Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of April 6

CHAROLETTE CASTO
Charolette Darlene Casto, 74, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away at home on Monday, March 27, 2023, of a long-term illness.
Charolette was born October 21, 1948, in Parkersburg. Charolette was married to Garry M. Casto of Fraziers Bottom for 58 years. Charolette retried from Sam’s Club after 22 years of service. She enjoyed yardwork, cutting grass, shopping, traveling, going on cruises with friends, and her Florida home. She was one of those most vibrant, spoiled, sassy, loving, beautiful individuals you could meet and will sadly be missed.
Charolette is survived by her loving and devoted husband Garry M. Casto of Fraziers Bottom, her son Kerry Michael Casto (Cristina) of Fraziers Bottom, granddaughters Katie Craig (Cody), Sydney Casto, and Alyssa Casto, daughter Kimberly Casto Humphrey (Mario), and grandson Corey Jackson.
In honor of her wishes there will be no services at this time. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

DIANA G COWAN
Diana G Cowan, 79, of Davisville, passed away Wednesday, 29, 2023 after a short illness. Formerly of Hurricane and Elkview, Diana retired from U.S. Tours and Meyers & Powell Law office and enjoyed traveling especially the beach.
She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Helen Stanley, siblings Robert and Twala (Rick) Teel and Clifford Stanley Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Regina Gillispie and Jill (Brodie) Cannon; grandchildren, Nicholas (Mary Cait) Cannon, Ashley (Wesley) Degraffenreaidt and Zachary Gillispie. Siblings Rosemary (Bubby) Casto and Delores “Dottie” Casto.
Following her wishes Services will be private.

JOE CROCKETT
Joe Eddie Dewight Crockett, 83, of Eleanor, passed away on March 26, 2023 under Hospice Care at Putnam Center.
Joe was the son of original Eleanor Homesteaders, the late Robert and Eva Crockett. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years: Becky Ross Crockett; daughter: Celeste Zipperlen; sisters: Ervene Wolfe and Gerry Fitzsimmons; and his brother: Bob Crockett.
Joe had a love and knowledge for antiques. He was an antique dealer and a Licensed Estate Auctioneer for over fifty years. He loved planting his garden, where he raised his own blackberries that he turned into the most amazing jelly. He loved making his famous fudge around Christmas to give as gifts. He will be remembered for working from sun up to sun down.
Joe is survived by his daughter: Stacy (Michael) Cooper of Gallipolis, OH; son: Joe Crockett of Eleanor, sister: Marlene Carr of Eleanor, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

LEETA JEAN HALL
Leeta Jean Hall 79, of Winfield, passed away on April 2, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 19, 1943 to the late David and Sarah M. Runyan Lowe in St. Albans. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughters: Patricia “Patty” Messinger, Sherry Lindmark and Melissa Spurlock.
Jean was retired from John Amos Power Plant and was a member of Winfield Baptist Church.
She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years: John Stephen Hall; children: Rick Worstell (Jenny) of Athens, OH, James David Worstell of Rush, KY and John S. Hall II (Susan) of Scott Depot; grandchildren: Amy Jo Lewis, Scott Russell, Misty Worstell, Jo Ann Worstell, Courtney Lindmark, Brittany Lindmark and Matthew Lindmark, James D. Worstell Jr., Heather Worstell, John W. Hall (fiancée Kirsten), Justin Hall and James Michael Morton; her brother: Kim Lowe of Hurricane; and nephews: Connor and Alex Lowe.
Funeral service for Jean was Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Winfield Baptist Church with Pastor Andrew Gordon officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, Saint Albans.

PHYLLIS JEAN MANLEY
Phyllis Jean Sundin Manley, 83, of Hurricane, passed away on March 27, 2023 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
She was born on August 15, 1939 to the late Wilford V. and Susan A. Walker Sundin in Charleston, WV. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Clifford A. Manley and son: Thomas S. Manley.
She was a CNA with Genesis HealthCare.
Phyllis is survived by her children: Edward A. (Tonya Lamasters) Manley of Valley Grove, WV, Phillip J. Manley of Cross Lanes, WV and Mona G. (Daniel) Frederoski of Hurricane, WV; brother: Donald Sundin of St. Albans, WV; 3 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Funeral service for Phyllis was Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

DOROTHY ALICE MARTIN
Dorothy Alice Martin, age 85, passed peacefully March 27, 2023 at Hospice Hubbard House West surrounded by family. She was born November 10, 1937 in Spring Dale, WV to Hazel and Delitha Tincher. She married the love of her life, Samuel “Lockie” Martin, July 28 1956 ; who preceded her in death in 2004.
Each family member has special memories they will forever cherish. Anyone that knew her loved her sweet and spirited soul. Dorothy loved and dedicated herself to taking care of her family. She enjoyed time with them playing games, traveling, cooking, and most of all, spoiling her grandkids and great grandkids. Much of her time was spent at the grandkids’ events and activities. Through the years, the family has loved spoiling her right back.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters; Linda Wiseman (Kevin) and Alice Shedd (Jim); grandchildren; Josh Wiseman (Rebecca), Kim Davis (K.C.), Sam Wiseman (Elizabeth), and Kelsey Crisco (Andrew); great grandchildren Aaron Calub, Alston Calub, Kaiden Davis, Cruz Davis, Kolt Davis, and Theodore Wiseman; and sister Loretta Patrick. All of these she loved and touched deeply. The family would like to thank Tonja Cartwright and Roxanne Means for the special care they extended the last couple years.
Funeral service was Monday, April 3, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

DOROTHY L. MILLS
Dorothy L. Mills 91, of Culloden, passed away on Thursday March 30, 2023 at her residence.
She was born on April 19, 1931 to the late Luther and Lucille Belcher in Mercer County. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband: Russell Mills and brother: Ralph “RJ” Belcher.
Dorothy was a minister‘s wife for 40 years: serving ministers, missionaries, and friends.
She survived by her son, Timothy Mills (Melanie) of Morgantown, WV; daughters: Debbie Arbogast (Fred) of Elkview and Karen Johnson (Greg) of Clendenin; special friend: Becky Mullins (Allen) of Aurora; brothers: Randy Belcher (Nancy) of Princeton and Stanley Belcher (Brenda) of Waynesboro, VA; grandchildren: Jennifer Parkhurst (Tim), Kara Shamblin (Ronnie), Heather Travis (Joe), Aaron Mills, Kristina Johnson, James Mullins and Kayla Robinson; great grandchildren: Michael, Lincoln, Lucy Ben, Brooke, Molly, Jaxon, Kayden and Landon.
Funeral service for Dorothy was Tuesday April 4, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Harold Massey officiating. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park, Ona.

MARY ROSE
Mary Katherine Rose, 34, of Hurricane, went home to be with her Lord on March 25, 2023.
Mary was born on December 5, 1988 in Charleston to Jonathan and Robin Pizzino Rose. She was a 2007 Graduate of Winfield High School, The Putnam Career and Technical Center and employed by Genesis Putnam Center as an LPN. She formerly attended Calvary Baptist Church in Hurricane.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Sebastian and Mamie Sanders Pizzino and paternal grandfather: William (Buddy) Rose of Beckley.
Mary’s favorite pastimes included spending time with her daughter: Savannah, attending concerts, as she was an avid music lover, especially MGK. She loved watching and cheering for her favorite race car driver, her brother: William Rose #77 and looking out for #52, Shawn Lovejoy. She enjoyed the beach, her happy place, where she shopped, looked for seashells, especially the rolly ones as well as soaked up the sun and sand. She also had a love for crocs, in which she wore them all the time!
In addition to her parents, Mary is survived by her daughter: Savannah (Sis); paternal grandmother: Shirley A. Rose of Talcott, WV; sister: Amber L. Rose-Byble (Michael) of Grayson, KY; brother: William S. Rose (Caitlyn) of Scott Depot, WV; her favorite nephew and niece: Xavier and Violet Byble; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, her special girls: Presley and Macey and her lifelong best friend, Krystal Gail and family.
Funeral services was Friday, March 31, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

AUDREY SCHOOLCRAFT
Audrey Marie Schoolcraft, 91, of Fraziers Bottom, was welcomed to Heaven on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Her legacy inspires others to love God, love people, and be generous in any way one can. Laughter was a necessity in her life, and her smile was infectious.
Born February 7, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Londus and Ethel Barnett of Buffalo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert Lee Schoolcraft; son, Curtis Schoolcraft; son-in-law, David Craig; and sisters, Avalee Winters, Alma Kauff, and Louise Jividen.
Survivors include her daughter and caregiver, Diann Craig of Frazier’s Bottom; brothers, Brycil Barnett of Leon, and Belvin Barnett of Buffalo; sister, Viola Dingess of Huntington; 3 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; the late Chris Bonnett and his daughter Terri O’Connor of Poca were very dear friends and were considered as family.
Memorial service was held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Bernie Gatens officiating.

ERMA JEAN SMITH
Erma Jean Smith, 86, of Eleanor, formerly of Wingate, North Carolina, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023 at her home. She was a member of the Wingate United Methodist Church, and attended First Baptist Church of Eleanor. She loved people and enjoyed socializing. Her interests included making cards and scrapbooking, baking, and she always enjoyed Elvis Presley music. Erma loved her special cat Maggie, and most of all loved her family and will be sadly missed.
Born April 16, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Lee Davis and Fredia McNeely Davis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Smith; and a son, Michael Perkins.
She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Gary) Hicks of Eleanor; and Tammy (Ron Good) Perkins of Shorewood, Illinois; sister, Brenda Floding of Belpre, Ohio; 4 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 bonus great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Graveside funeral service was Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, with Pastor Greg Johnson officiating.

JANICE STRICKLAND
Janice Charlene Young Strickland, 77, of Teays Valley, passed away on March 25, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.
She was born in Charleston to the late Rev. William Ronald Young and Leah Drennen Young and grew up on the Elk River. She was the last student to graduate from Clendenin High School in 1963. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Joanette Young Byrd.
She is survived by her husband, James “Butch” Strickland; brother: William R. Young Jr (Paula); daughter Teresa L. Cochran (Paul); and son: Jonathan R. Strickland (Angie); as well as three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
By her request, she will be cremated.

PAULINE SUNDERLAND
Pauline W. Sunderland, 93, formerly of Hurricane, died peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at her home in Morgantown.
She was born March 8, 1930 in Culloden, the youngest daughter of the late Ira C. White and May Harte Wolfe White. She was raised in Culloden and was a 1948 graduate of Milton High School. Pauline, known to many as Pooch, a nickname bestowed by her father, worked as a secretary for Putnam County Schools for 25 years retiring in 1988. She was a member of Milton United Methodist Church for 73 years. She was active in Hurricane Chapter #116 Order of the Eastern Star and the Hurricane Civic Chorus. She loved to sing, play her autoharp, cook, and crochet.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Billy Joe Sunderland; her parents; three brothers; and five sisters.
She is survived by two daughters, Phoebe (Mike) Truex of St. Marys and Polly (Dick) Arbaugh of Morgantown, two grandchildren, Joshua Arbaugh (Andrea Martin) of Morgantown and Micah Truex Kinser (Shae) of Townsend, TN.
A memorial service will be held at Milton United Methodist Church on April 13, 2023. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the service at noon. Burial will be at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Huntington, immediately following the service.

DAVID ARNIM WILEY
David Arnim Wiley, of Hurricane, passed away March 29, 2023, on his 76th birthday. David was a loving husband and father, a good friend, a man of great faith, and a complete goofball. David attended Barboursville High School and then Huntington East High School. He played on his high school basketball and football teams, and was known for his sense of humor and impish impulse to prank. After a year at Marshall University spent mostly playing pool in the Student Center, he was “invited not to return in the fall.” He was drafted into the military five times, each time being honorably excused from service for the same medical condition.
As his children came of age David was actively involved in the PTA at their elementary school, serving as its president for seven years. When he resigned, having had more than enough of the organization, they rewarded him with a lifetime membership. David was a successful entrepreneur and founded Finance and Insurance Specialists, serving as its chief executive for many years before finally selling the company. Later in life David indulged his love of woodworking, making intricate wooden boxes which he enjoyed giving as gifts. One remaining in the garage includes a handwritten note to a favorite grandchild, “I tolerate you!!!”
David was preceded in death by his parents Paris Arnim Wiley and Mary Elizabeth Carico, and is survived by his wife Beverly, brother Butch, four children David (and spouse Elaine), Marc (Kim), Beth (Ammon), and Ronnie (Ashley), and 19 grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11am. There will be a brief viewing before beginning at 10am. The building is located at 5640 Shawnee Drive, Huntington.

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