SIERRA BENTLEY
Sierra Sue Bentley, 83, of Hurricane, went to sleep on April 12th, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Joe Bentley Sr.
She is survived by her 3 loving sons and their wives: Joe (and Peggy) Bentley of Hurricane, Dave (and Andra) Bentley of Pasadena, TX and Steve (and Clarisse) Bentley of Rockwall, TX.
She leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Ashley Megan (and Bobby Watkins) of Hurricane, Brittany Sierra (and Daniel Shutters) of Gretna, VA, Chelsea Delores (and Dallas Lemons) of Friendswood, TX, Mia Delores Spann-Bentley, of Pasadena TX, Madison Brenna Gladu of Pune Maharashtra, India, Dalton Alex (and Lauren Bentley) of Holly Lake Ranch, TX, Skylar Reagan Bentley of Greenville, TX. 6 great grandchildren; Ezra, Max, Isla, Karsyn, Saylor, Ryder & a soon to be 7th. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
She was a faithful servant of Jehovah God for 67 years, and an active member of the Winfield Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She enjoyed telling others about Jehovah God and His promises for the future. She was a beautiful quilter. She loved to make quilts for each of her children and then carried the tradition on to her grandchildren. She loved to garden; always looking forward to hummingbird season. She loved baking bread, her famous pound cake, and peanut butter fudge. She was industrious, steadfast, and zealous.
Allen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 606 King St. Dunbar, WV on May 24th, 2025 at 2 p.m. For those attending in person, carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking. Zoom information will be available for the service. Please contact Ashley Watkins at [email protected], or Brittany Shutters at [email protected] for that information.
MARY MAGDALENE CASTO
In loving memory and honor of Mary Magdalene Casto, 91, of Eleanor, who passed away on April 25, 2025. She was raised in Liberty, , daughter of Fleetie Ethel Jeffries and Luther Thornton and is also preceded in death by her daughter Denise Lynn Welch and her siblings.
She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Estel Glendean Casto; daughter Joy Gail Jones; son-in-law Douglas Allen Jones; and grandson Wade Garrett Welch.
A tribute to the life of Mary Magdalene Casto was held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joe Fisher officiating. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
EDWARD ALLEN FISHER
Edward Allen Fisher Jr., 76, of Hurricane, passed away on April 23, 2025 at home.
He was born on July 8, 1948 to the late Edward A. and Irene Buckalew Fisher. In addition to parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Nicholas Fisher.
Eddie was a retired member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #625 Charleston, Masonic Temple Lodge Kanawha # 20 A.F. & A.M., Beni Kedem Shriners and Valley of Charleston Scottish Rite.
He is survived by his wife, Tonya G. Bennett Fisher; sons: Eric Fisher (Amy) of Hurricane, WV and Matthew Fisher (Sarah) of Greensboro, NC; stepson, Chris Lovejoy (Jamie) of Beverly, WV; and grandchildren: Caden Fisher, Evan Fisher, Dylan Fisher and Oaklyn Lovejoy.
Celebration of Eddie’s Life was held Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Charles V. “Sonny” Williams officiating.
JOHN MARK HAGER
John Hager, 60, of Scott Depot, died April 13, 2025. He was a 1983 Hamlin High School graduate, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a Truck Driver for Pitt Ohio for several years.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin. Interment was in Lincoln Memorial Park, Hamlin.
Eloise Wysong Johnston
Eloise Wysong Johnston, of Grove city, Ohio, formerly of Eleanor, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on Monday, April 21, 2025 at home. She was born in West Hamlin to the late Clarence and Mary Susan Wysong, and later adopted by her late uncle and aunt Willie and Louvenia McCallister when she was five years old and following her mother’s passing. Eloise was a homemaker for most of her life, but then after a few life curveballs hit, she attended Putnam County Technical Center and became a Certified Nursing Assistant, retiring from Teays Valley Nursing Home after 20 years of service.
She was an avid seamstress and loved to crochet and embroider, with those gifts of love showing up in the hands of her daughters or grandchildren. She also loved puzzles, and you could find a jigsaw puzzle always scattered on the kitchen table. She was a fantastic cook and would always be requested by her grands to make her famous macaroni salad, beef roasts, and “fake” cheesecake, no matter the occasion. When she was no longer able to do her hobbies or cook, you would find her watching Walker Texas Ranger and Blue Bloods. Even with her dementia progressively getting worse, those television shows seemed to bring her comfort. But she was most proud of her grandchildren, always attending special events and sporting events to support them when she was physically able.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin D. Johnston; her daughter, Sherri Lea Blankenship, and sister, Rosemary Raines.
Survivors include daughters, Paula (Dave) Compston of Shade, Ohio, Mary (Ralph) Eplin of Grove City, Ohio, Laura (Brian) Casto of Liberty, and stepson, Geoffrey Johnston of Milton; grandchildren, Matthew (Meg) Moore, Emily Moore, Jacob Moore, Timothy Moore, Jesika (Adam) Musselman, Channelle Emmanuel, William (December – also known as Christmas but only to Eloise) Emmanuel, Isaiah Emmanuel, Samuel (Hunter) Savilla, Gabriella (Bill) Kinser, Abbie Casto, and Isabella Savilla; great-grandchildren, Myah Oliver, Avery Musselman, Kylie Musselman, and Landen Kinser; brother, Willie McCallister, Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, and her beloved dog, Scooter.
Funeral service was Monday, April 28, 2025, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Thelma Marie Oxley
Thelma Marie Robinson Oxley, 76, of Scott Depot, passed away on April 22, 2025. She and Bill are finally reunited again since his death in 2008.
Marie was born on December 5, 1948 to the late Harold Richard and Myrtle Irene Horne Robinson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Oxley; and sisters: Barbara, Betty and Joyce.
She is survived by her sons: Christopher Oxley (Kelly) and Ryan Oxley (Brooke); grandchildren: Madeline “Maddy”, Owen, Stella, Audrey, and Lincoln; sisters: Jeannie, Patricia, and Diana; brothers: Harold “Robby” and his companion, Sharon, and David “Ronnie” and his wife, Dee.
Marie was the fourth child of two unselfish parents, who sacrificed so much to provide a loving home for their children. She attended school in Kanawha and Roane Counties having graduated from Walton High School where she was a cheerleader, class officer and a member of student council.
She had a long career with the federal government, employed at the Social Security Administration for over 40 years. Marie retired in a management position, but held many positions over the years. She was most proud of the time she served as the Area Work Incentives Coordinator, assisting people with disabilities to return to work while providing training and assistance in 30 SSA Offices throughout WV and PA.
She served on several boards including the Workforce Board, Youth Council, Kanawha County Consortium of Agencies, assisted in writing legislation for Medicaid in WV for people with disabilities, assisted in developing and validating computer programs for working disabled, worked with WVUCED through WVU and local programs for the disabled. She was honored with awards from Goodwill Industries, WV Vocational Rehabilitation, and Association for Persons in Supported Employment as well as a Regional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Citation from SSA. She also served as EEO Counselor and was active in the AFGE Union.
After retirement she volunteered at various organizations such as the Hospital Auxiliary at Thomas Memorial Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House where she was named the Volunteer of the Year, St. Francis School of Assisi where she organized a 5k in her husband’s memory to raise funds for the school and was a member of the church where she was seen throughout St. Albans at various sporting events that her grandchildren participated in while working in the concession stands.
Marie would tell you her greatest gift and blessing in her life was her marriage to James “Bill” Oxley. They were soulmates, best friends and he truly was the love of her life. She would always say part of that gift and blessing were Bill’s two sons from a previous marriage that she considered her own sons: Chris and Ryan. Nothing in her life meant more to her than this family, especially with the added blessings of two daughters-in-law and 5 grandchildren whom she cherished and adored.
She and Bill lived life to the fullest, traveling to new places, beach vacations, especially in Destin, FL, WVU Ballgames, concerts, NASCAR races, family and friends get-togethers, holidays-just a blessed life.
Bill was tragically killed at the Bayer Institute Plant explosion in 2008 and Marie felt a loss that never healed completely. Her grandchildren were her greatest comfort and joy to fill that void.
Per her request there will be no services.
Pastor Ralphie G. Ranson
Pastor Ralphie Glen Ranson, 80, of Liberty, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, April 21, 2025, at home after a long illness.
He preached his first sermon in October 1977 and Pastored Liberty Community Church for more than 40 years and loved nothing more than telling everyone about Jesus. He was very passionate about gardening, fishing, hunting, and time with family. He touched so many and brought hope to the lost and dying world, sowing seeds of Gods word to anyone that would listen.
He is preceded in death by is mother Delthia Irene Ranson, father Glen Wilson Ranson, brother William “Bill” Ranson, and sister Barbara Pringle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Edith Smith Ranson, daughter Pamela Ranson Moss and her husband Stephen Kelly Moss, granddaughter MacKenzie Layne Moss, and grandson Stephen Tyler Moss and his wife Erin Burks Moss. He adored all his nieces and nephews and his “adopted” daughter Angel Anderson and her husband Brad.
A tribute to the life of Pastor Ralphie Ranson was held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Emma Chapel Church with Pastor Jerry Bonnett officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Keith ‘Bill’ Raynes
Keith Louis Raynes, 81, of Eleanor, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Keith was known by his family and friends as “Bill” or “Billy.” He attended Lone Oak Church of God and retired from Constellium Rolled products after 32 years of service. In the 1980’s Bill was a member of the Eleanor Archery Club. He was a lifetime member of the NRA Golden Eagles. Bill had a special talent to fix or repair anything.
He was preceded in death by his parents William L. Raynes and Ruby Shank Raynes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Baby Boy Raynes; brother, Ronald “Burrhead” Raynes; father-in-law, Dencil Jividen; brother-in-laws, Mike Elliott and Jimmy Black.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Joetta Raynes; son, Todd (Amy) Raynes; daughter, Heather (David) Bailes; son, Brian Raynes; grandchildren, Jessie Raynes, Luke Raynes, Haleigh Bailes, Emma Bailes, Landon Bailes, Bailey Raynes and Hattie Raynes; sister, Ann Elliott; sister-in-law, Truda Black.
Deborah Jane Scott
Deborah Jane Bird Scott, 69, formerly of Hurricane, passed away on April 23, 2025 at Cedar Ridge Center in Sissonville.
She was born to the late Azel W. and Juanita G. Setliff Bird on March 16, 1956 in Hurricane. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bill Scott; and siblings: David Bird, Hibby Bird, Jerry Bird, Kyle Wayne Bird, Brenda Kay Bates, Kathy Sovine and Becky Gillispie.
Debbie was formerly employed with Walmart.
She is survived by her step daughter, Leslie Scott Brown of Dunbar, step grandchildren: Devon and Amiyah Brown of Dunbar; sister: Connie (Clayton) Stewart of Gallipolis Ferry; and her brother: Richard “Ricky” (Kimmie) Bird of Ohio.
Graveside service for Debbie was Tuesday April 29, 2025 at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.
David Paul Wilcox
David Paul Wilcox, 68, of Scott Depot, passed away April 24, 2025 at CAMC Memorial Hospital with loving family by his side after a long-fought battle with multiple health conditions.
After graduating from Dunbar High School and IBEW Apprenticeship, he worked for decades as a skilled journeyman electrician.
The eternal handyman and tinkerer, he always lived by the adage “if it’s going to get done right you better do it yourself.” Fishing and telling a big story were among his favorite past times.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother Louise Smith, father Calvin Wilcox, mother Patricia Wilcox-Minor, sister Teri Hart and niece Tiffany Harris.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Martha, sons David II, and Joshua Kinder, sisters Tina Sirianni and Beverly Hunt (Ed), and nephews Jeffrey Fowler (Brittany) and Angelo Sirianni.
Celebration of David’s life was held Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Northcutt officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
