Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of September 30

ROSILEE ASHWORTH
Rosilee Lovejoy Ashworth, 75, of of Milton, went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2021. She was preceded in death by her Husband Barry Ashworth, parents Freddie and Vonnie Lovejoy, brother Henry Ray Lovejoy. She is survived by her brother Roy N. (Sharon) Lovejoy, sister Carol Lovejoy, nephews Justin Lovejoy and Daniel Lovejoy, niece Kathy Sponaugle.
She was a member of Trace Fork Missionary Baptist Church
Funeral service was Monday, September 27, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Dickie Jobe officiating. Burial was in Trace Fork Cemetery.

WILLARD E. BELLER
Willard E. Beller, 80, of Poca, entered into his heavenly home on September 25, 2021, surrounded by his family. Waiting to greet him was his loving wife, Mrs. Shirley “Pug” Beller.
Willard never met a stranger and was a friend to all. You were always greeted with a handshake and how are you doing. He was a member of Lett Creek Community Church and the Nitro Masonic Lodge. Willard is retired from Republic Container with over 30 years of service. After retirement you could find Willard greeting people at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home or Poca Foodfair Parking Lot.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Susan, Robert and wife Vickie, and Amber; his two pride and joys were his grandchildren Evan and wife Keree and Elizabeth “Busy” Beller and his great grandchildren Tucker and Oakley Beller all of Poca. He is also survived by his sisters Retha Dickerson of Nitro and Delores Holmes of Hurricane; brother-in-law Bob and wife Betty Lett of Rock Branch; sisters-in-law Bonnie and husband Pete Harrison of Hometown and Judy and husband Dennis Craigo of Red House and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Mr. Willard E. Beller was held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jay Mace officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

RUSSELL A. CANTERBURY
Russell A. Canterbury, 50, of Culloden, passed away on September 26, 2021 in Ruby Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was a graduate of Hurricane High School and had 25 years of service at Lowes and was the owner of Three Kings Resin.
Russell was a loving and caring man and every one that knew his loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father Larry Canterbury, Grandson Ezra Gene Hicks
He is survived by his fiancée Jaime Gillespie, Daughters, Jean (Grady) Hicks, Shelby (Dakota) Canterbury, Marcy Canterbury, Son, Brayden Coleman, Grandson Elijah Alan Hicks, Mother Phyllis Canterbury, Brother Rick (Tammy) Canterbury, niece Lori and nephew Nick, Special friends Keith Stathers and Sean Collins
Funeral Service will be 11:00 on Saturday, October 2. Burial will follow in Valley View Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 til 8 on Friday at Allen Funeral Home.

CAROL ECHOLS
Carol Echols, 73, of Poca, entered her Heavenly home on Tuesday morning, September 21, 2021.
Carol was born at home to parents Beulah and Bill Cunningham on September 29, 1947, in Robertsburg. The family moved to Poca and lived most of their years together in Poca Circle (Hanshaw Addition) in Poca.
Carol is survived by her husband of 56 years, Larry Echols, 5 years each other’s high school sweethearts, they shared their lives and love for 61 years. And daughters Ashley Brooke Echols and Jami Beth Hayes (husband Chuck). Surviving her as well, are sisters Sherry Winter and Judy Mattea, brother Randy Cunningham (wife Joyce). She was preceded in death by her parents Beulah and Bill Cunningham, her sister Betty Boggs and brother Jim Cunningham. Carol leaves behind beloved cousins by birth and by marriage, nieces and nephews, several grand nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends.
Carol graduated from Poca High School in 1965 and attended Charleston School of Business College until her time of employment with The West Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services in February of 1966. She retired from the Center as the Hospital Administrator Secretary in 2007.
Carol was a member of the Pilot Club of St. Albans and served as secretary. Together, Carol and Larry were members of Elizabeth Baptist Church of Bancroft.
Appropriately, following after her Mom and role model, Carol always assured her loved ones that she was “fine”. Her eternal optimism, always kind words, positive thoughts, and deeds she shared have touched so many people.
Our multitude of shared experiences, hugs and kisses, laughs, cries, travels, visits, photographs and so much more will have to hold us~ until we’re with her again.
Service for Carol Echols was Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Bancroft, with Pastor Jeff Arthur officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

LINDA LOU GRAY
Linda Lou Peyton Gray, of Culloden, went home to her heavenly Father on September 21, 2021, after a short illness at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington. She fought and won many battles for her health almost all of her life, having survived breast cancer and open heart surgeries. Her tiny body was eager to gain its wings.
She was born on June 9, 1947 and raised in Glen Ferris. After graduating from Gauley Bridge High School and Center College, she married the love of her life John P. Gray and they moved to Baltimore, MD. Upon returning to WV she began a long career as a Medical Assistant for several area physicians.
Linda was a member of Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene and was a vital part of the congregation. She enjoyed entertaining family, friends, and neighbors. She loved relaxing by the pool or beach. She doted on all of her “pupperdogs” over the years. She knew no stranger,and opened her home and heart to mother many friends of her own children.
We know she will be overjoyed to be reunited at the Gates with her beloved son, Brian A. Gray. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Ercel “Runt” and Ruthie Peyton, brother Jimmy Peyton, and sister Donna Peyton.
Surviving Linda are her husband of 54 years John, son Johnny Gray (Karyn), daughter Nikki Littlehales (Adam), Brian’s wife Donna Gray, and the lights of her life, her grandchildren Madison Bower (Nick), Kara Baisden (Josh), and Tristen Gray.
Services were held at Hurricane Nazarene Church on Thursday, September 30, 2021

LOUISE W. GUNNOE
Louise (Workman) Gunnoe, 94, of Winfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. She was born in Pike County, KY, to the late Clyde Workman and Kate Runyon on April 22nd, 1927. She was a graduate of Sherman High School, Seth.
Her family includes; sons, John S. Gunnoe, (Linda) of Lynchburg, Va., Robert L. Gunnoe Jr., of Elizabeth, WV., and Grant K. Gunnoe, (Robin) of Winfield, WV; daughter in law, Brooke Gunnoe, of Clover, South Carolina.
Grand-children; Bryan Gunnoe, Jeremy Gunnoe (Ronnie Humbertson), Joel Gunnoe, April Murray (Ernest), Ashley Gunnoe, Grant Gunnoe Jr. (Staci), and Andrew Gunnoe (Erica). Great-grand-children Hunter Martin, Dakota Childers, Maryn Gunnoe and Alec Gunnoe.
Louise is survived by four siblings; Emogene Epling, Edith Johnson, and Clyde Workman Jr. of West Virginia, and Mary Heflin of Virginia.
In addition to her parents Louise was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Gunnoe; son, Barry L. Gunnoe; grand-daughter, Aimee Gunnoe; daughter in law, Karen Gunnoe; brother, Charles Workman; sisters, June Meadows and Kay Gordon.
Louise and her husband Bob, along with their four sons, moved to Winfield from Charleston in 1957. They loved the community, the people, the school system and just thought it was the perfect place to raise their family.
Louise worked at the Putnam County Court House for approximately 45 years, first as the Deputy Circuit Clerk and then as the Magistrate Court Clerk, retiring in 2010 at the age of 84. She loved to work and loved working with all of the people involved in the Judiciary System. If she could have, she would have been working up until the very end. Louise had several lifelong friends, including the late Judge Clarence L. Watt and her dear friend Leotha Boles.
Louise was an avid WVU fan and enjoyed watching mountaineer football and basketball and rarely missed watching a game.
She was a 50 year member of the Nitro Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Louise was kind and caring with a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
Graveside services were Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Cunningham Memorial Park Mausoleum in St. Albans.

LARRY HANDLEY
Larry Eldon Handley, 60, of Walker, passed away September 12, 2021 at his residence.
He was born in Milton, the son of the late Jack Eldon Handley and Helen Loretta Edwards Handley (Rayburn) of Point Pleasant.
He played Little League baseball as a child and played football for Hurricane High School. He had worked for the WV. Department of Highways for 31 years and 11 months. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying bear and deer hunting, fishing, four wheeling and attending the Blackwater 100, NASCAR racing, spending time at his cabin and in the mountains. He was witty and enjoyed listening to and getting to know people. He was a Christian by faith.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon Louise DeGoines Handley of Walker. His sister-in-law, Debbie Hewitt of Davisville and her children. His beloved best friend, Dale Davis of Vienna. as well as many other family and friends.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Harold Edwards and Surilda Duncan Edwards and Harry Gorden Handley and Virginia Easter McAllister Handley.
Funeral service was Thursday, September 16, at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with Pastor Denise Humphries officiating. Burial was in the K of P Cemetery in Elizabeth.

JANICE HASTINGS
Janice Louise Hastings, 83, of Scott Depot, passed away September 27, 2021, at home.
Janice is a loving wife, mother and advisor. She was born January 1, 1938, to the late Wesley T. Lewis and Helen Fox Lewis. She is preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Anne Hastings.
She is survived by her husband Jack F. Hastings; daughters Anita Callicoat, Jackie Adams and husband Tim and Barbie Hudnall; grandchildren Camie Callicoat, Courtney Skaggs and husband Jason, Katelyn Lett, Haley Russell, Jacob Lett, Kacey Hudnall, Jack Callicoat and Madison Adams; 6 great grandchildren; brother Charles R. Lewis and wife Carole; sister June Woods and sisters-in-law Betty Ellis and Rose Lewis.
She will be remembered for her love for her husband and family and her strong work ethic.
Janice provided a wonderful and loving home for her girls, their friends and extended family. She was strong willed, protective and at her happiest when surrounded by her family. Her fiery spirit was passed to her daughters. She has joined her oldest, beloved daughter Pat in Gods gracious home. That brings some peace to her family at this time of great loss.
A tribute to the life of Mrs. Janice L. Hastings was held Thursday, September 30, 2021, with Pastor Greg Blake officiating. Burial was in the Marmet Cemetery.

DON HUGHES
Leroy D. “Don” Hughes, 89, of Eleanor, went home to be with the lord on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at his home following a long illness. He was an U.S. Navy Veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. He lived in Michigan for 40 years where he worked as a Union Ironworker. He returned to Eleanor in 2007 and resided there until his death.
Born July 26, 1932 in Putney, he was the son of the late James Hughes and Mildred Hanshaw Hughes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna in 1995 and his son, Dale in 2013.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Anna Lee Staats Hughes; grandchildren, Dustin (Emily) Hughes of Cedarburg WI, Danny Hughes of Taylor MI and Jesse Hughes of Taylor MI; great grandchildren, Owen, Quinn, Alyia and Nora; chosen family, daughter, Leella (Allen) Wyant of Poca; grandchildren, Angela (Rex) Berman of Las Vegas NV, Carrie (Chris) Cummings of Ripley and great grandson, DJ Cummings.
Funeral service was Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Jeff Arthur officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.

DORIS JOHNSON
Doris Johnson, 68, of Hurricane, passed away September 21, 2021. She was born January 12, 1953.
She was preceded in death by her father John Knuckles, daughter Sherri Johnson, sister Joyce MacLeery, brother John E.
Doris is survived by her mother Barbara Knuckles, sisters Carolyn and Sandy (Larry), brother Jeff (Debbie) and Mark (Kathy), daughters Michelle Russell (Keith), Lori Chandler (Denny), grandchildren Mikie, Amber, Andy and Jesse, great grandchildren Hayden, Jonathan, Layle, Brianna and Michael.
Funeral service was Friday, September 24, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Jarrett Green officiating. Burial was in Fox Hill Cemetery.

CARL WALKER
Carl A. Walker, 85, of Hurricane, passed away on September 17, 2021 at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston.
He was born on April 22, 1936 to the late Carl Denzil Walker and Retta Legg Walker of Mt. Nebo. Also preceding him in death was his brother, Gary M. Walker.
Carl grew up in Belle, graduated from DuPont High School in 1955, attended West Virginia Tech, and graduated from West Virginia State University. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hurricane, had worked for WV Department of Natural Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers in Huntington and Atlanta, GA., and ultimately retiring from the US Dept. of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining.
Carl proudly served his country in the US Air Force, the WV Air National Guard, Georgia ANG and USAF Reserve for 33 years. He was also a member of Chelyan Masonic Lodge #158 AF & AM since 1961, was a 50 year member of both the Beni Kedem Temple and the Valley of Charleston Scottish Rite. He thoroughly enjoyed playing the harmonica while providing veterans honors with the James E. Marshall American Legion Post #187, Winfield for years.
Surviving Carl are his wife, Ramona Harper Walker, son John J. Walker (Rose Ann) of Charleston, stepdaughter, Deborah Matthews Spurlock of Austin, TX, stepsons, David W. Harper (Brittany) of Scott Depot, and Robert D. Harper of Hurricane, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral service for Carl was Wednesday, September 22, at First Baptist Church of Hurricane with Pastor Ron Stoner and Pastor Jeff Davenport officiating.
Entombment was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, with Masonic Rites and military honors provided by the James E. Marshall American Legion Post #187, Winfield.

CONNIE JEAN WELKER
Connie Jean Welker, 72, died September 27, 2021, at her home in Culloden, WV after a short illness. She was born on December 15, 1948, in Culloden.
She married Jerry Wayne Welker on May 10, 1968, and they raised two children and has 4 grandchildren. She worked at Super Value for 30 years and after retirement she spent time sewing, quilting, and working with crafts.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years Jerry, son Jeff Welker and daughter Erica Lambert, grandchildren, Apphia Welker, Ethan Lambert, Jayden Lambert and Michael Welker.

DAVID LEE WHITTINGTON
David Lee Whittington, 69, of Scott Depot, passed away on September 17, 2021.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ernestine Erwin Whittington and brothers, Jeff and Danny Whittington.
He was retired from the US Post Office as a mail handler, he enjoyed conquering many hobbies, such as skeet shooting, golfing and most recently learning the guitar, although his favorite was restoring antique vehicles.
Dave proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War serving from 1970 – 1973.
As an Organ Donor, he gave the ultimate gift to others by donating his corneas, tissues, and bones.
Dave is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen Lynn Kessell Whittington, their fur baby K9 Annie, his sister in-law, Jeanie Gibbs (George), and his niece, Natasha Kepler (Jeff).
Funeral service for Dave was Friday, September 24, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. A private family burial was held at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

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