CHRISTOPHER BELLER
Christopher Michael “Topher” Beller, age 49, of Liberty, peacefully departed this life February 15, 2024.
Born November 12, 1974 in Charleston, the son of Pamela A. Scarberry and B. Michael Beller, he had been a heavy equipment operator and formally an over the road truck driver. He was preceded in death by wife, Sandra Kay Parnell Beller; sister Cindy Scarberry, Stepdad Doug Scarberry; Grandparents Boyd and Phyllis Casto Beller and Sylvan and Marguerite Robinson Collard.
He is survived by Mother Pamela Collard Scarberry of Newton, KS; Father and Stepmother B. Michael and Carol Beller; Brother James “Pebo” Beller (Sherri) of Key West, FL; Sisters Melissa Anne Beller (Adrienne), Newton, KS, Christine Perkins, South Charleston, and Jacqueline Ranson (Mark), South Charleston. Nieces, Katelyn, Abbie and Kendra; Nephews, Finn, Emery, Huey, Colin, Brendan, Garrett and Zaden.
Honoring his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services are scheduled.

DEBORAH S. BRIDGETTE
Deborah S. Bridgette, 70, of Shelbyville, KY, formerly of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at home.
She was a graduate of Nitro High School and earned an associate degree in geriatrics from West Virginia State University. She spent twenty years working for Kanawha County Schools and was a lifelong homemaker. She attended the Reformation Church of Shelbyville in KY and previously attended Teays Valley Church of God and Nitro Church of God. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Elizabeth Wygal; her sisters, Barb Miller and husband Tom Miller, Patricia Neary and husband Frank Neary; brother, Jim Wygal; in-laws, Whitey and Sue Bridgette; nephew, Justin Wygal. Surviving her is her husband, David (Ed) Bridgette; daughters, Amanda Bridgette and husband Ryan Kennedy, Meghan Burke and husband Joe Burke; brother-in-law, Ronnie Bridgette and wife Becky Bridgette; sister-in-law, Patti Wygal; grandchildren; Maggie, Owen, Josie, Emmie Jayne, Silas and Maisie Burke; and many loved nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Deborah Bridgette was Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel, Poca, with Pastor Jerry Dorris officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

SHIRLEY COLLINS
Shirley A. (Porter) Collins, 86, of Hurricane, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, of Alzheimer’s disease at the Putnam Center, where she was surrounded with love by her family. She received excellent care from Hospice, Putnam Center, and English Meadows. During her final days, the nurses and staff from both facilities stopped by to pay their respects and share the various ways Shirley had spread kindness and joy in her quiet, pleasant way.
She was born at home on Sycamore Creek in Putnam County on September 15, 1937, to the late John F. and Lorna M. (Sergent Billups) Porter. Shirley graduated in 1955 from Hurricane High School. It was there she met the love of her life, James “Jay” H. Collins – she, the homecoming queen and he, a football standout. The pair were steadfast friends with their classmates throughout the years. They were married in 1957 and remained sweethearts until his death in 2005. She traveled with Jay and their children across the sea and to multiple assignments during his twenty-year career in the Air Force. At every post, any time Shirley saw a car with WV license plates in a parking lot or a person wearing a WV sweatshirt in the grocery store, she would ask them what county they were from, give them her phone number, and invite them to dinner. In each place she moved, one of her first orders of business was to find a new church home. From organizing dinners for loved ones after funerals to teaching thousands of children in Sunday school over the years, along with leading Cub Scouts and church Women’s Groups, she showed her faith through service. In churches across the USA, she served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Queen of the Kitchen.
At their final (and favorite) assignment, Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, Shirley began her work as a teacher’s aide with children in the Beekmantown School District. She learned to sight-read Braille in order to help one of her students. The friendships she made at the First Baptist Church there lasted a lifetime. After Jay’s retirement from the Air Force, they relocated to Mt. Laurel, NJ, and then to Estero, FL. However, they always considered West Virginia home, so after Jay’s passing, Shirley returned, living in Culloden for over a decade. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Hurricane before Alzheimer’s narrowed her world.
Shirley is survived by her three children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: daughter, Marjorie Light and husband James, of West Hartford, CT; son, Mark Collins and wife, Tricia, of Foster City, CA; and son, Matthew Collins and wife Lori, of Madeira Beach, FL. Her grandchildren, who called her Miya, loved her greatly: Stephanie Light, Craig Light, Alyssa Collins, Ryan Collins, Stephen Auer, and Katie Collins. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Milo and Nora Eames. A special friend, Arden Hodges; her brother, Dwane Porter; and brother-in-law George McGehee, also survive her passing, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended friends, and family. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and their husbands: Wanda and Carl Johnson and Hilda and Cebert Riddle; along with in-laws Howard and Maxine Collins; sister-in-laws Judith and husband James Qualls; and Linda McGehee. To Shirley, family was the center of her life.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life was held at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Louise Fizer
Louise Fizer, 83, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord 0n February 27th, 2024.
She was born to the late Virgil and Edith Miller Mitchell. Louise was a member of Teays Valley Baptist Church.
Louise was fondly known as the Biscuit Lady. She was well known for her wittiness, kindness and impeccable sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, infant son Charles Eugene Fizer and grandson Daniel Eugene Fizer.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughter Peggy Sue Maynard (Mike), son Danny Fizer (Denise), bonus son Dave Cremeans; granddaughters Cathy Fizer (Robert) and Brittany Quentrill (Michael); great grandchildren Isaiah Barnes (Lexie), Navey Fizer, Brooke and Scott Smith, Remington and Ava Quentrill and Sabrina and Chase Fizer; sisters Fay Toppings and Helen Kayser and 1 brother Okie Ray Mitchell.
Funeral service was Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Pastor John Smith and Pastor David Vickers officiating.

Henry ‘Red’ Hughes Jr.
Henry “Red” Benton Hughes, 92, of Hurricane, passed away February 26, 2024 as a result of a tragic accident at his home.
Red was born on Valentine’s Day 1932, to the late Henry Buell and Laura Raines Hughes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Annalee A. Hughes; sisters: Mildred Jaspering and Marie Shafer; brothers: Harry Hughes and William Hughes.
Red proudly served his country in the US Navy Reserves.
He enjoyed participating in many organizations including Buffalo Chapter # 150 Order of Eastern Star, Nitro Chapter # 170 Order of Eastern Star, Life Member of VFW Mountaineer Post 9097, St. Albans Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 868, Nitro Masonic Lodge #170 A.F. & A.M., Valley of Charleston Scottish Rite and achieved 33rd degree Shriner at Beni Kedem Temple in Charleston.
Red worked his entire career at Union Carbide in Institute and retired after 38 years.
Surviving Red is his loving daughters: Leanne Hughes of Hurricane and Barbara J. Mace of Nitro; son: Peter A. Hughes of Kissimmee, FL; sister, Mary Lou Thacker of Nitro; grandchildren: Rebekka A. Atkins, Cassandra D. Dailey, Jeremy Mace and Jimmy Mace; eleven great-grandchildren; dear nieces and nephews; wonderful neighbors and friends; his special companion, Charlene McYoung and his fur baby, Buddy.
Graveside Service with Masonic Rites was Monday, March 4, 2024 at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Jacqueline Nease
Jacqueline Faye (Sydenstricker) Nease, “Jackie,” was born in Dunbar on June 23, 1938. She passed away on February 27, 2024 in Hurricane after a sudden decline in health. Her family and friends are profoundly saddened. She is predeceased by her parents, Rachel and Dennis Sydenstricker, her brothers James and Robert, her sisters Patricia and Swannah.
Of the many who love and adore her, she is survived by her sisters Betty and Lewella, children Rex (Dawn) Karnes, Rodney (Jason) Karnes, and Lois (Sammy) Housley, grandchildren Kristi (Richard) Rose, Michael (Helen) Curry, Bert (Shannon) Nease, Michelle (Denny) McCord, Jessica (Jason) Ervin, Bryan (Nicole) Karnes, Christopher (Rachel) Karnes, and Sarah (Brent) Douglas, great grandchildren Logen and Braxton Ord, Madilyn Curry, Eden and Emma Nease, Riley and Lincoln McCord, Breeanna, Cathryn, and Ella-Grace Karnes, Ariya, Brayden, and Caleb Douglas, and Macy and Gage Ervin, and her first great great grandson, Korbin Ord.
To know Jackie was to love Jackie; she was a force to be reckoned with. She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. Jackie’s canine companions were dear to her; while Chase has stayed behind with family, Sunshine is on a long walk with Jackie now. When the time came, Jackie carried herself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before her. Jackie found wonderful friends at her arthritic swim class at the YMCA and New U Hair Designs. She walked through life with fortitude, sharing her wisdom and joy with others, and perhaps, if you knew Jackie, her stubbornness. She was independent and proud, determined and kind, witty and strong. She enjoyed bird watching, particularly hummingbirds, gardening, reading, completing Word Search puzzles, true crime documentaries, and bowling in her youth. You would never see Jackie in an unironed shirt or without her hair neatly styled. The light in her eyes, brightness of her smile, and joy in her laugh will never be forgotten.
Jackie’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her endlessly. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will occur Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Social Event Space, located at 2833 Main Street, Hurricane. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Arbadella ‘Dobbie’ Proctor
Arbadella (Dobbie Bess) Proctor, 84, of Berea, Ohio, formerly of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, Eaton Twp., Ohio. Dobbie was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by beloved husband Glenn Neal Proctor of Cleveland Ohio, formerly Beckley WV; son, Brian Neal Proctor; great grandson, Elijah Bradley Thompson; father & mother, Delbert, and Letha Bess of Poca WV; brothers, Dencil, Glenville, Roy, Robert (Shay), Kenneth (Bucky), and William Bess; sisters, Juanita Rhodes, Ruth Pfeil, and Dorothy Dotson.
Surviving her are sons Steven J. Proctor (Cindy), Jeffrey T. Proctor (Raven), and daughter Terri M. Thomspon, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Arbadella Proctor was Friday, March 8, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca, with Pastor Darlene McKnight, Church of God of Prophecy, officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House.

G. Michael Salmon
G. Michael “Catfish” Salmon, age 73, of Poca, passed away on February 26, 2024 in Columbus, OH.
He was born on June 7, 1950 in Dunbar to the late Robert and Helen Salmon.
Catfish, as he was fondly known, served in the United State Navy during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued a career as an Operator at DuPont Chemical Plant in Belle.
A man of many passions, Catfish lived for fishing, enjoyed westerns, movies, basketball, football, and was a devoted fan of WVU. His dedication to his hobbies was only matched by his love for his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debby Salmon; sons, Chris (Brooke) of Alabama and Mike (Addie) of Poca; daughters, Kerrie Salmon of Florida, Amanda Painter (Matt) of Given, and Melany Salmon of St. Albans; step-son, Charles Hedrick (Kelly) of Pennsylvania; thirteen grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and various cousins.
Funeral service was Monday, March 4, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial was in Donal C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.

Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Sidars
Jacqueline Sue “Jackie” Sidars, 53, of St. Albans, passed away February 26, 2024.
Jackie is a 1989 graduate of Poca High School. She is a former employee of Sunbridge of Putnam and Sunbridge of Dunbar Nursing Home and a former massage therapist. She loved shopping, crafts, collecting crystals, and her dog, Rebel.
She is preceded in death by her grandma Sarah Covey; mother Mary Kinnamon and step-dad Sam Kinnamon.
Jackie is survived by her two children Lacey (Rodney) Herdman and Robert Herdman, Jr.; father William “Bill” (Evelyn) Chamberlin; sisters Kellie (Dave) Carpenter, Missy Chamberlin, and Samantha Kinnamon; step-brother Brian Kinnamon; five grandchildren Taylor Boggess, Jada Boggess, Timmy Herdman, Jimmy Herdman, and Isaiah Herdman; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Jackie was held Friday, March 1, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Stanley officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Noland D. Tucker
Noland Dewain Tucker, of Eleanor, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky. He was a 1970 graduate of Point Pleasant High School, and retired from Xerox Corp. with 25 years of experience. He also retired from the Putnam County Board of Education. He was a Christian and attended Cross Creek Community Church. Noland was blessed with the talent of song-writing, music, and backup vocals which touched many people’s lives. He was a member of the group “Cross Creek” which sang in many area churches over the years. Noland was a family man who dedicated his life to caring for his daughter Elizabeth and wife Linda. He was a loving husband, father, and uncle and will be sadly missed.
Born November 18, 1952, he was the son of the late Harold R. Tucker and Mary K. Higginbotham Tucker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Tucker Thomas.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Parsons Tucker; his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Tucker; brothers, Charles “Jupe” (Brenda) Tucker of Sebastian, Florida, Ed (Terri) Tucker of Columbus, Ohio, and Dave (Bev) Whittington of Point Pleasant; sisters, Mary (Leo) Buck of Point Pleasant, and Kathy Wise of Columbus, Ohio; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Monday, March 4, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Adam Null and Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.

Judy Kay Weaver
Judy Kay Weaver, 73, of Given, went home to be with the Lord peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones on February 27, 2024.
Born January 17, 1951 in Charleston, she was the daughter of Oshel and Freda Casto of Given. Judy was preceded in death by her parents (Oshel & Freda), her sister Irene (Carroll) and her beloved husband of 30 years, Larry James Weaver.
Judy’s life was a tapestry of faith, love and dedication that was carried throughout her years as a Kindergarten Teacher Aid at West Teays Elementary School. Whether it was nurturing the minds of tomorrow or making others laugh, she moved through her day with patience, love and dedication to her kids, whom she loved as her own. Throughout her years at West Teays, she made so many memories and friendships that leaves a legacy of compassion and her generous spirit.
Judy lived a full beautiful life as a wonderful mother grandmother, friend and woman of faith. She radiated warmth, happiness and was truly a ray of sunshine. She loved Spring and Summer weed-eating around her flower gardens. She loved to fellowship in her church, her bingo Thursdays, baking her angel food cakes or blackberry cobblers and making her famous cheese balls. She made sure you never left her house hungry and always had her candy jar full of bubble gum.
Judy’s life was a collection of chapters that told a story of love, dedication and kindness. She is survived by her loving son Tommy and caring daughter in-law Missy Weaver; “her Katie” – her beautiful grand-daughter Kaitlynn and loving husband Brandon Johnson – whom she loved more than life itself; her siblings Bob (Pat) Casto, Marjory (Justin) Cochran, Kathy (Monty) Bradley, Thurman (Jeanie) Casto; her nieces and nephews whom she cared deeply for; and a community that will forever be inspired by her kindness, faith and compassion for others.
Funeral Service was Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Emma Chapel Church in Liberty.