ANNA LAURA MULLINS
Anna Laura Alford Mullins, 93, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully April 10, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
She was born February 8, 1932, in Hurricane, to the late Willard W. and Gladys G. Epling Alford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Norman F. Mullins and brother, W. Marlen Alford.
Anna is survived by her daughter, Lauretta Ghavami and her grandson, Alex Ghavami both of Hurricane.
She was a teacher for Putnam County for many years and was very blessed to have started at 18 and finished at 85 years of age. Anna was an Alumni of Hurricane High School and Marshall University where she held a Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education. It was through her many decades of dedication to her career where she found her true passion in life: educating children and preparing them for bright futures. That was exactly what she did. Many, both students and fellow teachers whom she worked with could attest to her expertise. Those who were lucky enough to have been in her classroom can testify to her profound talents, specifically in teaching reading. Francis Courtwright, the principal of Hurricane Elementary, stated that “if Mullins can’t teach them to read, no one can.”
In keeping with Anna’s wishes, there were no public services. She was laid to rest at Mount Olive Church Cemetery on Buff Creek Road in Hurricane.
BARBARA F. MULLINS
Barbara F. Mitchell Mullins, 78, of Hurricane, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 at Trinity Health Care of Logan, following a long illness. She was a 1964 graduate of Buffalo High School. Following graduation, she served her country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era. She then continued her education at West Virginia State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Marshall University. During her professional career, she worked as a Civil Servant in West Virginia for many years.
Born September 16, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Auvil S. Mitchell and Helen Latsko Mitchell.
She is survived by her son, Jonathan Mullins; her brother, Richard Mitchell of Buffalo; her sister, Cheryl (Thomas) Ewing of Warwick, New York; as well as extended family and friends.
In accordance with her wishes, her body was cremated. Service was held at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veteran’s Cemetery, Dunbar, with full military honors.
CHESTER ‘FRANK’ MYNES
Chester Franklin “Frank” Mynes, 87, of Hurricane, passed away on April 13, 2025, in his hometown of Hurricane.
Born on August 10, 1937, Frank was a proud graduate of Hurricane High School, Class of 1955. He went on to attend the University of Kentucky and later earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College, dedicating his life to healing and serving others.
Frank was a longtime and faithful member of Forest Burdette United Methodist Church, where he was an active participant in the Loyal Pioneer Sunday School Class. His faith, compassion, and sense of humor touched many lives.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Hilda Mynes, and five loving children: Karen Mynes Allen (Arizona), Rebecca Robbin (Merel Kimmel, Pennsylvania), Dr. Tim Mynes (Jeanne, Virginia), Dr. Stephanie Marazon (Dr. Christopher Marazon, Ohio), and Tammy Nelson (West Virginia) and sister Donna Mynes Varian. He was the proud grandfather of sixteen grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Franklin Mynes Sr. and Mildred Louise Mynes; his brother, Bayliss Mynes; his sister, Janice Fields Mynes; his daughter, Diana Mynes Allen; and his grandson, Billiejoe “BJ” Nelson.
A man of many passions, Frank loved spending time with his family, working the land through farming and gardening, and sharing laughter through practical jokes—especially with his nieces and nephews, who will remember his playful spirit fondly.
Frank lived a full life marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Forest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
Fred D. Newman
Fred D. Newman, 80, of Nitro, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, at home; beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, joined his parents William and Juanita Kissick Newman and brother William “Bill” Newman in Heaven.
Fred was born in Richard, Kentucky, and then the family moved to West Virginia after living in Irvine, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. Going to school at Winfield, Fred played football and played in the band. He joined Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout and after graduating from Winfield High School, he attended West Virginia State College. In 1967 Fred enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served for 7 years.
He was self-employed and sold employee benefits to individuals and small and medium businesses representing insurance groups and companies until his retirement in 2018. Fred was a Baptist and enjoyed life, especially holding his grandbabies.
Fred leaves behind his family that will miss him and remember him often including his wife Mary, son Fred (Rebecca), step-daughters Mary Ann (Todd) and Sara (Steve), eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Fred was held Monday, April 14, 2025, at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens with Pastor David Bess officiating. Burial was in the memory gardens.
Karen T. Patterson
Karen T. Patterson, of Hurricane, born October 2nd, 1960, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 1st, 2025. She was a beloved mother, sister, and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Karen grew up on the west side of Charleston where she attended and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. Some of her fondest memories were those spent with friends at Second Ave Center. She was a woman of multiple talents, determined and accomplished all that she set out to do. She worked in the banking industry, as a florist, realtor, and had a passion for working with children. Karen also had a passion for decorating. Karen gave many years of service to CAMC hospital where she ultimately achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse.
Karen’s life was one marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering faith in God. Karen accepted her call to ministry by God and never looked back. She loved serving God and telling others of His Goodness, His Grace and His Mercy. She touched the lives of many through her compassion, dedication, and strong spiritual values. Karen’s love for her family was unmatched. Karen loved making memories with her family, she often hosted dinners, planned family events and everyone knew that line dancing was on the menu. Her children and her spouse were her greatest joy in life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends who were fortunate to have known her and were loved by her.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth E. Mills; father, Rosco Tarver; step-father, Alonzo Shepherd, and three sisters, Linda Mills, Margaret Tarver, and Mildred Tarver.
She leaves to cherish her memory and carry forth her legacy, Reginald Patterson, and her children, Ayanna Wilsher (George), William Hampton (Amber), Christoper Hampton (Danielle), Jonathan Patterson and fur babies Precious and Percy. She also leaves to cherish her memory, six grandsons, eight granddaughters, one great-granddaughter, thirteen brothers, seven sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, and family.
A service to honor and celebrate Karen’s life was held Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at Grace Bible Church, Charleston. Burial was in Mount Union Cemetery in Pliny.
Howard Franklin Rutan
Howard Franklin Rutan, 72, of Red House, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2025 at home.
Frank was born on April 20, 1952 at his home on Round Knob Road in Red House to the late Howard Woodrum and Betty Jane Starcher Rutan. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters: Margie Oldaker and Nora Runions.
He was a graduate of Buffalo High School Class of 1970. Frank retired from Engines Inc. in Milton, and was an avid woodworker who loved working in the yard and cooking while spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Jeannetta Rutan; sons: Patrick (Amanda) of Culloden, Christopher (Tonya) of Buffalo, and Justin (Norvella) of Red House; grandchildren: Shana Rutan, Hunter Rutan, Trevor Rutan, Connor Rutan, Elizabeth Potter and Andrew Potter; great granddaughter, Kinley Campbell; siblings: Norman Rutan, Rita Higginbotham and Leah Rutan Beane; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for Frank was Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Jerry Losh and Pastor Alan Bays officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Ada Frances Sanson
Ms. Ada Frances Sanson, 94, of Eleanor, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Frances is a former employee of True Temper with 15 years of service and then served as a caregiver to her parents and her siblings. She attended Red House Bible Church and enjoyed singing and listening to her gospel music. She was an avid Dodgers fan and loved to travel, visiting the Holy Lands twice.
She is preceded in death by her parents John E. and Ada Sanson; siblings Marcella Gibson Craigo and Darlene Patton Tyler; and brother John Everette Sanson, Jr.
She is survived by her niece Sandra Reedy and many other nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Ada Frances Sanson was held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ron Wolfe officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
Robert Vanater Sr.
Robert Ray Vanater, Sr., 89, of Hurricane, reunited with his loving wife Orma on April 9, 2025.
Robert R. Vanater Sr., born October 22, 1935, in South Charleston, was the son of the late Robert Lee Vanater and Nona Fletcher Vanater. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Orma Coleman Vanater, son Robert Ray Vanater Jr., sister, Mary Arnold, grandson, Cody Michael Sealey, and great grandson, Oliver Welch.
Robert was married to Orma Coleman Vanater since October 13, 1956. He is survived by 3 sons, Rex Edward Vanater (Jennifer), Roy Coleman Vanater (Eden) and Ryan Arthur Vanater (Tifany), grandchildren Robert Whitney Vanater, Megan Marie Smith ,Brent & Lacey Pickens, Rex Edward Jr, “RJ” (Heather) Vanater, Robinson “Robby” Lee Vanater, Jordan Nicole (Josh) Chapman, Zachary Allen Hager, Ryan ”Duce” Arthur Vanater II, Hudson Ryder-Ty Vanater, Ledger Coal Vanater, Easton Malachi Vanater , Liam Lane Vanater, Cillian Cordell Vanater, and 5 great grandchildren Trenton Pickens, Hunter Pickens, Kawman Vanater, Hunter Childers, Jaxon Adkins.
Graveside service was Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
James Vance
James David Vance, 66, of Hurricane, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 at CAMC Teay Valley.
He was a graduate of Hurricane High School and a retired Heavy Equipment Operator. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Vance, parents Warren and Macil Vance.
He is survived by his son David Vance; brothers Bill Vance, Jerry Vance; and sister Belinda Moore, Becky Hatcher, and 3 grandchildren, Caleb, Caitlin and Cassidy and a host of family and friends.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Vance Family Cemetery.
