KATHERINE ‘KATHY’ ALLEN
Katherine Verena “Kathy” Allen, 78, of Winfield, went home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Kathy was born on August 30, 1945, in McMillion Hospital, Charleston, to the late Gomer T. “Buddy” and Edna Louise Arthur Lewis. They lived in Bancroft for 9 years before making Nitro their home. On January 15, 1965, she married the love of her life, E.F. “Frank” Allen, Jr. where they lived in Nitro for 12 years before making Winfield their home. They raised two beautiful children, Kelly Dawn and E.F. “Bub” Allen, III. Kathy started her career working at Kanawha Valley Leader while in high school. Later she worked for G.C. Elcan, DDS as Dental Assistant for 3 years, babysitter in her home for 8 years, substitute aide and secretary for Putnam County Schools for 2 years, hot lunch secretary at Poca Middle School for 9 years, and retired as the receptionist/secretary at Putnam County Career and Technical Center for 9 years.
Kathy was saved at the age of 12 and was a member and faithfully attended Bancroft Church of God Mission where she served in the ministry over the years as Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, Youth Leader with her husband, Jr. Choir Leader, Adult Choir Leader, Organist, wrote, directed and acted in numerous plays, sang with the Junior Missionettes and the United Melody Chorus and a was a member of Faithful Friends.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, E.F. “Frank” Allen, Jr., daughter Kelly Dawn (Richard) Shorter of Princeton, son E.F. “Bub” Allen, III (Rhonda) of Red House, grandchildren Trevor Shorter of Charleston, SC, Daniel (Jasmine) Shorter of Dunbar, Hunter Allen of Winfield, Taylor (Elizabeth) Shorter of Pittsboro, NC, and Haley Allen and her fiancée Dakota Williams both of Barboursville, sisters Elaine (Ronald) Withrow of Winfield and Anita (Marvin) Sigman of Bancroft as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A tribute to the life of Katherine “Kathy” Allen was held Monday, February 19, 2024 at Bancroft Church of God Mission with Pastor James Legg officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

MARY ANN ARTHUR
Mary Ann Arthur, 87, of Bancroft, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February12, 2024. She was a 1954 graduate of Poca High School and a long-time member of the Bancroft Church of God Mission. She worked for many years in after-school programs with children in Kanawha County.
Born October 24, 1936 in Nitro, she was the daughter of the late Kenna H. Knight and Lara Pearl Mitchell Knight. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, George Edsel Arthur, Sr.; brothers, James Knight, Kenneth Knight, and David “Sonny” Knight; sisters, Noma Cable, Maxine Russell, Glenna Long, Rosalee Russell, Rosemary Skidmore, and Tommy Sue Station.
Survivors include her children, George “Scrooge” (Linda) Arthur, Jr. of Cross Lanes; James “Speedy” (Angie) Arthur of Bancroft, Gregory Lee (Pam) Arthur of Teays Valley, Brent Alan (Sheila) Arthur of Scott Depot, and Cindy Ann (David) Honaker of Red House; grandchildren, Roberta (Matthew) McClanahan, William (Catlin) Arthur, Jamie Mooney, and Tracey Crouch; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jack Knight of Bidwell, OH, and Mike Cable of Hometown; sisters, Becky Denny and Shirley Jo Saunders, both of Ohio; as well as extended family and many friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Bancroft Church of God Mission with Pastor James Legg and Pastor James “Speedy” Arthur officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Raymond Thomas Bolyard
Raymond T. Bolyard, 94, of Scott Depot, passed away on February 14, 2024.
He was the son of the late Raymond E. and Rosalie Bolyard. Ray was born and raised in Gauley Bridge. He was a United States Air Force Veteran and graduate of Wichita State University.
After marrying Rosalie Vinduska, his wife of 63 years, the couple lived most of their lives together in Scott Depot where they built a home and raised their sons, Gregory and Michael.
Active in the community, both Ray and Rosalie were founding members of the Catholic Church of the Ascension in Hurricane, where they were Eucharist Ministers. For more than a decade, they also enjoyed volunteering together at the CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
After retiring in 1994 as a safety administrator at Columbia Gas, he traveled extensively with his wife, enjoyed gardening and following WVU football. Ray also served on the Beechwood Estates Home Owners Association Board.
Ray is preceded in death by his wife Rosalie.
He is survived by his sons: Gregory Bolyard of Columbus, OH, Michael Bolyard (Angie) of St. Clairsville, OH; granddaughter: Addalie (Brady); and grandsons: Nathan and Jacob Bolyard.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at The Ascension Catholic Church, Hurricane. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Patricia J. Cook
Patricia Joe Cook, 89, of Nitro, passed away on February 11, 2024 at Hubbard Hospice House Charleston.
She was born to the late Robert F. and Irene Flora Lamont on February 9, 1935.
Patricia retired as a Physical Therapy Assistant from CAMC and has been a faithful member at Teays Valley Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years.
Patricia is survived by her children: Steven (Joyce) Cook of Nitro, Brenda Cook of Nitro, Michael Cook of Nitro, and Greg (Dawnetta) Cook of Hurricane; sister: Dianne Harrah of Hurricane; brother: Bill (Marie) Lamont of Hurricane, brother and sister in-law: Larry and Martha Cook of Nitro; and 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, as well as numerous other family members.
Funeral Service for Patricia was Friday February 16, 2023 at Teays Valley Missionary Baptist Church, Hurricane, with Rev.’s Dr. John D. Smith and Dr. Aaron Cook officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Sherri Renee Dillon
Sherri Renee Dillon, 63, of Hurricane, passed away on February 13, 2024 at Cornerstone Hospital Huntington.
She was preceded in death by her father: Richard Dillon, as well as her grandparents: Henry Ellis and Thelma Dillon and William and Dorothy Adkins.
Sherri was loved by many and will be missed. She left a mark on everyone she met.
Sherri was survived by her mother: Mary Lou Dillon of Chesapeake, OH; brother: Chris Dillon of Ironton, OH; and her sister: Angel (Kelly) Lunsford of Willow Wood, OH. She was known best by the name NaNa to the following 5 nephews: Kelly, Jr., Doug, Justin, Travis, and Dillon; a niece: Hollyann, plus several great nieces and nephews; as well as Sister in Christ: Cindy Noffsinger.
A Memorial Service for Sherri was Saturday February 17, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Mark Fields officiating.

Joe Gilfilen
Joe Edward Gilfilen, 66, of Hurricane, passed away Friday, February 16, 2024, at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Joe was born in Hurricane on December 24, 1957, to the late Carl and Janice Lou Hodges Gilfilen. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Shannon Marie Gilfilen. He was a US Army Veteran and a long-time member of the American Legion and a Charter Member of the Legion Riders Post 111, Hamlin.
He is survived by his sisters, Brenda Gilfilen Ginn (Marshall) of Hurricane, Marsha Gilfilen Davis (John) of Hurricane, Verda Gilfilen Myers of WI and Carla Gilfilen Flynn (Jerry) of Eleanor and brothers Brett Gilfilen of Hurricane and Rex Gilfilen of New Haven, Aunt Linda Hodges Porrera of OH, many nieces and nephews and friends that will miss him.
Funeral service was Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

Nadine Holt
Nadine Holt, 79, of St. Albans, passed away February 12, 2024.
Mrs. Holt was born November 29, 1944, in Liberty to the late Rufus and Dicie Thornton. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Young, eight sisters, and two brothers.
Nadine is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Mr. Thomas Jerry “T.J.” Holt; son Franklin “Jay” and wife Tara Bailey of Bowling Green, KY; two stepdaughters Beth G. Holt of Lexington, KY and Tina Lynn Holt of Red House; brother Leonard Thornton of Liberty; five grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and 3 step grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Nadine was held Friday, February 16, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial was in Center Point Cemetery, Liberty.

Bobby Johnston
Bobby Lee Johnston, 76, of Eleanor, passed away on February 12, 2024 at Hubbard Hospice House Charleston.
He was born on March 14, 1947 to Isabelle Cartwright Johnston and the late Robert P. Johnston in Logan. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents who raised him: Claude and Brookie Cartwright of McConnell.
Bobby was a 1965 graduate of Logan High School where he was in the band and played independent baseball, then graduated from Marshall University 1969 and later was a local grocer with the Pic Pac and later Shopwise in Naugatuck, Mingo County, as well as other grocery stores during his career. He was a member of River Ridge Church, Hurricane Campus. Bobby proudly served his country in the US Army as a 1st Lt. Artillery Officer during Vietnam.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife Cathy L. Sadler Johnston; sons: Sean D. and Jessica Calloway of Eleanor, and Robert B. and Nicolina Johnston of Hurricane; grandchildren: Tristan and Alec Calloway, Isabella, Christopher and Liliana Johnston; and his brother: Jim Johnston of Roanoke, VA.
There will be a private family Celebration of Life for Bobby.

Kathleen Jean Keeling
Kathleen Jean Keeling, 94, of Eleanor, went to sleep here on earth and woke up in the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 19, 2024. She was a longtime resident of Buffalo and was a current resident of StoneRise of Charleston at the time of her passing.
She was a graduate of Buffalo High School and a longtime member of Buffalo Baptist Church, serving as choir director and various other ministries during her lifetime. Kathleen and her husband Paul made homemade apple butter at their home as well as “stirring off a kettle” at Buffalo Fall Festivals. The apple butter along with her wooden lawn decorations have been enjoyed by countless residents in the Putnam County area. She was a loving mother to her children, who have always felt blessed by her faithful, unselfish and nurturing example.
Born June 21, 1929 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late James H. Smith and Shirley K. Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul F. Keeling; brothers, Gordon “Peck’ Smith and John Smith; sister, Corina Whittington.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael L. (Christine) Keeling, Beverly A. Garrison, P. Fred (Kimberly) Keeling, Douglas (Nancy) Keeling, Shirley J. (Roger) Legg and Timothy L. (Rosemary) Keeling; 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House with Pastor Aaron Carr officiating.

Michael Keith Nowlin
Michael Keith Nowlin, 71, of Pliny, passed away at home on Sunday, February 4, 2024 after a long illness.
He was born March 18, 1952 to the late Alfred Keith” and Avon Mae Neal Nowlin of Fraziers Bottom. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan.
Mike was an avid fisherman, especially for small mouth bass. He enjoyed many trips to Michigan and Canada with the guys. Deer hunting on the farm was another activity that Mike enjoyed most of his life. He held a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Marshall University and a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Management from West Virginia University.
Mike worked for the State of West Virginia as a biologist for several years and eventually retiring from the WV Insurance Commission. He was an Air Force Veteran, serving as a member of SAC (Strategic Air Command) from 1973-1977 and was discharged honorably as a sergeant.
Surviving Mike is his loving wife of 52 years, Debra Lynn Miller Nowlin; his son, Jason K.; granddaughters Anna and Emilee of Pliny, WV; brother and sister-in- law, Gregory K. and Barbara J. Nowlin, of Fraziers Bottom; nephew, Scott Nowlin of Hurricane; niece, Lindsay Ferguson and grandniece, Eden of Fraziers Bottom.
Per his wishes, Mike was cremated and a portion of his ashes will be spread on the farm, at the cabin in Hinton and the remainder interred in the United Methodist Church Cemetery, Pliny, at a later date with a graveside service provided by Pastor Rex Nance.

Paul G. Rojas
Heaven gained an angel. Paul G. Rojas 74, of Poca, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024 at CAMC General Hospital in Charleston surrounded by his wife, Drema and sister in-law: Shirley Kinder.
He was born to the late Guadalupe Rojas and Juan Rojas on June 29, 1949 in Blytheville, Arkansas.
Paul proudly served his country in the US Army as a MSGT with the 101st Airborne Division during Vietnam for 2 years. He loved to fish with his buddies.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Drema Rojas of Poca; stepson: Paul Kinder of Poca; daughters: Libby Rojas of Nitro, and Erika (Chris) Vance of Nitro; sister: Rosemary Rojas of Houston, TX; brother: John (Sylvia) Rojas of San Antonio, TX; and 5 grandchildren: Layla, Tyson, Raven, Piper and Dulce.
Funeral Service for Paul was Friday, February 16, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Michael D. Sayre
Michael D. Sayre, 73, of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at his home. He was a 1968 graduate of Buffalo High School and was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran. He was a Christian and the longtime owner/operator of Sayre Trucking.
Born July 18, 1950 in Eleanor, he was the son of the late Doran Sayre and Alma Parsons Sayre. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lona Hull and nephew, Tim Hull.
Survivors include his daughter, Susan (Jason) Earley of New Matamoras, OH; sisters, Linda Sayre of Buffalo and Sandra (Rick) Morgenstern of Vincent OH; his special friend, Cassie Fox; grandson, Ryan Earley; special niece, Robin Montgomery; special nephews, Bubbie Hescht, Jeremy Warner, Jim Hull and Ronnie Hull. Mike is also survived by many great nieces and great nephews.
Graveside service with military graveside honors was Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo, with Rev. Mitchell Burch officiating.

Dan J. Seibert
Danny Joe Seibert, 74, passed away on February 11, 2024.
Dan was born in Huntington on July 24, 1949. He grew up in Chesapeake, Ohio, and some of his fondest memories were playing pick-up baseball with cousins and friends. He was a proud Chesapeake Panther where he lettered in football and baseball and won the OVC Batting Championship his senior year. He graduated in 1967 and went on to major in accounting at Marshall University (71). Dan was also proud that he completed his MBA from WV COGS in 1985. He worked various accounting jobs over the years and made many friends along the way.
Most remember Dan for his loyal fandom of his beloved Thundering Herd. For many seasons, before his illness, he never missed a home football game and often traveled to away games. One of his happiest moments was watching Marshall win their first national title in 1992. He was also a lifelong Reds and Bengals fan. He could quote any stat from the Big Red Machine years and was proud to have some of his Crosley Field pictures displayed in the Reds Hall of Fame.
Dan was very active in his community by volunteering for many years as a coach. He loved supporting the local teams and was bookkeeper for Winfield High School Softball for several years and later became the number one fan of Hurricane Softball. He helped start one of the first travel softball teams in our area with his close friends: Jeff Wymer and Ted Massey. For several years he taught Junior Achievement courses in Coach McCoy’s classes, and he was an active member of Winfield Lions Club for many years. Growing up he was a member of Rockwood Baptist Church in Chesapeake, OH, and later a member of Winfield United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Frank Seibert along with his in-laws, Dennis and Mary Lee Lyons.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Jenny Seibert children, Brian Seibert (Courtney Spurlock and children), Meghan Stevens (Jerry); and grandchildren, Avery, Jase, and Kingston. He also leaves behind his loyal four-legged companion, Bart.
Graveside Service in Winfield was Thursday February 15.

Shannon Nicole Snyder
Shannon Nicole Snyder, 43, of Nitro, went to Heaven to be with her Daddy on February 15, 2024.
Shannon was a graduate of Poca High School and enjoyed coloring and her dog Milo.
She is preceded in death by her father Rev. Michael Harbert; grandparents Robert and Ella Mae Carter and Herbert “Herbie” and Evelyn Harbert; father and mother-in-law Jim and Carol Snyder and aunt Pam Slate.
She is survived by her husband Tommy Snyder; mother Arlene Harbert; two daughters Kelsey and Tabby Snyder; best friend Ocia Davis; aunt Dorothy Pennington; and a host of other friends and family.
A tribute to the life of Shannon will be 5:00 PM, Friday, February 23, 2024 at Harmons Creek Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Ray Parsons officiating.