HELEN ANN HOFFMAN
Helen Ann Hoffman, 92, of Eleanor, entered the loving arms of her Savior on January 19th, 2025 at home, surrounded by her family.
Helen attended Poca High School prior to the family moving to Miami, Florida, where she graduated from Miami Edison High School. After returning to West Virginia, she graduated from the Charleston School of Commerce.
She was employed with C&P Telephone and later, Appalachian Power Company.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband and best friend of over 65 years, Dennie Hoffman, Father and Mother, Elmer and Blanche Walls, brothers Thomas “Frosty” Walls, and John “Barney” Walls, Sister Betty Kelly, and Nephew Tommy Kelly.
Helen was a lifelong member of Rock Branch Independent Church, Nitro, and was active in CAMC Teays Valley’s Cardiac Rehab program for over 20 years, where she made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed travelling with her husband, baking, and was an avid crocheter until her fingers would no longer allow it.
Helen is survived by her two sons, Steve Hoffman (Kim) of Hurricane and Mike Hoffman (Lisa) of Poca. She is also survived by her Grandchildren Jason, Zachary (Amanda), Mitch (Brooke), and Cassidy, plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Helen was held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Delbert Hawley and Aaron Ramsey officiating. Burial was Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
SHARON L. KESSEL
Sharon “Sherry” Lee Kessel, 75, of Scott Depot, passed away December 27, 2024.
She was born February 13, 1949 in Given to the late Mary F. Casto Kessel and Hansel “Hank” Kessel. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sisters: Willa D. Davis, Wanda L. Basham, Anna D. Cunningham and Juanita M. Creech.
Sherry was raised in the country and later moved to Dunbar where she graduated from Dunbar High School. She loved to garden, travel, the family farm, read history books, listen to gospel and opera music, work on puzzles of any kind, Africa, her beloved dogs, zoo’s, vacationing with her sisters, and celebrating Christmas.
She had a deep love for animals and was a strong supporter of Little Victories Animal Rescue in Ona. Sherry also supported many other animal organizations, multiple veteran groups, St. Labre Indian School, Samaritans Purse, Mountain Mission, Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and numerous ministries.
Sherry is survived by her niece Teresa A. Creech of Hurricane; cousin, James Leon Kessel of South Charleston, and a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral Service for Sherry was Friday, January 17, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt officiating.
KENNETH SHANK
Kenneth “Papa Ken” Edward Shank, 89, of Scott Depot, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
He was born on November 6, 1935 in Charleston, to the late James and Eva Shank.
Kenneth retired from the Institute Plant after 36 years of service. He was a retired Navy Corpsman with 26 years of service to our country. Kenneth was a loving husband, father and grandfather who represented Christ to his family and friends. He was a perfect Father!
In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Shank; daughter, Pamela Rauanheimo; sisters, Hope Warner, Anna Laura Crowder, Mary Lou Olsen; and brother, Rev. James O. Shank, Jr.
Kenneth is survived by his son, Michael Shank (Nancy) of Hurricane; daughter, Stephanie Morris (Jeff) of Winfield; sister, Vivian McDonald of Waterloo, IA; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Funeral service was Friday, January 17, at the Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene, Hurricane, with Dr. Mervin Smith officiating. Burial was in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.
