FRANCIS ANDERSON
Francis “Elaine” Anderson, 71, of Winfield, passed away on May 5, 2026. She was born on September 4, 1954.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shrader; her daughter, Christy Burns; her grandchildren, Steven Hamilton and Harley Thornton; and her sister, Beth Covert (Bill).
Francis is lovingly remembered by her mother, Mona Conkle of Winfield; her daughters, Lisa Bryant (Lewis) of Buffalo and Monica Robinson (Eric) of St. Albans; and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From Lisa’s family: Anthony Randolph and his daughter, Alana; and Cody Lovejoy (Ieasha) and his daughters, Dortha and Scarlett. From Monica’s family: Emily Whiting (Isaac Allen) of St. Albans and her children, Averie and Jayce. She is also survived by additional grandchildren, Timothy King and Makayla Bowling.
She is further survived by her sister, Alice Daniels (Arnold) of Ripley; her brother, John Bradley (Sherri) of Poca; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Francis had a deep love for the outdoors and country living. She found joy in horses, animals, fishing, hunting, and cooking, and she cherished the simple pleasures of life.
She will be fondly remembered by her faithful friend, Joe Bryant, and her special friends, Betty Bryant and Audie Bell.
A tribute to the life of Francis was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Winfield Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Scott Buell.
DAVID ALLEN BICE
David Allen Bice, 85, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after a short illness at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital. Throughout his life, he loved West Virginia, history, and writing, and many West Virginians learned the history of their state from textbooks he wrote and published.
David, affectionately known as Popa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, valued education, learning, teaching, and spending time with family and friends. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut on August 12, 1940, the youngest of Ray and Gunhild Olander Bice’s nine children. The family spent David’s early years in Alabama and moved to West Virginia when he was a young boy.
Pursuing a passion for learning, David started his lifelong career in education after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State College. For the next 17 years he taught history and Spanish in Kanawha County Schools. While working full-time he completed his master’s in history and geography at Marshall University.
When he retired from Kanawha County Schools in 1980, he was recognized by the National Council of Geography for his outstanding contribution to geography education.
In 1977, David started what would become his second career, as a history textbook author, by writing and publishing a children’s book, “The Pringle Tree,” which told the pre-Revolutionary War story of the Pringle brothers and the famous hollow sycamore tree they hid out in for two years in Buckhannon, West Virginia.
David never stopped being a teacher. Wherever he and Alice went, they got involved with a local church and made lasting friendships. David inevitably ended up teaching Sunday school or Bible studies. They hosted church picnics and his famous bologna roasts at their home.
What he enjoyed most was spending time with family and friends. At home with family, David loved playing Mexican Train and watching football until late in the evening. And his family always included a beloved dachshund companion. He would be accompanied by the watchful eye of his ever-devoted canine. And in his later years, the dachshunds doubled in their devotion by becoming service dogs.
In addition to his wife, David is survived by his children Penny, Cheryl, Jeffrey (Roberta) and Ricky (Sandra); and grandchildren Elaine, Josiah, Caleb, Zachary (Alex), Sophie (Ben Teich), Raney; and great-grandchildren Jordan, Julian, Riley and Adrienne; and his last dachshund, Scrappy. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny (Jessica Hodgson).
A tribute to the life of David will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his church, God’s Lighthouse, at 4278 Washington St W., Charleston, with his pastor Mayfield Witt officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Following the service, there will be a meal in the fellowship hall served by the ladies of the church.
DOYLENA SUE BOYER
Doylena Sue Hardman Boyer 61, of Eleanor, passed away on May 2, 2026 surrounded by loving family.
Sue was born in Harrison County, WV on February 7, 1965, to the late Jeneth Lea Hardman Williams and the late A.G. “Bill” Hardman Jr.
She was a 1983 graduate of Lewis County High School and also a 1987 graduate of The Clarksburg Beauty Academy. She retired after 38 years of service in the beauty and cosmetology field.
She was married in August of 1993 to Christopher Joel Boyer, who preceded her in death in May of 2022.
Sue was a loving mother of her two children: Hannah Harris (Nick) of Eleanor, and Zachary (McKenna) Boyer, as well as their daughter, Chandler Grace Boyer of Hurricane. She is also survived by her sisters: Tina Chisholm (Jim) of FL, Lynn Ellis (Randall) of VA, and Dinnia Sands (Dave) of WV; and a brother, A.G. (Trae) Hardman III; as well as nephews, nieces, several great nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Funeral service for Sue was Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
RONALD ‘BUTCH’ BURDETTE
Ronald Wayne “Butch” Burdette, 82, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 following a short illness. He was a Union Journeyman industrial mechanic and retired from General Motors Columbus plant with 15 years of service.
He was born November 18, 1943 to the late Rev. Offie Burdette and Virginia Mae Walker Burdette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his granddaughter, Brenna Blankenship; brothers, Kenneth Ralph Burdette and David Burdette.
Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Martin Burdette; daughters, Beth Burdette of Cross Lanes and Rhonda Mask of Glouster OH; grandchildren, Bryan “Bubba” (Erin) Bigham, Travis Blankenship, Michael (Courtney) Bigham; great grandchildren, Shelby Blankenship, Mason Blankenship and Zeplynn Bigham. Butch is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Bill Severn officiating.
MARY L. CRAIG
Mary Lee Craig, 81, formerly of Eleanor, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Madison Park Healthcare in Huntington. She was a 1963 graduate of Buffalo High School and worked for several years at the Putnam County 911Center. She was a Christian and a member of Hometown Independent Mission Church.
She was preceded in death by mother, Margaret Staton Hensley and her adoptive parents, Lloyd Shinn and Ivy Shinn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John L. Craig, sister, Twana Zimmerman; grandson, Cameron Craig.
Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Tillis of Melbourne FL; son, James (Neisha) Yost of Panama; Becky Meadows of TN; son, Dale Craig of NC; sisters, Brenda Aton of Rockledge FL, Linda Jarvis of Titusville FL, Sandy Martin of Buffalo; brother, James Shinn of FL; grandchildren, Owen Tillis, Jordan Hager, Travis Yost, Shannon Yost, Brittany Yost, Courtney Yost, Tessa Jackson, Tori Tillis, Ashley Braswell, Elizabeth Ward, Diana Johnson, Zach Meadows, Dane Meadows and Annie Craig. Mary is also survived by several great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
A celebration of life was held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Hometown Independent Mission Church with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating.
HELGA H. ELKINS
Helga H. Elkins, 88, of Eleanor, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House.
She was born February 17, 1938 in Stralsund Germany to the late Ernest Hahn and Luise Hahn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Bobby J. Elkins; grandson, Travis Elkins; brothers, Kurt Hahn, Waltraud Wagner and Hanno Hahn; sister, Elisabeth Otto.
Survivors include her daughter, Roswitha (Klaus) Heckrodt of Germany; son, Clemens (Brenda) Elkins) of Buffalo; sisters, Marie-Luise Stark and Ruth Scheen; granddaughters, Amber (Tim) Richardson and Rachel (Cody) Gallagher; great grandchildren, Maddie, Noah, Emmie and Amelia.
Funeral service was Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Terri F. Higginbotham
Terri Faye Higginbotham, 60, died on May 2, 2026 at WVU Medicine – Thomas Memorial Hospital.
Terri was born on November 20, 1965, to the late Gerald and Patricia Higginbotham, in Charleston, she grew up in Cross Lanes, then the family settled in Hurricane.
Terri was a woman of many passions and talents—an avid reader, always eager to learn and grow. Her intelligence shone effortlessly, paired with a natural curiosity that made every conversation meaningful.
In her younger years, she was a spirited cheerleader, full of energy and enthusiasm. She carried that same encouragement into everything she did, always supporting those around her with warmth and sincerity.
Creativity flowed through her in countless ways. She had a deep love for art, expressing herself with imagination and heart. Whether through her artistic endeavors or her unmistakable personal style. Her sense of fashion was elegant and expressive.
She also held a special place in her heart for animals, offering compassion and care.
Her kindness extended beyond words and into action, leaving a lasting impact on both people and the animals she loved.
Above all, she will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her sharp mind, her generous heart. She leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Terri is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Leslie; sisters, many aunts, uncles, niece, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal services.
Beatrice ‘Bea’ Miller
Beatrice B. Miller, 105, of Scott Depot, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Celebration Villa in Teays Valley. She was a member of Cross Lanes United Methodist Church. She was the longtime owner/operator of Bea’s Beauty Shop.
She was the daughter of the late Homer Mclane and Lula Jones Mclane. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Bud” Miller; sisters, Margaret Kessel, Arbutus Leach and Virginia Stephens; brothers, Paul Mclane, David Mclane, Offie Mclane and Charles Mclane.
Survivors include her brothers, James Mclane and Jack Mclane; sister, Frankie Humphrey.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday May 15, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Entombment will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Eleanor.
Preston Miller
Carley “Preston” Miller, 94, of Culloden, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 1, 1931, in Hurricane to the late Joe and Dovie Jordan Miller.
He was preceded in death by his spouse Velma “Cricket” Miller, His brothers Harley Miller, Hubert Miller, and Okey Miller. He is survived by his sister Imogene Burdette, Children David (Noella) Miller, Patti (Rick) Meadows, Gary (Mendy) Miller, Grandsons Eric (Laurissa) and Brandon, Granddaughters Amy (Chris), Andrea (Anthony), Tabitha and Rachel, Great Grandsons Trenton, Maddox, and Cooper, and Great Granddaughters Alexandria, Macy, and Maria.
He was a lifetime member at Laywell Church of Christ; He was married for 62 years to Velma “Cricket” Miller. He served as First Class Staff Sergent Cryptologist in the military and retired from Mountaineer Gas Company. He had a passion for collecting, enjoyed traveling, and exploring the country with many road trips across the U.S. and loved spending time at his vacation home in Florida.
Funeral service was Monday, May 11, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home with Minister Michael Circle. Burial was in Sycamore Cemetery.
Allen Lee Sims
Allen Lee Sims, 85, of Winfield, passed away on May 5, 2026.
He was born to the late Franklin and Sidney Sims on August 10, 1940 in Glasgow, WV. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Guy Klein.
Allen is a 1958 graduate of Winfield High School. He owned and operated Winfield & Eleanor Wrecker Service, Sims Excavating and volunteered with the Winfield Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, showing his horses and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara; children: Diane Klein of Winfield, Rebecca Smith of Charleston, Vickie Johnson (Jay) of Winfield, and Mary Jordan (Donnie) of Buffalo; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Allen will be 2:00 pm, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield.
Billy Stowers
Billy Charles Stowers, age 83, a resident of De Queen, Arkansas, went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Bill was born to Lonnie and Lora Chandler Stowers on December 11, 1942, in Bernie, West Virgina. 62 years ago, he married the love of his life Evelyn Sue Stowers on January 8, 1964, in Harvey Creek, West Virgina. Bill was a member of the De Queen Church of Christ. He was a member of the Church of Christ for 57 years. He loved his family, golfing, the Hurricane Redskins, Marshall Thundering Herd, Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Reds. He was very involved in youth sports, but his greatest love was coaching little league baseball and umpiring. He was so proud of all the kids he coached and had several who went on to play college and professional ball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Phyllis Forth.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sue Stowers of De Queen; two sons and daughters-in-law, Toney and Debi Stowers of De Queen and Randy and Micha Stowers of Winchester, Virgina; seven grandchildren, Allison and Josh Taylor, Emily and Jordan Haugh, Cole Stowers, Kenny Brown, Chris Brown, Kevin Brown, and Landon Mitchell; a brother that was just like his son, Bruce and Donna Stowers; his siblings, Joann Chapman, Doug and Erma Stowers, Gary and Marsha Stowers, Luther and Diane Stowers, Eric and Anita Stowers, Kay and Frank Mann; very special friends, Kenny and Glenda Barton of De Queen; along with a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Memorial services for Bill Stowers will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the De Queen Church of Christ with Jim Gardner and Greg Revels officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas. Also, there will be a Memorial Service in Hamlin, West Virginia, at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Hamlin Church of Christ.
Katherine Taylor
Katherine M Taylor, 87, passed away after a short illness on May 7, 2026. She was born July 17, 1938 to the late Kenneth Collins and Helen Burns.
She is survived by Her daughter Donna K Dillon, Son-in-law Isaac Dillon Jr., and Granddaughter Aleah Jean Dillon and Issac Dillon III.
She was a retired RN and enjoyed traveling, making several trips to Vegas and she also enjoying the outdoors, especially the sunflowers.
Visitation was Monday, May 11, 2026 at Allen Funeral Home.
