RUTH ANN BARNETTE
Ruth Ann Barnette, 83, of Leon, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a lifelong homemaker who loved the country lifestyle. She enjoyed canning, working in her flowers, squirrel hunting and fishing. She was an avid bell collector with an extensive collection of bells. She was a Christian and enjoyed attending the Buffalo Senior Center.
Born August 2, 1942 in Putnam County she was the daughter of the late Homer K. Criner and Lesta E. Landers Criner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jimmy Criner and Tony Criner; sisters, Mary Lou Boggess, Agatha Gay Curry, Beth Barnett and Sue Bailey.
Survivors include her loving husband of 62 years Brycil Barnette; sons, Bill (Elizabeth) Barnette of Leon, Bob (Beth) Barnette of Poca, Mike (Sherry) Barnette of Marion OH and Aaron Barnette of Marion OH; grandchildren; Rachel (Jon) Knight, Nikki Beegle, Amanda Beegle and Amber Beegle; great grandchildren, Tyler Beegle, Audrey Wray, Hayden Wray, Dillon Robinson, Dalton Robinson and Delilah Tomlinson; brothers, Dayton (Barb) Criner, Keith (Julie) Criner, Ronnie (Dinah) Criner, Tommy (Teresa) Criner, Mike (Diane) Criner; sisters Delores Barnes, Nagene (Mike) Cable and Pixie Legg; brother in law, Belvin Barnett. Ruth is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Matt Crum and Pastor Pete Cobb officiating.
DORIS CHANEY
Doris was a devoted wife of Pastor Ralph Chaney. She stood by his side through thick and thin, carrying herself with grace, faith and silent strength. She was a cherished mother, proud grandmother and loving great grandmother. Above all, Doris was a strong Christian and devoted member of Sycamore Baptist Church.
Doris was a career woman and had a passion for the outdoors and singing but her love language was with her food. Cooking and baking was her biggest desire and the kitchen was her happy place. She found great joy feeding the people she cared about. Each meal carried a message: I love you. You matter to me.
Doris had an amazing sense of humor and always wore a smile. We will remember her stories, her strength, and her generous heart. The meals that brought our families together. We will miss her laughter and the unique way she said “Bye” when hanging up the phone. Most of all, we will remember that she lived a life of faith, love and service and a life that touched us all.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents Levi and Goldie Bowyer, brothers Jarrell and Charles Bowyer, sisters Faye Johnson, Darlene Morris and Marlene White. One son Brent Edward Chaney and her loving husband of 41 years Ralph Chaney.
Doris is survived by her siblings Phyllis Clagg, Marylin Kirby and Randy Bowyer. Daughters Angie Fizer, Diana (Chris) McNeal. Grand children Ashley Jones, Cameron (Haley) Hale, Jordan Glover, Renee (Jay) Hartman, Brandon Chaney, Alyssa (Jarod) Wells, Rebekah (Garrett) Powell, Addi (Amanda) Alden and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral service was Tuesday, November 25, with Pastor David Vickers officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
JOHNNIE MICHAEL FOSTER
Johnnie Michael Foster, 73, of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away on November 3, 2025.
He was born to the late Elmer Odell Foster and Ruby Foster on December 26, 1951.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters: Coneda Gibson, Judy Foster, and Patricia Foster.
Johnnie began his education in Bailey’s one-room schoolhouse, where his teacher, Mrs. Billups, was also his Sunday School teacher at Bethel Baptist Church, where he was a member.
He graduated from Hurricane High School (Class of 1969), attended West Virginia State University, and earned his Master’s Degree from Western New England College.
Johnnie retired from Solutia and worked many years in Information Technology. He took great pride in his work, the relationships he built over the years, and the role he played among his colleagues in the local IT community in St. Louis.
Johnnie had a deep love for his family and his home state of West Virginia. He cherished time spent with loved ones — sharing stories, laughter, and good food. Whether it was cheering on his Mountaineers, exploring the hills where he grew up, or simply being surrounded by family, Johnnie’s heart was happiest when he was home.
He shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews, who looked up to him like an older brother and he treasured those relationships throughout his life.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Pangilinan and her children, Rose, Ruby, and Miles; his son, Jeremy Foster and wife, Emily, and their children Hayden, Grant, and Marin; his ex-wife, Brenda Foster; and his brother, Gerald Foster and wife Jane Ellen.
Funeral service for Johnnie was Friday, November 14, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Lower Hodges Cemetery, Hurricane.
IRVIN MERRILL JIVIDEN
Irvin Merrill Jividen, 88, of Midway, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Celebration Villa following a brief illness. He started working for Sears Roebuck in 1957 as a salesperson and retired as the store manager of the Huntington Mall Sears. Merrill was an active member of the Midway Church, serving many years as the adult Sunday School teacher and the Choir Director. He was a distance runner, an avid hunter, and a master at growing a garden. Merrill was known as a man of solid faith and service. He so loved and committed to his family.
Born February 25, 1937 he was the son of the late Oshel Jividen and Hazel Lunsford Jividen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Anne Jividen Barnett; sister, Eunice Stone; brothers, Olin Jividen, Elvin Jividen, and Glennis Jividen.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Patricia Jividen; grandson, Andrew J. (Francis) Barnett; great grandchildren, Callie, Levi, Isaiah and Theodore; son in law; Rod (Diane) Barnett; brothers, Vernon Jividen of Cross Lanes and Veril Jividen of Scott Depot. Merrill is also survived by several nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Joe Rogers and Pastor Jeff Pitchford officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
MICHAEL ‘MICK’ SPENCE
Michael “Mick” Spence, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and true outdoorsman, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on November 22, 2025, after a short illness.
Mick is survived by his loving wife, Glendale Spence; his daughters, Nicole (Sean) Fuellhart and Janessa Spence; and his cherished grandchildren, Evan (Bella) Fuellhart, Ryan Fuellhart, and Landon Sadorra. Preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Mary Spence and sister Pat Hyler. Surviving siblings include Linda Bartlett, Teresa Cook, Richard Spence, Joe Spence, Johnny Spence and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born with a natural talent for working with his hands, Mick could fix anything put in front of him. Mick proudly served in the US Navy Construction Battalion Seabees as a young man. He spent his career as a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 33, dedicating decades of hard work before retiring. His strong work ethic, reliability, and loyalty were admired by everyone who knew him.
Mick was an extraordinary outdoorsman. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply exploring the woods, he felt most at home in nature. His greatest joy came from sharing those passions with his grandsons, who lovingly called him “Pops”. He took immense pride in teaching them the skills, patience, and respect that come with a life lived outdoors.
Above all, Mick loved his family. He was a steady, strong, and loving presence—someone who showed up, worked hard, and gave deeply. To his wife, daughters, and grandsons, he was more than a provider; he was a teacher, a protector, and the heart of their family. His greatest expression of affection was doing acts of service—fixing, helping, building, or simply showing up for the people he cared about. It was in these quiet, steady gestures that his love shined the brightest.
Mick’s legacy will live on in the stories he told, the lessons he passed down, and the love he gave so freely. He will be forever missed and remembered with gratitude.
A celebration of Mick’s life was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bancroft on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with Father Chapin officiating.
Jackie Stonestreet
Jackie Lee Stonestreet, born in 1935, entered his Heavenly home in 2025, welcomed by many loving arms awaiting his return. A proud veteran who honorably served in both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, wearing those badges with deep pride—as he absolutely should have.
Life took an aspirational turn for him after his years of service. With determination and faith, he entered the food-service world and eventually became the owner and operator of five Dairy Queen franchises. From the beginning, the restaurants were more than businesses—they were family. Each of his children learned the value of hard work at a young age, gaining not only treasured memories beside him but a lifetime of lessons in dedication, humility, and the ins and outs of running a successful operation. What a blessing it was to work side by side with him. He is survived by his children: Richard Lee, Sonja Kay, and Joseph Ray; two special grandsons, Joshua Aaron and Mathew Tyler; special nephew Jay Stover; and Lisa. He also leaves behind his cherished great-granddaughter, Maycee Grace Stonestreet, as well as a host of children he lovingly claimed as his own, including dear friends Robert J. Wiseman, Jack Legg, and Gertrude Legg. Each of them held a deeply special place in his heart.
Entombment and celebration of life was Friday, November 21, 2025, at Oak Bridge community center.
Michael Wayne Walker
Michael Wayne Walker, 70, of Buffalo, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at CAMC Memorial Hospital. He was a 1973 graduate of Buffalo High School and a member of the IBEW. Mike was a master electrician working for several years at Union Carbide and retiring from Greenwood. He was a member of Otter Branch Church. His church family was very special to him. The highlight of his week was attending Wednesday night Bible study at the church. Mike loved football and was an avid WVU football fan.
Born October 30, 1955, he was the son of the late Sherman Walker and Genevieve Davis Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Travis Walker; sisters, Marilyn Walker, Brenda Layne and Kimberly Fowlkes; brother, Terry Walker.
Survivors include his sons, Joe Walker of Nitro and Brett (Amber) Walker of Cross Lanes; brothers, Neal (Maria) Walker of Citrus Springs FL and Ronnie Walker of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Eastynn, Holdynn and Cohen; special friend, Judy Watson. Mike is also survived by several nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
Memorial service was Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Mike Tucker officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.
