John Bayliss Jr.
John M. H. Bayliss Jr., 85, of Hurricane, passed away early morning Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at home, from recent health issues. He was born July 16, 1940 in St. Albans to John M. H. Bayliss Sr. and Clarice Smith Bayliss who preceded him in death. Also his sister Joy Cooksey and brother Jim Bayliss.
He attended Hurricane High School and then joined the U.S. Air Force. He served his country for 4 years. He was a Master Electrician and later became CEO of Bayliss and Ramey Electrical Contractors until his retirement.
John is survived by his loving wife Susan McCracken Bayliss, a son John M. H. Bayliss III of Hurricane, a sister Jill Whitworth from Gulf Port, FL, step-son Chuck mason of Cape Coral, FL, a step-daughter Susan Shrader of Nitro, 2 grandchildren and 7 step-grandchildren.
John was a 1990 World Record Deadlift holder of 551 lbs. He was a APF World Master Champion in 1987, 1988 and 1990. In 1992 he placed 1st as an APF National Master in the age group of 50-54 years old at 181 lbs. John was a member of the Kanawha Valley Corvette Club.
Previously Susan and John would spend their winters in Orman Beach FL and their summers in Hurricane. John loved the hot weather and on any sunny, warm day you would see him sitting on his porch. He also loved spending time at Almost Havanna Cigar Lounge.
Funeral was Saturday March 14, 2026 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, with Rev. Jacob Steele and Rev. Ellis Conley officiating.

Elizabeth Beaver
Elizabeth Ann Beaver, 84, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital. She was born February 16, 1942, in Clay Township, Ohio.
Elizabeth retired as a supervisor from a favorite local restaurant where she met and served many friends. Her dedication and leadership were loved by many and will be missed.
Preceded in death by her mother Dreama Parrish and one grandson Paul Matheny. She is survived by her loving children, Kermit Beaver, Jr. & Lucia, Cindy Beeman, Dustin Beaver and Melissa, Cody Beaver and Raquel. Her wonderful grandchildren Colt Beaver, Cassidy Beaver, Josh Matheny, Seth Matheny, Alec Bailey, Jared Fox and Emily Beaver along with 11 great grandchildren. Her sister, Sallie Stout, cousin Larry North and special friends Ray Burke, Pam, Robin, and Karen.
Graveside service was Monday, March 16, 2026, at Winfield Cemetery, with Rev. Mark Turley officiating.

William Cartmill
William R. Cartmill, 92, of Hurricane, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, after a short illness. He was a proud veteran of the U. S. Marines, a retired truck driver and later spent many years on the road as a tour bus driver, a job he truly enjoyed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Clinton Cartmill and Eva Warden Cartmill; his brother, Larry Dale (Nancy) Cartmill; his sisters, Mildred (Jimmy) Finley, Betty Jane (Jess) Arnold, Stella Marie (Gwendy) Runyon, and Nellie May (Lonnie) Hutch; his son, Bradley Cartmill; and great‑grandson, Jack Ryan Rollins.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon Lee Jeffrey Cook Cartmill; daughter, Angela Marie (Kip) Reese; son, Bryce Ray Cartmill; stepdaughter, Belinda Cook (Jeff) Adkins; and stepson, Jack R. (Beth) Cook Jr. He was blessed with nine grandchildren and twelve great‑grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home, with a procession to the cemetery departing at 12:15 p.m.

Irene Schoolcraft Cobb
Irene Schoolcraft Cobb, 88, of Liberty, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at her home.
Irene was a devoted homemaker and earlier in life worked in local restaurants. She previously attended Barnett Chapel Church and Heizer Creek Community Church. Irene especially enjoyed gardening and spending time tending to her flowers, which brought her great joy throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jim Schoolcraft and Paul Zink; and her son, Carl Schoolcraft.
She is survived by her husband, Mayford Cobb; her children, Sherry Caruthers, Debbie Settle, and Bruce Schoolcraft; step-children, Sandy Hurley and Dorothy Rollins; brothers, Michael Flinner and Carl Flinner; grandchildren, James Schoolcraft, Shannon Caruthers, Chris Schoolcraft, Johnna Jordan, Brandon Settle, and Katie Settle; six great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Irene was held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Pete Cobb officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Daniel Cook
Daniel Lee “Danny” Cook, 84, of Eleanor, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home following a long illness. He was a 1959 graduate of Poca High School. He worked for 16 years at Shippers Carline, 16 years at Sams Club and completed his career with the Putnam County School Board. He loved cars and enjoyed collecting antique cars.
Born June 12, 1941, in Eleanor, he was the son of the late John D. Cook and Lura H. Parsons Cook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Cook.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Clara Workman Cook; daughters, Leann Cook (Tim) Dingess and Carey Cook (Jeremy) Herdman of Leon; sister, JoAnn Hudson of Eleanor; grandchildren, Nicole (Trai) White and Noell (Cody) Wilson; great grandchildren, Landen White, Raylen White, Annie Wilson, Remi Wilson, Nora Wilson and Reece Wilson. Danny is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Tuesday March 17, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Scott Casto and Pastor David Panaro Jr. officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.

Ruth Ann Crist
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ruth Ann Crist, lovingly known as “Annie,” who departed this world on March 11, 2026. Annie passed peacefully, embraced by the love of her family at their family residence in Henderson, Nevada, after a brief illness. Her journey began on July 31, 1940, in the charming town of Hurricane, West Virginia, where she would leave an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Annie was born to Oscar Harvey Gibson and Bernice Ruth (Leadmon) Gibson, who instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, and a deep love for community. Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Earl Jackson Crist, and her beloved sisters, Jeanine Taylor and Joyce Gibson,
Annie’s legacy continues through her cherished family. She is survived by her sons, John J. Crist of Henderson, Nevada, and James “Buzz” Crist of Hurricane, West Virginia; John’s son, Levan Nicolas Crist, his wife Mashia, and their children, Madisyn and Maxwell Crist of Atlanta, Georgia. Annie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Annie dedicated 38 years of her life to the students and faculty of Conner Street Elementary School in Hurricane where she served as the beloved school secretary. Her warmth and kindness were felt by all who walked through the school doors. In her later years, Annie found joy as a wedding planner where she orchestrated memorable celebrations of love and joy at the Crist family’s country home just outside of Hurricane.
A lifelong devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, Annie’s voice was a gift to the choir and a beacon of hope when she soloed. Her passion for music extended beyond the church as she performed with The Sounds of Bluegrass for over 50 years, spreading joy throughout the region on most weekends. Her family were also major donors to Hurricane Red Hot Show Choir and Hurricane High Marching Band for over 25 years – a legacy that will continue in her honor. Annie was also a longstanding member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Annie was a woman of great hospitality, known for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and celebrated. For many years, the Crist home was a haven for exchange students from around the world, including students they hosted: Simon Vosseler, Thomas and Clemons Hornstadt, and most recently, David Hernandez Cespedes, whom she lovingly hosted through International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) last fall. Her service on the ICES Host Family Advisory Committee to the ICES Board of Directors was a testament to her commitment to cultural understanding and friendship.
Annie and her husband Earl loved traveling with their sons and exchange students to more than 25 countries on five continents. Along the way, she developed lasting multi-generational friendships with the Ljungberg family in Stockholm, Sweden; the Marzullo family in São Paulo,Brazil; the Hervall family, the French family, and the McTavish family in California. During the past decade, Annie also enjoyed spending part of each summer on the Upper East Side of New York City, where she continued to make new friends. Her friendships transcended borders, leaving a global legacy of love and kindness.
A celebration of Annie’s life will be held later this month in Napa Valley, California, where her son John lived for many years. A second celebration of life service will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April.
Annie’s final resting place will be at Valley View Memorial Park Mausoleum in Hurricane where her cremains will be interred next to her beloved husband Earl. There will be a celebration of life for Annie at Valley View Memorial Park on Friday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Friends and family are welcome to attend.
In remembrance of Annie, her family encourages those who knew her to reflect on the warmth, love, and joy she brought into their lives and do an act of kindness for a person or animal in need in her honor. Annie’s light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew her down on the creek, in town or around the world.

Linda Faye Davis
Linda Faye Davis, 76, of Leon,, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Genesis Teays Valley Center. She spent several years teaching adult education at Ohio University. She retired from Walmart Vision as an optician. She was a devout Christian, loved county music and enjoyed playing the guitar. She loved to dance and especially square dancing. Linda loved to travel, spend time outdoors and ride motorcycles with her husband and brothers.
Born July 6, 1949 in Chillocthe OH, she was the daughter of the late Ernest “Ernie” Alexander and Opal Alexander. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dale Wilson Davis; brothers, Carl Alexander, Harold Alexander, Tom Alexander and Earl Alexander; sisters, Ethel Carroll and Deedy Shull.
Survivors include her son, Robert Dale (Susan) Davis of Eleanor; her daughter, Kimberly Lynn Davis (Kelly Stover) of Leon; grandchildren, Cassandra “Cassie” (Derek) Rogers, Casey (Brandon) Harper, Megan (Cody) Ramsey, Erin Davis, and Kiersten (Joe) Staats; nine great-grandchildren; and best friend and special caregiver, Tonya Cooper.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Irene B. Goff
Irene B. Goff, 89, of Huntington, passed away on March 9, 2026.
She was born to the late Jesse Clay and Rosetta (Edwards) Thornton on August 6, 1936 in Hurricane. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Albert David Goff; siblings: Janet Chapman, Betty Lipscomb, and Gregory Thornton; brothers in-law: Kenneth Goff and James Krueger; as well as sisters in-law: Gudrun and Anne Goff.
Irene was a retired accountant with AEP, where she was the first woman to work on site at John Amos Plant in management. She was a 1954 graduate of Hurricane High School and an award winning quilter, winning 1st place in WV in 2019. She enjoyed walking at Ritter Park and sewing. She was a member of Quilts and Things in Pt. Pleasant, and Creative Quilters of Huntington, as well as a member of Order of Eastern Star #157 Mason.
Irene is survived by her children: Rebecca Hutson (Lucius) of Waxhaw, NC, Douglas Goff (Stephanie) of Hurricane, and James Goff (Teresa) of Beaumont, TX; grandchildren: Abby Hutson (Anthony Jones), Caleb Hutson, Molly Frisbee (Victor), Justin Ball (Leah), Whitney, Alexis and Burke Daigle; great-grandchildren: Edith and Thaddeus Hutson, Emma Mounce, Rheid Havard, Gia and Riley Ball; sister; Brenda White (Rich); sisters-in-law: Loretta Clark (John), Mary Sue Krueger and Carrie Beattie (Paul); brothers-in-law: Herman Goff of Ladson, SC and Vernon Goff of Looneyville, WV; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service for Irene was Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Tony Edwards and Matt Thornton officiating. Burial was in Ridgelawn Memorial Park.

Donnie D. Herdman
Donnie D. Herdman, 64, of Robertsburg, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home following a long illness. He was a 1980 graduate of Buffalo High School. He was employed with Amhurst Madison with over 30 years of service. Donnie loved to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a Christian and attended the Buffalo Church of God. He will be remembered as a helpful person who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone.
Born October 3, 1961, he was the son of the late Lester Jeffers and Loetta Faye Jeffers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lester Eugene Herdman, Steve Tucker, Oliver “Popeye” Herdman and his twin brother, Ronnie Herdman.
Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Lisa Herdman; daughters, Danielle Herdman and Brittany Herdman (Ethan Eads); grandchildren, Brennon Call, Braxton Call, Reagan Herdman, Ryder Herdman, Oakley Eads and Wrenley Eads; sisters, Linda Cantrell of Eleanor, Jeanie Miller of Buffalo, Kathy (“Binky”) Pauley of Marion OH; brothers, Rev. Kenneth “Bob” (Carmen) Herdman of Dayton OH, Bill (Carla) Herdman of Robertsburg and Tim Jeffers. Donnie is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Monday, March 16, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Craig Cemetery, Grimms Landing.

Gretna B. Michels
Gretna Burns Michels, 96, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Scott Depot.
Born July 2nd, 1929, in Hurricane, she was the daughter of the late Frederick Douglas Burns and Sallie Elizabeth (Boggess) Burns. Gretna was the youngest and final surviving member of the ten Burns children, marking the closure of a remarkable generation of the Burns family of Hurricane.
Her life began with resilience. At just two years old, Gretna survived a house fire that destroyed her family’s home on their farm outside of Hurricane. She spent her childhood growing up on that same farmland. The Burns family farm where she grew up later became the site of Interstate 64, Valley Park, and part of the Hurricane Wave Pool Park – all places now familiar to many in the community.
In 1963, Gretna began working as a receptionist at Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company in Charleston, where she remained until the plant closed in 1980. It was during her time there that she met George Thomas “Tom” Michels, who also worked at the plant. Their shared years at Libbey-Owens-Ford brought them together and began a relationship that would later lead to 31 years of marriage. The couple married on April 8, 1988, and remained devoted partners until Tom’s passing in 2019.
Following the plant’s closure, Gretna began working as secretary to the West Virginia State Beer Commission in 1981, where she served until her retirement in the 1990s.
Gretna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose strength and independence shaped the generations that followed. She raised her daughter, Ann Frances Dodrill, as a single mother in Charleston with dedication and a deep commitment to family.
She also had a lifelong love for animals and a special affection for cats. In recent years, she especially enjoyed spending time with her late daughter Ann’s beloved Pomeranian, Lulu, often laughing and sneaking treats with her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, George Thomas “Tom” Michels; her daughter, Ann Frances Dodrill; her stepson, Thomas W. Michels; her stepdaughter, Anne Wince; and her nine siblings: Agnes, Irene, Opal, Frances, Robert, Russell, Ray, Randall, and Richard.
Gretna is survived by her two grandsons: Brandon R. Dodrill and Dylan R. (Makenzie) Dodrill; and her great-granddaughters: Myla and Kylie Dodrill. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dennis R. Dodrill, and several beloved nieces and nephews.
With Gretna’s passing, the final chapter of the Burns children of Hurricane comes to a close, closing a generation whose roots trace back to the early farmland days of the Hurricane community she always called home. She was dearly loved by her family, and her grandsons, Brandon and Dylan, who will miss their “Grandmaw” deeply, and forever cherish the memories they shared with her.
Funeral service for Gretna was Monday, March 16, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Entombment was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

Clara M. Cochran Oldaker
Clara Mildred Cochran Oldaker, 92, of Greenup, KY, formerly of Leon, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was formerly employed as a custodian at Buffalo Elementary School. She was committed to working hard and caring for her family, who loved her very much.
Born July 18, 1933 in Grimms Landing, she was the daughter of the late Ezra Tucker and Clara May Runion Tucker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Herbert Lee “Pete” Cochran, and her second husband, Don Oldaker; her children, Jackie Lee Cochran, Anita Elaine Cochran, Patsy Kim Craft, and Timmy Joe Cochran; brothers, Robert Tucker and Darrell Tucker; sisters, Faye Mattox and Sandy Buck; and sons-in-law, Paul Ray Johnson, and Mark Craft.
Survivors include her daughter, Judy Ann Johnson of Greenup; grandsons, Corey Ray (Becky) Johnson, and Daniel Lee (Kristen) Patton; great-grandchildren, Evan Johnson, Hadley Grace Johnson, and Hunter Lee Patton; brothers, Dorsil Tucker, Ronald Tucker, and Cecil Odell Tucker; sisters, Betty Jo Dechaine, Charlene Tucker Rarey, and Sharon Agnes Tucker.
Funeral service was Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Manilla Chapel Cemetery, Robertsburg.

Gary Anson Sigman, Sr.
Heaven welcomed a faithful servant when Gary Anson Sigman, Sr., of Poca, passed into eternity on March 12, 2026. Born May 4, 1940, in Poca, Gary was the son of the late Laurel Anson and Thelma Dove Sigman.
Gary was a devoted man of God. He graduated from Poca High School where he met the love of his life, Valjean. Gary retired from American Electric Power following 24 years of faithful service. Gary served on the Bancroft City Council and was a member of the North Putnam Service District Board. Gary was a 32° Mason.
A devout Christian all his life, in his early years, Gary was a faithful member of Bancroft Church of God Mission where he carried out the duties of deacon. Gary also attended Grace Baptist Temple and Sweetwater Branch Baptist Church – while residing in Mrytle Beach – where he always found friends and loved worshipping the Lord.
After retirement, Gary enjoyed spending time with his sons and their families, working with his son’s company, hunting deer and knife making. One of Gary’s greatest joys was playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife of 67 years, Valjean Sigman; children Gary, Jr. and Kim Sigman of Rock Hill, SC, and Brian and Polly Sigman of Poca; grandchildren Tyler and Kelsey Sigman of Fort Mill, SC, Brian Anthony and Becca Sigman of Hurricane, Tanner Sigman and Darcy Irish of Austin, TX, and Adam and Allison Sigman of Poca; great-grandchildren Blayke, Miles, and Drew Sigman, Summer and Piper Sigman, and Sadie Sigman; brother Marvin and Anita Sigman and sister Susie and Glen Phalen; brother-in-law Dallas and Retha Burkhammer and sister-in-law Nadine Harlow; cherished cousin Mike and Iris Creasy along with nephews and nieces.
Service was Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Minnie Ann Valentine
Minnie Ann Eaton Valentine, 94, of Hurricane, passed away on March 12, 2026, at The Woodlands Retirement Community in Huntington.
She was born on December 9, 1931, to the late J. Russell and Beatrice Beckett Eaton in Huntington. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard “Pete” Valentine; and a brother, William “Bill” Eaton.
Minnie was a retired teacher with Cabell County Board of Education and was a member of Teays Valley Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by her children: Mary Jane Pickens (Rick) and Karl Valentine (Janice); 3 grandchildren: Jessica Valentine Ziebell, Tom and Mike Pickens; and 3 great grandchildren: Walter, Oliver, and Camden Ziebell.
Graveside service for Minnie will be scheduled at a future date to be buried with her husband at Rome-Proctorville Cemetery.

Paul A. Withrow
Paul A. Withrow, 73, of Red House, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He loved spending time in Florida alligator hunting, trotline fishing and riding airboats.
Born September 23, 1952, he was the son of the late Garland F. Withrow and Eloise Sigman Withrow.
Survivors include his daughter, Crystal (Andrew) Cunningham of Charleston; sister, Pat Grayson of Anstead; brother, David Withrow of Red House; grandchildren, Sebastian Poole and Syrus Withrow; sister-in-law Trisha Withrow; nieces, Dana Harmon and Emily Snyder; nephew, David Pauley.
In accordance with Paul’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Angela Jean Woodall
Angela Jean Woodall, 71, of Winfield, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.
She was born to the late Bill and Doris Jean (Johnson) Browning on April 30, 1954, in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Deanna Hartman; step-son, Glen Woodall; and lifelong friend, Clayton Lark.
Angela loved Christ and her family, especially her grandchildren. She was known by many names, but her favorite was Grammy and Nana. She enjoyed being around people, cooking, canning, reading mystery books and her bible, traveling to the beach or a trip to Amish Country.
She is survived by her son, Joshua Woodall (Michelle) of Poca; grandchildren: Aiyana Grant, Netis, Tahanee, and Raini Woodall; sister, Susanne Null (Dennis) of Charleston; brother, Bill Browning (Karen) of Hurricane; and lifelong best friend, Dreama Walker; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service for Angela was Monday, March 16, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt and Pastor Kim Miller officiating.