The Elkins Intermountain

Hazel C. Taylor

Hazel Catherine Bennett Taylor, 79, a resident of Mill Creek, and more recently of Beverly, departed this life early Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2008, in the Elkins Regional Convalescent Center. She had been in declining health for the past two years since suffering a stroke.

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. On Tuesday, Jan, 6, Mrs. Taylor will be moved to the Valley Independent Baptist Church, where final rites will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Frank Stanley will officiate and interment will follow in the Brick Church Cemetery at Huttonsville. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Hazel Catherine Bennett Taylor. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 5 Jan 2009.

James L. Kisner

James L. "Jim" Kisner, 84, a native of Elkins, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 2, 2009, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born April 2, 1924, at Elkins, a son of the late Samuel Russell Kisner and the late Bertha Winkler Kisner.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Beck Robinson Kisner. They were united in marriage on Sept. 15, 1946.

Also surviving are his sister, Nancy Gordon of California; a daughter, Brenda and son-in-law, Barry "Chip" Ramsey, of Elkins; daughter-in-law, Sandra Kisner of Jacksonville, Fla.; three grandchildren, Michael Kisner and wife, April, of Florida, Melissa Kohl and husband, John, of Florida, and Jarod Ramsey and wife, Lacy, of Fairmont, six great-grandchildren, Mikayla and Ricky Kisner, Rebecca and Andrew John Kohl, Grace and Audrey Ramsey; and several nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death were one son, Richard "Rick" Kisner; and a brother, Paul Kisner.

He attended the schools of Randolph County and graduated from Elkins High School with the class of 1942. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp 4th Division, in the Pacific Theater during World War II from 1943 until 1945. In 1942 and 1943, he was employed at the Baltimore Airplane Factory prior to enlisting in the Marines. He was later employed by Craig Motor and Dutch Oven Bakery and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 26 years of service as a postal carrier. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkins where he served for many years as the Sunday school superintendent and was an active member of the choir. He was a member of BPOE Elks 1135 where he enjoyed golfing and several of his very best friends.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, he will be moved to the Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church where a funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. The Rev. Ted Bessey will officiate and interment will follow in Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road where the presentation of the American flag will be made by members of H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Mountain Hospice, 1600 Crim Ave., Belington, W.Va. 26250, in memory of Mr. Kisner. Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for James L. "Jim" Kisner. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 5 Jan 2009.

Jennings Westfall

Jennings Lacoe Westfall, 74, of French Creek, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at his home under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born Sept. 22, 1934, at Ireland, a son of the late James K. and Edith G. Cooper Westfall.

On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to Winifred L. Stewart Westfall, who preceded him in death on Dec. 3, 1995.

He is survived by two sons, Timothy Westfall of Girard, Ohio, and Gary A. Westfall of Lakeville, Ohio; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Madaline Hefner of Jane Lew, Louise Williston of Ireland and Letta Gray Gregory of Buckhannon. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Norma Groves.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Gene A, Richard A. and Larry W. Westfall; and two sisters; Sylvia Jean Crummit and infant Martha Westfall.

Mr. Westfall enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his two special rabbit beagles, Buddy and Misty. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army.

Friends will be received at Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield, Ohio. The family request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Joseph's Hospice at 1 Amalia Drive, Buckhannon, W.Va. 26201. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. From 5 Jan 2009.

John Mullennex

John Wesley Mullennex, 83, a resident of Harman, departed this life Friday evening, Jan. 2, 2009, at his home.

He was born Saturday, Jan. 10, 1925, at Whitmer, a son of the late Martin Mullennex and Olive "Gladys" Mallow Mullennex.

On Nov. 29, 1943, at Oakland, Md., he was married to the former Ruth Donal Bennett, who survives. They had celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Also surviving are two sons, John Martin Mullennex and Howard Bennett Mullennex and wife, Victoria, all of Harman; two sisters, Gelda Cooper of Florida, and Dolly Yokum of Morgantown; four grandchildren, James, Richard and John Martin Mullennex of Illinois, and Lauren Bourne; and two great-grandchildren.

He was a graduate of Harman High School with the class of 1943, and was a veteran of World War II, having served as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army. He had worked as a mechanic and a farmer, was a member of the Harman Post 5781, Veterans of Foreign Wars and attended the Job United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends at the Job United Methodist Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Final rites will be conducted at the church Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. The Rev. Earl Bible will officiate and interment will follow in the White Cemetery at Lower Dam. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for John Wesley Mullennex. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 5 Jan 2009.

Myrtle M. Collett

Myrtle Margaret Collett, 85, a former resident of Chestnut Street, Elkins, and more recently a resident of Elkins Regional Convalescent Center, departed this life late Sunday evening, Jan. 4, 2009, in the nursing home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of Lohr & Barb Funeral Home for Myrtle Margaret Collett. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 5 Jan 2009.

The Elkins Intermountain, 6 January 2009

Gary Burroughs

On Jan. 4, 2009, Gary Burroughs lost his battle to cancer. He died peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was 62.

He leaves behind his wife and soul mate of 43 years, Joetta Ellison Burroughs; two daughters, Kimberly Dianne Koert and husband, Fred, and Theresa Ann Poling and husband, Jake four grandchildren, Hayley Richelle Miller, Breanna Joetta Poling, Dillon Jacob Poling and Nathaniel Neal Poling, all of Buckhannon; five sisters, Peggy and Richard Heck of Ohio, Carol and John Miller of Ohio, Janet and Mike Rogers of Summersville, Judy Burroughs of North Carolina, and Valerie Randolph of Buckhannon; three brothers, Ronnie and Beverly Burroughs of Pittsburgh, Pa., Chuck and Maggie Burroughs of Ohio, and Jerry and Gita Burroughs of Germany, both of whom preceded Gary in Death, as well as his mother and father, Nellie Ruth and Kenneth Kyle Burroughs.

Gary's career started in 1965 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He spent 18 months in Vietnam and 18 months in Korea. He was discharged in 1972. He pursued his career in flying after the military. Gary started the HealthNet contracts in Morgantown and Charleston when he was employed by Rocky Mountain Helicopters, which is now Air Methods. He finally had to give up his dream in April 2008. He was a member of the Franklin Lodge 7 AF & AM. Gary has left behind many friends and lots of memories.

Join us to celebrate his life. Friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Horner United Methodist Church with Pastor Carolyn Nettles and the Rev. Ron McCauley officiating. Burial will follow in the Miller Cemetery at Horner. Buckhannon Veterans of Foreign Wars 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post 7 American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Chapters 5 and 36 will conduct military honors at the graveside. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 6 Jan 2009.

John Mullennex

John Wesley Mullennex, 83, a resident of Harman, departed this life Friday evening, Jan. 2, 2009, at his home.

The family will receive friends at the Job United Methodist Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. Final rites will be conducted at the church Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. the Rev. Earl Bible will officiate and interment will follow in the White Cemetery at Lower Dam. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for John Wesley Mullennex.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From6 Jan 2009.

Myrtle M. Collett

Myrtle Margaret Mike Collett, 85, a former resident of Chestnut Street, Elkins, and more recently, a resident of Elkins Regional Convalescent Center, departed this life late Sunday evening, Jan. 4, in the nursing home.

She was born Friday, June 29, 1923, at Wheeling, a daughter of the late Lewis T. Mike & Margaret Greathouse Mike. She is survived by two sons, Robert Lee Collett and wife, Linda, Hambleton and Roy Gene Collett, Elkins, one daughter, Janet Ann Collett Crider, Elkins, two brothers, three grandchildren, Ginger McDougal, Charles Lee Collett, and Stephen Crider, five great grandchildren, Gregory Wayne, LeAnna Faye, John Ross, Chassity, and Vanessa Faye, one great great grandchild, and a special "daughter", Margaret Winans.

Preceding her in death was one brother, Lewis T. Mike, Jr.

She attended the schools of Randolph County, had worked for the former Seneca Trail Restaurant, Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, and retired from the Tygart Hotel. She loved to crochet, and was a noted cook.

The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 6 until 8 PM, Wednesday. Final rites will be conducted from the funeral home chapel on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 11 AM. Pastor Ann Fretwell will officiate and interment will follow at Mountain State Memorial Gardens. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Myrtle Margaret Mike Collett. Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 6 Jan 2009.

Philip A. Sheets

Philip A. Sheets, 92, of Green Bank, passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at his residence at Green Bank.

Born Dec. 21, 1916, at Green Bank, he was a son of the late Samuel Gilbert and Ollie Edminston Sheets.

Mr. Sheets was an avid farmer and former laborer for Interstate Hardwoods. He was a member of Green Bank United Methodist Church, where he served as a lay speaker, Sunday school teacher and a trustee. He was a former member of the West Virginia Farm Bureau. He was loved and known by his family as "Mr. Fix It" and loved visiting with his many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Danies Myers and Mabel G. Baines; and a brother, Charles Thurmond Sheets.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Gum Sheets; two daughters, Rose Marie Smith and husband, Lewis, of Red Creek and Martha Louise Siders of De Graff, Ohio; two sons, Philllip Edward Sheets and wife, Alice, of Somerset, Pa., and Samuel M. Sheets and wife, Beverly, of Spencer; one sister, Jane Hamed and husband, Julian, of Green Bank; one brother, Gilbert Sheets Jr. and wife, Blanche, of Kernersville, N.C.; and 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the funeral home with the Rev. David Rittenhouse officiating. Interment will follow in Arbovale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the Green Bank Public Library, the Pocahontas Senior Center or to MVMR. Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com. From 6 Jan 2009.

Richard L. Deffet

Richard Lynn Deffet, 57, a resident of Route 2, Stalnaker Road. Philippi, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, in Ruby Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 17, 1951, at Clarksburg, a son of the late Frank and Emma (Schmidt) Deffet.

On June 17, 1971, he was united in marriage to Phyllis (Bennett) Deffet, who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Richard Todd Deffet of Philippi; grandson, Samuel Todd Deffet; two sisters, Carol Cork of Clarksburg and Janet and husband, Richard Doty, of Orlando Fla.; mother-in-law, Eleanor Bennett of Stalnaker Road, Philippi; brother-in-law, Danny and wife, Bonnie Bennett, of Philippi; sister-in-law, Terry Cutlip of Meadowbrook; nephews, R.D Cork, Philip Bradley Cork, Mark Pernell, Daniel S. Hall and Jeffrey Griffith; nieces, Kathi Pernell Driggs and Pam and husband, William "Buck" Kerr;; great-nephews, Nathaniel Kerr, Mason Kerr and Aaron Griffith; great-nieces, Gabrielle Kerr and Holli and husband, Kevin Junkins; and great-great-niece, Jayden Junkins.

Mr. Deffet was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Mason "Ace" Bennett.

Rick worked for Ingersoll-Rand as a hose fitter. He also worked for King Knob Coal Co. and Massey Coal Co. as a heavy equipment operator and driller, and lastly as manager of the Tygart Valley Soil Conservation District. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter and was a member of the Crossroads United Methodist Church.

Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home, 216 N. Walnut St., Philippi today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at which time Rick will be moved the Crossroads United Methodist Church to lie in state from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the service hour with the Rev. William " Bill" Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Tacy Cemetery. Wright Funeral Home Services. From 6 Jan 2009.

Thomas A. Smith

Thomas Andrew Smith, infant son of Harry Anderson of French Creek and Karen S. Smith of Buckhannon, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by maternal grandfather, Rick Shreve of Buckhannon; and maternal great-grandparents, Tom and Helen Smith of Buckhannon.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Vicky Landers.

Private graveside services will be conducted. Burial will be in Simpson Cemetery at Roanoke. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 6 Jan 2009.

The Elkins Intermountain, 7 January 2009

Elizabeth Van Kirk

Elizabeth "Betty" Dutton Hornbeck Van Kirk, 83, formerly of Buckhannon, died Jan. 6, 2009, in Stuart, Fla.

Born April 27, 1925, at Morgantown, she was the daughter of the late Glenn R. and Pauline Pyle Dutton.

She attended West Virginia University and was best known as an author and journalist with the Republican Delta newspaper in Buckhannon. She covered the socio-political revolution of the 1960s with irreverence, humor and style in her weekly front-page news column titled West Virginia Whirligig.

Her journalism career covered 39 years including early positions with the Buckhannon Record, East St. Louis (Illinois) Journal, Clarksburg Exponent, Parkersburg News and the Bluefield Telegraph.

She is the author of the Civil War chronicle "Upshur Brothers of the Blue and the Gray."

Prior to her retirement in 1981, she served West Virginia Wesleyan College as director of College Relations under the leadership of then college president Jay Rockefeller.

Upon her retirement, she was honored with the creation of the Betty Hornbeck Van Kirk Media Scholarship Fund to provide educational funds to aspiring journalists.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, charter member and past president of the YWCA, Chapter 18 Order of Eastern Star and Upshur County Historical Society, all of Buckhannon; former member of West Virginia Public Relations Association and West Virginia Press Association; former member of Buckhannon Country Club; served 12 years as secretary of Buckhannon Chamber of Commerce; member of Martin County Golf and Country Club in Stuart Fla.; and involved with administrative and social committees of Conquistador Homeowners Association in Stuart, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Van Kirk, in January 2000.

Surviving are two sons, David Dutton Hornbeck and wife, Judi, of Manteo, N.C., and William R. Hornbeck and wife, Margaret, of Leesburg, Va.; one daughter, Lorna Ann Hornbeck Taylor, of Vacaville, Calif.; one sister, Dorothy Dutton Short of Buckhannon, one nephew, Bartley Dutton Short of Buckhannon; and six grandchildren, Jennifer Hornbeck Johnson of Kinston, N.C., Jeffrey Dutton Hornbeck of Clayton, N.C., Brian Dutton Hornbeck of Ashburn, Va., Stephanie Hornbeck Chadwick of Charlotte, N.C., Jessica Eldredge Knutson and Angela Eldredge Cope, both of Vacaville, Calif.

Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren; Karlie Knutson, Benjamin Hornbeck, Will Hornbeck, Bronwyn Hornbeck, Connor Chadwick, Alexandra Chadwick, Kathryn Hornbeck, Benjamin Cope and Olivia Knutson; one stepson, Wayne Van Kirk of Houston, Texas; stepdaughter, Susan Van Kirk Tucker of Fruitland, Md.; and seven stepgrandchildren and one stepgreat-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Betty Hornbeck Van Kirk Media Scholarship Fund, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, W.Va. 26201. From 7 Jan 2009.

Evelyn Kisamore

D. Evelyn Kisamore, 90, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, in Neighbors Rehab & Health Care Center in Byron, Ill.

She was born July 8, 1918, at Hoxie, Ark., the daughter to George and Glennah (Palmer) Williams.

She married James "Mason" Kisamore on Nov. 16, 1935, in Riverton.

She lived all her married life in Seneca Rocks. Evelyn enjoyed reading, cooking and visiting with all of her friends.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Seneca Rocks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Mason, in 1987; her son, Clifford M., in 2003; her brother, Richard Williams, in 1983; and her sister, Marion Stevenson, in 1999.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Harriett J. Kisamore of Davis Junction, Ill; and many nieces and nephews in Illinois and West Virginia.

Visitation will be at the Seneca Rocks United Methodist Church on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the funeral hour. The Rev. Barbara Rexroad will officiate. Burial will be in North Fork Memorial Cemetery in Germany Valley. A memorial fund has been established for the Seneca Rocks United Methodist Church. From 7 Jan 2009.

Myrtle M. Collett

The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today. Final rites will be conducted from the funeral home chapel on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. Pastor Ann Fretwell will officiate and interment will follow in Mountain State Memorial Gardens. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Myrtle Margaret Mike Collett. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 7 Jan 2009.

The Elkins Intermountain, 8 January 2009

Francis H. Leary

Francis "Frank" H. Leary, 83, of Madison, passed away Jan. 6, 2009, in Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Hospital in Charleston.

He was retired from the State Health Department and was a World War II Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; one daughter, Marilyn Davis of Foster; two sons, James W. Leary and Timothy W. Leary both of Madison; four brothers, John B. Leary of Shrewsbury, Pa., James A. Leary of Woodbine, Md., Edward B. Leary of Elkins and Robert M. Leary of Granite Falls, N.C.; and three grandsons, Eric, William and Anthony.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Handley Funeral Home in Danville with Father James O'Conner officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens in Madison. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boy Scouts, Autism or a charity of choice. You may express your condolences to the family at www.handleyfh.com. From 8 Jan 2009.

Jean Zickefoose

Jean Zickefoose, 81 of the Queens community, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, in St. Joseph's Hospital.

She was born Feb. 15, 1927, in Monongalia County, a daughter of the late Robert and Myrtle Mace Boone.

On Feb. 15, 1975, she was united in marriage to Jerry Z. Zickefoose, who preceded her in death on Jan. 26, 2007.

She is survived by one sister, Irene Bones of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three brothers, Allen Boone of Berea, Ohio, Donald Boone of South Euclid, Ohio, and C. James Boone of Mt. Morris, Pa.; several nieces and nephews; and in her heart, she is survived by one grandson, Brent W. Tenney; one granddaughter, Clefta L. Tenney; and one great-grandson, Clay Tenney, all of Queens.

In addition to her father, mother and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Bones; and one brother, Edmond Boone.

At the request of the deceased, her body was cremated. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in Lanham Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. From 8 Jan 2009.

Stanley Wilt

Stanley "Jack" Wilt, 84, of Buckhannon, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in St. Joseph's Nursing Care Facility.

He was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Upshur County, a son of the late James Audra and Nora Riggleman Wilt.

In addition to his father and mother, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Anna Ruth Wilt.

He is survived by one sister, Oneta Pritt Stone of Buckhannon; two brothers, James "Junior" Wilt of Winnabow, N.C., and "Robert" Ray Wilt of Morgantown; and a special niece, Jean Howard of Buckhannon.

Mr. Wilt was a truck driver and a Protestant by faith. He served in the U.S. Army.

Friends will be received at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the funeral hour with the Rev. Ron McCauley officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 8 Jan 2009.

Tabner D. Byrd

Tabner Dean Byrd, 86, of Buckhannon, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at his home.

He was born on July 11, 1922, at Alton, a son of the late Calvin and Ethel Pringle Byrd.

On Nov. 23, 1991, he married Karen S. Black, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sandra Currence and husband, Kenneth, and Jayne Carson and husband, David, all of Buckhannon; two stepdaughters, Anita Walton and husband, Clint, of Buckhannon and Alisa Talbott and husband, James, of Cartersville, Ga.; one stepson, Jeffery Perry of Buckhannon; four grandson, David Currence and wife, Mindy, of Buckhannon, Aaron Currence and fiancee, Sherry Anderson, of Buckhannon, Jeffery Carson of Charlotte, N.C., and Christopher Carson of Morgantown; two stepgrandsons, Connor Walton and Devin Perry of Buckhannon; three stepgranddaughters, Autumn Talbott of Cartersville, Ga., Courtney Walton of Buckhannon and Megan Perry of Buckhannon; two great-grandsons, Kason Dean and Benjamin Flint Currence of Buckhannon; one brother, Thomas Argyl Byrd of California; and one sister, Edith Moss of Akron, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen Reeder Byrd; four brothers, Elden Edward, Carl Martin, Chester A. and Calvin Odell Byrd; and one sister, Thelma Lanham.

Mr. Byrd was postmaster in Alexander and Walkersville and a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He was inducted into the Army Air Corps in 1942 and assigned to the 467th Bomber Group that was stationed in Rackheath, England, and was discharged in 1945. He was a member of the America Legion Post 148 in Selbyville and Buckhannon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3663. Dean was a wonderful husband, father grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His greatest joys were his family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. He was a positive, compassionate, caring, gentle Christian man, who loved life and people.

Friends will be received from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Mark Davis, a family friend, officiating. Burial will follow in Upshur County Memorial Park in Tennerton. Buckhannon VFW Post 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post 7 American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Chapters 5 and 36 will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the veteran's organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 8 Jan 2009.

Wilson J. Snyder

Wilson Junior Snyder, 69, a resident of Mill Creek, passed away Jan. 5, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins for Wilson Junior Snyder. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 8 Jan 2009.

The Elkins Intermountain, 9 January 2009

Bernice T. Smith

Bernice T. Smith, 88, of French Creek, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in St. Joseph's Hospital Nursing Care Facility.

She was born Oct. 30, 1920, in Upshur County, a daughter of the late Henry and Retha Strader Rice.

She was united in marriage in 1936 to Arnold C. Smith, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by one daughter, Patty and husband, Charles Brown, of French Creek; one grandson, David Charles Brown and wife, Karen, of Lynchburg, Va.; one stepgrandson, John Paul Bonesteel and wife, Christi, of Newport News, Va.; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, Macy, Grace and Chase Bonesteel.

She was preceded in death by one son, Larry Arnold Smith, who died in 2001; three brothers, Paul, Emmett and John Wesley Rice; four sisters, Ethel Bennett, Clara Maude Rumbach, Sarah Margaret Pringle and Irene.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Rock Cave Baptist Church with Pastor David Jessie and Pastor Eugene Helmick officiating. Interment will follow in Canaan Cemetery.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.heavnerandcutright.com.

Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. From 9 Jan 2009.

Gary D. Haller

Mr. Gary D. Haller, 60, of Stonewood, formerly of Grafton, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in United Hospital Center in Clarksburg.

He was born July 10, 1948, at Grafton, a son of the late Harold Haller Jr. and Mary Louise Ballard Haller.

Gary was a retired construction worker, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a Baptist by faith.

He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 410 in Belington.

Gary is survived by his wife, Geraldine "Gerry" Truelieb Haller; four children, Tracy Gooden of Elkins, Valerie Gunther of Wendel, N.C., Harley Haller of New Castle, Del., and Nicole Haller of Newark, Del.; seven grandchildren; his brother and sisters, James Haller and his wife, Tina, of Stonewood, Debra Sigley and her husband, Paul, of Grafton, Charlene and Daniel Bolyard of York, Pa., and Marlene and Wayne Barrow of Fairmont; and several nieces and nephews.

At Mr. Haller's request, he will be cremated. There will be no visitation or service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bartlett Funeral Home in Grafton. From 9 Jan 2009.

Helen L. Neely

It was on the wings of death at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, that Helen Louise Neely's living soul took flight from Holbrook Nursing Home into the promised land of our God where there is no night.

Helen was born in Buckhannon, on July 25, 1922, a daughter of the late Garland H. and Mary Cutright Crites.

On Sept. 17, 1949, she married Argel Neely, who preceded her in death.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two infant brothers; and her eldest brother, Paul Marvin Crites.

She is survived by one nephew, Tom and wife, Treasea Crites, of Glady Fork; two nieces, Paulette and husband, Robert Bellott, of Arlington, Va., and Marcia and husband, Joe Shipman, of Glady Fork; several great-nephews; two great-nieces; several great-great-nephews; and two great-great-nieces.

Mrs. Neely had been a resident of Holbrook Nursing Home for several years - her bingo heaven. Mrs. Neely was a member of the Rocky Ford United Methodist Church.

Helen's family and friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. William C. Eskew Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Rocky Ford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 9 Jan 2009.

Stephanie O. Ours

Stephanie Orr Shreve Ours, 61, a former resident of Parsons, and more recently a resident of Barnard Avenue, Elkins, where she made her home with her mother, departed this life early Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Ours' request for cremation was honored. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Parsons Presbyterian Church. The Rev. William L. McCallister and the Rev. David Shaffer will officiate and interment of the cremains will follow in Bethel Cemetery at Holly Meadows.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, in care of Jennifer Bennett, 47 Turkey Run Road, Buckhannon, W.Va. 26201. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Stephanie Orr Shreve Ours.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 9 Jan 2009.

Wilson J. Snyder

Wilson Junior Snyder, 69, a resident of Mill Creek, passed away Jan. 5, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be under the direction of Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins for Wilson Junior Snyder.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 9 Jan 2009.

The Elkins Intermountain, 10 January 2009

Joan E. Batory

Joan E. Batory, 81, of Harvey's Lake, Pa., died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, due to injuries suffered from a pedestrian accident at her home address.

She was born at Newlan, a daughter of the late Thomas J. and Leona O'Connor Binns.

She has resided at Harvey's Lake, Pa., for the past 28 years and was formerly employed as a paralegal by Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn Law Office. Joan was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church in Harvey's Lake, Pa.

Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Daniel J. Batory; daughters, Anne Moore and her husband, Brian, of Whitehouse Station, N.J., Ellen Pochekailo and her husband, Paul, of Fairfax, Va., and Jane Tinsley and her husband, David, of Honey Brook, Pa.; eight grandchildren; brothers, Thomas and Terence Binns of Elkins; sisters, Carmel Binns and Eleanor Sainato of Elkins and Geraldine Reynolds of Great Falls, Mont.; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Victory Church in Harvey's Lake, Pa. Private interment will be in West Virginia. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting memorials at the church for the Sacred Heart Southern Mission, a charity the family has supported since 1955. A.J. Kopicki Funeral Home services. From 10 Jan 2009.

Lois J. Rhodes

Lois Jean Phillips Rhodes, 78, a resident of Parsons, and more recently a resident of Morgantown, departed this life Thursday evening, Jan. 8, 2009, in Monongalia General Hospital at Morgantown.

She was born Wednesday, July 23, 1930, at Parsons, a daughter of the late Otis Phillips and Cora Mae Biller Phillips.

On July 28, 1952, at Parsons, she was married to Charles Alvin Rhodes, who preceded her in death Aug. 11, 2006.

Surviving are one son, Charles Edward Rhodes and wife, Susan; one daughter, Sharon Louise Copelan and husband, Troy, all of Morgantown; one adopted daughter, Sandra Bohon and husband, Marvin, of St. George; four grandsons, Charles Clark, Sean Rhodes, Bobby McGinley and Hunter Bohon; four granddaughters, Tara Foster, Ericka Rhodes-Edwards, Brandi Rhodes and Angela Bohon; and three great-grandchildren, Ethan Rhodes, Kaleb Edwards and Charlee Ann Foster.

She is the last surviving member of her immediate family having been preceded in death by three brothers, Harry Phillips, Marvin Phillips and Olin Phillips; and four sisters, Virginia Lee Leake, Grace Murphy, Wanda J. Phillips and Margaret Phillips.

She attended the schools of Tucker County. She was an employee of the former Tucker County Hospital as a nursing assistant until its closing. She enjoyed making holiday crafts and one of her favorite pastimes was jigsaw puzzles.

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home parlor Monday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jeff Anderson will officiate and interment will follow in the Parsons City Cemetery at Parsons. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lois Jean Phillips Rhodes. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 10 Jan 2009.

Marlene L. Byrd

Marlene L. Byrd, 68, of Rock Cave, passed away on Jan. 8, 2009, in St. Joseph's Hospital in Buckhannon.

She was born on Sept. 15, 1940, at Gary, Ind., a daughter of the late Everett Kemp and Mary Ellen Kepshire Nixon. Also preceding her in death was a son, Patrick D. Portlock.

She is survived by her husband, Roland F. Byrd, who she married on June 6, 1989. Also surviving are three children, Monica Kraft and partner, Anne Riley, of San Jose, Calif., Michael Kraft and wife, Jenna, of Valpariso, Ind., and Brian Portlock and wife, Kim, of Lexington, S.C.; four stepchildren, Robert Byrd of Valpariso, Ind., Thomas Byrd of Missouri, Patricia Mullendore of Lake Station, Ind., and David Byrd of Hemp Hill, Texas; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; her brother, Everett P. Nixon and wife, Jay, of Portage, Ind.; her sister, Christine Singel and husband, Bill, of Valpariso, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Byrd was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Ladies Altar and Rosary Society. She had worked for 15 years with the GT Phone Exchange in Indiana.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. today at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Tomblyn Whitescarver Funeral Chapel of Buckhannon is in charge of the arrangements for Marlene L. Byrd. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblyn.com. From 10 Jan 2009.

Stephanie O. Ours

Mrs. Ours' request for cremation was honored. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. today at the Parsons Presbyterian Church. The Rev. William L. McCallister and the Rev. David Shaffer will officiate and interment of the cremains will follow in Bethel Cemetery at Holly Meadows. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, in care of Jennifer Bennett, 47 Turkey Run Road, Buckhannon, W.Va. 26201. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Stephanie Orr Shreve Ours. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 10 Jan 2009.

Wilson J. Snyder

Wilson Junior Snyder, 69, a resident of Mill Creek, passed away Jan. 5, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 16, 1939, at Elkins, a son of the late Edward and Lilly Valley Pudder Snyder.

Surviving are four sons, Edward Snyder, Bucky Snyder and Michael Snyder, all of Mill Creek, and Joey Snyder of New Jersey; two brothers, James Snyder and George Snyder of Elkins; and four sisters, Alma Taylor and Gracie Currence of Mill Creek, Alpha Lutz of Windham, Ohio, and Genevieve Rexrode of Durbin. Four grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive.

Also preceding him in death were one brother, Wayne Snyder; and a sister, Ruth Gear.

Mr. Snyder was employed as a coal miner prior to his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his sons, hunting, fishing and training dogs.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. today at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mike House officiating. Interment will follow in the Brick Church Cemetery near Huttonsville. Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Wilson Junior Snyder. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 10 Jan 2009.