Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of January 25

NANCY BAIR
Nancy Geraldine Wickline Bair, 86, of Hurricane, passed away January 16th, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by her family under the care of Hospice.
Born March 18, 1937, daughter of Elza and Birdie Wickline, she is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Bair, brother Edmond Wickline, sister-in-law Frances Wickline, brother Bryan Wickline, brother Jack Wickline, sister Virginia Halstead and brother-in-law Evermont Halstead.
She is survived by her brother Hubert Wickline and his wife; MaryAnn Wickline. Her niece Jeanette Waller who has been her caretaker for the past 9 years and her husband Jerry Waller who made sure she was always on time to any appointments she needed. Nephews Mark Halstead and Leon Halstead. Her great nephew Jeremy Waller and wife Georgia Waller and their 3 children, Bohannon, Raelynn, and Magnolia whom she loved very dearly.
Nancy was a member of the Washington Street Church of Christ in St. Albans. As a devout Christian her whole life, she always was eager to attend any and all services and activities put on by the church. After the passing of Frances husband Edmond; Nancy moved in with Frances back on the family farm in Hurricane, where she grew up, The Wickline Farm. She always enjoyed working outdoors, especially in the garden, flower beds and always was a helping hand of the produce to cook and the yearly canning.
Having worked at Morris Memorial in Milton, she always had an attitude for caring for others. Later working at Rose City Cafeteria for 10 years where she met her good friend Donna Thaxton, she retired to stay home and continue her hobbies and passions. Nancy enjoyed literature and writing; making sure to send out cards for any occasion to friends and family. Always making sure her great great nephew and nieces had all the toys so she could watch their faces light up with a smile.
Services will be held at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane on January 26th with visitation 6pm-7pm followed by Minister Scott Pauley.

TRACIE LYNN CASTO
Tracie Lynn Casto, 60, of Buffalo, passed away January 21, 2024.
Tracie is a graduate of Poca High School and retired from Reiss-Viking, Poca. She enjoyed vacationing at Myrtle Beach and watching her grandson play baseball for Buffalo High School.
She is preceded in death by her son Philip Casto; parents Philip and Yvonne Flowers; brother Phil Flowers and mother-in-law Rosita Casto.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dave Casto; daughter Samantha Martin and her husband Jay; three grandchildren Alec Richardson, Cooper Martin, and Davy Martin; and father-in-law David Casto, Sr.
At her request private services will be held.

BENJAMIN THOMAS COBB
Benjamin Thomas Cobb, 58, of Hurricane, passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2024 at his home.
He was born on June 11, 1965 to the late Lloyd R. and JoAnn Ballengee Cobb.
Ben was a 1983 graduate of Winfield High School and graduated from Marshall University with his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He then retired from the Putnam County Board of Education after teaching chemistry and coaching at Winfield, Hurricane and Buffalo High Schools. He also coached basketball, baseball, softball and golf over his career. He was a lifelong member of Teays Valley Presbyterian Church, where he was currently serving as Clerk of Session.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Tina Beasley Cobb; son, Benjamin Thomas “Trey” Cobb (T’Asia); daughters, Meredith Gabrielle “Gabi” Cobb, Cassie Williams (Taylor Collins), Lexi Lewis (Coty Lewis); son, Richie Williams; grandson: Leo Collins; sister: Diann Hodges (Randy); brother, Charles “Chuck” Cobb (Nancy) and Lloyd Raymond “Ray” Cobb (Diane); also several nieces and nephews, and other family members.
Funeral Service for Ben was Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church, Scott Depot, with Rev. Ray Cobb and Kyle Keys officiating.

James Edgar Denning
James Edgar Denning, 83, of Hurricane, known as “Clipman”, to those in the firearms world, passed away on the 17th day of January 2024, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, after a brief illness.
Jim was born the son of the late Howard and Elsie (Sharko) Denning, on September 2, 1940. He was a graduate of Conneaut (Ohio) High School, after which, he went on to serve in the United States Navy, as an Electronics Technician. After his service to our country, he spent his life working in the IT field.
Jim leaves behind his two sons, Bradford (Sarah) Denning of Lake Oswego, Oregon and Matthew (Ashley) Denning of Lavalette, West Virginia, as well as his favorite granddaughter, Evelyn.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Kathy, his brother, Thomas, and numerous other relatives and loved ones.
A private family ceremony will held at Jim’s request.

Joshua David Fields
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joshua Fields, a beloved son, brother, and friend. Joshua left this world far too soon at the age of 34, leaving behind a void in the lives of those who loved him. He unexpectedly passed away on January 17, 2024.
Born on August 13, 1989, Joshua was the son of the late Samuel David Fields and his surviving mother, Kimberly Dawn Fields of St. Albans. He attended Poca High School and later obtained his GED. Joshua’s infectious laughter and compassionate nature left a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. He made lifelong friendships and will always be remembered for his kind and empathetic heart. Joshua found joy and fulfillment working for construction and lawn care services with Holstein’s Landscaping. His accomplishments were impressive, but his true legacy lies in the way he touched the hearts of those who knew him. He had an incredible ability to bring happiness and laughter to any room he entered, and his magnetic personality drew people towards him. He was a friend to all, ensuring that everyone felt heard and loved. Outside of his work, Joshua had a deep passion for football and music. His love for singing and his ability to bring joy to others with melodies from Breaking Benjamin, Crossfade, and other unique Rock bands will always be cherished.
His departure has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family and friends. Joshua is survived by his family, including Emily Fields of Hurricane, Brittany and Wolf Haas-Fields of Springfield, NJ; Tabitha Fields of St. Albans, Justin and Ashley Fields of Brooklyn, NY; Randall Fields of Alum Creek, and SNH of Nitro. He is also survived by his niece Haley Holstein and his nephews Kayden Brace and Laiken Fields, his uncle James Hanshaw of Nitro, his grandmother Norma Bennett of Charleston, and his aunt Melissa Hill as well as his cousins Stevie and Stephanie Hill all of Charleston. Joshua was preceded in death by his father Samuel David Fields and his grandfather Arba Gene Comer. His warm and compassionate nature touched the lives of many extended family members, friends, and colleagues, all of whom will deeply miss him.
A memorial service to honor Joshua’s life was held Monday, January 22, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charles “Sonny” Williams officiating.

Jean Harrah
Jean “Gail” Harrah, 79, of Hurricane, passed away on January 11, 2024.
Gail was the daughter of Jim and Pauline Meeks and a member of the South Charleston High School Class of 1962. Gail was an avid bowler and looked forward to her weekly trips to the bowling alley. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was always up for a road trip. Gail was quick witted, with a great sense of humor, a quick smile, and an infectious laugh.
Gail was preceded in death by Charlie Harrah, her loving husband of 59 years. She also was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Pauline Meeks, and her brother, James Richard “Dick” Meeks.
Gail is survived by her children: Allen Harrah, Chris Harrah Turner (Robert), and Deby Quick; her grandchildren: Grayson Epperson (Jordan), Abigail Turner, Katherine Turner, and Willow Meade; her brother, John Meeks (Jennifer); sisters-in-law, Mary Meeks and Susan (Tom) Bennett; brother-in-law, Fred (Becky) Harrah, and many nieces and nephews.

Ronnie Quentrill
Ronnie P Quentrill, 77, of Culloden, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Emogene Dolan Jones Hospice House after a long illness. He was born on September 10, 1946, in Cabell County and was a longtime farmer and a member of Peaceful Valley Freewill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife Judith Quentrill.
He is survived by his son Ronnie P Quentrill Jr. of Culloden and daughter Annette Torres of Hamlin, 6 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and special friends Dustin Miller and Hunter Miller.
Funeral service will be 11:00 Friday, January 26, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Terry and Rev. Darrell Quintrell officiating, Burial will follow in Burns Peaceful Valley Cemetery on Coon Creek. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 til 8 at Allen Funeral Home.

Gillian Marie Richardson
Gillian Marie McCoy Richardson, 90, of Scott Depot, passed away January 16, 2024.
She is a graduate of Matewan High School and Southland Bible College. She attended Scary Creek Church of God and had previously worked for Sharpie in Chicago, IL. Gillian held several jobs throughout her life, but her main and most rewarding job was taking care of her family.
She is preceded in death by her father Orville D. McCoy; mother Etta Green; and siblings Charlene Zimmerman, Herbert McCoy, Glen McCoy, and Dick McCoy.
She is survived by her husband Ray Russell Richardson; three children Perry Wayne (Angela) Richardson, Robin Marie Crede, and Rita Lynne Reynolds; eight grandchildren Heather, Summer, Josh, Shawn, Seth, Sarah, Zachary, and Patrick and a host great grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Thomas Warren Rumbaugh
Thomas “Honest Tom” Rumbaugh, 89, of Hurricane, passed away on January 20, 2024 at the VA Medical Center in Huntington after a short illness.
Tom was a Christian and retired from Valley Bell/United Dairy of Charleston and proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He was preceded in death by his brothers: Jack, Wayne and Robert (Bob); and sisters: Jean Sigman and Sue Carter.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Gloria “Louise” Rumbaugh; son: Andy (Wilda) Rumbaugh of Jonesboro, TN; daughter: Sandy (Mark) Smith of Hurricane; grandchildren: Alex and Jacob Rumbaugh of Nashville, TN, Trevor Smith of Hurricane and Audrey Smith of Nitro; and sisters: Nancy Smith of Winifrede and Barbara Rumbaugh of Scott Depot. Tom also leaves behind many beloved special nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be 11:00am Saturday January 27, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV with Pastor Jerry Medley officiating.
Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to recognize the loving staff of the ICU at the VA Medical Center who treated Tom with the utmost respect and care anyone could receive. The family truly thanks you VA Medical Center and all your staff for the wonderful treatment Tom has received for years.
In lieu of flowers, “Honest Tom” requested a memorial donation in his name to Volunteer Services c/o Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center 1540 Spring Valley Drive Huntington, WV 25704 or the Putnam County Animal Shelter 12908 Charleston Road Red House, WV 25168.

William ‘Paul’ Stapleton
William “Paul” Stapleton, 82, of Poca, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, after a long battle with kidney failure at the age of 82.
He is preceded in death by his parents William “Arthur” Stapleton and Erna “Mable” Slater Stapleton and son Paul Ryan Stapleton.
He is survived by his wife Rosa Chapman Stapleton; daughter Melissa Stapleton Holstin of Nitro; step son Rob Wilkinson of Poca; sister Gertrude and husband Jack Legg of Nitro; grandchildren Ryan Wilkinson of Hurricane, Alex Wilkinson of Eleanor, Jessica Wilkinson of Poca and Colton Cordell of Poca; great grandchildren Landon Wilkinson and Audrey Wren Wilkinson; and his chosen son and daughter, much loved by Paul, Richard and Michele Shamblin of Alabama.
Paul lived his life just as he pleased and still was a little untamed. He was a proud Army Veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge #58 in St. Albans. He retired from the WV State Department of Highways with 36 years of service, then worked for Site Blauvelt Eng. and Johnson, Mirmiran, Thompson Eng. Paul loved fishing and antique cars.
At his request there will be no services.

Patricia Ann Whitt
Patricia Ann Whitt, 66, of Winfield, passed away on January 20, 2024 at CAMC Memorial Division.
She was born on May 12, 1957, to the late Brent E. and Rosemary Smith Vincent.
Patricia had worked at Hecks, then with WV DHHR and was a member of Poca Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband: Paul R. Whitt; stepsons: Paul A. (Robin) Whitt and Mark R. (Janice).
Funeral Service for Patricia was Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Poca Baptist Church with Rev. Tom Moore officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

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