CHASE ALLEN BAILES
Chase Allen Bailes, 33, of Poca, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at home.
Chase had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, lizards, and snakes. He enjoyed listening to music and spending time playing video games, finding comfort and joy in the things he loved most.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Myers and James Bailes, Sr.
Chase is survived by his loving mother, Carol Bailes; father, Jim Bailes; grandparents, Karen Myers and Fran Sheridan; sister, Melissa Anderson; nephew, Colton Riffle; and a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly.
In honoring his wishes, there will be no services.
EVELYN GRITT
Evelyn Gritt, 74, of Red House, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Evelyn was a woman whose love was most clearly shown through her cooking. She could prepare just about anything, and every meal she made carried with it warmth, comfort, and care. Known lovingly as “Granny,” she found her greatest joy in her grandchildren and devoted her life to caring for her family. Her home was a place of gathering, where no one ever left hungry and everyone felt loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Opal Dotson; and her brother, DeWayne Dotson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Martini Gritt; four children, Veronica Hasty, Lisa Bird, Johnny Gritt, and Johnny Coel (Kimberlee) Gritt; great-granddaughter, Emerlyn Gritt; and a host of other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
In honoring Evelyn’s wishes, there will be no services.
MARK ALAN HALSTEAD
Mark Alan Halstead, 62, of Hurricane, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, after a long illness. Born on January 18, 1964, Mark lived a life defined by his deep love for horses and his enduring connections within the equestrian community he called home.
A longtime fixture in the Charleston-area equestrian world, Mark was known and admired by many friends and fellow enthusiasts who shared his passion. His presence at the stables and in the community left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Evermont Greer Halstead and Virginia Dare Halstead; his sisters, Zena Ellen Halstead and Regina Ann Halstead; and his beloved aunt, Nancy Wickline Bair.
He is survived by his brother, Leon Halstead; sister-in-law, Rita Huggins-Halstead; and niece, Sophia Halstead, all of Brambleton, Virginia; cousins, Kim Hicks, Sandra Riddle, Patricia Drake, and Deborah Hicks, all of Putnam County; and cousins, Betty Shade, Kelli Johnson, and Jeanette Waller, all of Hurricane.
Mark was also fortunate enough to have a dear friend, Martha Marlow of DuPont City, who continued to help him share his love of horses throughout the last few difficult years of his life. Her kindness will never be forgotten.
Funeral service was Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Stevens & Grass Funeral Home in Malden with Pastor Matthew Chapman officiating.
HELEN DAVIS KEELING
Helen Davis Keeling, 94, of Evans, GA, passed away on March 23, 2026.
She was born to the late John and Edith (McCune) Davis on April 8, 1931 in Clay, WV. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Keeling; daughter, Susan; sister, Wanita; and brothers: Garrett, Glen, and Carl.
Helen was a member of Nitro Eastern Star and an active member of the Eleanor Presbyterian Church. She loved her Lord God, enjoyed every moment spent with her family, flower gardening, bird watching, and WVU Mountaineer sports.
She is survived by her son, Jack Keeling Jr. (Linda); grandchildren: Holly McCormick (Garrett), and Kameron Keeling (Brittney); great-grandson, Kage Keeling; and son-in-law, John DesMeules.
Graveside service for Helen was Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Beech Grove Cemetery in Eleanor.
SHIRLEY LEWIS
Shirley Lee Lewis, 72, of Hurricane, went home to our Lord and Savior on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Raymond Dale Lewis, her son Everett Boyd Lewis, grandson Justin Michael Deem, parents Davey Lee and Adalene Maxwell, brothers David Benny and Boyd Keith Maxwell and sister Caryoln Francis Maxwell.
Shirley leaves behind her children, Phyllis (Mike) Deem, Syracuse OH; Gary (Lisa) Lewis, Charleston; and Heather (RJ) Vanater, Milton.
Her grandchildren, Madeline Lewis, Proctorville OH; Matthew Lewis, Nitro; Ashley (Jake) Sellers, Pomeroy, OH; James Kintz, Bridgeport; Michael and Carolann Lewis, Concord, NC; Russell Lewis, Sistersville; Kawman Vanater, Milton and step granddaughter Cherrish Gorby, Charleston. Her great-grandchildren, Espn and Stella Sellers and step-great grandchildren Braxton and Khloee Sellers.
Shirley also leaves behind her four sisters, Wanda (Eddie) Donald, Hurricane; Donna (Ritchie) Briscoe, Scott Depot; Rose McCormick, Teays Valley; Jane Amory, Lewisburg, and brother Henry Maxwell, Eleanor, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a retired Putnam County school cook and spent countless hours over her lifetime volunteering and helping others. For many years, Shirley taught cake decorating and candy making classes and often won awards for her cakes. She frequently babysat kids in her home, and she always welcomed friends, family, kids or someone in need.
From her early days of involvement in the Hurricane Baseball League in the 1980’s, Shirley was a coach, worked in the concession stand and was always driving kids to practices and games. Many gathered at their home at the end of the season for the annual “pig roast”. After a decade or more in baseball, Shirley and her family spent weekends at the Royal Oaks Campground in Ohio where she made hundreds of biscuits from scratch, every Sunday morning for their campground wide breakfasts.
Shirley later became involved in the VFW Post 9097, where she volunteered for many years in parades, organized community events and children’s activities and Post dinners. In her last years, she continued to serve others by putting together hundreds of pencil pouches and hygiene kits for the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church.
Shirley loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be missed by so many.
HENRIETTA RHODES
Henrietta B. Rhodes, 94, of Poca, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Teays Valley Center. She was last living member of the 1950 graduating class of Winfield High School. She was the oldest member of Poca United Methodist Church where she attended faithfully for many years. She enjoyed singing in the church choir. In 2021 she received a plaque for being the oldest attendee at the Putnam County Homecoming. She enjoyed gardening and working in her flowers. Henrietta loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be deeply missed by her family.
She was born on May 18, 1931, in Buffalo, to the late Stephen A. Bowe and Ethel Whittington Bowe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Howard Rhodes; sister, Lorene Legg; and son-in-law, Sam Harrison.
Survivors include her son, Stephen (Brenda) Rhodes of Bancroft; daughter, Gail Harrison of Eustis FL; grandchildren, Stephen Rhodes II, Kimberly Rhodes and Shane Harrison; great grandchildren, Haleigh Rhodes, Bailey Harrison and Sam Harrison.
Funeral service was Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Poca United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve White and Rev. Sara Lamb officiating. Entombment will follow in Haven of Rest memory Gardens, Red House.
ALYCE ‘ALLIE’ SMITH
Alyce Kathryn “Allie” Smith, 78, of Eleanor, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at her home following a short illness. She was a graduate of Buffalo High School, and the Capital City Commercial College. She worked for many years as a secretary for Putnam County Schools. Allie was kind and witty, and had a good sense of humor. She enjoyed writing poetry and was a wonderful cook. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and was so proud of her grandkids. Allie was liked by all who knew her and will be sadly missed.
Born May 19, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Capt. Ernest R. Rogers and Goldie McCoy Rogers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years and high school sweetheart, Thomas E. Smith.
Survivors include her son, Michael (Jamey) Smith of Eleanor; her daughter, Becky Lynn Gray of Eleanor; grandchildren, Caroline Smith, Annie Gray, Carli Smith, and Gavin Gray; great-grandson, Axel Lee; her siblings, Mary Tjernlund of Corvalis, OR, David Rogers of Buffalo, Diana (Paul) Knell of Hurricane, Rolla (Lek) Rogers of Sparks, NV, and Irene (Bill) Sanders of Milton; as well as extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home.
Ronald E. ‘Mickey’ Smith
Ronald “Mickey” Smith, of Hurricane, passed away on March 28, 2026 at the age of 89 after bravely fighting a short illness.
Ron, “Mickey” as he was known affectionately to many of his friends and family, was born on April 6, 1936, to the late Marion and Gladys Smith of Belle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Marion Leslie and Richard Smith.
Ron graduated from DuPont High School in 1954 where he participated in basketball and student government. He then went on to study at David Lipscomb University and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Upon graduation, Ron worked in the chemical industry for various companies before returning to Belle and working for DuPont until his retirement.
In the fall of 1966 Ron’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Midge Carolyn Williams, at a drive-in restaurant. After that first meeting, Midge told her friend who was with her, “I’m going to marry him!” and in the summer of 1967 she did. The two went on to have 58 loving and devoted years together raising their family.
Equal to his devotion to his family, Ron had a devotion and love for God and the church. He was a life-long member of the Church of Christ serving as a deacon, teacher, treasurer, and song leader in the churches he attended and was a stalwart supporter of various Christian causes and charities. Ron lived the Christian life well. Anyone who knew him or met him would always say that he was the kindest, sweetest, humblest, most giving man they have ever met. It was said of him by many, “You never saw him without a smile.”
Ron, like his father, always tried to stay busy. He loved being outside working in the yard keeping it as immaculate as he could. He loved going to the beach and walking along the shore, and loved following West Virginia University sports (football especially) and his Vanderbilt Commodores.
He is survived by his loving wife, Midge Smith; children: Ronald Smith II and Tracy Barton; grandchildren: Tyler (Francesca), Peyton (Shanda), and Joshua Barton; great-grandson; Giovanni Barton; brother, Allen Smith; sisters-in-law: Patricia Smith and Diana Wilson; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral service for Ron will be 1:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Brian Yost officiating. Entombment will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens Cross Lanes.
Charles ‘Tuna’ Tinney
Charles “Tuna” Tinney, of Poca, went home to see Jesus on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Tuna was a devoted husband, father, and friend who lived a life centered around love, faith, and family. He attended Nitro Nazarene Church and carried his faith with him in the way he treated others—with kindness, loyalty, and a servant’s heart.
Tuna retired from St. Francis Hospital, where he served as Supervisor of Housekeeping and Laundry, a role he took great pride in through years of hard work and dedication.
Tuna found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved traveling with his wife and exploring the beauty of West Virginia. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid sports fan, especially cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and the WVU Mountaineers.
His greatest pride and joy was his son, Zachary. Tuna was his biggest fan and supporter in everything he did, and in return, Zachary became his father’s greatest supporter, standing faithfully by his side as a devoted son and caregiver.
Tuna also found great happiness in his great-niece, Mattie Faith, whose presence would light up his world every time she entered the room.
Tuna is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Pamela S. Tinney; his son, Zachary E. Tinney; and a host of family and friends who will deeply miss him.
Tuna will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his steady presence, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life.
A tribute to the life of Tuna was held Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bron Walker officiating.
