Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of February 23

DONNA RUTH BELCHER
Donna Ruth Belcher, 89, of Hurricane, passed away February 15, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospital Charleston.
She was born December 31, 1933 in Harmony, WV to the late Rolfe and Ruby Kee.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Phyllis Gandee and Margaret Kee; and a brother: Grant Kee.
She was a homemaker and member of St. John United Methodist Church Scott Depot.
Donna is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ira L. Belcher; daughters: Kendra (Donald) Burch of Waldorf, MD and Trina (Clyde) Stover of Canal Winchester, OH; granddaughter: Kaylin Stover and her sister: Delores Birckhead of Accokeek, MD.
Funeral service for Donna was Wednesday February 22, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

DAVID WILLIAM BIAS
David William Bias, 70, of Liberty, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023 at his home following a long illness. He worked as an electrician and retired from Constellium of Ravenswood. One of his greatest joys in life was music, especially southern gospel. He attended Grace Fellowship Church in Kenna where he played the piano. David also enjoyed the outdoors and working on his tractor. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather and will be sadly missed.
Born March 24, 1952 in Boone County, he was the son of the late Billy Bias and Katherine Dunlap Bias.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Patty Bias; his children, David (Melessa) Bias, Jr. of Given; Crystal (Ken) Coulden of Ravenswood, Sherry Witt of Roseville, California, Cynthia Bias of Florida, and Erica David of Boone county; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, Timothy Bias, John Bias, and Michael Bias; sister, Dixie Barick; as well as extended family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. A private family graveside service was held in Centerpoint Cemetery, Liberty.

DANIEL E. BLOUNT
Daniel “Danny” Eugene Blount, 69, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away on February 13, 2023 at his home surrounded by those who loved him.
He was born to Arnold Eugene and Bessie Lois Bode Blount in Charleston, WV. He grew up in Malden, WV and remained close to many of his classmates from DuPont High School throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his father “Gene.” He is survived by his mother Bessie, sister Lois “Kittie” Simmons (Glenn), brother Stephen Blount (Delores), son Daniel Elijah Blount (Stephanie Glenn-Adkins), daughter Summer Edainah Blount (Adam Zahorscak), adopted son Cameron Watters, partner Angie Tredway and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Danny began his career in the steel industry as a welder and then worked as a Steel Inspector at Martin Steel for 24 years until retirement. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was a wonderful father, neighbor and friend to all.
A Celebration of Life Service was held at Mount Union Church, Fraziers Bottom, on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.

MARTHA FULKS BRUMFIELD
Martha Fulks Brumfield, 74, of Hurricane, passed away on February 13, 2023, at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington, WV.
Martha was born August 3, 1948 to the late William Howard and Martha Madeline Crawford Fulks of Alderson, WV. She is preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Fulks McVey of Cedar Bluff, VA.
Surviving Martha is her husband of 51 years, G. David Brumfield; daughter, Madeline Ruth Powell (Joseph) of Katy, TX; grandchildren: Avery Rose Powell, and Austin Ryan Powell.
Following graduation from Alderson High School, Martha attended West Virginia University. As a student at WVU, she was elected Homecoming Queen by the student body. She was also selected “Miss Monticola” by the Monticola, the University yearbook. She graduated from WVU with a degree in Library Science. Following graduation, Martha and her husband, David, lived in Huntington for a short time. Martha and David then moved to Welch, WV, where she was employed as an elementary school teacher. She then joined her husband in his law practice, managing his law offices.
When their daughter, Madeline, was a toddler the family moved to the Town of Hurricane. Martha was devoted to Madeline, and was actively involved in all aspects of Madeline’s educational and social life. In recent years, Martha trained her golden retriever, Sophie, to become a certified therapy dog. Together they visited patients in assisted living facilities, children in special needs classes, and children’s libraries. She was also active in the management of her residential community. Being one who always enjoyed reading, and being a social person, it followed naturally that she would start a community book club.
Martha was a beautiful person, outgoing, and easy to like. She will be fondly remembered, and sadly missed, by her family and friends.
A memorial service was held at St. John United Methodist Church, Scott Depot, Saturday, February 18, 2023.

R. DAVID CARPENTER
R. David Carpenter, 67, of Hurricane formerly of Huntington, died Monday, February 13, 2023 in St. Mary’s Medical Center from complications of open-heart surgery. David was born February 13, 1956 in Huntington, a son of the late Robert D. and Evelyn Edwards Carpenter.
He was a third-generation graduate of The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and received his Master’s Degree from Marshall University. He was a Funeral Director with the family business, Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, regional safety director for Stewart Enterprises, past owner of First Street Exxon and an avid bowler.
David is survived by his love and best friend of 25 years, Willa Spradling of Hurricane; his son Chad David Carpenter; two grandchildren Jaiden and Bindi all of Hurricane; a brother Tim D. (Bonnie) Carpenter of Huntington; a host of nieces and nephews and the family cat Simba.
A Celebration of David’s Life was held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary. Burial was in Ridgelawn Memorial Park.

ROBERT DAVIS
Robert Davis, 55, passed away on the morning of February 15th, 2023, peacefully in his sleep in Hurricane. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine, and his first wife, Vanessa.
Born August 12th, 1967 in North Carolina to Lorraine and Chester Davis, the three found themselves living in Bancroft, West Virginia, for a majority of their lives. He graduated from Poca High School before setting out to make a life of his own.
Most traditional obituaries stand as a résumé of sorts, listing things like someone’s jobs, achievements, or the history of where they lived. Those fortunate enough to have known Rob, know that he was anything but traditional. To take up print space listing his work history or accolades would go against who he became while living his life.
An avid Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Reds, and Ric Flair fan, he knew how to have a good time just as well as he knew how to handle the hard times. Rob’s grace in the face of loss was unparalleled. His compassion, consideration, and practicality touched countless people in his numerous travels. He could make a friend out of a stranger in minutes, and could forge life-long memories with folks of any background. He was a loving man, in touch with his emotions and the emotions of others.
Rob loved having his family come over for dinner, taking pride in his skill as a cook of many talents. An evening with good music, good drinks, good laughs, and good company made him happier than anything else. His worldly nature was contagious, and his wit and humor could genuinely brighten any room he was in. He always gave more than he took.
Rob will be deeply, deeply missed by those who knew him. His love and wisdom is carried on by his wife Carrie, his father Chester, his daughter Autumn, his son Joshua, his step daughter Erika, and his two grandchildren, Tierni and Tanner.
A celebration of life is planned for April 15th, 2023.

QUINTIN IAN HANSEN
Quintin Ian Hansen passed away quietly at home in Red House on February 16, 2023. At 24 years old, he was already a Renaissance man. There was nothing he could not do from his brilliant novels, his paintings, his sculptures, and his very complex animatronic costumes that won him numerous first prize awards at Mega-Con events that included a custom designed guitar autographed by the actor, Richard Dreyfuss.
There was a driving passion inside of him that shown like a beacon to all that had the privilege to have known him. He was self taught in everything he set his mind to and found in high school and college he spent more time teaching the teachers than anything else.
Quintin was born January 15, 1999, in Orlando, Florida on a bright sunny morning. As he grew, he showed a keen interest in just about everything and consumed books of all types at an amazing rate. We will miss him terribly for all the days of our lives.
Quintin is survived by his parents Ray and Darlene Hansen, Red House; Aunts Debbie Chmielewski and Pam Case, Uncle George Case, all from Boiling Springs, SC and grandmother Hilda Wilson, Winter Park, FL.
Quintin was laid to rest at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Hometown on February 21, 2023.

ELDON JOHNSON
Eldon Kay Johnson, 70, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He was a Journeyman Lineman out of Local 317 for 35 years. He always had a story to tell and a big smile on his face. He was preceded in death by his father Salias Johnson and mother Lena Mae Johnson, sisters Linda Bays and Barbra Casey.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Tresea Johnson; she was his love his life, his everything. His daughter, Denise Briscoe (Ronnie) of Buffalo; Grandson, Dakota Briscoe (Alexandra) of Morgantown, and soon to be great granddaughter; that he nicknamed His Peanut. Sisters, Margie Hodges of Michigan, Donna Keeling of Hurricane, Lora McKellar of Michigan, Brother Owen Johnson of Hurricane and a whole slew of nieces and nephews that all loved him very much and he loved them too.
Funeral service was Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

JOHN EDWARD MORAN SR.
John E. Moran, Sr., 94, of Hurricane, died February 17, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his wives: Victory Ann McIntyre, Josephine Genco Timineri, and Gladys Holland; daughter: Mary Ellen; brothers: James and Joseph; and sister, Marilynn (Tom) Cunningham.
John grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, where he attended parochial schools. After graduating from Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, he served during the Korean War in the US Air Force. While in West Virginia, he was employed as a credit manager for the former Sears, Roebuck, and Co. in Charleston and Barboursville, retiring in 1992.
He is survived by his daughters: Margaret of Kenmore, NY and Kathleen of Darlington, PA; sons: John Jr. of Chippewa Township, PA, Gerard (Colleen) of Erie, PA, and Peter (Jackie) of Pittsburgh, PA; stepdaughters: Deborah Timineri and Lisa (John) Kuloszewski both of Clarence, NY; stepson: Randal (Bonnie) Harris of Teays Valley; sister: Nancy (late Richard) Nichols, of Niagara Falls, NY; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Hurricane, where he served as a lay reader of scripture and a choir member.
Mass of Christian Burial for John was Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Ascension Catholic Church, Hurricane, with Rev. Vincent Joseph officiating. Burial was in Lewiston, NY.

GERTRUDE NEELEY
Gertrude Neeley, 85, of Red House, passed peacefully away, Friday, February 17, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospice Care.
Gertrude was a member of Abney Street Church of God in Saint Albans. She worked with disabled children and was an aide on the special needs bus. She was a successful single mother, raising 5 children on her own. She always put others first.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Hoy and Cathelene Carpenter.
She is survived by her children Coleen Courtney, Virgie Stricklen, Pamela Myers, John Neeley, Daniel and wife Lynn Neeley; grandchildren April Dawn Warren, Jay James, Sara Myers, Emily Stricklen, Ashley Stricklen, Abagail Stricklen; and great grandchildren Logan Warren, Dalton Warren, Jayden James, Sawyer Grace Warren and a host of other family and friends.
At her request there are no services scheduled at this time.

LINDA L. PAINTER
Linda L. Painter, age 68, departed this world Saturday, February 11, at 8:15 pm after several years of battling cancer. She was preceded in death by her father Homer W. Malone (1993), her niece Emily Claire Morgan(1994) and her mother Mary Louise Malone (2022). She is survived by her friend and husband Gary L. Painter of 40 years and her sister Julia F. Morgan.
Linda was an outgoing and loving person with a heart of gold. She was also a dear friend and advocate to all animals and wildlife. She was a lover of the ocean and beach and in recent years had spent a large sum of time living on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. And she loved to dance.
She will be sorely missed by all family and friends.
There will be a celebration of life service at St Timothy’s in the Valley Episcopal Church Saturday, (3434 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 25526), February 25 at 11:00AM. Everyone is encouraged to share stories of their time and life with Linda.

ROBERT PEDLEY
You may have heard that Bob Pedley is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I am more alive than I ever was on earth. I have gone into the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ and God. Jesus Christ has always been my hero. I am enjoying his presence now. I passed into the next life with complete confidence in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On February 11,2023, I left this world the way I lived my life, surrounded by the people that I loved and cherished.
I am survived by my fun, smart, beautiful wife, Dianne F. Pedley, of 40 years. I have had a remarkable life and more than my share of blessings. I am also survived by my smart, beautiful daughter, Robin P. Highlander and her husband (who feels like my son) Sean Highlander of Hurricane. I am survived by Dr. Hunter Highlander and his wife Dr. Libby Minniear Highlander of Winfield, and Ethan Highlander of Minneapolis, MN who are my perfect grandchildren. They belong to Robin and Sean. On weekends these guys even enjoyed going with me to the Milton Flea Market for great treasures, airsoft guns, and knives of all types.
I always said that when we got married, Dianne and I became one. I felt like and always believed that our marriage was made in heaven and that Dianne and Robin made my life complete.
I am survived by my sister Dr. Carolyn Pedley Bloomfield and her husband Dr. Robert Bloomfield of Winston-Salem, NC. I was preceded in death by my brother Dr. Charles W. Pedley who was married to Kathy Pedley Pechacek of Port Isabel, TX. I also have numerous nieces and nephews.
I was born in Richmond, Virginia on September 25, 1945 to George C. and Virginia H. Pedley. At the age of 5, my family moved to South Ruffner in Charleston, WV. I grew up climbing the hills across the road from Morris Harvey College.
In 1963 I graduated from Charleston High School where I was a first-team selection to class AAA all-state honors in football. As a senior I was an offensive left guard and a defensive nose guard on the 1962 football team. I get exhausted thinking about those days. In high school I was a sports freak. I played football and baseball at Charleston High School. I played basketball and tennis at St. Marks Methodist Church. I played one year of football at WVU under Coach Gene Corum. In the locker room, I saw so many players sporting scars and having surgeries that I traded football for fraternity life. I joined Sigma Nu Fraternity in 1964 and later became lieutenant commander of the fraternity in 1966. I lived in the fraternity house for three fabulous years: $55 for food and $55 for room per month.
In May of 1970, I graduated with a B.S. degree from the WVU School of Pharmacy. I worked 10 years for CVS Pharmacy, 20 years for CAMC General Division Pharmacy and 10 years for Thomas Memorial Pharmacy. Picking pharmacy as a career was perfect for me. I was able to split my time between being a healthcare professional and spending quality time with my family and my church.
Over my pharmacy career, I taught hundreds of students about the art of pharmacy. As a clinical professor in 1992, I was awarded preceptor of the year by the WVU School of Pharmacy and Syntex Laboratories. My award was in the recognition of outstanding contributions to the educational development of future pharmacists by demonstrating high standards of professionalism, ethics, and clinical practices.
I started out my pharmacy life on a manual Remington typewriter and finished up in 2007 on a Siemens advanced computer.
The things that were important in my life were going to church and sitting beside a 97-year old neighborhood mom and my grandsons joining me during the service, going to high school football games for four years watching my daughter Robin in cheerleading and not knowing the score of the game when we left, going to Kanawha State Forest catching crawdads and swimming in the creek with my grandsons, having Christmas Eve parties at my house and having 50 members of our families show up, chain sawing on weekends and heating my house with wood for 25 years, watching my grandsons be linebackers and fullbacks and dancing their legs off in show choir (what a joy). I loved talking about my football days with my grandsons and watching them play the game. I had a green thumb when it came to growing tomatoes (oxhearts and better boys). I distributed 400 to 500 tomatoes a year to family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed my garden.
I used to tell people that I was an Appalachian-American. I know one thing; these hills made me happy to be a West Virginian. My heart and my soul belonged here. I lived life to the fullest and with great heart. I lived a full life of passion, determination, and joy. I never met a stranger and truly enjoyed people. I have had an amazing ride throughout my life. I owe my thanks to God, my wife, my family, World War II veterans, and my parents.
To me life was truly EPIC. I want all of you to celebrate my life instead of mourning my death. — Beat Pitt—
The funeral service was at my church, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Hurricane, on Saturday February 18, 2023 with Pastor Barrett Jordan and Pastor Kurt Gray officiating.

DOROTHY RIDDLE
Dorothy Mae Lyons Riddle, 94, peacefully went home to Heaven on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Born December 7, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Richard R. Lyons and R. Tensie Luikart Lyons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Hillis G. Riddle; granddaughter, Miranda K. Ballengee; grandson, Johnathon Higginbotham; son-in-law, Danny Rodman; brothers, Roy Lyons, James Lyons, Harvey Lyons, Clarence Lyons, Ernest Lyons, and Floyd Lyons; sisters, Sylvia Covert, Ruth Jeffers, Helen Browning, and Pearl Cox.
Dorothy was a member of the Eleanor Presbyterian Church. Most importantly she was a Christian and a true witness of God’s love. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her family and nobody ever left her house hungry.
She is survived by her daughters, Vanessa K. (John) Higginbotham of Eleanor, Paula J. Ballengee of Eleanor, and Carla J. Rodman of Eleanor; grandchildren, Tia R. (Joe) Craig, and Nathaniel W. (Lola) Arthur; granddaughter, Leandra J. (Alex) Higginbotham; great-grandchildren, Joseph Craig, Kaylyn Craig, Alisa Grady & fiancé Anthony Winters, Chazz Grady, Lilly Grady, Osiris Diedrich, Forbin Diedrich, Vida Diedrich, Millie Diedrich, Kristina Davis, Brittany Davis, Stacy Davis, Tracey Davis, and John Davis, Jr.; 10 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Funeral service was Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Jeff Pitchford and Pastor John Yeager officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

JEWEL M. SMITH
Jewel M. Smith, 90, a lifelong resident of Putnam County, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Cabell Health Center after a short illness. A former employee of Georges Dry Cleaners she had many friends in the Hurricane area. She was a faithful member of the Laywell Church of Christ where she taught children class for many years. Jewel is survived by her one sister Verna Smith of Sycamore, nephews Michael, Ronald, Joel all of Hurricane, Bill of Hamlin, Darrell of Florida, Leslie of Huntington, nieces, Carol Chapman of Ohio and Shirley Davidson of Alum Creek.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Smith, father, Joel Smith, brother, Louis Smith, sisters Hazel Huff, Ruby Raines and nephew, John Smith all of Hurricane.
Funeral service was Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home with Ministers Wade Miller and Biff Larch officiating. Burial was in Sycamore Cemetery.

RACHEL STOVER
Rachel DeWeese Stover, 85, a resident of Cabell Health Care Nursing Home, Culloden, formerly of Ravenswood and Poca, went to be with the Lord, February 15, 2023.
She was born 1937 in Nitro, the daughter of Charles and Wilma King DeWeese. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Teddy, daughter, Debbie, and brother Jimmy.
Rachel was a 1956 graduate of St Albans High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, band and Spanish Club.
Surviving include her son, Bryan (Lisa) Stover, of Winfield, granddaughter, Amanda (Jeremy) Sigley, of Bridgeport, grandson, Peyton Stover, of Winfield, son-in-law Randy Bailey, of Charleston, sisters, Mary, Janet, Terry and Patricia, brothers, Johnny, David and Charles, along with many nieces and nephews.
Rachel was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She always had a caring, kind and giving heart. She was always friendly and putting others before herself. She was very proud of her grandchildren, Amanda and Peyton, along with her great grandchildren, Quincy, Corey, and Teddy.
Celebration of Rachel’s life was held Monday, February 20, 2023 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home, Cross Lanes. Burial was in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

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