ORAN ‘POOCH’ BOOTH JR.
Oran R. “Pooch” Booth Jr. of Eleanor passed away July 14, 2023 at 87 years old.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Bertha Ann “Nook” Booth. He was the son of the late Oran R. Booth and Gladys Phalen Booth of Hometown. He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Magoun of Stephens City, VA, William Booth of Piney View, WV, Monna Sheets (Roger) of Winfield, and also survived by his three children Sherry Witt, Winfield; Troy Booth, Spring Hope, NC and Ginger Austin, Mebane, NC; six grandchildren, Shanda (Matt) Crist, Lindsay Witt, Eric Booth, Christopher Booth, Jacob Austin and Carlie Austin, and two great grandchildren, Dylan and Hayden Crist.
Pooch was a Veteran of the US Army. He retired from Republic Container Company, Nitro, after 34 years of employment.
Pooch made an impact on the lives of many. In addition to his commitment to being a loving husband and father, nothing brought him more joy than to spend time with his grandchildren, great-grands, nieces, and nephews teaching, creating, and building. He was generous with this time and his patience was unmatched. Pooch was the patriarch of his family, he was a voice in his community, a coach and mentor to the neighborhood kids, an artist, a craftsman, and a great storyteller.
A tribute to the life of Mr. Oran R “Pooch” Booth Jr. was held Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens.
JILL SUZANNE CLARK
Jill Suzanne Clark, 49, of Miami, Florida, formerly of Hurricane, passed away at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City on April 8, 2023.
Jill was born September 16, 1973, to parents Karol M. Clark of Hurricane and the Late Micky Anne Newman Clark of Florida. A 1991 graduate of Hurricane High School, she continued her studies at the University of Colorado in Denver and Boulder.
As the Owner/Director of Magnet Art Group of Miami, Florida, Jill traveled the world promoting and trading in works of art. She was instrumental in putting art into space.
In addition to her father Jill is survived by her maternal grandmother, Margaritte Taylor Hulley of St. Petersburg, Florida, Her fiance, Scott Richardson, of Miami; her best friend since 7th grade, Corrie Stevens Lovejoy of Charleston, WV, many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of friends from all over the World.
Jill was preceded in death by her mother, her paternal grandparents, Morris and Catherine Clark of Hurricane, and her little dog and furry companion of 17 years, Bunnie.
A memorial service to honor Jill’s life will be observed on Thursday, July 20th, at 7:30 p.m. at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church located in Hurricane with the Rev. Dr. Joseph Kenaston officiating.
LISA CAROL JOHNSON
Lisa Carol Johnson (Sheltz), 59, of Cross Lanes, went to be with the Lord, July 9, 2023 following a brief hospitalization. Lisa was a 1982 graduate of Hurricane High School. She held various positions in the food service industry finishing her career at the Charleston Area Medical Center, Teays Valley. She is preceded in death by her daughter Robyn Tucker, parents Ronald and Carol Sheltz and sister Kelly.
Lisa is survived by her son Shane (Lindsay), brother Scott (Diane), nephew Brent and her dog Harley. Funeral service was Thursday, July 13 at Allen’s Funeral Home with one of the Pastors from Hurricane officiating.
SHELBA JEAN KETCHUM
Shelba Jean Ketchum 84, of Hurricane, passed away on Saturday July 15, 2023 after an unrelenting battle with cancer. She was born on April 5, 1939 to the late Harry Othal Conrad and Eulah White Conrad in Milton. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband: Milton Wayne Ketchum and brothers: Don William Conrad and Dexter Dale Conrad, Sr..
Shelba was a Christian and in her younger days, very much enjoyed playing the piano for the family quartet, traveling around the region to various, homecomings and revivals. She was also a very avid DIY enthusiast and always had a number of home projects in the works.
Shelba was a devoted nurse for nearly 30 years, first working in the ICU unit at Thomas Memorial Hospital and then her primary focus became Geriatric Nursing an area in which she excelled.
Shelba is survived by her children: Lisa Dawn and husband Jerry Robinson of Hurricane, Andra Lynn and husband Michael Birch of Lexington, NC, Christopher Ketchum of Hurricane, Cathy Machelle and husband Wayne Workman of South Charleston; sister: Delores Yvonne and husband Junior Bias of Huntington; 3 grandchildren: Justin and wife Jennifer Stark, Heather and husband Matthew James and Mitchell Robinson; several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Funeral Service for Shelba will be 11:00am Friday, July 21, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Douglas Peters officiating. Entombment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
BOBBY E. LUTSY
Bobby E. Lutsy, 90, of Hurricane, formerly of Costa, went home to be with the Lord on July 11, 2023 at Genesis Putnam Center, Hurricane.
He retired from Armco Steel after many years of service as a coal miner and was a former employee of the City of Charleston. He was a member of Brushton United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by son: Barry Lutsy, parents: Patsy Edward and Belle Smith Lutsy, sisters: Martha Little, Helen Cooper, Loraine “Cho” Kirk and brothers: Patsy Edward “Tudy” Lutsy Jr., Lonnie Lutsy, Eugene Lutsy and Richie Lutsy.
Surviving are wife: Enola Faye Justice Lutsy, daughter: Pamela (Bob) Gibson of Hurricane, son: Robert (Tracy) Lutsy of Chesapeake, sister: Sue Elkins of Cleveland, OH, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral was Sunday July 16, 2023 at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet, with Rev. Paul Tuemler and Steve Smith officiating. Burial was in Barker Cemetery, Ashford.
Martha Painter
Martha Lee Farley Painter, 87, widow of Glen Austin Painter of Red House, sadly passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
She was the daughter of the late Jackson and Tessie Farley of Bancroft.
Martha is survived by her son, Brian Kent Painter of Red House and her daughter, Candice Leigh Painter Mill (Robert) of Bonita Springs, FL. She is also survived by her sisters Jacquelyn Farley Arthur of Liberty, and Debbie Farley Liptrap (Bob) of Eleanor, and her dear friend, Misti Sayre of Red House. She was preceded in death by her brothers Stephen, Stanley and Sheridan and her sister Mary Jane.
She was a lifelong animal lover and devoted mother with a kind and loving heart. She will be fondly remembered by her spirit and love of laughter. She and Glen were married 57 years. They lived most of their married lives at Painter Farms in Red House, a multi-generational homeplace. They farmed, as well as raised and trained Tennessee Walking horses. The farm is still in full operation under her son, Brian’s direction.
Graveside service was held at Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel in Red House on Saturday, July 15.
Betty Joyce Racer
Betty Joyce Racer, 82, of Culloden, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.
She was born in Culloden to the late Cecil and Lillian Janey Chapman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ward Racer; stillborn daughter Teresa Racer; granddaughter Jennifer Racer; grandson Dustin Clegg; sisters Ruth Chapman, Faye Chapman, Shirley Elkins, Linda Bird; brothers Darrell, Daniel, Ray, Harold Chapman
Betty was a Christian, dearly loved her children, grandchildren, was a homemaker and housekeeper for CDI.
Surviving are her sons, Greg (Anita), Ward (Cathy), Cecil Racer, Harold Harris; sisters Marie Hedrick, Bonnie Breedlove; brother Melvin Chapman; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor David Bailey officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Laura Jo Smith
Laura Jo Smith, 90, went to be with the Lord in her Heavenly home on July 16th, 2023. Born in Hurricane, on July 4th, 1933 to the late Burl and Irsil Neely, she was a direct descendent of the Gibson family, early settlers in this area.
Laura Jo was a proud Hurricane Redskin Cheerleader and graduate of Hurricane High School. She loved to sing and play piano. She was community minded and served as president of Hurricane Woman’s Club. She retired from Office Manager for Dr. Sam Henson. A longtime member of Forest Burdette United Methodist Church, she served on many committees and was a member of the choir for 35 years.
She is reunited with her loving husband of 70 years, John “J.E” Smith, sons Richard “Snuffy”, Victor David and Jeffery “Bodine” Smith, brother Robert (Bobby) Neely all of Hurricane.
Left to cherish her love and memories are her five grandchildren; Carrie Beth (Robert) Uden of Hurricane, Mary Katherine (Amer) Odat of Pickerington, OH, Brandon Edward of Pensacola, FL, Kimy Dawn (Jonathan) Stowers of Huntington, Hunter Louis of Candor, New York. Five precious great grandchildren Jasmine, Maggie, Isaiah, Carter and Beckett Edward. Special lifelong friends Flora Vaughn Francis and Carol Rowsey both of Hurricane.
Funeral services were private and burial was in Valley View Cemetery.
Bobby Lee Tucker
Bobby Lee Tucker, 84, of Buffalo, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 13, 2023 following a short illness. He worked for Conrail railroad for more than 30 years. He was a Christian and loved his Lord more than anything, and loved his church family. He was an Ordained Minister and preached the Gospel and attended many churches across the area over the years. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be sadly missed by all.
Born March 25, 1939, he was the son of the late Foster Tucker and Bertha “Base” Tucker, step-father Dick Tucker, and step-mother Betty Tucker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Reba F. Tucker; siblings, Paul Tucker, Lola Bell “Sissy” Doss, Wilma “Squeak” Higginbotham, Beula “Bootie” Oldaker, Ethyle “Tuddles” Higginbotham, Jimmy Tucker, Kenny Tucker, Odie Tucker, Eddie Tucker, Ron Tucker, and Nancy Jividen; sons-in-law, George Stover and Carl Skaggs.
Survivors include his children, Carma Stover of Robertsburg, Carla (Eugene) Mitchell of Robertsburg, Fonda Skaggs of Buffalo, Bryan Tucker of Leon, and Jason (Shanna) Tucker of Buffalo; grandchildren, David (Jennifer) Stover, Michael Stover, Andrea (Joe) Blatt, Bobby Mitchell, Bradley (Jess) Mitchell, Brandon (Sheena) Richardson, Cody Richardson, Lanie Dawn Richardson, Corey (Jessica) Tucker, Megan Tucker, Marcus Tucker, Courtney Tucker, Christian Tucker, Madison Tucker, Skyla Tucker, Jordan (Megan) Tucker, Caleb (Alliyah) Tucker, and Ayden Tucker; great-grandchildren, Trinity Stover, Ethan Stover, Tahlon Stover, Paisley Mitchell, Bailey Mitchell, Bentley Mitchell, Kaylynn Richardson, Carlee Richardson, Avery Richardson, Brinklee Butler, Owen Tucker, Sammy Tucker, and Baby Jenson on the way; siblings, Johnny Tucker, Sherry (Darrell) Knapp, Vickie Mackling, Sandy (Kenneth) Lowe, Roger Tucker, Lynn Lumberson, Paula Lumberson, Bonnie Potter and Don Tucker; sisters-in-law, Danette Tucker, Sharon Brown, and Karen Jeffers; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends in Christ.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor John Hage and Pastor Randy Parsons officiating. Burial will follow in Tucker Cemetery, Grimms Landing. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Mary Sue Woodson
Mary Sue Woodson, 84, of Nitro, passed away July 10, 2023.
Mary is retired real estate agent with Mt. Vernon Reality; member of the Putnam County Democrat Club and a 1957 graduate of Nitro High School.
She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Woodson and parents Alma and Frank Graham.
She is survived by her daughter Katharine Stevens (Eddie Whittington); brother-in-law Bobby Woodson; four grandchildren Courtney, Zach, Austin, and Bryson; two great grandchildren Connor and Jace; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A tribute to the life of Mary was held Tuesday, July18, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating.
Randall Keith Wymer
Randall Keith Wymer, 65, of Hurricane, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at his residence.
He was born in Charleston on February 15, 1958 to the late Donald Ray and Jerri Elenora (Richards) Wymer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Wymer. He is survived by three daughters, Stacie (Josh) Shimp, Jessalyn Donahue and Aynessa Wymer; nine grandchildren, Nolan and Braylan Shimp, Jayda, Landon, Peiton Donahue, Norah Bowman, Alliyah, Adarra and Chase Darlak; and two brothers, Stan and Mark Wymer.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
