NARONG CHONGSWATDI
Narong Chongswatdi (1941-2024) of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Kulvadee (DeDe) by his side on October 20, 2024 after a battle with cancer.
Narong was born in Thailand on February 5, 1941 and migrated to Chicago, IL in the 1960s. To further his education, he moved to West Virginia where he earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State College in 1976. He married his wife DeDe during this period, and they decided to stay in Dunbar, WV to raise their family. He spent his career helping people through his work at Migration and Refugee Services in Charleston until his retirement.
Narong was always a very active person. For years, he walked and ran regularly at Shawnee Park. Later in life, he found his passion for golf and became a regular at Shawnee and Big Bend. He was always friendly and welcoming to other golfers and was known for his big smile. To his credit, he achieved a hole in one on four separate occasions!
Narong lived modestly and always put his family first. He was incredibly proud of his daughter Kay and son Nick and his six grandchildren. He prioritized attending their activities including countless games and performances. He was especially happy to attend their various graduations.
Narong is survived by his wife Kulvadee Chongswatdi; children: Kay (Tee) Pongsugree of Scott Depot and Dr. Nick Chongswatdi (Dr Erika Harris) of Ona; six grandchildren: Trenton, Hallie and Aathan Pongsugree and Lillian, Noah and Katelyn Chongswatdi.
Narong will be remembered for his love of life and love for his family. We are all better for having known him.
A Celebration of Life for Narong will be 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Clubhouse at Coonskin Park, 2000 Coonskin Drive Charleston.
KAREN DOTSON
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Louise Dotson, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on the morning of August 31, 2024.
Born on November 17, 1947, in Charleston, West Virginia, Karen was the cherished daughter of Thelma Louise Comer and Eben Cross Comer. Karen was a woman of strength, compassion, and devotion, always putting her family first. She was the loving widow of Timothy Lee Dotson. Karen is survived by her two brothers, John Comer and Greg Comer, and her sisters-in-law, Yong Comer and Lisa Comer. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pamela and RD Reynolds, who cherished her dearly.
Karen greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Chad Gilbert and Celeste Gilbert, her daughter-in-law Amy Yates Gilbert, and her son-in-law Tommy Keith Botkin. Her grandchildren—Kaylee Danielle White, Liberty Ann Gilbert, and Adalyn Mae Gilbert—were the light of her life, and she adored them endlessly. Her extended family includes her nieces, Jennifer Patrick, Janie Mills, Stacy Hay, Breanna Sparks, Stephanie Smith, and her nephew, Johnnie Comer. Karen is also survived by her beloved uncle, Richard Nichlos, and her aunt, Dottie Comer, along with her cousins, Terri Dudley, Terry Wigglesworth, Dee Winn, and Joy Mitchell.
Karen was a graduate of Hurricane High School and went on to pursue her passion for healthcare by earning her nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing. As a dedicated and compassionate nurse, Karen built a remarkable career in the medical field, where she was known for her unwavering commitment to her patients. Her empathy and kindness touched countless lives, and her professionalism left a lasting impact on her colleagues and those she cared for. After over 40 years of service, Karen retired, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion that will continue to inspire.
Karen will be remembered for her loving nature, her compassion and care for others, and her tireless dedication to her family. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of kindness and strength will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched.
Her family will honor her memory in a private service, celebrating the beautiful life she led and the love she shared with so many.
JAMES R. KING
James R. “Jim” King, 89, of Liberty, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at his home. He was a retired carpenter and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 1207. He was a member of the Ripley Lodge No. 16 A.F & A.M. Jim loved county music and spent 29 years as a member of the Liberty Mountaineers.
Born September 7, 1935, he was the son of the late Stanton and Una King. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Jo King; son, Terry Lee (Kim) King of Charleston; sister, Betty Higginbotham of Circleville OH; grandchildren, Shawn King, Casey Edwards, Daniel King; great grandchildren, Brantley King, Caysen Edwards and Lexi Lupardus. Jim is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Graveside service was Friday, October 25, 2024 at Center Point Cemetery, Liberty.
BRENDA JEWEL LUIKART
Brenda Jewel Luikart, 77, of St. Albans, formerly of Wirt County, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the Hubbard Hospice House West.
Brenda is retired from Putnam County Schools and formerly attended Black Betsy Community Church. She enjoyed sewing, traveling, cooking and baking.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Meredith Luikart; father Albert Morris; mother Ruby Slater Fewell and her husband Tarp; brother James Morris; and sister Frances Slater.
She is survived by her two children Meredith Moore and John Luikart; sister Nancy and her husband Buddy LeMaster; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Brenda was held Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel. Entombment was in the memory gardens.
Reba Grace Meadows
Reba Grace (Smith) Meadows, of Hurricane, formerly of Winfield, passed away at home on October 20, 2024.
Reba was one of 7 sons and 5 daughters born to the late Bernard V. and Eva Lou (Pickens) Smith.
She was a retired floral designer who specialized in wedding and family arrangements.
Reba is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, John Meadows; sons: Jonathan and Jessica Meadows and Jamie and Amie Meadows of all of Hurricane, WV; grandchildren: Jackson and Charlotte Meadows; as well as, several other family members.
Funeral Service for Reba was Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Jim Walther officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park St. Albans.
Sybil W. Moore
Sybil W. Moore, 90, of Hurricane, passed away on October 25, 2024.
She was born on February 13, 1934 to the late Ralph and Naomi (Woodall) Westfall. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands: Charles Milbee, Charles E. Titlow Jr. and Teddy E. Moore; son, Ralph “Eddie” Milbee; and sister, Carol Atkins.
Sybil was a member of the Eastern Star and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charleston. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed walking, traveling, adding to her turtle collection and spending quality time with her family.
She is survived by her daughters: Linda Weikle (Bob) of Cross Lanes, and Brenda Gill (Tom) of Fraziers Bottom; grandchildren: Stacey Stout (Justin), Anna Young (Jeremy), Brian Milbee (Chasity), Amanda Webb (Jason), Natasha Hatfield (Christopher) and Jonathan Logue (Amanda); 12 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, William Atkins; she is also survived by her niece: Natalie Atkins-Hansen (Gordon) and family.
Funeral service for Sybil was Monday, October 28, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Hom,e Hurricane, with Christopher R. Hatfield officiating. Entombment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Rose Mary Presley
Rose Mary Presley, 91, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Mountain View Care Center, Ripley.
She is retired from St. Francis Hospital, attended Kelleys Creek Church and enjoyed traveling.
She was born June 20, 1933, to the late Earl and Beulah Landers and she is also preceded in death by her husband Neely Presley and son Johnny Presley.
She is survived by her daughter Debbie and her husband Mike Stephens; sisters Phyllis Britton and Patsy Thaxton; seven grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Rose Mary Presley was held Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Paul Bailey officiating. Burial was in Center Point Cemetery.
Linda G. Wiggins
Linda G. Wiggins was the most caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After a very long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s, she left this world on October 21, 2024 at the age of 83.
She was born on May 9, 1941 to the late Grant and Mildred Shamblin and was the oldest of six children. After attending Stonewall Jackson High School, she married the love of her life, Ronald Wiggins. They were married for 64 years and had two sons, Robert and Kevin Wiggins.
After several years of living in Cross Lanes, Linda and Ron moved to Red House where Linda thrived working their 100-acre farm for over 40 years. She could outwork her sons, husband, and grandchildren during hay, calving and tobacco seasons. She took enormous pride in their farm, which they lovingly named Linda’s Seldom Dunn Farm. Linda was also Board Supervisor for Putnam County in the Soil Conservation District. Not only could Linda work harder than most men, she was also an amazing baker, cook and seamstress. She spent several hours in her kitchen providing for her family and loved to bake everyone a special cake on their birthday. Later in life, she decided she wanted to go back out into the work force and became a caregiver for 10 years for Care4You.
In addition to her parents she was preceded by her son, Kevin Wiggins. Surviving are her husband, Ronald; son, Robert Wiggins; siblings, Kathleen Haynes, Rose (Roy) Martin, Steven Shamblin, Ronald (Normi) Shamblin, and Gerald (Sandra) Shamblin; grandchildren, Heather (Marcus) Lawrence, Michael (Emily) Wiggins, Grant (Kyrie) Wiggins and Lacy (Jordan) Riggs. She also had 12 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other special family members and friends that were very dear to her.
Funeral service was Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
