worldwide. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Oley and Eva Meador; maternal grandparents, George and Ruby Norris; and step father, Michael Donaghue. In addition to her parents, she is survived by two daughters, Stacie Wilson and husband Robert of Slab Fork and Heather Blake and husband Jeff of Crab Orchard; a sister, Cheryl Fairchild and husband Jack of Beckley; a brother, Doug Meador and wife Crystal of Shady Spring; four grandchildren, Taylor Parker, Nicholas Blake, Natalie Blake, and Brookelyn Wilson; two nephews, Jeremy and Justin Fairchild; two nieces, Ashleigh and Kristen Meador; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Minister Lee Blackburn officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley.

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Raben H. Cook, 89, of Hiawassee, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008. Mr. Cook was born in Raleigh County, W. Va., April 7, 1919. He was the son of the late Andrew and Ila Cook. He was a retired Navy pilot from service in WWII with a total of 23 years combining active and reserve duty. He moved to Florida in 1977, then in the last year of his life to Hiawassee, Ga. He was of the Christian faith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Glynn Cook. Survivors include wife, Ava Lee of Hiawassee, Ga.; son, Thomas and his wife, Vicki, of Roanoke, Va.; daughter, Pebble S. Causey and her husband, Clay, of Murphy, N.C.; granddaughter, Lori and her husband, Todd Mauchund, of New Smyrna, Fla.; two grandsons, Ronald Stone of San Diego, Calif., and John Cook of Roanoke, Va. Following cremation, he will be buried at sea. Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, N.C. is in charge of all arrangements.

Larry Darnell Nicholas, 49, of Fredericksburg, Va., formerly of Beckley, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va. Born Dec. 28, 1958, at Raleigh General Hospital, to the late James E. Nicholas and Sarah Ruth Hester Nicholas, Larry attended Woodrow Wilson High School and served in the United States Army, where he received an honorable discharge. He was baptized at an early age in the Baptist faith and knew Christ as his personal Saviour. After leaving Beckley, Larry worked in Ohio, Indiana and Virginia in food services and retail. Larry enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching sports and old movies. Recently, he enjoyed visiting with his granddaughter. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Nicholas; stepfather, Frank “Bro” Marshall; a sister, Donna Gayle Nicholas Shumate; and his “adopted” family, “Buck” and Gwendolyn Keaton of Beckley. Larry leaves to cherish his memories, a son, Cody Manns of Beckley; a granddaughter, Aliaya Manns of Indiana; three brothers, James “Scooter” Nicholas, Richard (Kim) Nicholas of Columbus, Ohio, and Charles (Mike) Nicholas of Beckley; and five sisters, Constance (Toney) McKeever of Beckley, Marilyn Nicholas and Garnetta (Tammy) (Bruce) Taylor of Fredericksburg, Va., with whom he resided, Cheryl (Lynn) Scott of Gambrills, Md., and Kimberly Burks of Columbus, Ohio; an uncle, Clarence (Eunice) Nicholas of Beckley. He also leaves behind a loving host of other relatives, and a special friend, Ms. Lisa Keaton of Beckley. Our dear brother will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral service for Larry will be 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at Second Baptist Church, 100 F Street, Beckley, with the Rev. Rudolph Poindexter officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley is in charge of the arrangements.

Lewis Arthur Leeber, 79, formerly of Mabscott, W.Va., died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at his residence. Born Feb. 10, 1929, at Mabscott, he was the son of the late Michael and Minnie Leeber. Lewis was a tool and die machinist for Chrysler Corp., retiring after 30 years of service. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of the Mabscott Methodist Church. Lewis was preceded in death by brothers, Fury, Herman, and Junior Leeber; and sisters, Yolonda Baldie, Julia Privette, and Cookie Belcher. Survivors include his sons, Daniel A. Leeber and wife Dianne of Orchard Lake, Mich., and Gary L. Leeber and wife Jill of Commerce Township, Mich.; a daughter, Sharon Haver and husband Manley of Clinton, Mich.; grandchildren, Shanna M. Haver and Chris E. Haver, both of Clinton, Mich.; and a sister, Athleen Luneck of Lexington, Mich. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. James Lawson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1948]

On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, Ruth Smith Frye, of Scott Depot, formerly of Westwood Drive, Beckley, passed away at Teays Valley Center, Genesis Health Care, Hurricane. She was in her 92nd year. Ruthie, as she was affectionately known, was the fifth of eight children born to the late Kenley Everette and Grace Lilly Smith. She was born on Aug. 15, 1916, in Pemberton. The last surviving member of her immediate family, she was preceded in death by brothers, Henry G., William “Bill,” Kenley W. “Pete,” Mayo, and Thomas E. Smith; and sisters, Mary Bond and Virginia Donaghue. Ruth was a charter member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Beckley, where she served as the treasurer for many years. She was a former employee of Beckley Hardware and Supply Company, Beckley Newspapers Corp., and Thomas E. Smith, C.P.A., where she retired at the age of 75. Ruth was a 1934 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. In addition to her family, she was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Frye, in 1947. The beloved mother of Rebecca Lilly and her husband Gordon Todd Lilly of Scott Depot; she is the dear grandmother of Stephanie Kress and her husband Larry and Alison Kinneer and her husband Michael, and the great-grandmother of Dayton James Kress, all of Hurricane; the fond sister-in-law of Anna Marie Smith and Floretta Smith, both of Beckley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel, 1200 Harper Road, with the Rev. Wanda Childs and Rev. Dr. Dan Hogan officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B in Beckley. The family will receive friends from noon until the hour of the service. Pallbearers will be Mike Akers, Randy Brewer, Michael Kinneer, Larry Kress, William K. Smith, and Chester R. Lilly Jr. The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 8462, Chicago, IL 60680-8462. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary Inc., Beckley, W.Va.

Jack Bittinger Mc Nicol, 77, of Lester, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in a local hospital. Born July 20, 1931, in Oak Hill, he was the son of the late Amos Porter and Elizabeth Ellen Mc Nicol. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nola Trail Mc Nicol, the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Trail of Lester. Survivors include two sons, Jack M. Mc Nicol of Newark, Del., and Mark G. Mc Nicol of Lester, W.Va.; daughters-in-law, Ruth Neal of Newark, Del., and Deborah Mc Nicol of Palm Harbor, Fla.; and grandchildren, Mary Frances Mc Nicol of Beckley, Thomas James and Catherine Jane Mc Nicol of Newark, Del. Jack was very proud of his two sons, both of whom followed him to Virginia Tech. Jack Michael attended Virginia Tech graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and then attended Northwestern University obtaining a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Mark Gregory attended Virginia Tech graduating with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Jack resided at Summerlee, Prosperity, Sprague, and Beckley, during his youth. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1948. During 1948 and 1949 he attended Beckley College while working as general labor in area coal mining operations. He entered Virginia Tech in January 1950 as an Student in Electrical Engineering. Jack was a member of the West Virginia National Guard Company F, 150th Infantry at Beckley from 1946 through 1950, and was a member of the Virginia Tech Cadet Corps while a student at Va. Tech and was a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate. As a senior he was a company commander in the Va. Tech Cadet Corps. Jack was a member of the varsity wrestling team three years, wrestling in the unlimited weight class. He was team captain of the 1953 team, won the Southern Conference championship in the unlimited weight division and participated in the 1953 NCAA wrestling meets. Jack remained a “Hokie” throughout life as a huge VT sports fan and member of the “Hokie Club” and Alumni Monogram Club. Jack graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in June 1953. He was then employed by Appalachian Power Co. as an Electrical Engineer until entering The U.S. Army in February 1954 as a 2nd Lt. Jack attended Basic Infantry Officer’s Course at Ft. Benning, Ga., where he graduated at the top of a class of 200 fellow officers. He was retained at The Infantry School as an instructor in the weapons department of the Infantry School. Jack was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a 1st Lt. in February 1956 when he returned to work for Appalachian Power Co. In April 1957 he was employed by Allied Chemical Corp. Semet Solvay Division as an Electrical Engineer with the Coal Group. During a 23-year career at Allied Chemical he held positions of Electrical Engineer, Technical Assistant to the Supt., Asst. Superintendent, Mine Superintendent Tralee Mine, Mine Superintendent Shannon Branch Mine, Manager of Operation Services, Director of Mining Operations, and Vice President of Allied’s Coal Group. He retired from Allied in 1980 when Allied left the Coal Business and joined a small coal company as Vice President and later Company President. Jack passed engineering examinations to become a registered Professional Engineer in 1960. In July 1981 he was employed by Industrial Fuels Corp. as Vice President General Manager of Chapperal Coal Corp. and was later appointed to Vice President of Industrial Fuels Corp. East Kentucky Operations and a successor company Costain Coal Corp. In December 1995 Jack retired from the coal Industry and returned to his long-held home near Lester, W.Va. During the retirement he obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying as a recreation and he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, flying, boating and water sports, playing golf, gardening, Virginia Tech sports, and being with his family. He was a member of the Church of Christ, and worshipped at the church at Lester, W.Va. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Fred Dinkler officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to service on Saturday. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Jack B. McNicol scholarship fund at Virginia Tech. Donations are to be sent to the Virginia Tech Foundation at Virginia Tech, University Development (0336), Blacksburg, VA 24061. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Jeremy (Rough House) Easley Lewis. On Dec. 9, 2008, at 1:03 a.m., the gates of Heaven opened and the angels ushered Jeremy in. Jeremy was born Jan. 7, 1992, at Beckley; he was the son of the Rev. Peter Easley and Carol Lewis Frederick. Jeremy accepted Christ at an early age; he was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Jeremy attended Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a kind and loving young man with a “Big” heart, always making people laugh. He was a joy to be around; he played football for the East Beckley Wildcats. He loved detailing cars, cutting grass and helping so many people. Jeremy will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. Jeremy was preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Buddy) Lewis, Marva Lewis and Joseph Robinson; uncles, John (Ralph) Lewis, William Bill Lewis and Ozel Manns; aunts, Susie Lewis; and cousins, Michael Lewis II and Danell (Big D) Lewis. Left to cherish his memories are his loving mother, Carol Lewis Frederick of Beaver; his father, the Rev. Peter Easley (Mary) of Harvey, W.Va.; a special friend, Jazmine McDowell, and their unborn baby girl, Brooklyn Navaeh McDowell Lewis; grandmother, Carol Robinson of Baltimore, Md.; great-grandmother, Virtie Easley of Raleigh; two brothers, Luke Frederick (Alicia) of Huntington, Derrick Frederick (Kelly) of Beckley; a stepbrother, Ezra Robinson of Harvey; four sisters, Latasha Frederick of Beckley, Brittany Ann Easley, Aaliyah Williams and Jacara Lewis, all of Beaver; a nephew, Malachi Frederick; uncles, the Rev. Ricardo Lewis (Betty), Michael Lewis, Dwayne Sterling Lewis (Angie), the Rev. Steve Lewis (Cassandra), Rafael Lewis (Pam), and Paul Easley; aunts, Minister Tonya Freeman (Charles), Felicia Robinson, Angie Elmore (Shermaine); and special friends, Kenny Logwood, Brian, Fletcher, Jerelle, Charles and D.J.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 142 Mool Ave., Beckley, with the Rev. Jerry Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Jessie Alexander Terry, 35, of Beckley, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, in a Charleston hospital following a lifelong illness. Born May 12, 1973, in Beckley, he was the son of Patricia Radford of Beckley. He was preceded in death by a grandmother, Rosa Terry, and a grandfather, Ulysses Houston. Jessie was a 1991 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where prior to his illness he was a member of the basketball team. He was also a 2006 graduate of the Pharmacy Tech program at ACT. Upon graduation Jessie was employed by Rite Aid Pharmacy on Johnstown Road. Jessie loved to watch wrestling and basketball games. He enjoyed listening to music and playing cards. He loved to take pictures of his children, dog and cat. Jessie loved to ride roller coasters and relax in the lazy lagoon with Kelly and his girls. He loved his girls and would want them to always remember the happy times. Those left to cherish Jessie’s life and memory in addition to his mother are his fiancee, Kelly Jo Radford; daughters, Jessica Alexandra Terry and Kelsey Leighann Terry; uncles, Jerry and Henery Terry, all of Beckley; and his grandmother, Delois Coleman of Chicago, Ill. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, at the Welcome Baptist Church, 206 Eighth St., Beckley, with Rev. David Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to service. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mary Elizabeth Harrah Hartsog, 84, died peacefully and without fear and pain, at her home in Lancaster, in the loving care of her family. She was the wife of the late H. Dale Hartsog, her husband of 55 years. She was born in Stanaford, W.Va., a daughter of the late Robert and Islan McClanahan Harrah, and the daughter-in-law of the late E.R. and Bessie Hartsog of West Virginia. A patriot her long life while her husband served in The European Theater during World War II, she worked in an ammunition factory making bombs and bullets in Elkton, Md., and then for the Packard Motor Company in Detroit, Mich., making engines for British fighter planes. She never missed voting in a presidential election from the time she was of voting age to the last election on Nov. 4, 2008. She also served as a Gray Lady American Red Cross volunteer in many of the cities were she lived. She was Methodist by Baptism and Faith, but attended Highland Presbyterian Church when she moved to Lancaster from Florida after her husband died in 1998. She was a fantastic cook, enjoyed sewing, gardening, crafting, traveling, reading, and keeping an immaculate home. Her favorite thing in the whole world was being with her family, especially her great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Joan Elizabeth Hartsog Boben and Dr. William R.A. Boben Jr. of Lancaster, Pa., and Dr. Jeffery Dale Hartsog and Glenna Honea Hartsog of Jackson, Miss.; her grandchildren, William R.A. Boben III, Barbara May Boben, Dr. Pia Elizabeth Boben Fenimore, and W. Mitchell Fenimore III, all of Lancaster, and Jeffery Chandler Hartsog and Seeley Daniel Hartsog of Duculla, Ga.; her great-grandchildren, Martha Z. Boben, Jacqueline Elizabeth Boben, William O. Fenimore, George B. Fenimore, Madeline M. Hartsog, and Andrew D. Hartsog; and her loving friend and caretaker, Irma Hernandez. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Hartsog. In West Virginia, she is survived by her brothers and sisters, Robert and Patricia Harrah, William and Lena Harrah, Lou Ann and William Harrah, Jerry and Edward Canterberry, Janetta Harrah, Buford and Loretta Hartsog, John and Mary Frances Hartsog, Jarrell and Unis Hartsog, James and Betty Hartsog, Jewell and Arnold Graybeal, and Ralph Hartsog. Additionally, she was very fond of many nieces and nephews who survive her. A private graveside service and interment with her husband in The National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla., will be Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. Please omit flowers. If desired, memorial contributions may be sent to The World War II Memorial American Monuments Commission, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, DC 20090-6766, or The Jennifer Leigh Hartsog Memorial “Bully Fund,” Mississippi State University Foundation, College of Veterinary Medicine Development Office, Box 9825, MS State, MS 39762. Arrangements by Fred F. Groff Inc., www.lifecelebration.com. [WWHS Class of 1941]

Mr. Paul Everett Pruett, 69, passed away at Shands AGH November 22, 2008. He was born in Beckley, W. Va. On May 2, 1939 and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He also graduated from dance school in Beckley. Paul is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife Jan, as well as his children Rick, Paula, Jeff and Angelina, his brothers Bill, Bob and Harold, his 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. As a younger man, Paul managed A&P and other grocery stores throughout Florida but in more recent years has been a long-time friendly face in the grocery store in Branford and Bell. He was very giving and gentle and had a wonderful sense of humor. According to his grandchildren, ³Paw Paw gets an ŒA¹². Mostly known for his deep faith, Paul will also be missed by his fellow members of Peace Baptist Church. Services will be held 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at Oak Grove Cemetery in O¹Brien, Florida. DANIELS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., in charge of all arrangements.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Matilda “Tillie” Torrico Greer, 77, died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, after a long illness. She was born on March 31, 1931, in Beckley, W.Va. Tillie had lived in Florida for most of her life. She was the youngest daughter of Joe Caballero and Ann Irene Torrico formerly of Beckley, W.Va. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Tillie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Thomas W. Greer. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, George and Pedro Torrico, of Beckley, W.Va., and sisters, Pauline T. Vera, of Norfolk, Va., Delores T. Rollyson of Blue Jay, W.Va., Andril T. Pietrantozzi and Ann Torrico, of Beckley, W.Va. Tillie is survived by one son, Joey Greer, and daughter-in-law, Brenda, of Pompano Beach, Fla. She is also survived by her sisters, Julia T. Blackwell of N. Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Metha T. Crouch of Charles Town, W.Va. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A private service will be held in Pompano Beach, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tillie Greer Memorial Fund, C/O: BB&T Attention: Barbara Barnett, 7709 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934-1961. [WWHS Class of 1949. She was the Prom Queen.]

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Joseph Leon Plumley, age 88, formerly of Beckley, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born Sept. 18, 1918, in Raleigh County. Beloved father of Marian Jean (Herbert) Kagen, Jewell (David) Ashley, Richard (Stephanie) Plumley, Rosemary (Freddie) Hunt; cherished grandfather of Lisa, Eric, Laura, Josh, Lindsay Claire, William, Jillian, Danielle, Shawn, Jeremy and Sarah; special great-grandfather of Simon, Olivia, Zoe, John, Austin and Devin; uncle of Clayton and Todd; great nieces and nephews. Also survived by special friend, Betty McVey and his beloved and devoted dogs, Rosie and Pablo, as well as his cats, Thelma, Eno, Misty and Ellie, and his bird, Fagela. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgie (Johnson) Plumley and Tom Plumley, his brothers, Paul and Arnold and grandson, Eric. Joseph was born and raised in Raleigh County. Known as “Ike” in his younger years, he was later dubbed “The Grouch” by his children, a nickname used by many family and friends until his death. Joseph served in World War II and retired from Purity Baking Company in Charleston. He later moved back to his childhood home in Calloway Heights. In 1989 he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to live with his oldest daughter, Jeanne. He passed away at home on Oct. 21, 2006, at the age of 88 surrounded by his children and his dogs. Grouch was greatly loved and very dear to his children who are grateful to him for teaching them the values of honesty and truthfulness, and the view that all people are equal regardless of their walk in life. He instilled a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic in this children and grandchildren and remained productive throughout his life. One of his favorite expressions was “Any job worth doing is worth doing right.” Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with a eulogy by his family members. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. The procession to the ceremony with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. You may register online at our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. [WWHS Class of 1936]

Robert Lee Scalise, 74, of South Charleston, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2008, surrounded by his family. He was born May 28, 1934, in Beckley, W.Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Flora Scalise; and his sister, Mary Louise Stacy. Robert attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. He graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at Notre Dame, he was a member of the Fighting Irish Band and a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force stationed in New Mexico. In 1958 Robert came to the Kanawha Valley and began a 40-year career as a Chemical and Environmental Engineer. Robert was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, past President of St. Anthony School Board, and member of Parish Council. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and Christopher Columbus Lodge Sons of Italy. Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Katherine, and their four children and spouses, Karen and Dan Lanham, Annette and Jeff Cable, Susanne and Joel Weese, all of Charleston, and Robert and Malena Scalise of South Charleston. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, whom he loved dearly, John and Josephine Kogoy of South Charleston. Robert’s pride and joy were his eight grandchildren, Danielle, Natalie, and Maria Lanham, Drew and Will Cable, Katherine, Rachel, and Hannah Weese. The Mass of Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at St. Anthony Catholic Parish, Charleston, with Father Dennis Klemash as celebrant. Burial will be at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends will visit from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Snodgrass Funeral Home with a prayer service to conclude the visitation at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The St. Anthony Catholic Parish Restoration Fund, 1000 Sixth St., Charleston, WV 25302. Services are entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.

Rena Mae Bailey, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Waiting for her at Heaven’s gate were her parents, Blain and Mildred Milam and son “JE” Bailey, all formerly of Prosperity, W.Va. Mrs. Bailey is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John E. Bailey; her son Roy W. Bailey and wife Kathy Bailey of Beckley; daughter Belinda J. Hill and husband Paul Hill of Suffolk, Va. and daughter in law Charla Bailey of Prosperity. Also surviving Mrs. Bailey are five grandchildren, Angela Adkins and husband Rusty Adkins of Oak Hill, Michele Davis and husband Wesley Davis of Midway, Christy Fitzgerald and husband “DJ” Fitzgerald of Prosperity, Jason Bailey of Prosperity and Andrew Hill and wife Hollie of Leesburg, Va. Mrs. Bailey is also survived by six great grandchildren, Jayden, Kyndal and Rhiannon Adkins of Oak Hill, Kyra and Jaina Davis of Midway and Elisabeth Hill of Leesburg, Va. and three step-great grandchildren, Stephanie, Christa and Sean Adkins of Oak Hill, She is also survived by brother in law, Bill R. Bailey and wife Lorraine Bailey of Norfolk, Va.; sister in law Mary Bailey of Chicago, Ill. She leaves behind many friends and family scattered through out West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951, Mrs. Bailey left the area as a young Navy wife and made her home for a short while in Jacksonville, Fla. where her three children were born. From there, her family moved to Norfolk, Va. where she lived a big portion of her adult life and started a long career as a meat wrapper for area food store chains. She continued that career after returning to Prosperity permanently in 1993 and had several years ago retired from the Kroger Food Store. Mrs. Bailey was a member of the Maple Fork Baptist Church where her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2008 with Pastor Robert Barley conducting the service. Friends may gather with the family Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services on Monday. Online condolences may be sent to the family at blueridgefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Dr. Beckley.

Charles Anthony Massinople, 96, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, surrounded by his family. Born June 15, 1912, in Fumedenisi, Sicily, he was an infant when his parents, Mariano and Gracia Massanopoli, immigrated to America and settled in the Beckley area, ultimately in Mabscott, where his father worked as a coal miner. Charles attended Mabscott Grade School and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1932, where he excelled academically and as a member of the debate team. In his yearbook, it reads, “His speech flowed from his tongue sweeter than honey.” He went on to graduate from the Benjamin Franklin School of Business in Washington, D.C., earning a degree in accounting. While in Washington, he met his cherished Charlotte Caponiti and married on Sept. 3, 1939. Charles was the founder, president and, later, chairman of Mabscott Supply Company. Established in 1942, Mabscott Supply Company is a diversified distributor of industrial and medical gases, welding products and machine tools, and is now in its third generation of leadership as a family business with locations in Beckley and Nitro, West Virginia. “Charlie” deeply loved his work and was admired by employees, customers and suppliers for his integrity, honesty and sound business practices. He provided a break from work with his enjoyment of golf, travel and an occasional game of cards. Charles was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and, driven by a love of children, was co-chairman of the fund drive which built St. Francis de Sales Grade School in 1957. He was a past president of Black Knight Country Club, a longtime member of the Beckley Rotary Club and an original member of Glade Springs. He provided support to the Beckley Area Foundation as well as other organizations helping the needy, particularly the Salvation Army. He was recognized and honored by his community and the Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA by receiving the Spirit of Beckley Award in 2001. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Gracia; a brother, Anthony James Massinople; and a young nephew, Michael Massinople. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Charlotte Caponiti Massinople, and their six children, Marion Charles “Mike” Massinople and his wife, Kathleen “Kitty,” of Beckley; Anthony Fredrick Massinople and his wife, Barbara, of Hayes, Va.; Mary Grace Massinople Johnson and her husband, William Parke, of Morgantown, W.Va.; Charles Edward Massinople and his wife, Wilma, of Mars Hill, N.C.; John David Massinople of Charlotte, N.C.; Alicia Massinople Scott and her husband, Richard “Rick,” of Pittsburgh, Pa.; 11 grandchildren, Michael Charles Massinople and his wife, Kelly; Dr. Christina Massinople Park and her husband, Dr. William “Shawn” Park; Dr. David Samuel Massinople and his wife, Sharon; Angela Johnson Ellison and her husband, Ryan; Nicholas Parke Johnson; Chala Marie Massinople; Sam Theo Massinople; William Anthony Massinople; Mia Judith Scott; Cameron Richard Scott; and Natalie Charlotte Scott; six great-grandchildren, Ryan Charles Massinople; Sophia Eileen Massinople; Michael Kessler Park; Mackenzie Alston Park; Alessia Loren Massinople; and Milana Kaye Massinople. He is also survived by a dear brother, Dominick Massinople of Columbus, Ohio; a special cousin, Tony Tipane of Beckley; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Charles was attended to and grateful for his caregivers in his later years: Rita Wills, Beverly Gordon, Bill Horton, Sonya Ferris, Tina Patton, Linda Fox and Linda Torba; and Visiting Angels, Megan Acord, Bonnie Wright, and Cathy and Reggie Criddle. The family extends a special thanks to Hospice of Southern West Virginia. A funeral liturgy will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Father Chapin Engler the celebrant. A rite of committal will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, where a Rosary will be held at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801, or St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, 614 Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mr. Phillip Jarrell Jare' Meador, 75, of Piney Flats, TN, passed away Friday November 14, 2008, at the Johnson City Medical Center following a 10 year illness. Jare' was the Co-Owner of Cams Cakes & Catering and also Co-Owner of Cams Lake Estates. Jare' was a Beckley, W.Va., native but had been in this area for about 26 years. Mr. Meador was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Palmer Meador and Zella Belle Lilly; one brother, Oscar Meador; and a nephew, Keith Kincaid. Survivors include his loving wife, Jeanette Meador, eight daughters, Valerie Meador, of Anderson, S.C., LeAnna Furey, of Fairfax, Va., Jennifer Pearson, of Fredericksburg, Va., Zella Byrd, of Bluefield, Va., Angela Adams, of Piney Flats, Tenn., Sherri Spencer, of Piney Flats, Tenn., and Tina Waldo, of Kingsport, Tenn.; one son, John Adams, of Piney Flats, Tenn. ; a sister, Merle Kincaid of MacArthur; 22 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Visitation with family and friends was held Monday November 17, 2008, at Snyder's Funeral Home, 5913 Kingsport Highway, Gray, Tennessee, followed by the memorial service. Serving the Phillip Jare' Meador family is Snyder's Funeral Home. 423-477-7911 [WWHS Class of 1951]

William Ryan “Billy” Hopkins, 29, of Beckley, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 11, 2008, in an automobile accident at 9:14 p.m. Born May 31, 1979, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, he was the son of William D. and Beverly Sharon Ford Hopkins. Billy grew up with his family at 1612 Maxwell Hill Road, Beckley. He married Jennifer Michelle Lively on Sept. 15, 2007. They resided in Lewisburg and then recently moved to 120 Bava Drive, Beckley. He attended Maxwell Hill Elementary School and later went to Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated in 1997. He attended Beckley College for a while. During high school, he was active in drama and played a lead character in the play Juvie. He also played the role of Dracula in Mount Hope with the Princess Play House. He loved music. During high school, he played with the band Warfair. They did several shows around the county. He wrote a short story in the 6th grade that was published in a National Publication, Highlights Magazine. While at Woodrow, he painted the character Spawn. While he enjoyed writing stories and poems, his first love was music and performing on stage. He spent time after high school at Subway, then Kroger’s; a couple of years at Lowe’s, and then at ResCare. He enjoyed sports, but he was too kindhearted to hunt and shoot game. He leaves behind his kind and loving wife, Jennifer Michelle Lively Hopkins; his mother, Beverly Ford Hopkins; his father, William D. Hopkins; brother, Shaun D. Hopkins and wife, Brandy Lee Hopkins; his niece, Ellie D. Hopkins; grandmothers, Marian Hopkins and Myrtle C. Ford; aunt and uncle, John and Barbara Yurick of Beckley; and cousins, Alice, Nick and Sam Yurick; Phil Ramsey and wife, Tammy, of Peterstown, P.D. Ramsey and wife, Kelly, of Roanoke, Va.; and numerous other relatives. Friends may gather with the family 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service Friday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. A memorial service will be 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at blueridgefuneralhome.com Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.

William David Holliday Jr., 64, of Beckley passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born on Dec. 2, 1943, in Beckley, he was the son of Betty Lou Weaver Holliday of Beckley and the late William David (W.D.) Hol- liday. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Don Phelps Holliday. Mr. Holliday was a life long resident of Beckley and vice president of Beckley Welding Supply Co. He was also a member of the Beckley Moose Lodge. In addition to his mother, he is survived by eight children: W.D. Holliday III of Margate, Fla., Teresa Dawn Holliday of Beckley, Cynthia Miller of Oak Hill, Melissa Bartusiak of Scarbro, Michelle Lou Phillips of Beckley, Dee Dee Lynn Holliday-Reynolds of Deerfield Beach, Fla., Greg Holliday of Shady Spring, and Candi Holliday of Florida; 14 grandchildren; and two sisters, Delores Jean Haines and Diann Ellen Srednicki, both of Beckley, also survive. David will be sadly missed by his entire family. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Friday in the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Wright and Mr. Danny Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Greg Holliday, W.D. Holliday III, W.D. Holliday IV, Joseph Phillips, Alex Phillips and Roger Redden. Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. [WWHS ’61]

Warrene Givens Beard of Lewis Street, Beckley, passed peacefully to heaven on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at her home. Known affectionately as “Sugar,” Mrs. Beard was born Oct. 5, 1922, in Fulton, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert C. Givens and Sybil Summers Givens; two brothers, William Givens and Parker A. Givens; and three sisters, Eloise Craddock, Marjorie Jackson and Joan Givens. She is survived by one sister, June Givens Mynhier of Kingsport, Tenn. Sugar moved, in 1923, to Mt. Hope, W.Va., with her parents, then to Beckley in 1937. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1940. She met her future husband, John G. “Jack” Beard Jr., on Dec. 1, 1937. They married on Dec. 26, 1942, and immediately began caring for her infant twin sisters, June and Joan Givens. Jack and Sugar became the parents of Barbara F. Manning and husband Robert of Minneapolis, Minn., John G. Beard III and wife Anita of Greensboro, N.C., and Robin D. Brown and husband David of Knoxville, Tenn. Grandchildren include Holly Manning Massina and husband Mark, Christopher Manning and wife Kelly, John G. Beard IV, Sarah Beard Reed and husband Christopher and Hillary Brown. Great-grandchildren are: Katelyn Reed and Macy and Morgan Manning. Sugar is also survived by many nephews and nieces. A celebration of life service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Mr. Earl Whitener officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be: Chri-stopher Manning, John G. Beard IV, Robert Manning, Robert Mynhier, David Brown, Christopher Reed and Joe W. “Butch” Beard. Flowers are welcome; also donations of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences can be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Danny Joe Moore, 50, of Beckley, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, in a local hospital. Born May 14, 1958, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Woodrow H. (Woody) and Jean Gardner Moore. Danny was a former assistant manager for Acme Markets in Beckley and more recently was a Team Leader at Sam’s Club Fuel Center. He was a 1976 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a member of the United Methodist Temple and was an avid NASCAR and WVU fan. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Will-iam H. “Bill” Moore, in 2002 and by his grandmother, Peggy Gardner Adkins. Surviv-ors include daughters, Amanda Nicole Moore and Sarah Katherine Moore, both of Beckley; former wife, Sheri Gray Moore of Beckley; sister, Kathy L. Moore Pittman of Athens, Ohio; nephews, Daniel and Josh Pittman of Athens, Ohio, Quinn and Dylan Gray of Beckley, Aaron Moore of Columbus, Ohio; nieces: Katie Rose Pittman of Athens, Ohio, Kristen Moore of Columbus, Ohio, Kayla and Jordan Gray of Beckley; aunts, Helen Boersch of Lexington, Ky., and Erma Griffith of Charleston, W.Va.; and several cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Trish Standifur officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Doug Cox, Dwight Bellomy, Bobby Zutaut, Eddie Ballard, Josh Pittman and Daniel Pittman. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Betty Coralee Arbaugh of Mabscott died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, following an extended illness. She was in her 76th year. Born on Aug. 27, 1932, in Lego, she was the daughter of the late Otto Clarence and Mary Kitchen Ferguson. She was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Homer, Carl and Wanna Ferguson, and Libby Dietterle. Betty was a 1950 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She worked as a Service Representative with the Social Security Office in Beckley for many years. An active member of the Mabscott United Methodist Church, Betty taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class and was President of the United Methodist Women. Before her failing health, she was a member of the Friday Night Ladies Bowling League. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Earl Wesley Arbaugh; three daughters, Cathy Davis and husband, Michael, of Beckley, Cindy Chromek and husband, Jim, of Front Royal, Va., and Sandy Simmons and husband, Dave, of Sophia; five grandchildren, Wesley Davis and wife, Michele, Mary Coralee Chromek, Anna Ruth Chromek, Jacob Earl Kelly and Jessie Catherine Kelly; and two great-grandchildren, Kyra and Jaina Davis. She is also survived by six brothers and sisters, Tom Ferguson of Princeton, Anna Ruth Bondroa of Ohio, Hubert Ferguson of Minn., Norma Dudas of Calif., Otto Ferguson of Va., and Jack Ferguson of KS. She will also be loved and sadly missed by many nephews and nieces. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. Michelle Messer officia-ting. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Ex-Countian Thomas James Dies In Fire. Thomas "Tom" James, 23, formerly of Crab Orchard, died early today in a fire that gutted his mobile home near Kenna. Cause of the blaze has not been determined, according to a spokesman for the Ripley Fire Department, spokesman said the fire been burning for some time when discovered by a neighbor at 5:30 a.m. James, the son of K. R. and Lillian Carver James of Crab Orchard, was a teacher at the Goshen Elementary School. According to authorities James had brought his wife, the former Brenda Warden of Beckley and three-week old daughter, Kelly Jo, to Beckley Thursday to spend the Christmas holidays and returned to Kenna Thursday night. A brother, George, is a teacher in Ripley. Additional survivors include a brother, Kenneth "Duke," of Greenville, N. C. and one sister, Mrs. Mary Kay Moorman, of Louisville, Ky. The body is at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home pending completion of arrangements. Raleigh Register, Friday, Dec 20, 1968. (Class of 1963)

Lewisburg.—Virginia Pearl Hurt Spangler, 88, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Mrs. Spangler was born Feb. 26, 1920, in Beckley, the eldest of 10 children of William Hurt, Jr. and Lillian Hutchinson Hurt. Following graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, she worked as a telephone operator with he C&P Telephone Company. After moving to Lewisburg, she worked as a secretary at Lewisburg Elementary School for many years. During retirement, she volunteered as a Senior Friend, working in the gift shop at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Jack Spangler; her brothers, William “Bus” Hurt, John Hurt, Wyatt Lee “Jimmy” Hurt, and Charles Hurt; and her sisters, Margaret “Jo” Taylor, Sarilda Scharf and Joyce Peterson. Survivors include: her daughter, Elizabeth Spangler of Lewisburg; sister, Wanda Hurt Aliff of Beckley; brother, Ray Gene Hurt of Hudson, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Services were held Friday, Oct. 31, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg where Father John Seville officiated. Burial was in Rosewood Cemetery. The received friends at the funeral home one hour at prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greenbrier County Library, 152 Robert W. McCormick Drive, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Please send on-line condolences by visiting website www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com." [Mountain Messenger, Lewisburg]

Woodrow “Trey” Wilson Cooke III, 21, of South Charleston, died at the scene of a car accident in Caldwell, W. Va., Sept 4, 1994. He was a member of the WWHS Class of 1991, and was a wonderful caring person with many friends. [A complete obituary is unavailabe.]

SFC Antonio M. Cueto, USA, retired, reported for his last duty assignment on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, following a long battle with kidney failure. Born July 1, 1940, in Kingston, W.Va., he was the son of the late Manuel and Mona Cueto, formerly of Sprague, W.Va. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1958, he joined the Army in 1959, and honorably and faithfully served his country until his retirement in 1979. While in service, he served overseas in France, Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam as an Advanced Medical Specialist. Most of his stateside duty was at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Walson Army Hospital in Ft. Dix, N.J. At Fort Dix, he was NCOIC of Nursing Education. After his retirement, he attended Burlington County College in Pemberton, N.J. After college, he went to work for the Dept. of the Army at Ft. Dix, N.J., as an EMT/Ambulance driver. His hobbies and interests included stamp collecting, puzzles, reading, computers, WVU sports, listening to classic rock music and the New York Yankees. He did much volunteer work with children, especially those with special needs. He was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, and dear cat, Callie, of Hines; a daughter, Lisa Goodwin and husband, David, of Lumberport, W.Va.; grandchildren, Alura Dawn and Tyler David Goodwin of Lumberport, W.Va.; and stepsons, Daniel Osborne and wife, Machelle, of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Troy Osborne of Hines. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Chapel, Rainelle, with Pastor David Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. The family wishes to express special thanks to Jan Care Ambulance, especially Larry, Keith, Joe, Sterling and Stacey, Ansted Center, Dr. Gordinho and staff, Fayetteville Dialysis Center, especially Lisa, and Home Care Plus. Arrangements by Wallace and Wallace, Rainelle.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, our beloved Donna Lee Akers passed away at her home following a long illness. She was 51 years of age. Donna was born on July 20, 1957, the youngest of two daughters born to Mary Virginia Garten Akers and the late Donald Lee Akers. Donna made her career in the hotel industry, working in many hotel chains and traveling throughout the years. She loved the ocean and fishing, and made her home on the Florida coast for many years. When her health began to fail, she returned to Beckley to make her home with her mother, Mary, at Emerald Court, and enjoy the company of her sister, Linda, and her family. Left to cherish her memory is her loving mother, Mary, who took care of her; her devoted sister, Linda Moore and her husband, Elder David Leo Moore, of Beckley; dear nephews, Shawn Gunther and his wife, Kathy, of Crab Orchard, and Chris Gunther of Brazil; special aunts, Wilma and Betty; and lifelong friends, Lilly and Sally. In keeping with her wishes, she has been cremated. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Heart of God Ministries at 1703 South Kanawha Street, with Elder David Leo Moore and host pastor Bishop Fred Sims officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. And so we shall remember “Our Sweet Donna,” funny, always making us laugh, full of life and joy. II Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” And she did, until the very end. You are “Forever In Our Hearts.” Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. [WWHS ’75]

Lillian Anna Ruth Moodespaugh, 83, of Cranberry, W.Va., died early Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, 2008, in Beckley, W.Va. She was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Cranberry, W.Va., and was the youngest of five children born to William and Capitola Moodespaugh. She was known as “Aunt Ann” to everyone. Although she never married or had children, her life and heart were full of love and everyone’s child belonged to her in her heart. Her life revolved around her family, but her caring and generosity was a gift she shared with everyone. After working as a clerk in company stores in Cranberry and Skelton, she briefly worked in retail at various retail stores in Beckley, including Leeds, and Stone and Thomas. But she made her family her career, caring for her aging parents and later her sisters until their deaths. Her compassion in these roles knew no limits. At the same time she was being a caregiver, she made to babysit children and make her house a home for everyone. She was also the primary baby sitter for Ann-Elizabeth Hancock for the first 10 years of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Capitola Moodespaugh; an older brother, Bruce Moodespaugh; two older sisters, Madeline Sawyers and Beulah Hancock; one niece, Beverly Sawyers; and two nephews, Connie Sawyers and Johnny Sawyers. She is survived by one sister, Josephine Halstead of Lowell, W.Va. She is also survived by two nephews, Mel Hancock of Beckley and Phil Halstead of Alderson; two nieces, Barbara (Halstead) Bowling of Lowell and Shirley (Moodespaugh) Borden of Cranberry; five great-nephews, Chris Hancock of Beckley, Michael Sawyers of Virginia, Mitch Bowling of Pennsylvania, Brian Bowling of Georgia and Lewis Halstead of Alderson; seven great-nieces, Alisa (Hancock) Evans of North Carolina, Beth (Borden) Fox of Beckley, Valinda (Sawyers) Dixon of Florida; Johanna Sawyers of Virginia, Crystal (Halstead) Crouch of Charleston, Hillary Halstead of South Carolina, Ann-Elizabeth Hancock of Beckley, who was named after her; three great-great-nieces, Lillian “Lily” Evans (who is also a namesake), Katie Fox, Sarah Fox, Emma Crouch, Sydney Bowling, Riley Bowling; and six great- great-nephews, Ryan Dixon, Turner Bowling, Bryce Bowling, Brooks Bowling, George Saw-yers and Paul Evans. Aunt Ann had many hobbies such as crafting, quilting and geneology. Any visitor was welcome in her home and left well-fed. She is loved by all, and will be sadly missed. We know that GOD will welcome her in his arms. Pallbearers will be Tom Lilly, Mike White, Charlie Cline, Jack Clemons, Jim Reed and Ken Fox. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Paul Blizard officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS ’44]

A heart ailment since birth took the life Thursday of Sandra Kay Harmon, 16, daughter of Mrs. Ethel Douglas Harmon, Rural Acres Drive, and the late Bill Harmon. Her father preceded her in death last December. Sandra Kay died Thursday evening in the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Md., where she had undergone heart surgery twice in the past eight weeks. Confined to her home during her school years, she was a homebound student until last year when she was able to attend Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was a sophomore. She was a member of the Calloway Heights Community Church. Surviving besides her mother is a brother, Rodney, at home, and maternal grandmother, Mrs. W. L. Fink, Beckley. The body is expected to be returned to the Melton Mortuary for completion of funeral arrangements. [Raleigh Register, Oct. 6, 1961; WWHS Class of 1963]

Peter Verbofsky. Former City Man Killed In Wreck. Peter Verbofsky, 23, of Wheeling, formerly of Beckley, was killed at 7 p.m. Saturday when his car skidded on Ohio Interstate 70 and struck a guard rail. Born Nov. 18, 1944, in Turkey, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Hymon Verbofsky of 33 Haddle St., Wheeling. A 1963 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Verbofsky had attended Northeastern University for one year and was currently attending Wheeling College. Additional survivors include two brothers, Howard and David, at home; a sister, Mrs. Mark (Ingrid) Scarbrough of Piney View; and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Irene Stern of Wheeling. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today in Wheeling with Rabbi Helm in charge. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. The body is at the Ketner Funeral Home there. [Beckley Post-Herald, May 13, 1968.]

Blanche Woods Ashworth, of 206 Elkins St., Beckley, passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, at Raleigh General Hospital. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Andrew Byron and Sara Elizabeth Acord Clay of Beckley. She lived her entire and very full life in Raleigh County and had been the last surviving member of her immediate family. Mrs. Ashworth attended Woodrow Wilson High School, Marshall University, and Beckley College. She was the first woman to be elected to the Board of Trustees of Mountain State University in 1976. She later was named a Trustee Emeritus and a Life Trustee at the school. She and her husband, Jay W. Woods, owned State Adjustment Service and Medical-Dental-Hospital Bureau of Beckley, a business which operated successfully from offices in the former Raleigh County Bank for 59 years. After Jay’s death, she continued to manage the company for 23 years. She was a member of Alpha Zeta Delta sorority. Blanche was a member of the Woman’s Club of Beckley and the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Beckley Art Group and held various responsible positions with the First United Methodist Church, including President of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service. She had been a member of the Black Knight Country Club and the Flat Top Lake Association. Blanche especially cherished her “little bridge and birthday groups,” as she affectionately termed them. These groups consisted of some of her very dear friends. Her second husband, Robert J. Ashworth, preceded her in death, passing away on Oct. 2, 2008. She is survived by a son, Barry C. Woods and his wife, Constance, of Flat Top Lake; two stepdaughters, Nancy Sanderbeck and her husband, Jack, of Concord, N.C., and Joan Ashworth of Beckley; a grandson, Dr. Hunter K. Woods and his wife, Tanja, of Wytheville, Va.; and three nieces. She is also survived by a very caring associate, Nadene Stover. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at Calfee Funeral Home, 800 Oakwood Ave., Beckley, W.Va., with Dr. Robert Stoddard officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call one hour prior to service on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Harris, Judge J. L. Kirkpatrick, Ronald Lear, Kenneth Litton, Rivers Varn, and James Vaughan. Honorary pallbearer will be Gov. Hulett C. Smith, who served as best man at Blanche’s wedding to Robert J. Ashworth 20 years ago. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Heber St., Beckley, WV 25801, and to the Woods Family Endowment Fund at the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Dovie Mae McDowell (January 12, 1932 - October 3, 2008). Dovie Mae McDowell, 76, of Charleston passed away October 3, 2008 after a short illness. She was a longtime member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church, enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by: daughter, Linda D’Arco; and brother, Homer Tate. Survived by: Husband, David McDowell, at home; sons, Louie and Raymond D’Arco both of Charleston; sisters, Barbara Studinger of Springfield, California, and Lois Tate of Florida; grandchildren, Little Louie D’Arco, Shawnette Lovejoy, Justin Little, and Jason, Joshua, and Raymond D’Arco; and six great grandchildren. The Funeral Service will be 10am Tuesday, October 7 in the Floral Hills Garden of Memories Mausoleum Chapel, Sissonville with Rev. David Wuletich officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum. A visitation will be half an hour prior to the service in the Mausoleum Chapel. Long and Fisher Funeral Home, Sissonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.longfisherfuneralhome.com. [WWHS ’51]

Brenda Kay Brammer Thorne, age 48, of Beckley, left this world early Monday morning, October 6, 2008, to go home to her Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She died as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident on Saturday morning, September 27, 2008 near Ghent, WV. Born July 18, 1960, in Beckley, WV, she was the loving daughter of Patricia DeHart Brammer and the late Winifred E. Brammer. Married for 19 years, she was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Thomas A. Thorne who loves her dearly. Brenda loved taking care of her home, traveling, lunches with Joy and Sherry, time spent with Diane, walking with Darla, receiving e-mail pictures of her nieces from Sara, her young Sunday School students, and talking with her children friends on her street. She had a deep compassion for everyone. Brenda was a beautiful person. Brenda loved her four nieces, Rhegan, Lila, Gwenie, and Junie and her nephew Hunter. They were always in her heart and in her thoughts and prayers. In addition to her father, Brenda was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Soltes of Bluff City, TN. In addition to her husband Thomas and her mother Patricia Brammer, those left to cherish her memory include her loving sister, Sara Barber and husband John and three nieces of Baltimore, MD; brother-in-law, Bill Soltes; one niece and one nephew all of Bluff City, TN; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; her dear friends, church family, and co-workers. Services will be held Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Calloway Heights Baptist Church, Beckley with Pastor Jeff Canterbury and Pastor Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. A special thank you to Teresa and David who were always there with her and for us; to Sara for her strength in her own sorrow; and to her employer Chatham Steel for their love and support. If you wish to honor Brenda, in lieu of flowers, you may either donate in her name to the CAMC Trauma Center or to her beloved church, Calloway Heights Baptist Church. In memory of Brenda Thorne to CAMC Foundation, 3412 Stanton Avenue, Charleston, WV 25304 (Designate Trauma in memo area of your check) or Calloway Heights Baptist Church, 132 Rural Acres Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Please view//www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendathorne. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801 is in charge of the arrangements. [WWHS ’78]

CAMERON, N.C. — Mrs. Shirley Riffe Brumfield, 73, of 129 Harman Drive, Cameron, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, at home. Mrs. Brumfield was a member of First Baptist Church of Vass. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, the Ret. Col. Darrell “Whitey” Brumfield; son, Randy Brumfield; and daughter, Sharon Hartley. She is survived by two daughters, Ruhama Bond of Cameron and Patty Kelly and husband, Ned, of Sanford; son, Timothy Brumfield of Fayetteville, N.C.; brother, Gene Riffe of Crab Orchard, W.Va.; nine grandchildren, Willard Cornell, Megan Joyce and husband, Todd, Andrew, Ryan, Owen and Brooke Kelly, Nicholas, Emily and Daniel Brumfield; great-granddaughter, Molly Jordyn Joyce. The family will receive friends and family 11 a.m. to noon Thursday in the fellowship hall of First Baptists Church of Vass. They will also receive friends and family 6 to 8 p.m. at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. A graveside service will be conducted noon Friday at noon at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, with the Rev. Bruce Benton and Todd Joyce officiating. Arrangements by Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, Fayetteville, N.C. [WWHS ’52]

Jerry Lee Pack died after a short illness at the Ohio State University Hospital on Sept. 30, 2008. He was 65 years old. He was preceded in death by his father Aubrey A. Pack and his brother Aubrey David Pack (Gail). He is survived by his wife, Erma Hogan Pack, and son Garrett Pack, his mother Margaret Hamby Pack of Dublin, Ohio, his brothers Lonnie Pack of Columbus, Ohio, and Randy Pack of Houston, Texas, and sisters Norma Duncan of Fairfax, Va., and Vicki Mayhew (Larry) of Nashville, Tenn., plus many nieces and nephews. Jerry was born in Pond Creek, Ohio, on June 1, 1943. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from West Virginia University and served in the National Guard during the Vietnam war. He worked as manager for Gold Circle, Staples, and MicroCenter stores throughout his professional career. A memorial gathering will be held 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St. (1/2 mile south of I-270). The family requests that donations be made to the Worthington Library in lieu of flowers. [WWHS '61]

On Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, our beloved Margaret Curtis of Mankin Ave., and Peters Drive, of Beckley, went to Heaven. She was in her 84th year, Born Margaret Ruth Huffman on Dec. 6, 1923, she was one of seven children born to the late Jacob LeRoy and Lula Ann Bennett Huffman. Her sister, Belva Huffman; and brothers, Burnis, Eugene, Fred, Charles and Robert Lee Huffman, also preceded her in death. Margaret attended Marshall University and Beckley College until her schooling was interrupted by World War II. She then moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the war effort. After the war, she worked for Bell Telephone Company, Greenbrier Dairy and Lillybrook Coal Company. Margaret also worked in the City Recorders office in Pineville. Margaret was an active member of the Memorial Baptist Church. A woman of prayer, her church family received many blessings throughout the years because of her. An accomplished quilter, she was gifted to have made many beautilful quilts throughout the years and shared her talents with many people. Margaret Curtis will be remembered for her sweet, sweet spirit. She had a smile for everyone she met. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 In addition to the Huffman family, Margaret was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Earl Milam and Kelly William Curtis. She was the loving mother of John R. Milam of Lafferty, Ohio, Lisa Luann Smith and her husband, Glenn, of Beckley; and Mark Earl Milam and his wife, Tamara, of Mount Carmel Illinois. She was the doting grandmother and great-grandmother of Katrina M. Milam, John Karl Milam, Maggie Beth Smith, Lacey Marie Milam, Robert A. Milam, Chelsa Milam, Thad Milam, Miles Smith, Rick Patterson, Gracie Milam, Garrett Milam and Blake Milam. The family expresses a special thank you to Margaret’s caregivers at SunBridge Pine Lodge Care and Rehabilitation Center of Beckley. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Memorial Baptist Church, 1405 South Kanawha Street, with the Rev. Paul Blizard and Dr. Charles Bright officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity. Friends may call at the church from noon until the hour of the service. Pallbearers will be grandsons, great-grandsons and honorary grandsons. The family suggests donations of sympathy be made to Gideons International; Beckley Gideon Camp; c/o A. Keith Walker; 517 Orchard Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. [WWHS '41]

Christine H. Short, age 64, of Crab Orchard, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, at the Bowers Hospice House following a short illness. Born on Dec. 25, 1943, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Julius Harvath and Wanda Medina Harvath. Mrs. Short was a homemaker, and was a former manager of a Little General Store. She was a member of the Crab Orchard Baptist Church. She was a former resident of Delaware, and had made her home in this area for the past 23 years. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Short. Survivors include daughters, Melissa Stokes and husband, Jeff, of Hilliard, Fla., and Tanya Andrews and husband, Robert, of Rocky Mount, Va.; a brother, Patrick Harvath and wife, Twila, of Roswell, Ga.; sisters, Patty Uhl and husband, Neil, of Williamstown, and Brenda Mackey and husband, Gene, of Vienna, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Joshua, Jamie, Kearstine, Paige and Kami; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Mr. Bob Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS ’61]

On Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, the first day of autumn, Thomas Everette Smith of Maxwell Hill Road, Beckley, passed away. He was in his 85th year. Known affectionately as Tom or “T.E.” all his life, Thomas Everette Smith was born at Oak Grove on June 13, 1923, the youngest of eight born children to the late Kenley E. and Grace Lilly Smith. Sisters Mary S. Bond and Virginia Donaghue and brothers Henry G. Smith, William “Bill” Smith, Kenley “Pete” Smith and Mayo Smith also preceded Tom in death. A lifelong resident of the Beckley area, Tom was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1941, and earned a commercial science degree from National Business College in Roanoke, Va. A World War II veteran, he was in Company K, 413th Regent, 104th Infantry Division of the European Theater. Tom was a Certified Public Accountant, practicing in Beckley from 1963 to 2006. Prior to 1963, he was an Internal Revenue Agent for 13 years. For many years, Tom was the accountant for the Thomas Walker Foundation and the Beckley Area Foundation. A member of the Beckley Moose Lodge, he was a former Kiwanian. A man of “dry wit” Tom enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling. The beloved husband of Anna Marie Peters Smith, he was the loving father of Tamara Ann Smith Wimer and her husband Brian of Friendswood, Texas, and Thomas C. Smith and his wife Catherine of Snohomish, Wash.; the dear grandfather of Zachary, Caleb, Justin, Nathan and Tony; and the fond brother of Ruth S. Frye of Scott Depot; several nieces and nephews also survive. The Smith family would like to give a special thanks to their “extended family” the staff of Hilltop Care Center, who took such exceptional care of Tom during the last months of his life. Funeral services will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Alan Keathley officiating. Tom will then be entombed at the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum A in Beckley. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of the services. Pallbearers will be: Zachary and Caleb Wimer, Randy Brewer, Mike Akers, Michael Gunter, and Jim Vaughan. Military rites will be conducted by Oak Hill Post 3110 of the Veterans of the Foreign Wars at the cemetery. The family suggests that donations of sympathy can be made to the Beckley Area Foundation: Thomas E. Smith Fund, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences can be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gene Thomas Dew Sr., 80, passed away on Sept. 22, 2008, in Jacksonville, Fla. He was born on March 4, 1928, the son of the late Robert L. Dew and Dotie C. Dew. He is survived by his be-loved wife of 60 years, Cordelia “Dee” Richmond Dew; their six children, Gene Dew Jr., Diana Dew, Donald Dew, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Linn Dew and Eric Dew; four grandchildren, Clinton Dew, Jennifer Dew, Chrissann Gasparro and Christopher Dew; three great-grandchildren, Chloe Garland, Ethan Chumbly and Jaelyn Dew; and five siblings, Harold Dew of Satellite Beach, Fla., Raymond Dew of Palm Coast, Fla., Nelson Dew of Ghent, Betty Mallamas and Shirley Dew of Orlando, Fla. Gene received his B.S. and Master’s of School Administration degrees from Marshall University. He later received a Master’s of Science Education from UNC Chapel Hill on a National Science Foundation scholarship. He was certified to teach in six subject areas. Gene began his long teaching career in both Fayette and Raleigh Counties, W.Va., at the elementary level. He also taught at Mount Hope High School. He was an Associate Professor at Glenville State Teachers’ College. He spent most of his career at Groveton High School in Fairfax County, Va., where he taught sciences for 25 years. Gene was active in the Fairfax Education Association. He was intimately involved in Tyson’s Towers, a high rise residence for retired teachers. He served on the Board of Directors for many years, including as its President. His dedication to the Tyson’s Towers project spanned two decades. A private memorial service was held for his family in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sept. 22, 2008. Services under the care and direction of Quinn-Shalz, A Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. [WWHS '46]

Thomas Allen Craft, 77, of Sissonville passed away September 4, 2008, in CAMC Memorial Hospital. He was retired from Appalachian Power Company and was an Air Force veteran. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Lewis Willse; stepfather, William Willse; father, Delmar Craft; and grandson, Thomas Dewey “TD” Craft. Tom will be dearly missed by his wife of 30 years, Barbara Caldwell Craft; son, Gregory Craft of South Charleston; stepdaughters, Cynthia Smith Harper and husband, Robert, of McDonough, Ga., Sandra Smith Copenhaver and husband, Steve, of Pinch and Margaret Ann Smith Burdette of Parkersburg; brother, Delmar and wife, Rosemary Craft, of Springfield, Va.; sister, Mary Cooke and husband, Garth, of Dayton, Ohio; and a special aunt, Jo Ann Lewis Estroff and husband, Selig, of Lakeland, Fla. He had wonderful grandchildren, Eric and Jacob Craft, JR Harper, Carolyn Mullins, Karen Copenhaver and Matthew and Alexander Burdette; and great-grandchildren, Payton and Brayden Harper and Brandon and Sydney Mullins. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13, at Long & Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Lee Swor officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Lung Society. [WWHS ’49]

Mrs. Elizabeth “Ann” Harris Pannell, 58, of 313 Plumley Ave., Beckley, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at home, following a short illness. Born Sept. 19, 1949, she was the daughter of Ida Mae Chappell Elder of Birmingham, Ala. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and was a pharmacy technician for CVS Pharmacy where she retired in 2005. She was also formerly employed by the Raleigh County Board of Education as a pharmacy technician instructor. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Beckley. Mrs. Pannell was preceded in death by two sons, Norman Lee Pannell and Preston Damont Pannell; a granddaughter, Kathryn Briana Pannell, in January 1993; and a son, Adrian Lamont Pannell, in 1995. Left to cherish precious memories are her husband, Norman Lee Pannell of Beckley; daughter, Tina “Carter” Pannell-Ellis, and two grandsons, Carter Ellis V and Jackson Harris Ellis, all of Queen Creek, Ariz.; a brother, Arthur Lee Harris of Washington, D.C.; three sisters, Patricia Ann Chappell and Antionette Bloomfield, both of Columbus, Ohio, and Margaret Evans of Birmingham, Ala.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at New Hope Baptist Church, 304 Worley Road, Beckley, with Rev. Nathaniel Carey officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

NAVARRE, Fla. — Mr. Douglas “Doug” Wright, 44, of 8147 Cosica Blvd., Navarre, Fla., died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at his home of natural causes. Born June 2, 1964, in Beckley, W.Va., he was the son of James A. and Suzanne Wright. Mr. Wright was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended West Virginia University and obtained a master of science degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Doug was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was currently employed with Hi-Tech Associates, Inc. of Lakeland, Fla. Mr. Wright was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Doug is survived by three sons, Darryl, Bradley and Traves; their mother, Renate, all of the Netherlands; three brothers, Michael (Felecia) of Cussetta, Ga.; Gregory (Vicky) of Knightsdale, N.C.; and Kevin (Maria) of Beckley; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Service will be noon Friday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. David McDowell. Friends may call 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

On Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, John Robert Pedro Jr., died in a Beckley hospital of pancreatic cancer. He was 52 years of age. Born on Christmas day in 1955, John was the beloved son of John Robert and Vada Juanita Lilly Pedro of Peters Drive, Beckley. John attended Greenbrier Military School and was a graduate of Alleghany High School in Covington, Va. A graduate of Raleigh County Vocational Technology Center, he was a certified welder with state and federal certificates. John worked on many mining projects. He had been employed for Roberts and Shaffer. A member of Memorial Baptist Church, John had many friends. In his leisure time, he liked to build models, especially airplanes. In addition to his parents, John is the dear brother of Patty Osborne and her husband, Owen, and the fond uncle of Ashley Osborne all of Rural Hall, N.C. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. Dr. Charles Bright, the senior adult pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, will officiate at the service. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. The family will receive friends 1 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Ramona L. Cottle, of Beckley, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at Heartland Nursing Home, where she had lived for the past six months. Born at Glen White on Jan. 24, 1929, to Gladys Wood Cottle and Elmer Edgar Cottle, both deceased, Ramona graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946 and from the Raleigh General Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She spent two years in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Japan and Korea as a nurse. Ramona worked at Raleigh General Hospital as an anesthetist for 17 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William E. Cottle, in 1967; her sister, Imogene C. O’Dell, in 1993; and her nephew, Michael P. O’Dell, in 2007. Ramona will be missed by her niece, Vickie L. O’ Dell of Richmond, Va.; nephew, David P. O’Dell of Portsmouth, Va.; her close cousin, Nancy W. Vest; a great-nephew, Jon M. O’Dell; a great-great-nephew, Joseph M. O’Dell, all of Beckley; and numerous other cousins. Ramona will be missed by many friends, both old and new whom she cherished. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Parent officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. Friends may call this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour prior to the services on Tuesday. The staff at Heartland Nursing Home cared for Ramona with respect and compassion. She enjoyed them to the end. “Her time to mourn is over; her time to dance has come.” [Ecclesiastes 3:4] Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

SOUTH CHARLESTON — Marcella Ann “Marcie” Wise, 55, of South Charleston, formerly of Beckley, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. Born Oct. 17, 1952, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Rev. Mr. Don and Mary Ann Pachuta Wise of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Elizabeth Pachuta and George and Anna Wise. Marcie was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing. She was a former L.P.N. instructor for the Raleigh County Board of Education and Head Pediatric Nurse at Duke University. Marcie was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in South Charleston and the St. Mary’s School of Nursing Alumni Association. She had been a resident of South Charleston for the past 11 years. Besides her parents, she is survived by her sisters, Sandy Rush and her husband Les of Henderson, Nev., and Theresa O’Leary and her husband Tony of South Charleston, W.Va.; and a brother, Don Wise and his wife Tina of Ronceverte, W.Va. The joys of her life were her nieces and nephews, Donnie, Stephen, Gabe, Samantha, Lachelle, Alexis, and Desi Wise, and Patrick, David, and Colleen O’Leary. A funeral liturgy will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, with Father Jeremiah McSweeney as the celebrant. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Calfee Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. today where a prayer service will be held at 8 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. John Ziolkowski. Pallbearers will be Stephen and Gabe Wise, Johnny, Joey, and Walter Peplowski, Johnny, Stephen, and William Franko, Robert Kiss, and Larry Balding. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh. com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.