MICHAEL S. ANTHONY
Michael S. Anthony, 71, of Eleanor, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Hubbard Hospice House. He was a 1972 graduate of Buffalo High School and retired from Parkline after 41 years of service. He was a Christian and member of the Buffalo Church of God. Mike loved motorcycle rides, camping, fishing, Buffalo High School athletics and the WVU Mountaineers.
Born January 28, 1954, he was the son of the late Don and Thelma Anthony. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Justin Anthony; brothers, Noel Anthony, Glenn Anthony and Jim Anthony; brother- in- law, “Popeye” Herdman.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Debbie Anthony; sister, Ireta (Joe) Nease of Parkersburg; brother, Ed Anthony of Paducah KY; sister-in-law, Betty Herdman; special nephews, Oliver Herdman and Jeff Nease. Mike is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family, friends that he loved dearly and his special buddy, Brooks Casto.
Funeral service was Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro Jr. and Pastor Mitchell Burch officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
TINA MARIE ESTEP
Tina Marie Estep, 62, of Poca, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Hubbard Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.
Tina was a devoted homemaker who found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Tina loved spending time on her porch, sharing laughter with those she loved most. She enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, and could often be found with a cold Pepsi in hand. Her love for all things Disney was unmatched, and she cherished any opportunity to share that magic with her grandbabies — the lights of her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Daymond and Shirley Estep, and brothers, Dwight and David Estep.
Tenia is survived by her daughter, Amanda Estep-Burton (Caitlin); sister, Nancy Toler; four beloved grandchildren, Kylea Robinson, Colin Robinson, Layla Cook, and Eden Cook; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
A tribute to the life of Tina was held Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
STEPHEN HODGES JR.
Stephen Hodges Jr., 95, of Scott Depot, suddenly passed away at home on October 14, 2025.
He was born on September 7, 1930 to the late Stephen and Marguerite Erwin Hodges in Winfield. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings: Lyle Hodges, Reba Sutlovich, Oma Bowen, Lillian Hodges, Wilma Hodges Leslie, Jerrel Hodges, and Dorsel Hodges.
Stephen was baptized on October 19, 1942, by Rev. P.A. Mitchell at the Hodges Grade School on Hurricane Creek Road and was a faithful member of Adda Baptist Church, where he served as the former Sunday School Superintendent. He was involved with many organizations and served on various boards to improve the community. Stephen started building houses in 1959, lastly serving as President of Stephen Hodges Homebuilders. He later served as a Putnam County Commissioner for 14 ½ years, was a founding member and previously on the Board of Directors of Milton Tri-County Bank, he was currently serving on Putnam County Bank Board of Directors for over 30 years.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen Thomas Hodges; sons: Stephen (Lorra) Hodges III of Myrtle Beach, SC and Roger (Tammy) Hodges of Hurricane; grandchildren: Stephen (Darlene) Hodges IV of Lugoff, SC and Amanda McCallister of Culloden; great grandson, Connor; sister, Wanda Gibson; many nieces and nephews; and several other extended family members.
Stephen’s funeral service was Monday, October 20, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and Rev. Sam Morris officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane.
EDDIE JOHNSON
Eddie Johnson, 71, of Red House, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025, at his home. He was a U.S Army veteran and worked as a diesel mechanic throughout his career. He was a member of the New Vision Church of God. Eddie was a good Christian man who loved the Lord. He will always be remembered for his excellent singing voice and loved to sing in church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Troy Schoolcraft; brother, Fenton Hudnall and an infant daughter.
Survivors include his mother, Wanda Bailey of Red House; wife, Janie Johnson of Red House; daughter, Jill (Russell) Cox of Arkansas; son, Bo Coburn of Texas; step daughter, Summer Henderson of Winfield; brother, Roger (Patricia) Hudnall of Red House; grandchildren, Lily, Brielle and Truett; niece, Karissa (Doug) Stewart; nephew, Jeremy Hudnall.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Denny Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
DREMA MELTON SCOTT
Drema Eleanor (Melton) Scott, 90, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025. She was blessed to continue to reside in her Nitro home and be surrounded by family and friends during the final chapter of her very full life.
Drema was born September 22, 1935 to John and Audra Melton in Lanham. She grew up on the family farm alongside her six siblings where close family ties, sense of community, respect for the land, hard work ethic and gaining an education were core values. She was a devoted daughter and loyal sister who welcomed three generations of nieces and nephews across her lifespan. She was the loving wife of James “Jim” Scott from their wedding in 1971 until his untimely death from cancer in 2002. Together they shared years of wit and humor, travel, and daily adventures rooted in love and friendship.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Audra Melton, Aunt Teanie and Uncle Roy McClanahan, her siblings Rosalie Purdy, James Melton, and Peggy Melton, and her husband James Scott. She is survived by her sisters Betty Melton of Nitro, and Sharon (James) Mullins of Florida, as well as brother-in-law Morris Purdy of Poca, sister-in-law Wanda Melton of Buffalo, and her many nieces and nephews.
Her education began in the one-room Fish School in Lanham and she graduated from Poca High School. She went on to attend Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) and Marshall University where she earned her master’s degree in education. Drema used the education she gained to educate others, working in elementary education for 40 years. She taught at Poca Elementary and Point Harmony Elementary, and spent the majority of her teaching years at Pickaway Township in Circleville, OH before retiring in 1992.
Drema will be remembered fondly for her giving spirit, sense of humor, and her vibrant personality. She was a creator. She developed her talent for art and created gorgeous masterpiece watercolor paintings, often inspired by flowers or familiar landscapes. She created stories, retelling memories with suspense and detail that drew you in or making books come alive as she drew children into her lap to read aloud. She created close life-long bonds especially in the relationships with her sisters. Celebration her life was held Monday, October 20, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Nitro. Burial was in the Melton Family Cemetery, Poca.
Billy Lee Thornton Sr.
Billy Lee Thornton Sr, 80, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully October 14, 2025, surrounded by family at St Mary’s Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents J.J. and Naomie Thornton. Three brothers Tommy, Roger and David. also a sister Gertie.
He was a Navy Veteran of Vietnam. He retired from Blenko Glass and worked several years as a people Greeter at Walmart.
He attended Fairview Primitive Baptist Church in Culloden, West Virginia.
He is survived by his wife Norma, two sons Billy Lee and Jeremy both of Hurricane. Granddaughter Cali of Ashland, KY. Three brothers Connie of Huntington, Don (Bev) of Hurricane, James of Ohio, Four sisters Virgie (John) of Ohio, Linda (David) and Mary (John) of Barboursville, and Loretta of Milton, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Monday, October 20, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home with elders Harold Johnson and Toney Edwards officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
Carl E. Welch, Jr.
Carl E. Welch, Jr., 61, of Leon, passed away on October 15, 2025.
Carl was born on December 5, 1963, in South Charleston to the late Carl and Freda Welch. He was a kind-hearted man who loved the simple joys of life. He enjoyed listening to music, watching wrestling, and was truly a big kid at heart — someone who could always find a reason to smile and make others do the same.
He is survived by his brother, James Welch; sister, Lisa (Newton, Jr.) Blevins; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Sabrina Baldwin, Brittany Slate, Bridgit Blevins, Emily Blevins, Betsy Blevins, and Newton Blevins III.
In honoring Carl’s wishes, there will be no services. He was laid to rest in New Antioch Cemetery, Red House.
Ralph W. Workman
Ralph W. Workman, 89, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ralph was retired from FMC and faithfully preached the gospel for more than 50 years throughout the Kanawha Valley, as well as in South Carolina, Illinois, and Jamaica. He and his beloved wife, Mert, joyfully shared their ministry in both word and song—she at the piano and Ralph with his rich voice, known especially for his stirring rendition of “When They Ring Those Golden Bells.” His life was a testimony of unwavering faith, love for others, and dedication to the call of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marietta June “Mert” Workman; parents, Lawrence and Anna Workman; brothers, Woodrow, Brady, Otis, LeRoy, and Treve; and sister, Freda Painter.
Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Portia Lynn (Alex Hedrick) Payne and Tracy June (Joel “Kip”) Arthur; four grandchildren, David Allen (Miranda) Payne, Dr. Lynnetta Faith (Deana) Payne, Erika Danielle (Travis) Bailey, and Whitney Rachel (Gabe) Conley; and ten great-grandchildren, Gavin, Adyson, Piper, Isaac, Sophia, Tori, Ava, Layla, Lucy, and Lennon.
A tribute to the life of Ralph was held Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Bancroft Mission with Pastors James Legg, and Tim Martin officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
