FRANKLIN ‘ROSIE’ BARNETT
Franklin Roosevelt “Rosie” Barnett, 91, of Hometown, departed this life Saturday, September 14th after a short illness.
He was born September 5, 1933, to the late Charles and Orpha Barnett. Rosie was a 1952 graduate of Poca High School and attended Wilkinson United Methodist Church. He retired from American Viscos after 26 years of service, followed by an additional 12 years with the Putnam County Board of Education. Rosie lived a full, healthy life, still walking to the Post Office and mowing his own grass until the week before he passed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Sisters Genevive Cottrill, Madeline Jones, Mary Jane Hill, and Iva Mae Thomas, Brothers Dencil “Doll Baby” Barnett, Charles “Bus” Barnett, Louis “Lujack” Barnett, “Cudie” Barnett, and a twin brother Grover Cleveland Barnett.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Eva Stephens Barnett; daughter, Paula Barnett and companion Todd Collins of Newport, OH; granddaughters, Kirstin Raynes (Travis) and Sadara Black (DJ) both of Hometown; and 7 great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Layne, Evan, Logan, and Ike Raynes and Lahnay and Penelope Black.
A tribute to the life of Franklin “Rosie” Barnett was held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Travis Raynes officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
WILLARD ‘BUCKY’ BROWN
Willard “Bucky” Brown, 83, of Red House, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at his home. He was a 1959 graduate of Poca High School and was a longtime faithful member of Wade Chapel United Methodist Church. He retired from M&G Polymers in Apple Grove with over 30 yrs of service. Bucky was a fun-loving person who always enjoyed life. Even when sick, he would find simple things to admire and praise God for. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends. He never met a stranger and could always tell some tall tales. He loved football, hunting, fishing and admired nature. He especially liked his hunting trips with his best friend and cousin, Bill Casto and others. He was a devoted father and husband to his wife, Kathie and could always make her day with some of his stories and antics.
Born June 5, 1941, in Hometown, he was the son of the late Jesse and Agnes Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Treasa Russell and his brother, John Brown.
Survivors include his wife, Kathie Brown; children, Jeanette (Tony) Marshall of Findlay OH, Jessica (Dale) VanLehn of Cleveland OH, Angela (Randy) Maass of Poca and Jeffrey (Kim) Watts of Poca; brother, Tommy (Pattie) Brown of Poca; sister, Margie Cook of Charleston; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Bucky is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Mike Miller officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
W. JEAN BRYAN
W. Jean Bryan, 66, of Hurricane, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She was born February 18, 1958 to the late Tab and Feba Bryan. Jean is survived by her daughter, Pepper Arrowood (Matt), Grandchildren, Zachary Flenner, Phoebe Flenner and Mattix Arrowood as well as her sister Karen Hayes (Clarence) and nephew Bryan Hayes. Her daughter and family were blessed with almost 5 years of her living in the home with them where they cared for her throughout a long illness.
Honoring her wishes, she will be cremated and a private memorial will be held for her at a later date.
LYNN ANN CAMPBELL
Lynn Ann Campbell, DNP, MSN, RN, 71, of Hurricane, passed away September 11, 2024.
Lynn was born to the late John and Shirley Jane (Wharton) Storrick in Washington, PA on August 1, 1953.
She was a loving and caring person, a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved spending time with her family, to give and receive cards, and to shop at the hospitals gift shop.
Lynn had a true passion in education and nursing having spent 48 years as a Registered Nurse and working 17 of those years at St. Mary’s Medical Center. In 1975 she graduated from Alderson Broaddus University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. In 1983 she earned her Masters of Science Degree in Nursing from West Virginia University and in 2013 Lynn received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Kentucky.
Lynn is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Harold Campbell; Children: John Kuebler (Keri) of Catlettsburg, KY and Karl Kuebler of Hurricane, WV; granddaughter Emma Grace Kuebler; sister, Susan Timko (Mike) of Cannonsburg, PA; brother, Jay Storrick (Chris) of Elkins, WV; special sister in-law: Brenda Raynes (Gene) of South Charleston, WV; nieces: Maddie Timko, Libby Timko, and Heidi McFadden (Colin); nephews, Sam Storrick (Alexa), Ben Storrick (Becca), Gabe Storrick, Derek Raynes (Christen) and Jared Raynes (Christina); and lifelong friend: Vanessa Hawkins (Gary).
Funeral Service for Lynn was Friday, September 13, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Sue C. Fisher, 87, of Scott Depot, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at her home. She was 1955 graduate of Buffalo High School and was a member of Scott Depot Christ Fellowship. She was a former employee of Sears and Roebuck and the Marlington Motor Inn.
Born March 3, 1937 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late Dewey Fisher and Icy Pitchford Fisher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Clark; granddaughter, Rebecca McGhee; grandson, Zachary Phillips; former husband, Ronald Skeens; three brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda Sovine of Scott Depot and Teresa Lee of Huntington; son, Ronald A. (Lois) Skeens of Winner SD; grandson, Darek Lee.
Funeral service was Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
JACQULYN GARRETT
Jacqulyn Ann Garrett, 89, of Culloden, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2024 with her grandson and faithful caretaker Joshua Garrett and nephew Greg Sergent by her side.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Garrett.
Jacqulyn is survived by her son Tony Garrett (Sharon), daughter Dreama Vaughan (Art) and Cynthia Garrett. Grandsons Charles Garrett (Jessica), Jimmy Garrett and granddaughter Paige Jarun (Nader), Grandson Will Vaughan, Great-grandchildren Olivia and Jack Juran and Amelia and Charlotte Vaughan, as well as several nephews and nieces. She is also survived by sister Dolly Brubaker and her sister-in-law Marion Garrett.
Funeral service was Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Trace Fork Cemetery in Lincoln County.
LEO RICHARD ‘PETE’ HARRAH
Leo Richard “Pete” Harrah, 98, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, September 14, 2024.
A tribute to the life of Pete will be 1:00 PM, Friday, September 20, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
OTHENA HIGGINBOTHAM
Othena Higginbotham, 91, of Red House, passed away September 13, 2024, in the Hubbard Hospice House West with her family by her side.
She is retired from Putnam Aging with 30 years of service and loved to quilt, work in her yard and spend time with her family.
Othena is the last of 11 children of the late Frank and Hazel Bowling. She is also preceded in death by her husband James “Preacher” Higginbotham and sons Billy and David Stover.
She is survived by her three children Debbie Sumner of Leesburg, FL, Roger (Alisa) Stover of Leon, and Patty (Frank) Rummell of Red House; six grandchildren Adam (Christy) Sumner of Leesburg, FL, Vanesa Stover of Red House, Franki (Chris) Belcher of Red House, Ashley Stover of Red House, Baley (Josh) DeBord of Red House, and Kayla McClure of Poca; and four great grandchildren Trenten, Noah, Deacon, and Annalee.
A tribute to the life of Othena Higginbotham was held Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Woody Willard officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
DIANNA KAY HODGES
Dianna Kay Hodges 71, of Hurricane, entered into Eternal Rest with family by her side on September 6, 2024.
She was born on November 23, 1952, to the late Russell and Ruby Jane (Dolen) Blake.
Dianna was a 1971 graduate of Barboursville High School and retired from Putnam County Schools.
Dianna is survived by her husband of 44 years, Garry Hodges; son, Bob Carroll (Kelli) of Hurricane; daughter, Amy McCallister (Jimmy) of Culloden; grandchildren: Garrett Slack, Addi and Bobby Carroll; brothers: Ronnie Blake (Janice) of Huntington, Blufford “Dobbie” Blake, Danny Blake (Joyce) both of Barboursville, and Mike Blake of Pritchard.
A Celebration of Life for Dianna was held Friday 13, 2024 at Teays Valley Church of the Nazarene, Hurricane, with Pastor Jimmy McCallister officiating.
Dallas Sowards
Dallas Sowards, 83, of Hurricane, passed away on Monday, September 9th, after complications from surgery with his family by his side.
He was born to Curtis and Mary Ann Clagg Sowards on April 24th, 1941.
Dallas worked for the WV Department of Transportation from 1960 to 1998.
He was preceded in death by his 7 brothers and 2 sisters.
Dallas is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mildred, his 5 children, Howard Sowards (Sandy), Harold Sowards, Robert Sowards (Nikki), Margie, and Paul Sowards (Tammy). He has 12 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren with 2 on the way.
Funeral service was Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Wendell Shull officiating. Burial was in Kingery Cemetery on Sleepy Creek.
Doretta Jean Spurlock
Doretta Jean Spurlock, 92, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hurricane and First Baptist Church Bykota Sunday School Class and the VIP’s.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Vesta Holbert, husband SgtMajMC.Ret Clarence Spurlock, brother Robert E. Holbert, sisters Mary Jo Thacker and Donna Young.
Jean is survived by her brother Tim Holbert, special nephew Dr. Mark Young and his wife Priscilla, friend Trilby Baumgartner and very best friend Gerry Spears.
Funeral service was Monday, September 16, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Stoner officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
Virginia Vangilder
Virginia “Eloise” Vangilder, born June 04, 1941, went home to be with the heavenly Father on Friday, September 13, 2024. Eloise loved the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, her animals and spending time with friends and family. She is preceded in death by both her parents James Garland Davis and Alma Mae McCallister Davis Wooten, husbands Russell Coyner and Paul Vangilder, brothers William “Bill”, James “Jim”, Alvin, Garland “Chuck”, Phillip “Ed” and special nephew Timmothy Davis.
Eloise is survived by her brother Paul {Melanie} Davis, and sisters Linda Dustin {Art), Dorothy Berry, Patricia Thacker, Judith Davis {Denver), and Julia (Tim) Neal. As well as many nieces, and nephews.
Graveside service was Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane with Brian Haber officiating.
Joel ‘Woody’ Morris Woodrum
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joel M. “Woody” Woodrum, a resident of Huntington, West Virginia.
His life, marked by kindness and dedication, touched the hearts of many in the community through his 50-year involvement with Marshall University. Woody was known for his unwavering commitment to family, friends and the athletes at Marshall University.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Pat Woodrum; and his brother, Bobby Woodrum of Winfield.
Woody was born in Charleston and graduated from Winfield High School in 1974. He served as a student football manager for Winfield’s team from 1971-74 before coming to Marshall University in the Spring of 1975. This decision would be the beginning of his life working for Marshall University and Huntington. Woodrum would graduate from Marshall in 1980 with a BS in Parks & Leisure Services and hold many roles in Marshall Athletics over the years including Equipment Specialist and Radio Commentator.
In addition to his work at Marshall, Woody also worked full-time at Kindred Communications (1996-2019), the flagship station for the Thundering Herd Sports Network. At Kindred, Woody hosted Sportsline Daily Talk Show, wrote and edited the Herd Insider and has done play-by-play and color for high school sports broadcasts (Spring Valley, Cabell-Midland and Huntington High). He also was an active volunteer for youth sports where he announced hundreds of little league games through the years.
He is survived by his wife, Liz, of Huntington; and son: Tre’; daughter-in-law: Cassie; and two grandchildren: Ryder and Riley; all from Huntington. He is also survived by his brothers: Jim and Bill; as well as their wives, children, extended family, and friends.
The family will be holding a public Celebration of Life service on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Big Green Room at Joan C. Edwards Stadium from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
