Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of March 2

PAUL O. CALL
Paul O. Call, 77, of Hurricane, left for hs heavenly home, Saturday, February 25, 2023, after a long hard fought battle with dementia.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Hensley and Rosa Lucille Call, Father and Mother in law Jack and Velma Sowards. Son-in-law Tim Searls, granddaughter, Leighann Dailey, Grandson-in-law Brian Hopkins and 5 brothers. He was a Baptist by faith and attended Valley View Freewill Baptist Church until failing health prevented him going.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 51 years, Mary Sowards Call, 3 Daughters, Susan Reynolds who was his loving care giver and her husband Ricky, Polly Searls and Tina Call and one Son Jeffrey Call, 4 grandchildren T.J. Searls, Ginny Hopkins and Katherine Searls, Christopher Sharrat. 4 great grandchildren, Skylar and Xander Dailey, Gage and Colten Hopkins. His “Sowards” family who treated him like a son, brother and friend, other family, friends, his faithful friend Mike Ross and his church family whom he loved.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Kingery Cemetery with Mr. John Platt officiating.

WENDELLA JONES
Wendella Gale “Wende” Jones, of Scott Depot, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Wende was a 1980 graduate of Duval High School and a 1983 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marshall University and worked as a registered nurse at CAMC Memorial for nearly 40 years. She loved to visit Clearwater Beach, being outdoors, and kayaking.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Jones and parents, Linda Mannon and Dayton Gillenwater.
Wende is survived by her daughters, Kaitlyn (Jacob) Rhodes and Briann (Timothy) Steele; grandchildren, Waylon Rhodes and Alorianna Steele; sisters, Barbarah (Richard) McElhaney and Melinda (Tom) Zirkle; brother, Charles Gillenwater; and many friends.

ANGELA LANE
Angela “Angie” Leigh Lane, 48, of Red House, passed away on February 20, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House Charleston.
She was born on July 26, 1974 to Dale Bergdorf and the late Gladys Marie Bergdorf. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her brother: Matt Bergdorf.
Angie was such a compassionate, caring, patient and kind woman and coworker. She was previously employed by Putnam General Hospital, CarePoint Laboratory in Charleston and has worked at CAMC Memorial Hospital Laboratory for over 20 years, most recently as a Supervisor.
Angie and Greg loved being home with all their fur babies or traveling to the beach, Canaan Valley and especially Glacier National Park.
She is survived by her loving husband: Greg Lane; her father: Dale Bergdorf of Gay; niece: Kensey Bergdorf-Smith Ph.D. (Josh) of Nashville, TN; her nephews: Blake Bergdorf of Ripley, Jacob Bergdorf of Gay and Isaac Bergdorf of Red House; her most loved fur babies: dog’s: Bogey, Annie, Minnie and Penny; cat’s: Lilly and Mia, as well as many friends and co-workers.
A Celebration of Angie’s Life was Friday February 24, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor David Mullins officiating and music by Steve Bower.

ARNOLD LLOYD MARTIN
Arnold Lloyd Martin, 79, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Born on September 22, 1943, in Cross Lanes, Arnold was the son of the late Denzel and Muriel Boggess Martin. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his 6 siblings.
Arnold is survived by his oldest sister, Rosetta Bowling of Cross Lanes; son, Jeff Martin (Amy) of Cross Lanes; daughter, Lisa Adams (John) of Nitro; and daughter, Crissi Krall (Richard) of Palm Bay, Florida; 6 grandchildren, and several great grand-children.
Arnold loved nothing more than spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, working on his cars, travelling, and going to church. He was a very hard worker and was retired from John Amos Power Plant.
Celebration of Arnold’s life was held Friday, February 24, 2023 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home, Cross Lanes, with Pastors Kurt Gray and Barrett Jordan officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

IRENE MCCALLISTER
Irene McCallister, 71, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord February 25, 2023, at home.
Irene was born July 11, 1951 in Culloden to the late Edward and Mazy Clark. She is a retired Beautician. Irene is also preceded in death by her two brothers Robert and Roy Clark.
Irene is survived by her husband of 42 years, Jim McCallister; two children Renee and husband Aaron Rollins and Jimmy and wife Amy McCallister; sister Mary Bird; six grandchildren Micah, Maycie, Eli, Garrett, Jaxson, and Gigi; and favorite nephew Deak McCallister.
A tribute to the life of Irene McCallister was held Wednesday, March 1, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

JOHN TIMOTHY MELTON
John Timothy Melton, 60, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord and reunited with his mom and dad on February 27, 2023.
Timmy is a graduate of Poca High School and a member of Lett Creek Community Church. He is retried from Haven of Rest Memory Gardens and a former employee of Stone & Thomas Warehouse. Timmy enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and sports. He was always good at making people laugh.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Mary “Sis” Melton; brother Jeffrey Melton and cousin Raymond Saunders.
Timmy is survived by his son Matt and wife Tina Allen; three grandchildren Emilee, Elijah, and Jonathan; cousins Cindy Shearer, Richard Shearer, David Ord, Darrell Ord, Mike Smith and wife Melissa, Pam Tinney and husband Tuna, Bobby Runion and wife Tisha, Danny Smith, and Bobbi Jo Saunders. He is also survived by the Allen family and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Timmy was held Thursday March 2, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bron Walker officiating. Burial was in Ortin Heights Cemetery.

ELIZABETH MILAM
Elizabeth A. Sovine Milam, 64, of St. Albans, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, after a short illness. She was formerly of Hurricane and was preceded in death by her parents John and Beulah Sovine, twin brothers, Stephen Clay and Michael Ray.
She is survived by daughter Rachel A Patrick Williamson (Jason) of Huntington, 4 grandchildren whom she loved dearly Caleb Patrick, Kayla Patrick, Michael Patrick and Connor Williamson, sister, Joan Sovine Whitlock (Dewey) of Hurricane, brother, John W. Sovine Jr. (Kathy) of Fayetteville, N.C. her beloved nephews, David Sovine (Melissa) of Scott Depot, J.R. Sovine of Fayetteville NC and niece, Holley Sovine of Fort Rucker, AL and her much loved companion David Bailey.
Service was Friday, February 24, 2023, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Patrick McGue officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

WILLIAM JOSEPH PEYTON
William Joseph Peyton, 63, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on February 25, 2023. He was a Veteran of the US Air Guard and employed by Dow Chemical Company with almost 42 years of service. He was a graduate of Richwood High School Class of 1978 and he was preceded in death by his parents William and Flora Peyton.
He is survived by his wife Rhonda, daughter, Tiffany of Charleston, SC. Brother, Johnny Peyton (Susan) of Smithfield, NC., his dog Peanut, nephews, Nicholas and Alexander and niece, Jessica.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor David Radcliff officiating. Burial will follow in Valley View Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 till 8 on Thursday at Allen Funeral Home.

ROSE MARY RAY
Rose “Moma Rose” Mary Ray, 76, of Scott Depot, passed away on February 23, 2023 at Hospice at CAMC Memorial Division Charleston.
She was born on October 14, 1946 to the late Roy J. and Mildred Irene Chapman.
Rose was retired from Verizon and was a member of CWA Local #2001 Charleston and the Pioneers. She was an instrumental supporter, advisor and “Moma Rose” of Rose Ann’s RM Productions Dance Studio in South Charleston.
She is survived by her loving daughter: Rose McDonough and her boyfriend: Chuck Swigger, as well as many dance kids and 3 cats: Sir, Millie and Aristotle.
Funeral Service for Rose was Monday, February 27, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.

WINFRED RAY SIAS
Winfred Ray Sias, 84, of Winfield, passed away on the morning of Friday, February 17, 2023, at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
He was the son of Winfred and Alma Sias of Lincoln County.
After graduating from Trap Hill High School in Raleigh County, Ray joined the U.S. Navy, where he served onboard the U.S.S. Wren, becoming part of the 1956 invasion of Lebanon. After his honorable discharge, he went back to Raleigh County and married Peggy Joyce Lacy in 1960.
In 1962, Ray received an Associate in Arts from Beckley College. While working at the Beckley Police Department, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Morris Harvey College in 1970 and a Master of Science in Industrial Relations from West Virginia University in 1974.
Always eager to learn something new, Ray became a private airplane pilot and taught several students at Mallory Airport in South Charleston. In addition, he was an accomplished woodworker and his home is furnished with many beautiful projects.
Ray is survived by his wife, Peggy; his only daughter, Cynthia Lynn Barnes and husband Bruce of Winfield; and his brother, Paul Sias of New Jersey.

JOHN W. SMITH
John W. Smith, 49, of Liberty, unexpectedly passed away on February 20, 2023.
John, or “Baby John” as his brother liked to tease, was born in Charleston on May 20, 1973. He grew up in Culloden, alongside his two older brothers, where he spent his younger years running around and being a typical teenager. In 1992, he met and married his wife of thirty years, and from there began his family. Together, he and his wife raised seven daughters. He was a family man through and through. He not only taught his girls that family comes first, but he also showed them with his own actions. He dedicated his life to being the best husband, the most amazing father, and the worlds proudest paw paw. He was the rock in which his family could always depend on no matter what.
Being called paw paw was one of his greatest accomplishments in life. He was never prouder than when he had his grandbabies by his side. He was a father figure to many, playing a large role in his sons-in-law lives. Though he had initially never thought he would have a son, he ended up with many who called him dad. He treated his sons-in-law as his own children and loved them the same.
He had worked in many different fields throughout his life, but over the last few years, he found his calling in helping those who are disabled. Doing so, he found some of the best friends anyone could ask for. Lane Cohen and Bradley Moore, among others, became more like family in time he worked with them. Church was another important part of his life. He was a faithful member of the Bridge of Faith, where he was known to play his guitar for the praise and worship team.
John loved life and had many talents and hobbies that he shared with his loved ones and friends. He enjoyed bush crafting, going to reenactments at Pricketts Fort, playing all different types of instruments, cooking, and so much more. He seemed to have the answers for everything and was the best person anyone could go to for advice. He was as wise as King Solomon and would never steer you wrong.
John was the most genuine soul anyone could ever meet. He was a light for everyone he was around. Though his light has seemed to fade, it is not gone, but will forever live in the hearts of those who love and miss him.
He is survived and missed by his loving wife, Anita Smith; his seven daughters, Nikki Poole (Patrick Poole), Bethany Smith (Garrett Reveal), Allyson Ross (Jason Ross), Melanie Fields (Christian Fields), Johnna Smith, Nevaeh Smith, and Sophia Smith; his two brothers, George Smith (Crystal Smith) and Darrell Smith; his mother, Leigh Ann; his five grandsons and two granddaughters; his nephew, George Smith Jr.; his niece, Amber Smith; and several other amazing nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of John was held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Bridge of Faith Church with Pastors Mike Ramsey and Cliff Thaxton officiating.

LANDON ‘RED’ STANLEY
Landon M. “Red” (Ishmael) Stanley, was born July 2, 1938 in Pike County, Ky. He was the first-born child of Charlie and Greetis (Hinkle) Stanley and thereafter became The Big Brother to twelve other siblings
Landon was a 1957 graduate of Belfry High School, Belfry, Ky. Landon’s employment included a Truck Driver for Swift & Co, Cross Country Truck Driver, Union Carbide, Courts Motors, Enterprise, Inc. and NAPA. just to name a few. He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army and attended Fairview Primitive Baptist Church and Calvary Apostolic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Greetis Stanley, one brother who died at infancy, Reaford, a twin to Raymond and also his first wife, Carol Sue (Pope) Stanley, sister-in-law, Gloria (Dewey) Hensley, Sharon K Stanley, and bothers-in-law Vernon Maynard, Wayne Colman, Harold Cochran and Gene J. Trout.
He is survived by his precious wife Carrie Margaret Peters Stanley, son, Stuart Sowards and his wife Heidi, and their daughter, Abigail, brother-in-law Rev. Charles Douglas Peters (Carma) and his family, his dog Izzy, brothers James I. (Kathy) Stanley, Clayton (Judy) Stanley, Kenneth (Rose) Stanley, Clifton Stanley and Raymond (Freda) Stanley, sisters Anna Lou Trout, Fannie Marie Cochran, Fayetta (Ervin) Thacker, Phyllis Jean Maynard, Carol (Jack) Sammons and Patsy Ruth Colman, Aunt, Clara Blevins and a great host of nieces and nephews, and friends to morn his passing.
A visitation will be held from 6 til 8 on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, WV and from 6 til 9 on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Rogers Funeral Home in Belfry, Ky. Funeral service will be 10:00 on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Rogers Funeral Home and burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens, Huddy KY.

LEOTA G. SUMMERS
Leota Summers, 90, of Hurricane, passed away on February 22, 2023 at CAMC Teays Valley.
She was born on September 23, 1932 to the late Herbert and Allie Sigman Withrow. Leota was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Carl L. Summers; twin sister: Leona (Bob) Sutherland, sister: Lessie (Leroy) Workman and brother: Parvin (Virginia) Withrow.
She was a Christian, homemaker and loved to camp, traveling with the Road Runners and J.D. Travelers camping Clubs.
Leota is survived by her loving daughter: Kathy (Dana) Mallett of Midway, WV; granddaughter: Heather (Roy) Stewart; grandson: Zachary (Leah) Mallett; 5 great grandchildren: Alley, Jacob, R.J., Lilyauna and Jameson, as well as other family members.
Funeral Service for Leota was Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Ralph Workman officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

WILLIAM THOMPSON JR.
William Joseph Thompson Jr., 79, of Hurricane, passed away on February 15, 2023.
He was born September 10, 1943, in Charleston to the late Helen Elizabeth Sullivan, BA and W.J. Thompson, JD.
Bill was a college graduate, Naval Reserve veteran, home builder and member of Ascension Catholic Church, Hurricane.
He is survived by his four children: Rose, Helen, Homer, and Judd; thirteen grandchildren; his former wife Deborah, one sister Ann, nieces and cousins.
Bill took pride that each of his children gained a work ethic as well as remuneration and traditional handyman skills working in the family business. Bill’s favorite pastime was cooking, and he frequently gifted portions of what he prepared. Starting as an exchange student in England after high school, he was a world traveler until his health declined, and he felt their appreciation when his children often took their families to places they had visited as youngsters. Bill loved his Church and enjoyed many volunteered hours of work over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Ascension Catholic Church, Hurricane.

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