Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of January 4

ESTEL ABSTEN
Estel Richard “Buck” Absten, 84, of Liberty, passed away December 17, 2023.
Buck is retired from Cabot Oil and Gas with over 30 years of service. He was a Master Electrician and Certified in HVAC. Buck is a member of Dunbar First Baptist Church, enjoyed fishing and working around the farm.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Janet Smalley Absten; parents Charlie and Gertie Absten; father and mother-in-law Cleo and Dorothy Smalley; sisters Genevieve Stitley, Tootie Unrue, and Sylvia Turner; brothers Leroy and Don Absten; sisters-in-law Maxine Higginbotham and Hazel Absten; and brother-in-law Donald Starcher.
Buck is survived by two sons Jason Absten and Todd (Kim) Absten; brother Pete (Shad) Absten; sister Mona Starcher; two grandchildren Justin (Ashlee) Absten and Nicole Absten; two great grandchildren Max and Harrison; and brothers-in-law Deek Higginbotham, Chester (Ruth) Smalley, and Dexter (Brenda) Smalley; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Buck was held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

HAZEL A. ABSTEN
Hazel A. Absten, 77, of Buffalo, departed this life to be with the Lord on December 15, 2023. She was a devoted home maker. She enjoyed going to church and serving the lord, quilting, sewing, making jewelry, and spending time with kids/grandchildren/great-grandchildren.
Born September 8, 1946, she was the daughter of the late William A. Craig and Mary A. Oldaker Craig. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Leroy “Web” Absten; daughter, Melissa D. Blake; brothers, Charles, James, Howard, Cleon “Rusty”, William “Page”, Johnny, and Roy Craig; sisters Erma Craig, Iona “Midge” Grady, Lula Belle Stover, and Elnora Hill.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary Ashworth (Terry) of Cottageville, and Kimberly Jividen (Dale) of Davisville; sister, Berna Jo Higginbotham of Leon; grandchildren, Joshua Jividen (Amanda) of Wilmington, Ohio, Jamie Elswick of Mississippi, Brandi Somerville (Nathan) of Ravenswood, Cierra Gladden (Jonah) of Ripley, Hillary Poston (Sean) Huntington, Steven Ashworth (Sabrina) of Cottageville; great-grandchildren, Annalisa Echard, Laini Gladden, Isaiah Bankston, Taylin Poston, Natalee Somerville, River Gladden, Nora Somerville, Rilynn Gladden, and James Elswick, Jr.
Service was December 20th, 2023, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo. Burial was in Kirkpatrick Cemetery, Buffalo.

CHRISTOPHER AKERS
Christopher Todd Akers, 50, of Hurricane, passed away on December 27, 2023.
He was born December 10, 1973 to Nondra Akers Scharf and the late Paul “Dick” Akers.
Christopher enjoyed hanging out with friends and fishing. He was a former special member of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Fraziers Bottom Church of God.
In addition to his mother Christopher is survived by his sister Susan Smith (Joe) of Centerburg, OH; brothers, Paul Akers Jr. (Michele) of Lavalette and Gregory Akers of Eleanor; nieces, Amber Smith (Christopher) of Red House, and April Nance of Huntington; nephews, Derrick Akers of Eleanor and Austin Akers of Arizona; a great niece, Gracelyn Smith of Red House and a host of family and friends who are also left to mourn his passing.
Funeral Service for Christopher was Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.

Linda Bailey
Linda M. Bailey, 76, of Red House, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Shiloah Independent Church.
Born September 18, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Orville Thornton and Muriel Barnett Thornton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Harold Lee “Leroy” Bailey and daughter, Annette Lynn Bailey.
Survivors include her son, Sheldon (Wendy) Bailey of Red House; grandchildren, Tiffani (Cody) Parkins of Red House and Jarrett Bailey (Abbie Allen) of Red House; great grandchildren, Dawson and Landyn Parkins; brother-in-law, Arnold (Mary) Bailey; niece, Mandy (Danny) Watson and their children, Bailey and Jocie. Linda is also survived by her loving cat “Baby.”
Funeral service was held Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Larry Covert officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Tommy Bennett
Tommy Wayne Bennett, 77, of Nitro, went home to be with the Lord on December 24, 2023, at home.
Tommy received his education at Winfield High School and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He is a former 14-year employee of Hardee’s Restaurant in St. Albans where he was a pitcher for their baseball team. Tommy was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoyed volunteering at the St. Albans Riverfest and for the City of Nitro Halloween Street Parties. He appreciated his friendships made with the staff at the Nitro Go-Mart and with June at Monogram Plus.
He is preceded in death by his parents Wyatt and Grace Bennett and sisters Sharon Parog and Judith Arthur.
He is survived by his siblings Barney and wife Vicki Bennett of VA, Joan and husband Joe Savilla of Nitro, whom Tommy made his home with his adult life, Nancy and husband Frank McLean of VA, and Charles and wife Sue Bennett of VA. Tommy is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.
Funeral Mass was Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Chapin officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Linda Brown
Linda Lou Brown, 73, of Winfield, passed away on December 27th, 2023 in Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston.
She was born in Hamlin on March 14th, 1950. Linda graduated from Guyan Valley High School in 1968. She married the Late Robert R. Brown on March 4th, 1988. Linda spent her final months in the care of Celebration Villa in Hurricane, WV in the company of her caretaker Kat Lagrand.
She is survived by her daughters, Leisa Jo Sanders and Amanda Howard (John) and son Chris Brown (Theresa), sister Essie Keister (Jerry), along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert R. Brown and son Steven Sanders.
Funeral service was Saturday, December 30, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane.

Larry Call
Larry Eustace Call, 78, of Prichard, formally of Hurricane, passed away peacefully December 17, 2023 in Prichard after a short illness. Larry was born February 7, 1945 to the late Elmer and Mildred Erwin Call. He was a retired long haul truck driver and a friend to many.
Larry is survived by his daughter Robin Call of Ashley Ohio; 3 grandchildren: Cody and cory Call of Ashley, Ohio, and Daniel Call of Culloden, and a host of many more family and friends.

Don Cavender Obituary
Don L. “Butch” Cavender, 83, of Poca, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 30, 2023, after a long illness.
Butch was born on November 17, 1940, and was the youngest of eight children born to Della Faye and Nathanial Cavender. Butch retired from NL Industries after 38 years of service. He was a devoted husband, caregiver, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his wife, best friend, and constant companion, Mary Carol Cavender (Zitzelsberger) who passed away in 2011. They had been married for 51 years. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bancroft and a long-time resident of Heizer Creek.
Butch is survived by his four adult children, Son- Jeffrey Cavender (Tammy), Daughter-Regina Cavender, Son-Chris Cavender (Tommy) and Daughter-Wendy. In addition to his four children. Butch is survived by his two grandchildren, Grandson-Curtis Cavender (Heather) and Granddaughter- Brittany Richardson (Alex) and Ben, Sophie, and Addy.

A family service was held. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Barbara French
Barbara L. French, 76, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House.
She was the daughter of the late O’Dell Fields and Mae Myers Fields. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack, Johnny and Dennis; sister, Juanita.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Clarence French; sons, Deron (Starr) French and Brian French (Regina Burdette); grandchildren, Josh (Brigette), Katlyn, Grace, Mason, Justin, Michael and Nick; sisters, Georgia “Bunny,” Patty and Kathie; brothers, Wayne (Carol), Randy “Tinker” (Kathy), Ricky and Timmy; sister-in-law, Louise.
Funeral service was Friday, December 29, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Paul Browning officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Roy Henson
Roy Alan Henson, 73, of Buffalo, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at CAMC General following a short illness. He was a graduate of Buffalo High School and a U.S. Army Veteran. Roy retired from Last Drop Seamless Gutters in Carrboro NC with 22 years of service.
Born July 7, 1949, he was the son of the late James H. Henson and Bertha Burgess Henson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Bunny” Henson.
Survivors include his daughter, Shellie Puckett of Gallipolis OH; sisters, Mary Craig of Red House, Debbie Blankenship of Buffalo and Donna Schanz of Nitro; brother, Joe Scott of Alum Creek. Roy is also survived by 3 grandchildren and several extended family.
A private family service will be held at a later date.

John Anthony Hipple
John Anthony Hipple, 78, of Hurricane, passed away on December 16, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington.
He was a son of the late Robert G. and Mary Helen Schmidt Hipple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Thomas and Robert Hipple.
John spent 42 years working for JC Penney from the stock boy all the way up to the Store Manager in Charleston. He was a devoted catholic who attended Mass wherever he may have been, although for 22 years he and his wife have been at Ascension Catholic Church in Hurricane.
John is survived by his devoted caregiver and loving wife of almost 56 years: Sheryl D. Hipple; daughter: Sheri Lynn Anderson (Brett) of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren: Brooke Anderson of Midlothian, VA, Rachael and Mitchell Anderson of Roanoke, VA, and Jacquelyn Harris (Landon) of Henrico, VA.
A Mass of Christian Burial Service for John was held Thursday, December 21, at Ascension Catholic Church, Hurricane, with Rev. Vincent Joseph officiating.

Patricia B. Jarvis
Patricia Browder Jarvis, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went Home for a beautiful reunion on December 28, 2023. Her husband of 66 years, Bobby Jarvis, was certainly waiting for her in Heaven. Most of her 90 years were spent with him, especially as his loving caregiver in his final years.
In addition to her husband, Pat was preceded in death by her parents: RC and Hattie Browder, as well as six siblings and their spouses: Reba (Howard) North, Rachel (Morris) Mecum, Dick (Gloria) Browder, Gladys Radcliffe, Tom (Vivian) Browder and Betty Ruch; and lastly her granddaughter, Brooke Lauryn Johnson, was waiting for her in Heaven with her Papaw.
Pat graduated from St. Albans High School in 1951 then attended Findlay College in Findlay, Ohio. She was employed by C&P Telephone, later retired from The City of St. Albans after 20 years of service, although her true calling was as a wonderful homemaker and in raising her children.
Pat joined St. John United Methodist Church in Scott Depot when she and Bob moved to Hurricane. Prior to that, they were members of Highlawn Baptist Church in St. Albans for over 40 years where she served on numerous boards and committees including being a deaconess, a member of the choir and the “kitchen crew,” serving hundreds of meals. She was also involved in many civic organizations, such as the St. Albans Community Chorus. She was co-owner of My Friend & I Beauty Salon and Card & Gift Shop.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Cindy (Mike) Johnson of Scott Depot and son, Rob (Jennifer) Jarvis. The joys of her life were her grandchildren: Bobby (Lindsay) Johnson, Bree (Ryan) Lemmon, Taylor Johnson, Adam (Andrea) Jarvis, Matt (Chris) Jarvis and Libby Jarvis; and her adored four great-granddaughters: Presley, Parker and Isla Johnson and Sophia Jarvis. She also leaves a brother, Jack (Ann) Browder, several nieces and nephews and her best friends: Connie Skaggs and Penny Bailey.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00pm Saturday January 6th 2024 at St. John United Methodist Church, Scott Depot.

Bobby Keener
Bobby C. Keener, 78, of Buffalo, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at CAMC Memorial following a short illness. He was a graduate of Clay County High School.
Born June 24, 1945 in Clay, he was the son of the late Noah Keener and Dora Hughes Tanner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Birdie E. Keener; brother, Ronnie Moore and sister, Charlotte Montana.
Survivors include his son, Robert Keener (Cristy Golder) of Buffalo; daughter, Crystal (Fritz) Sovine of Hurricane; son, Adam Keener of Buffalo; brother, Bill Tanner of Culloden; grandchildren, Gunnar Keener, Fritz Sovine Jr., Cora Sovine and Hudson Sovine. Bobby is also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral service was Thursday December 21, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Mark Harris officiating. Burial wasin Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.

Carolyn Kimberling
Carolyn L. Kimberling, 81, of Midway, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023.
Born December 26, 1941 in Kanawha County, she was the daughter of the late George and Barbara Fields. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, of 57 years James Abner “Skeeter” Kimberling and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her daughter, Vicki (Joe) Carpenter of Winfield; sons; Bill (Donna) Kimberling of Red House and “Jimbo” Kimberling of Red House; 6 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
Funeral service was Friday, December 22, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Christina Lynn McGrew
Christina Lynn McGrew, 52, of Hurricane, passed away on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 at her residence.
She was born November 13, 1971 in Charleston. In addition to her father, James Carr, Christina is preceded in death by her children Kara Ann McGrew and Craig Allen McGrew.
She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to many. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed watching TV in her free time.
Surviving Christina is her loving husband of 35 years, Mark McGrew; mother, Linda Carr; grandson, Devon Lee Michael Hatfield; brother, Jack Carr of Charleston; and a host of other family and friends. Per her wishes there will be no services.

Richard Miller
Richard Wayne Miller, 55, of Bancroft, passed away December 19, 2023, at home.
Richard attended Duval High School and worked as a contractor. He loved building gas powered bicycles.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Kay Miller.
He is survived by his two children Jessica Miller and Dillon Miller; sisters Rebecca and Betty; and six grandchildren Brooklynn Miller, Alexis Brown, Jaxon Brown, Jayden Craig, Jordan Craig, and Carson Miller.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Judy Persinger
Judy Kay Persinger, 74, of Scott Depot, passed away December 25, 2023, in CAMC General Division.
Judy was a homemaker and a caregiver. She graduated from Nitro High School and WV State College and loved working in her flowers and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents Hank and Lena Gillispie; daughter Denise Ann Persinger; great grandson John David Nelson; brother Norman Wagner; and sister Jo Fore.
She is survived by her husband Dennis H. Persinger; two children Timothy Persinger and Tammy Persinger; siblings Cindy Keith, Ben Gillispie, and Diane Persinger; grandchildren Brittany Halstead, Shannon Persinger, and John Simpson; and two great grandchildren Hunter and Hadley Persinger.
At her request there will be no services.

Travis Pomeroy
Travis E. Pomeroy, 40, of Poca, passed away December 23, 2023.
Travis is a graduate of Poca High School and enjoyed working with computers.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Virgil T. Pomeroy and William George and Nellie Bennett.
Travis is survived by his two children Issac and Mason Pomeroy; parents Greg and Brenda Pomeroy; grandmother Nancy Pomeroy; sister Amber and husband Jason Casto; niece Chloie Casto; and nephew Cayden Casto.

Charles Ranson
Charles “Keith” Ranson, age of 97, of Red House, passed away December 26, 2023 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington.
At the age of 16 years old, he was employed with West Virginia Steel Corporation in Charleston, West Virginia. At age 18, he volunteered to enter into the United States Army on January 17, 1945 and served until retirement on June 1, 1967. Later, employed by US Civil Service at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for approximately six years. He and his wife settled in West Virginia, and worked with Electrolux Corporation for approximately 15 years. He was a member of VFW post 10028 in Aberdeen, Maryland and Washington Lodge, No. 58 AF & AM in Saint Albans, West Virginia.
He was born in Liberty on December 14, 1926 to the late Wirt and Maude Ranson. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife, Katheleen Wagner Ranson of 37 years; two sisters, Bernice Ranson Boswell of Dunbar, and Elizabeth Ranson Harrison of Liberty; two brothers, Kenneth Ranson and Glen Ranson both of Liberty.
He is survived by two nieces, Cindy Harrison of Walton, and Barbara Ranson Pringle of Liberty, one nephew, Ralph Ranson of Liberty, many other family members and goddaughter, Roxanna Hawkins.
Keith Ranson will be deeply missed by his friends, neighbors, and family. Always a giving and caring man to all others.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Emma Chapel Cemetery, Liberty, with military honors.

Jacob Reed
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacob David Reed of Scott Depot, born on May 23, 1994, who departed from this world on July 15, 2021. Jacob has now been joyfully reunited with his younger brother, Justin Napier Reed, who left this world on July 13, 2010. The Reed family, Jake and Holly Reed, mourns the loss of their beloved son, brother, and friend.
Jacob’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family, and he will be profoundly missed by his sisters, Hannah and Emma. Jacob’s words of encouragement and wisdom were a source of strength for his younger siblings, Joshua, Jabin, and Jesse, who will fondly remember the times spent playing video games with their big brother. One of Jacob’s greatest passions was playing the guitar. His music touched the lives of many, whether it was playing for Mary Jo at the nursing home or entertaining Ms. Amy’s preschool class. The echoes of “Sweet Home Alabama” and Johnny Cash songs will forever remind us of Jacob’s musical talents and the joy he brought through his melodies.
Jacob’s kindness extended beyond his immediate family. His compassionate spirit shone brightly when he took his wonderful special needs brother, Justin, to Handicamp week. His selflessness provided Justin with the opportunity to experience moments of joy and adventure in a safe environment, leaving a lasting impact on both brothers. A bright and compassionate soul, Jacob pursued a path in nursing, following in the footsteps of his mom, grandma, and Aunt Linda. In 2017, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Malone University. Jacob’s dedication to his patients was evident in his caring and empathetic approach, leaving a lasting imprint on those he served.

Wilma Sheets
Wilma Jean Sheets, 87, of Eleanor, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2023 at Hubbard House in Charleston after a long illness.
Jean was born January 28, 1936 in Sissonville, daughter of Barney E. Jones and Velcie Boggess Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Romie Sheets; her sisters, Emeline Rollins and Bernice Nickell; Brothers Glen Jones, Ulen Good, Garry Jones, Jarrell Jones and Richard Jones; Grandson Stephen Turnes.
Jean worked for many years as an Executive Secretary in the life Insurance industry. She was a graduate of Sissonville High School, the Charleston School of Commerce and was a proud member of Women of the Moose.
She is survived by her son Jeff Turnes of Elkview; daughter Deloris Barrett and her husband Tim Luttrell of Charleston; Sisters Sue Parsons of St. Albans and Ruth Harvey of Sissonville; Brother Darrell Jones of Leasburg, NC; Great grandchildren Makenzie Turnes and Lelund Turnes of Louisville, KY; a great number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Per Jean’s wishes, she will be cremated. Burial will be at Beech Grove Cemetery in Eleanor. She did not wish to have a funeral but said “it might be ok to have a Memorial Service so folks can talk about me”, with a big smile on her face (she had a clever sense of humor). A celebration of life service will be held at a future date.

Robert Sheffield
Robert Clay Sheffield, 52, of Eleanor, passed away December 28, 2023, in the Hubbard Hospice House West.
Robert was born in Ashland, KY on January 15, 1971, to the late Robert Gary and Jeannie Sheffield. He is a graduate of Fairview High School in Ashland, KY and a former employee of the State of Kentucky Water Works System and former manager of Family Dollar. Robert was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in Winfield where he volunteered countless hours, even after he was sick, telling people about the hope for the future found in the Bible.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Mrs. Kathryn Edmonds Sheffield; daughter Olivia Johnston; mother-in-law “his mom”, Mrs. Earlene Edmonds of Eleanor; brothers-in-law John Edmonds of Clarksville, TN and Tony Edmonds of Tustin, CA; sister Kimberly and her three children of FL and the congregation at the Kingdom Hall.
Services to be announced.

Barbara Stone
Barbara L. Stone, 71, of Jim Ridge, Leon, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was a 1970 graduate of Buffalo High School and worked at Gritts Farm for many years. She attended Bowles Ridge Church. She was a member of the WV Farm Bureau and volunteered in the local 4-H program for several years. Barbara and Dale were awarded the Tri-County Farmers of the Year in 2011. She loved working with her flowers and will always be remembered for her green thumb. Her true love was her family and especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Born September 28, 1952, she was the daughter of Ray Harmon and Pearl French Harmon. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Harmon.
Survivors include her loving husband of 53 years, Dale Stone; daughter Stephanie (Michael) Metz of Bowles Ridge; son, Steven (Lorry Jo) Stone of Jim Ridge; daughter, Stacy (Gene) Randolph of Crown Hill; brother, Gary (Carol) Harmon; sisters, Betty (Emory) Casto, Judy (Dencil) Grady, Collene “Sue” (Mike) Stone; grandchildren, Carrie Metz, Krissy Metz, Halie Sheridan, Evan Randolph, Noah Randolph and Tyler Guthrie. Barbara is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Burial was in Walker Chapel Cemetery.

David Stover
David C. Stover, 59, of Hometown, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2023. Born June 27, 1964, David was raised in Red House along with his four siblings.
He graduated from Poca High School in 1982. Many years of David’s life were dedicated to being the caretaker of the Salvation Army’s Camp Happy Valley.
David is preceded in death by his father, Everette Ray Stover, and brother, Billy Stover. He is survived by his loving companion in life, Pauline Cantley; mother, Othena Higginbotham; siblings, Roger (Lisa) Stover of Leon, Patty (Frank) Rummell of Red House, and Deborah Sumner of Leesburg, FL; nieces, Franki, Baley, Vanesa, and Ashley; and a host of extended family and friends.
Many would say, David never knew a stranger, and his friends were his world. He loved fast cars, music, and his trips to Tennessee with the love of his life. Always the life of the party, it was David’s wish that his family and friends celebrate his time on Earth and live our lives to the fullest, until we meet again.
A tribute to the life of David was held Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel.

Helen Trimble
Helen Eva Trimble, 79, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on December 30, 2023, after a short illness. She was born in Braeholm, WV and spent her childhood in Logan County.
She was preceded in death by her husband Billie Trimble, parents Sherman and Lillie Goodman and 4 sisters. She is survived by son Tim (Jan) Trimble, 3 Grandchildren, Timothy Trimble and Seth and Jacob Lewis. 3 great grandchildren Waylon, Matix and Declan, brother-in-law Marshall Brown and sister-in-law Sally O’Brien both of Kansas, and a host of many more family and friends.
She enjoyed anything outdoors including working in her garden, fishing, and listening to music watching movies. She was an avid football fan and loved the Mountaineers. She made many trips with her husband Billie to Africa and even to many other countries.
Funeral service was Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Claude Spurlock officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

Helen Louise Yater
Helen M. Yater, 88, of Hurricane, died on December 25, 2023.
Helen was retired from the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. She was well known in the legal community in Charleston, having served as paralegal assistant to the Honorable John T. Copenhaver Jr., United States District Judge for the Southern District of West Virginia from 1980-1991 and as a legal clerk in the Office of the United States Attorney from 1975-1980.
She graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. Helen attended Marshall University while working full time and earned an A.A.S. degree in Legal Assisting, Graduating with High Honors. She was initiated into Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity.
Helen was a charter member of Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in Hurricane where she was Secretary of the Church Council for many years and where she performed a variety of services to the needy in Putnam County and throughout the world as leader of the Community Service Team. For many years, Helen represented her church on the Board of the Christian Community Cupboard and served as Secretary of the Board from 2009 through 2013.
In retirement, Helen was a dedicated supporter of the Museum in the Community in Hurricane. She held the office of Secretary of the Board of Directors for many years. Helen was an avid gardener and was a certified Master Gardener for more than 17 years.
Helen and her husband, David, traveled extensively prior to his death in 2009. They visited 53 foreign countries during their marriage, including five African photo safaris, and a Trans-Atlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. They particularly enjoyed river cruising in Europe. Following David’s death, Helen continued her international travels as long as her health permitted.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, David D. Yater and her infant son, Charles Steven Yater, who died in 1956.
Survivors include her daughter: Lea Ann Fink and husband Timothy of Tornado; niece: Patricia Yater Strawmyer and her husband, Tom; great-niece: Ashley Dailey and her husband Phillip and their daughters: Emmalyn and Abagail, all of Prosper, TX area; niece: Elizabeth Dunbar (Frank); and nephew: Chester Henry Yater, III all of the Houston, TX area. She will be missed by her family and a multitude of loving friends, neighbors, and church family.
Graveside Service was Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.

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