WILLIAM C. ADKINS
William C. Adkins, Jr., 61, passed away at home on August 31, 2024.
He is survived by his loving wife: Monica Adkins; mother: Jean (Larry) of FL; sisters: Terri (Joe) of OK, Carole (Mike) of WY, and Deborah of WV; step mother: Sonja of WV and Step brother: Chris (Christina) of TX; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father: William Adkins Sr. and sister: Laurie Hudson.
A Celebration of Williams Life will be 1:00pm, September 14, 2024 at Christ Community Church, 733 Rocky Step Rd., Scott Depot.
FRANCES BAILES
E. Frances Bailes, 96, of Buffalo, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Pleasant Valley Health Care following a long illness. She retired from the State of West Virginia and was a member of Buffalo United Methodist Church. She was a caring and kind person who had a love for dogs.
Born August 23, 192, she was the daughter of the late Robert Bailes and Sarah Workman Bailes.
She is survived by her cousins, Mildred Scott, Ada Bowles, Clara Cook and Mary Cook. Frances is also survived by her friend, Wanda Melton, several extended family members and her church family.
Funeral service was Friday, September 6, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Mitchell Burch officiating. Burial was in Walker Chapel Cemetery, Robertsburg.
SHIRLEY CASTO
Our beloved Shirley Ruth (Dawson) Casto, age 94, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Shirley was born December 25, 1929, in Trenton, Michigan, and preceded in death by Floyd and Leathel Dawson (parents), Wesley Dawson (brother), Mark Casto (son), Erin Sturgill (granddaughter), and Emily Sturgill (great-granddaughter).
After raising five children, Shirley entered the workforce and held various positions at Standard Foods, a local dental office, library, and later retired from IBM. In her early years, she enjoyed bowling and sang in the church choir more than five decades. She also enjoyed reading, journaling, weekly zoom calls with family, sending cards, and was a volunteer for 23 years at the Charleston Area Medical Center in TeaysValley.
Shirley’s legacy of selfless love and kindness are cherished by her greatest joys, her children, Bruce (Kathy) Casto, Brian Casto, Ken (Linda) Casto, and Cathy Chaney (Dennis). She will be forever missed by her sister, Barbara Lou; grandchildren Alex (her best friend), Ashlyn, Caylie, Hillary, Jennifer, Kenton, Laura, Nathanael, Nikolaus, and Sara; great-grandchildren Ashley, Audrey, Aurora, Cooper, Gabe, Hannah, Isla, Micah, Salem, and Theo.
Celebration of Life was held on September 12, at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane.
RICKEY ALLEN COMBS
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Rickey A. Combs. He was a 1973 graduate of Buffalo High School and was a member of International Union Operating Engineers Local 132. He was an avid outdoorsman and his favorite place Earth was the mountains.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest W. Combs Jr.
Rick survived by his loving mother, Adonna Combs; daughter, Jessica Combs; sons, Jedadiah (Shannon) Combs and Mickey (Judy) Combs; grandchildren, Haleigh, Daniel and Caitlin; great grandchildren, Linnea and Quinn; brothers, Todd (Andrea) Combs, Mike Combs and Skip (Cora) Combs. Rick is also survived by life partner of 14 years, Lorna; dogs, Bobo and Chica and his cat, Mittens.
There are no public services planned at this time. A private family ceremony will take place at his camp in mountains at a later date.
STEPHANIE DONEFF
Stephanie Doneff, a beloved wife, daughter, mother, and sister, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2024 in Hurricane.
She was born on April 19, 1973 in Charleston to her loving parents. Stephanie’s life was filled with love and laughter. Her hearty laugh and smile would light up the room and bring joy to those around her. She had an infectious loving energy that drew people towards her, and made everyone feel comfortable. Stephanie’s devotion to her family was like no other. She would always be the first to check in on each and every one of them.
Stephanie graduated at Hurricane High School and then went on to receive her cosmetology degree and later on received her Bachelor of Arts. Then decided to take her career to GC services for the past 17 years. Stephanie enjoyed taking family vacations to the beach and became quickly addicted to shark teeth hunting. Before the vacation was even over, she was already planning and packing for next year’s vacation.
Stephanie is survived by her husband Roger Doneff; mother and father, Kenneth and Barbara Rooper; daughter, Erika Shannon; brother, Eric Rooper (wife Crystal). In-laws, Roger and Charlotte Doneff, brother and sister in-laws Robbie and Michelle Watson. Nephews, Cole Rooper, Neil Robertson, Tyler Bird, Logan Dillon, and Hayden Watson. Niece Mikayla Watson. Stephanie is loved and will be deeply missed. She will remain always in our hearts.
Funeral service was Friday, September 6, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
JOHN W. HARDING SR.
John W. Harding Sr., 78, of Nitro, entered into eternal rest with family by his side on September, 1, 2024.
He was born on April 21, 1946 to the late Donald and Alberta Lorraine (Lee) Harding. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers: Richard, Robert and Donald Harding.
John served in the US Army and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as military police and trained military dogs during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he began working for USPS as a mail courier. During that same time he was a volunteer EMS Driver for the Putnam County Fire Department and Ambulance. After many years served, he began a career at the DHHR in Putnam County, where he helped a multitude of families. Once he retired, he enjoyed working on his computer. He was an avid computer technician, and would spend time deconstructing and rebuilding computers on his own. He especially enjoyed genealogy, website design, and video gaming. His best time spent was with his wife, and doing anything she wanted to do.
John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara Jean; son, Wes (Lori) Harding of Poca; daughter, Lori Williamson of Nitro; grandchildren: James Jones (Victoria), Amber Harding, Aaron Harding, and Aimee (Andrew) Breeden; great grandchildren: Aneska, Braelyn, Caylee and Davin; and his loving home and neighborhood kitties.
Funeral Service for John was Friday, September 6, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.
Charles ‘Pete’ Harris
Charles Lee “Pete” Harris, 73, of Buffalo, passed away at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a long illness. During his younger years he worked on a farm and enjoyed telling stories about farming. He was an avid car enthusiast and could often diagnose the problem with a car just by listening to it. Pete’s hobby in life was collecting cans. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Born February 8, 1951 in Buffalo he was the son of the late Charles Franklin Harris and Margaret Marie Higginbotham Harris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Charles Franklin “Petey” Harris and brother-in-law, Jimmy Young.
He is survived by granddaughter, Caitlyn Harris of Buffalo; his sisters, Mary (Arnold) Bailey of Red House, Margaret Ann Miller of Buffalo, and Cora Young of Red House. Pete is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes there will be no formal services. Private interment in Buffalo Memorial Park will follow at a later date.
BARBARA A. HAYNES
Barbara Haynes, 90, of Scott Depot, gained her heavenly wings on September 1, 2024.
She was a proud graduate of Dunbar High School, Class of 1952.
She was a survivor as she fought cancer more than once and a brain tumor. Although her last fight was with dementia, she felt she was blessed with a good life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Reva Haynes; her brother William “Coach” Haynes and the love of her life, Conrad “Jim” Haynes.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Haynes of Florida; also by cousins, and several nieces and nephews.
She was formerly employed by Union Carbide, where she met Jim. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hurricane and hated when her health started failing and she had to miss a service.
She loved volunteering at local grade schools, playing golf, attending church, feeding at soup kitchens on the holidays and giving to numerous charities. Her last selfless act was donating her body to WVU Human Gift Registry.
A memorial service was held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane with Jerry Losh leading the memorial service.
Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Knapp
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Moses Knapp, 83, of Midway, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial. She was a graduate of Oak Hill High School and received a B.A. degree from Marshall University. Libby was a teacher at Buffalo High School and Putnam County Career and Technical Center. She was a member of Red House Bible Church. Libby enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always enjoyed making new friends. She also enjoyed painting, sewing and many other hobbies.
Born December 11, 1940 in Oak Hill, she was the daughter of the late Tracy O. Moses and Margaret E. Davis Moses. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Paul Knapp.
Survivors include her daughter, Amy (Don) Newman; son, Tracy (Rachel) Knapp; daughter, Kristi (Mark) Roehl; brother, Charles Moses; sister, Virginia (Frank) Coleman; grandchildren, Justin (Ashley) Newman, Zachary (Ami) Newman, Ryan (Allie) Newman, Megan (Isaac) Bostick, Molly Roehl, Jacob Knapp, Olivia (Jordan) Caviness, Stephanie (Mitch) Kelly and Daniel (Evelyn) Roehl. Libby is also survived by 10 great grandchildren.
Memorial service was Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Burial was in Walker Chapel Cemetery, Robertsburg.
Millard R. Mitchell
Pastor Millard R. Mitchell, a long time resident of Scott Depot, passed away on August 31, 2024.
He was born to the late Walter and Mamie Mitchell on June 9, 1935. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by his wife of 64 years, Emma Peterson Mitchell.
Millard was known to most people as Pastor Mitchell due to his 40 years of pastoring at Calvary Baptist Church, where he also led the church to start a christian school, Calvary Baptist Academy. He also served his community as a landlord.
He loved people, he loved the Word of God, and a passion for instilling biblical truths in the minds of children. He lived a rich life of service to others and by his own testimony in his last years of life, he had no regrets over how his life was lived.
Millard is survived by his siblings: Cebert Mitchell, Vergie Mitchell, Eileena Rollyson and Naomi Phalen; his children: Valissa Fox, Valnita Clemans, Kevin Mitchell, VeEtta Withrow; foster son: Tom Mitchell; their spouses, 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Funeral Service for Millard will be 11:00am Tuesday September 17, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with his grandson Pastor Chris Clemans officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park St. Albans.
Belinda Sue Saffel
Belinda Sue Saffel, 72, of Scott Depot, passed away September 2, 2024.
Belinda is a 1969 graduate of Nitro High School and retired from the Nitro 7-11. She attended Nitro Church of God and was a member of the Nitro Women’s Club. Belinda enjoyed spending time with her family and giving back to her community through community service projects.
She was born November 4, 1951, in Paradise, to the late Guy W. Jividen, Sr. and Clarcia Jividen. She is also preceded in death by her brother Guy W. Jividen, Jr. and grandson Colton Clements.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Clarica Clements and her husband Herman of Leon and Leslie Keeney and her husband Bill of Scott Depot; sisters Judy Crago of Liberty and Marjorie Faulknier of Nitro; granddaughters Haley Clements and her husband Josh of Nitro and Samantha Keeney of Scott Depot; and grandson Billy Keeney of Scott Depot. Belinda is also survived by her nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Belinda Saffel was held Friday, September 6, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dave McCormick officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
John Douglas Wagner
John Douglas Wagner, 85, of Hometown, passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, in CAMC Teays Valley with his family by his side.
John attended Hometown Church of God Mission until his health didn’t allow him to attend. He began his career delivering bread and then went to work for Iron Workers Local #301, retiring in 1998. John loved hunting, fishing, and taking trips to his camp in Pocahontas County with his buddies. He also served our country in the U.S. Army, and you could often find him working on lawn mowers and any small engine.
He was born November 26, 1938, in Red House, to the late Dora Ray “Dode” Wagner and Mabel E. Wagner Shannahan. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Hermia Mae Wagner, brother Jack Wagner, sisters Frances Harris, Anna Mae Evans, and Letha Heberling.
He is survived by his daughter Cheryl A. (Danny) Slater of Hometown, sons Ronald “Ronnie” Wagner of Roanoke, VA and Stephen “Steve” Wagner of Hometown; granddaughter Ashlea M. (Keith) Harmon of Poca, great granddaughters Kaylee and Paisley Harmon of Poca, whom he loved very much, brother Roy F. (Sue) Wagner of Charleston, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of John Wagner was held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joey Scarberry officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
Earl B. Wymer
Earl B. Wymer, 90, of Nitro, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Earl was born on May 22, 1934 to the late Ausley and Helen Larck Wymer. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sons: Bub, Mark and Dennis Wymer and is finally reunited with his wife Elsie.
He loved his family, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycles.
Earl is survived by his daughter Cindy Higginbotham (Ronnie); granddaughter and caretaker, Cassandra (Jesse) Thornton; and great grandson, Justin (Kaylee) Thornton. He also leaves behind 16 other grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
He was a great man that will be greatly missed.
Graveside Service for Earl was Monday, September 9, 2024 at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico, with Pastor Bron Walker officiating.
