Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of September 29

STEVEN ARTHUR
Steven Hansford Arthur, 73, of Winfield, formerly of Charleston, passed away September 14, 2022.
He is retired from Liquid Transport Corporation and a former driver for Chemical Leaman Tank Lines and Dana Transport. Steven is a former employee of Libby Owens and an Army Veteran serving in Vietnam. He was in the 101st Airborne and 326 engineers; member of the Alum Creek VFW 4768, Patriot Guard and Teamsters Union # 175.
He is preceded in death by his parents Chester and Juanita Arthur and sister Paulette Eplin Boggs.
Mr. Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mrs. Judy Arthur; son Steven and his wife Heather Arthur; two grandchildren Rylen and Colson Arthur; brother Noel and his wife Joann Arthur and Goddaughter Christina Stamper-Franczak.
A tribute to the life of Mr. Steven Arthur was held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

WILLIAM BAILES
William Chester “Bill” Bailes, 88, of Hurricane, passed away on September 13, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Huntington.
He was born June 3, 1934, the son of the late Lawrence and Eva Bailes. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife Fances Bailes; and siblings, Arlene Wiseman, Gerald “Jack” Bailes, Gerry Amick, Robert “Bob” Bailes, Leila “Pete” Dooley.
Bill retired as a superintendent in construction and mining. He served his country in the US Army.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Shawn Bailes (Stephanie) of Ripley, Robert Bailes (Cassie) of Lavalette and Michael Bailes (Lisa) of Fishersville, VA; 5 grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Brynlee, Carson, Maggie, and Fox; 2 great grandchildren, Emersyn and Winnie; sister, Linda Willis of Summersville.
Funeral Service was Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Jerry Losh officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

DAKOTA SHANE COGAR
Dakota Shane Cogar, 28, of Winfield, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2022 after a short illness.
He is survived by his two sons, Dakota and Christian Cogar of Dunbar, his Mother, Stephanie Cogar of Winfield, two Brothers, Austin Vaughan and Hunter Vaughan both of Teays Valley and many Aunts Uncles and Cousins.
Graveside Funeral Service was Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Grant Cemetery on Sugar Camp.

CHRISTINE DUDDING
Christine Dudding, 90, of Scott Depot, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 16, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her husband Earl E. Dudding; parents, Walter and Satchie Tucker; siblings, Opal Dudding, Olen Ted Tucker, Ola Mae Coen, Osley Toss Tucker and Ona Belle Childers.
She is survived by her children, Kevin Dudding (Kim) of Tornado, Robin Mitchell of St. Albans and Linda Preiser of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Richard Dudding (Missy) of Hurricane, Kathryn Walker of St. Albans, Justin Mitchell (Chrissy) of St. Albans; great grandchildren, Bridgett Dudding of New Jersey, Barret Dudding of Hurricane, Dylan Harris of Scott Depot, Rose Mitchell and Wyatt Mitchell of St. Albans; and nieces and nephews she loved as her own, Becky Flippin, Kay Doley, Wayne Childers (Marsha), Gary Childers , Jimmy Childers and Phyllis Houser.
Funeral Service was Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Providence Baptist Church, Scott Depot, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, Scott Depot.

LOMAN LEE COTTRILL
Loman Lee Cottrill, 81, of Red House, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at home.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gaynell Cottrill, stepfather, Tom Finch, and infant daughter, Susan. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Lowell and Euna Anderson, brother-in-law, Nolan Anderson, and sister-in-law, Ellie Anderson.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Rita Cottrill, brother Layton and wife, Barbara, of Huntington, sons, Lee and wife, Susan, of Red House, David and wife, Lori, of Poca, and Paul of Hometown. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cameron, Madison, Carson and fiancé, Autumn Persinger, and Nathan.
Lee was a proud Poca Dot and graduate of the Poca High School class of 1958. He continued his education at West Virginia State University and retired from State Farm Insurance. Lee was a life-long member of Poca United Methodist Church. He enjoyed several years of coaching Poca Little League baseball as well as hunting and fishing with his sons. He was proud to support all of his grandchildren at their activities throughout their school years.
The celebration of the life of Loman Lee Cottrill was held Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with Pastors John Mason and Sara Lamb officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens.

PATSY JEAN ELLIOTT
Patsy was born on April 4, 1935, in Guthrie, KY to Gracie Mae Wooten Chilton McGregor and Claude McGregor. She was youngest of 14 children which included 9 brothers and 4 sisters.
Patsy’s mother passed away when she was 10 years old. She went to live with her sister Katherine Blair in Hopkinsville, KY. She was called Patty Jean until her sister Katherine changed it to Patsy because Patty Jean was “too countrified”. She was a graduate of Hopkinsville KY High School.
She met her husband Ruel on a blind date while he was with USMC at Clarksville base, TN. Eighteen months later they were married on December 26, 1955. Their first daughter Gail was born October 1956. They moved to Randolph Center VT in May 1957 so Ruel could attend college at Vermont Agricultural and Technical Institute. Their second daughter Kathy was born July 1958. After graduation in 1959 they moved to St. Johnsbury VT for Ruel’s new job with USDA as a Soil Conservation technician. Ruel Jr. was born in December 1959 and Crystal in July 1961. In 1964 Ruel was transferred to Middlebury, VT. While living in Middlebury and raising the 4 children Patsy was a Cub Scout den mother and 4-H leader. She was a skilled seamstress and loved to sew for herself and the girls. They attended Middlebury United Methodist Church where Patsy was actively involved in United Methodist Women and her and Ruel co-lead the Methodist Youth Group.
While in Middlebury they took Western style square dance lessons and a lifelong passion of square dancing was born. Patsy sewed all her elaborate and beautiful square dance dress which wore for “dress” dances. In 1978 Ruel was transferred to Ravenswood, WV. They attended First United Methodist Church and she was involved in United Methodist Women. Their love for square dancing continued with The Sternwheelers square dance club. In 1989 Ruel was transferred again to Hurricane. They were members of Forest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church and she was involved in the United Methodist Women where she ran the “Country Kitchen” sale of cards, flavorings and Rada knives for 33 years until her health prevented it. She also helped the UMW start the bi-yearly used book sale.
When Patsy and Ruel retired in 1997 they bought a RV 5th wheel camper and over the years visited all the lower 48 states. Their beloved cat Riley traveled with them as well and joined them on their journey. They attended 16 national square dance conventions all over the United States. Patsy designed a display to show off our wonderful state of WV and proudly displayed it at the national convention. They danced for over 50 years and in 25 different states in their travels. They saw a lot of the USA and a lot they won’t see. Patsy will be remembered for her gift of gab as she never met a stranger. She always had a smile and a hug. She was a devoted wife and loving Mother and Grandmother.

EDNA MAE GUTHRIE
Edna Mae Cooper Guthrie, 80, of Hurricane, passed away September 19, 2022 with family by her side.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Franklin Guthrie, son Charles Lee Guthrie, mother Lola Margarett Mangus Cooper, father Henry Joseph Cooper, brothers Carl and Charles Cooper.
She is survived by her daughters Lisa Ellis of Nitro and Thresa Guthrie of Hurricane, grandchildren Martin Ellis Jr (Joey), Cynthia Ellis (Phillip), Kristina, Kimberly and Dougie; great grandchildren Mathew, Dacoda, Jenna, Alexander, Braden, Jayden, Gloria and Martin III, sister Ellen Howard and twin brother Edwin Ray Cooper (Sue). She was a proud and devoted wife, mother, grandmother great grandmother, sister and friend. She loved Jesus and everyone she knew and met.
Funeral service was Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Lemon officiating, Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

REBECCA MAY HARDMAN
Rebecca May Hardman 80, of Winfield, passed away suddenly on September 10, 2022 at her home.
She was the daughter of the late Earl James & Lula Hildebrand Bowyer. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, James Earl Bowyer.
Becky is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hardman-Persinger (Keith) of Winfield, granddaughter: Kelsey Lucas (Josh) of St. Albans; step grandchildren: Chelsea Weiss (Adam) of Scott Depot and Justin Persinger (Laura) of Hurricane; bonus granddaughter, Jessica Johnson; and great grandchildren: Grayson, Jackson and Hudson.
Funeral Service for Becky was Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Dietrich Clark officiating. Graveside Service was Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Cunningham Memorial Park, Saint Albans.

LESTER HUDNALL, JR.
Lester “Gene” Harold Hudnall, Jr. went home to his glorious eternity with the Lord on September 11, 2022 at 91 years young. Lester is survived by his wife, Doris Jean Hudnall, whom he was married to for 67 faithful years working together always, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health. Lester is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Hudnall and son, Todd Hudnall – both of whom loved, cherished and respected him more than earthly words could ever describe. Lester was born in Bancroft on April 6, 1931. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester Harold Hudnall and Violet Miller Hudnall, eldest sister Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Priddy, brothers-in-law William “Bill” Priddy, Russell “Corky” Casto, Jr., and Charles Richard Milam. Lester is also preceded in death by his special nephews, Kirk Casto, William Robert “Rob” Finch, Richie Milam and James Milam. He is survived by his close sister, friend, and lifetime confidant, Evelyn Louise Casto of Nitro, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Iris and Bob Finch, Sue and Larry Cline and numerous nieces and nephews of whom he cared for deeply and will be eager to embrace again in Heaven. Lester especially loved his many years of close fellowship with dear friends, Iris and Bob, who shared many years together as neighbors on Beech Street. Lester felt like their “kids” were his children too.
Lester graduated from Nitro High School in 1951. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corp in January 1951 and served three years at Camp Lejeune until January 1954. During and after his return from service, he courted and married Doris Milam. In March 1954, he began work at the Monsanto Company where he would serve as a master carpenter for the next 37.5 years. Lester was admired by all those who knew and worked with him. Everywhere he went throughout Nitro and in the Kanawha Valley, Lester would run into old familiar friends from high school, from Monsanto, or at the Bible Center Church, his home church, in Charleston.
A jack of all trades, Lester was excellent at repairing virtually anything. He put his carpentry skills to work and created many woodworking projects throughout his life – from planter stands, hope chests and wooden peg games to West Virginia clocks, and all the many Jacob’s Ladders toys he tirelessly created in his later years. He was proud that he was able to paint a cross on many of them as a legacy for all who were privileged to receive one of his many works of love.
Lester grew steadily in his faith which became a center point of his life and a legacy he leaves all of us. He was a Christian, who believed Jesus died for his sins and he readily accepted Him into his life. He attended church faithfully, whether in person or by watching services online at home when health issues prevented his physical church attendance. He was baptized as a young boy and staunchly believed in God’s saving love and grace as well as in the power of prayer. Lester would want to leave us with the parting words from his favorite Bible verse – John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
A tribute to the life of Mr. Lester H. Hudnall, Jr. was held Friday, September 16, 2022, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

ROBERT LANHAM SR
Robert Hugheston Lanham, 72, passed away suddenly on September 6, 2022. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Jane; his son, Robert “Boog” Jr.(Karla) of Fredericksburg, VA; grandchildren Nathan & Madison Lanham; sister Virginia Hetzel (Mike) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, brothers Edward Lanham (Pat) of Cross Lanes and David Lanham (Dana) of Evansville, Indiana; sister-in-law Shirley Lanham of Waynesboro, VA; nieces Kerri Given (Todd) of Dunbar, Heather McDowell of Oak Hill, and Robin Rawlings of Charleston; nephews Ron S. Lanham of Oak Hill, Jeff Hetzel (Sherry) of Lexington, KY and Robbie Petry (Jennifer) of Cross Lanes.
Bob retired as a decorated police officer from the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. Bob and Jane left Metro DC to return to his beloved State of WV in 1995 where they have resided in their own idyllic Lanham’s Holler in Hurricane. Bob never met a stranger and had a smile for everyone he met. Truly a precious soul. Beloved by all.
Funeral service was Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Lovejoy officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

DELORIS M. MALLETT
Deloris M. Mallett, 82, of Red House, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She attended Cross Creek Church and worked for several years at K-Mart in Teays Valley.
Born June 3, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Hershel Hill and Hester Shaffer Hill. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ladonna Jean Higginbotham.
Survivors include her daughter, Lesia (Larry) Whittington of Buffalo; grandchildren, Alan (Shelly) Whittington, Kristina (Ryan) Grandbouche, Jacob Higginbotham and Madison Higginbotham; great grandchildren, Alyssa, Alayna and Shelton.
Graveside service was Monday, September 19, 2022 at Shiloah Church Cemetery, Red House, with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating.

ROY MASSEY JR
Roy Massey, 80, of Winfield, passed away at home after an extended illness surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Roberts, son, Kenneth Massey, 11 grandchildren, 2 brothers and one sister. Private memorial service will be held.

ALVIN LEE TAYLOR SR.
Alvin Lee Taylor Sr., 66, of Hurricane, passed away on September 18th, 2022, after a long battle with Pancreatic cancer. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Lula Taylor. He is survived by his sons Alvin Jr. and his girlfriend Johanna and her son Brady who called Dad the OG Alvin, Michael and his wife Shannon and their son Cayden, Catlin Hinkley and his son Steven. He is also survived by his brother Charles Del.
Alvin was a long-time employee of Smith Concrete where he worked alongside all 3 of his sons over the years. He served his community for years as a member of Hurricane Fire Department where he made many lifelong friends. Per Alvin’s wishes he will be cremated, and his sons will host a celebration of his life at Allen Funeral Home on Friday, September 23rd from 6pm to 8pm.
Anyone who knew our dad knew he was never the one to get dressed up, so in honor of our father we request that visitors wear Jeans and a T-shirt.

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