Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of May 27

Jerry W. Chandler
Jerry W. Chandler, age 75, of Saint Albans, and Melbourne, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 21, 2021 after a long illness.
He was born July 5, 1945 to Fleary C. “Butch” Chandler and Janice L. Hanson Chandler. His paternal grandparents were Alfred J. Chandler and Carrie I. Chandler. His maternal grandparents were Earl B. Hanson, Sr. and Kathleen Ritter Daugherty Hanson. Because he had trusted Jesus as his Savior, the family rests in knowing he is in Heaven with his mom, dad, and many other loved ones who have gone before him. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.
Jerry loved people. His family meant the world to him. He loved his many friends dearly. He enjoyed time spent at his camp in Bergoo, WV and his winter home in Melbourne, FL. He had a very charming personality and never met a stranger. Jerry was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many who loved him and he will be greatly missed.
Jerry grew up in Poca, and graduated from Poca High School in 1963. He proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1966-1968 in the United States Army. He was retired from both the WV Laborers’ Union Local 1353 and Jerry Chandler’s Body Shop of Nitro.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Amos Chandler. They were married October 11, 1993. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy H. Gunter (Keith); sister, Patricia A. “Patti” McClanahan (Roger); and brother, Richard L. “Dicky” Chandler (Sherry Wood). Jerry treasured his two sons, Rock Allen Chandler (Kim Long) and Casey Creed Chandler (Dawnna). He is survived by five grandchildren: Hunter Scott Chandler (Mychaela Boggess), Madison Elizabeth Chandler (Jake Willis), Sarah Michelle Chandler, Chloe Grace Chandler, Blake Allen Chandler and two great grandchildren, Harper Jade Chandler and Kinsley Grace Willis.
Celebration of Life service was Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home in Hurricane, with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Internment was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House

Michael V. Clark
Michael V. Clark, age 70, of Scott Depot, entered into Heaven on May 15, 2021 to be reunited with his mother (Jean), father (Walter) and loyal dog Murray.
Mike was a graduate of Nitro High School (1968) where he was a pitcher for the baseball team. He was a graduate of West Virginia State College (1972) where he was in ROTC and on the bowling team. He taught Art and English at Herbert Hoover High School and Saint Albans Junior and Senior High Schools for 37 years. Sensei Mike was a Seibukan Karate instructor for 45 years and was a 9th degree black belt.
He is survived by wife, Linda Gregory Clark; son, Christopher (Melanie); stepdaughter, Melanie Weaver (Jackson); grandchildren, Miles Clark, Arianna O’Neal, Chase, Kade and Laurel Weaver. He is also survived by cousins, Kenneth and Janet Clark; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Shirley Gregory and sister-in-law, Mary Whitehair (Larry).
Funeral service was Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

Amelia Lynn Eplin
Amelia Lynn Eplin, infant daughter of Donald and Ciera Eplin of Leon, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Cabell Huntington Hospital. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Charlie Eplin.
In addition to her parents she is survived by her maternal grandparents, Timothy and Paula Luikart of Leon; paternal grandparents, Angela Higginbotham of Red House and Charles Martin of Mason; aunt, Isabella White.
Service was held at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor.

JUDY LYNN KENDALL
Judy Lynn Kendall, 61, of Cross Lanes, passed away on May 19, 2021, after a short illness. Born on April 22, 1960, she was the daughter of the late Leroy and Demmey Beach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lora Ann Silvey.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, James Kendall; brothers Terry (Sandy) of Hurricane, Thim (Jan) of Vero Beach, FL; twin sister, Jill Beach of Cross Lanes; 100-year-old Mother-in-Law, Lorraine Kendall of Raceland, KY; and a niece and many nephews and great-nephews whom she dearly loved.
Judy attended Poca Baptist Church and loved to fellowship with her Church Family. Judy’s laughter and beautiful smile will be missed by family and friends. Judy requested no memorial service but asked others to remember her fondly in their hearts. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus, and was ready to go home for eternity.

Paul Ray Martin
Paul Ray Martin, 77, of Buffalo, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was a graduate of Buffalo High School and attended Hometown Independent Mission Church.
Born December 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Herman E. Martin and Oma M. Jeffers Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Louise Martin.
Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Linda Martin; daughters, Nikki Martin (James Gillispie), Crystal (Richie) Witt, April (Shad) DeHart; son, Rickey (Tina) Cobb; sister, Ruth (Dave) Sayre; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral service was Wednesday May 26, 2021 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial was in New Antioch Cemetery, Red House.

Rita Joyce Moore
Rita Joyce Moore, 72, of Poca, passed away suddenly Thursday, May 20, 2021 at her home.
Born December 31, 1948 on Poca River, she was a daughter of the late Roscoe Watson Bailey and Naomi “Tissie” Asbury Bailey. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Lewis Keith Moore; sisters, Karen “Decie” Painter and Dimmia King; brother-in-law, Dencil Dorsey; father-in-law, Charles Lewis Moore; mothers-in-law, Mary Alline Mamone and Juanita Moore.
Rita was a 1966 graduate of Poca High School where she was a cheerleader and Miss Poca Dot. She continued to be involved with Poca sports and enjoyed her reunions. After graduation, she began a career in banking with the Bank of Dunbar and also included Citizens National Bank. She and her late husband owned and operated Moore’s Exxon in Rock Branch for a number of years. She also had been employed by Lifetouch National School Studios. She enjoyed bowling, country music and college sports. Loving all of her family, she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supporting their youth sports.
Surviving are her children, Jeffery Keith Moore (Kristy) of Hurricane, Veronica Joyce Thornhill of Poca; grandsons, Justin Keith Moore (Rae) of Tornado, David Lewis Moore (Kaitlyn) of Hurricane; great-grandchildren, Ryan Bentley Moore, Easton Lewis Moore, Kinslee Raelynn Moore and Kylee Justice Moore; sister, Arbutus “Bootie” Dorsey of Poca; sister-in-law, Mary Lynn Shultz (Bill) of Charleston, brothers-in-law, Donald King of Poca, Gary Lee Painter of Bancroft and Paul Earl Moore (JoAnn) of St. Albans as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service was Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Rock Branch Independent Church with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House.

Keith L. Ritz
Keith L. Ritz went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
Keith was born on December 27, 1938 in Charleston, to the late Noel and Freda Ritz. He is survived by his partner Michael Stover, his daughter Kim Ritz (wife Karen Castleberry), son Kevin Ritz (wife Marti), stepdaughters Amber Stratton (husband Tommy) and Haley Stover, granddaughters Savannah and Sophie Grierson, sister Doris Hatfield, niece Patty Dresdow (husband David) and several great nieces and nephews. Most importantly, he was survived by his favorite “child” who caused him the least problems, his beloved dog Charlie.
Keith was a graduate of Dupont High School and went to work as a Trucking dispatcher and Smith Transfer and later retired from Houff Transfer after many years of service. After retirement he worked part time for Real Estate Central. He taught piano for most of his life and he served as the piano player and choir director at the Eleanor Presbyterian Church where he was a beloved member.
Keith was greatly loved by his family and his friends and will be sorely missed until we meet again.
Celebration of Life service was held at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, on Friday, May 21, 2021.

Ruth Pauline Whittington
Ruth passed away at home with her loving daughters by her side on May 23rd, 2021.
She was born February 24, 1923 in Shelbyville, Indiana to Zella (Knouse) Anderson, and Hallard Anderson. Ruth was one of four children, and was predeceased by her sister Marietta, brother Cleo, and younger brother Gerald, who passed away in infancy. Ruth spent her childhood in Shelbyvile and in her teens moved to Columbus Ohio with her mother. She worked for Curtiss-Wright during the war, then Ohio Bell as a telephone operator, then Timken Company where she met and married her husband of 40 years, Wilbur Clarke Whittington, who passed away in 1999.
Ruth was an independent and self-reliant woman, who was dedicated to her family and friends. She loved to read, do jigsaw puzzles, sudoku puzzles, and to take care of her yard. Though quiet and shy, she didn’t hesitate to speak her mind when she felt the need. Her quiet spirituality and resilience guided her through life’s difficulties and triumphs. Ruth leaves behind, her daughters Alicia “Lisa” Devine (Kevin), and Sandra Lytle; Granddaughters: Amanda Bordage (Kevin), Bree Lytle (Renee Owdom) and Samantha Devine (Nate Pubentz); and her great-grandson Elliott Bordage, with another great-grandchild on the way. Ruth will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in the Whittington section of Tucker Cemetery in Grimms Landing, with a special reading led by cousin, Brent Null officiating. The funeral procession will leave Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo at 12:30 P.M.

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