The Elkins Intermountain Obits, 27 April 2009

Allen David Casto, 69, of Buckhannon, died Saturday, April 25, 2009, at his home under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born March I, 1940, at Buckhannon, a son of the late Dewey Casto. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Laura Marie Casto, and one son, Perry Martin "Marty" Casto.

His survived by two sons, Allen E. Casto and Douglas Craig Casto and wife, Marsha, all of Buckhannon; one daughter, Karen Sue Casto and fiance, Paul Harris, of Buckhannon; two grandsons, Edward Dewey Casto and wife, Jamie, and Allen David Rowan and wife, Jennifer, all of Buckhannon; one great-grandson, Gabriel Allen David Rowan of Buckhannon; one great-granddaughter, Gracelynn Laura Marie Rowan of Buckhannon; and a stepgreat-granddaugher, Georganna Harris of Buckhannon.

Mr. Casto was a sawmill worker for Hinkle and Sons Saw Mill and a Christian by faith.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Wease Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Elbon Cemetery at Sago.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 27 Apr 2009.

Mrs. Ardell Thompson, 82, a resident of Elkins, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2009, in the Hospice Care Regional Impatient Center.

She was born June 26, 1926, at Mill Creek, the eldest daughter of the late Ross and Gladys Wood Haddix.

Also surviving are one daughter, Jeri Diane Hurley of Abingdon, Md.; one brother, Carroll Haddix of Dailey; two sisters, Jo Etta Welch of Dailey and Elaine Nelson of Ohio; a granddaughter, Krista Foertsch and husband, Troy; and two great-grandchildren, Gabrielle and Brandon.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was preceded in death by two brothers, Ross and Donald Haddix; and a sister, Arlene Smith.

Mrs. Thompson attended the schools of Randolph County, was a homemaker and later was a day care mother for Child Services. She loved reading, writing letters and sending cards to family and friends.

During the years, she helped many organizations, especially the Blind School in Baltimore, Md. She attended the Tygart Valley Baptist Church at Beverly.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. today at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jack Howell officiating. Interment will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson for the help extended to them for the past several years.

The family request that memorial contributions be made to Hospice Care Corp., P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, W.Va. 26520, in memory of Mrs. Thompson.

Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Ardell Thompson.

George Artennis Propst, 55, a resident of Route 3, Mansfield Community, Philippi, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2009, in Ruby Memorial Hospital.

He was born Aug. 18, 1953, at Philippi, a son of the late Howard Joseph Propst, and Glenna (George) Props,t who survives.

George was united in marriage Dec. 22, 1973 to Ellen Mae (Farley) Propst, who survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Amy G. (Propst) and husband, Frank Unger, of Thornton; one son, Joseph C. Propst of Morgantown; one brother, Howard Benjamin "Ben" and wife, Joan Propst, of Philippi; and several nieces and nephews

George worked as a jailer and home confinement officer with the Barbour County Sheriff Department. He formerly worked as a coal miner for the C &W Coal Co., Kitt Energy Corp. and Badger Coal Co. and as a shift foreman with Downard Longwall. George was also the owner and operator of Family Sport Center Inc.

George was a member of the Bigelow Lodge 52 AF & AM, Royal Arch Masons Tygart Valley 39, the Mansfield United Methodist Church and trustee and the Mansfield United Methodist Men's Society.

He was an avid West Virginia University Mountaineer fan. George was the co-founder of the first Blue & Gray Reunion Kid's Day Celebration. George's kindness, generosity and service to others will be missed throughout the community. He was also a graduate of Philip Barbour High School with the class of 1971.

Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home, 216 N. Walnut St. in Philippi today from noon to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 28, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., the service hour with Pastor Doug Hogan officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Hebron Cemetery with Bigelow Lodge 52 conducting graveside rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in George's memory, to the Rosenbaum Family House, Ruby Memorial Hospital, Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 8228, Morgantown, W.Va. 26506-8228. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com. Wright Funeral Home Services. From 27 Apr 2009.

Vernon Lantz, 95, of Franklin, died April 25, 2009, in Pendleton Nursing Home in Franklin.

He was born April 3, 1914, at Crab Bottom, Va., a son of the late Lee Lantz and Louella Wimer Lantz.

On Nov. 10, 1939, he married Myrtle Elizabeth Stone Lantz, who preceded him in death Nov. 10, 2004.

Surviving are one daughter, Wanda Painter and husband, Stanley, of Elkins; three daughters, Lisa Mallow and husband, Stephen, of Upper Tract, Ashley Hively and husband, Jim, of Beverly and Jonna Priester and husband, Jimmy, of Fairmont; one brother, Harold Lantz of Franklin; and three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr Lantz was a carpenter, sawyer and farmer and was a member of the Walnut Street United Methodist Church.

Family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Susie Echols officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS, P.O. 804, Franklin, W.Va. 26807. Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin is in charge of the arrangements. From 27 Apr 2009.

Derek Ray Fortney, 19, a resident of Valley Head, departed this life early Saturday, April 25, 2009. His death was attributed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born Oct. 2, 1989, at Elkins, a son of Jerry and Connie Fortney of Valley Head.

Also surviving are two brothers, Jeremy Fortney and wife, Carla, and Matthew Fortney, all of Valley Head; Derek's fiancee, Tonya Reed; two special nephews, Joshua and Cody Fortney of Valley Head; his maternal grandfather, Harold Brown and wife, Carolyn, of Kenton, Ohio; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandmother, Kathleen Brown; and paternal grandparents, Jesse and Norma Fortney.

Derek was a graduate of Tygart Valley High School with the class of 2008 and was employed by Glotfelty Tire Center at the time of his death. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend and was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and four wheeling. He loved spending time with his nephews, family, friends and especially Tonya, whom he loved dearly. Derek will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Leon Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Head Cemetery.

Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Derek Ray Fortney.

Lora Mae Shahan Wolfe, 94, a resident of Parsons, and more recently a resident of Colonial Place at Elkins, departed this life early Monday morning, April 27, 2009, in Colonial Place.

She was born Saturday, May 30, 1914, at Texas Mountain, St. George, a daughter of the late Troy Shahan and Pearl Harsh Shahan.

She was united in marriage to Forest Dale Wolfe, who preceded her in death in January of 1977.

Surviving are two sons, Gerald L. Wolfe and wife, Carol, of Montrose and Lonnie C. Wolfe and wife, Susan, of Elkins; one daughter, Patty R. Henrie and husband, Bill, of Williamstown; one daughter-in-law, Bonnie Wolfe Dentler and husband, Don, of Canton, Ohio; six grandchildren, Elaine, Risha, Greg, Lisa, Chris and Tonya; and nine great-grandchildren, Betsy, Emily, Maggie, Courtnee, Kylie, Samantha, Madison, Allison and Lauren.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been preceded in death by one son, Allen Dale Wolfe.

She attended the one room school at Texas Mountain. She was a member of the Pifer United Methodist Church and attended the First United Methodist Church at Parsons.

She and her husband owned and operated the family farm at Pifer Mountain for many years. She was an avid gardener.

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home at Parsons from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home parlor Wednesday, April 29, at 11 a.m.

Pastor Allen Dale Crosten will officiate and interment will follow in the Pifer Mountain Cemetery at St. George.

Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lora Mae Shahan Wolfe.

He was the son of the late Edith Hoover (Kovalck) and Sherley Ray Koon, and was also preceded in death by his sisters, Dottie and Betty Gay.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Dotty (Edmond); his four sons, Ray II (Charlotte) of Anoka, Minn., William (Chris) of Amherst, Ohio, Steve (Patricia) of Lorain, Ohio, and Stacy of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Heidi, Jaime, Brock, Alisha, Christina, Avrie and Billy; two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Damiyn; and a wonderful second mother to Ray was Bessie of Buckhannon. Ray also is survived by his four sisters, Margie (Joe), Carolyn (Carl), Patty (Gene) and Cookie (Neal); and his six brothers, Victor, Claude (Marsha), Richard (Pam), Jim (Becky) Jessie and Jerry.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio, 440-244-1961 on Wednesday April, 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Rich Henry officiating.

Burial services will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon, Ohio, where military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 30 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451. From 28 Apr 2009.

Vernon Lantz, 95, of Franklin, died Saturday, April 25, 2009, in the Pendleton Nursing Home in Franklin.

Mr. Lantz was born April 3, 1914, in Crab Bottom, Va., a son of the late Lee Lantz and Louella Wimer Lantz.

He was a member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church and was a carpenter, sawyer and farmer.

On Nov. 10, 1939, he married Myrtle Elizabeth Stone, who preceded him in death Nov. 10, 2004.

Survivors include a daughter, Wanda Painter and husband, Stanley, of Elkins; three granddaughters, Lisa Mallow and husband, Stephen, of Upper Tract, Ashley Hively and husband, Jim, of Beverly and Sonja Priester and husband, Jimmy, of Fairmont; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Harold Lantz of Franklin.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Clarice Skidmore.

The family received friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Pastor Susie Echols will conduct services at 11 a.m. today in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to P.A.W.S., P.O. Box 804, Franklin, W.Va. 26807. From 28 Apr 2009.

William Denison "Denny" Baisden, 62, a resident of the Haddix Road, Elkins, departed this life Saturday morning, April 25, 2009, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born Sunday, Nov. 17, 1946, at Delbarton, a son of the late William "Bill" Baisden and Helen Louise Dumire Baisden.

He was twice married. First, to Barbara Moyer Wallace, who survives. Second, to Sharon Whitten Baisden, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his companion, Deborah Waugaman, Philippi; three daughters, Karen Moats and husband, Charles, and Cindy Young and husband, Tim, all of Elkins and Julie Hensley and husband, Todd, of Lynchburg, Va.; one sister, Suellen Baisden Wallace of Elkins; one aunt, Mrs. V. W. (Lucille) Kight of Elkins; one granddaughter, Bailey Madison Young of Elkins; two nephews, David R. Wallace and Jack L. Wallace; one half nephew, Cary Neil Adkins; and one half niece, Carolyn Adkins.

He was a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 1964, had previously worked for the Kelly Foundry, Guttman Oil, the city of Elkins, Kroger and Mountain State Transport. He was currently employed as a contract employee for the U.S. Postal Service.

He was formerly a member of the West Virginia Army National Guard, an avid hunter, civil war enthusiast and collected arrow heads.

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel Thursday, April 30, at 11 a.m.

The Rev. Bill Hopkins will officiate and interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery at Elkins where members of the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Guard, the 201st Field Artillery Battalion and the 1201st Support Co. will conduct full military honors.

Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for William Denison "Denny" Baisden. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhom.com From 28 Apr 2009.

In the spring of the year, William Ray Simons was born to Emily Louise Simons and James Ray Simons. Now, this spring, Ray went to be with his Heavenly Father for the eternal rest he deserves.

Ray graduated from Elkins High School, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served with the U.S. Army, was a member of the H.W. Daniels Post 29, American Legion, and was a member of the Beverly Masonic Lodge 55.

He worked in the insurance industry training and building for Reserve Life Insurance Co. and later, his own agency. This, he did, with his faithful friends, Linda Austin and Vivian Hawkins.

Ray married Georgia Lu Goddin. This formed his family with his daughter, Kathi Simons and his son, John Maiden, both of Richmond, Va. Surviving also is his friend and brother, James Robert Simons and wife, Gina, their son, Brian and wife, Laura, and great-nephew, Nathaniel Simons. Ray has a special sister, Wilma Simons Zirkle, her daughter, Jeanne Zirkle Rohrbaugh and husband, Danny, and a great-niece, Dannelle Rohrbaugh, all of the Elkins area.

He was a Protestant and a firm believer of eternal life with God. Ray's passing leaves a big void in the lives of family and friends.

Graveside services will be conducted in Maplewood Cemetery Wednesday, April 29, at 1:30 p.m. where members of the Beverly Masonic Lodge 55 will conduct ritualistic services and interment will follow.

The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial 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 William Ray Simons. Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 28 Apr 2009.

Annabelle Sharp Iseli, 85, a former resident of Valley Head and for the last several years a resident of Rootstown, Ohio, departed this life Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2009, in Robinson Memorial Hospital at Ravenna, Ohio.

She was born Monday, Feb. 25, 1924, at Elkins, a daughter of the late John L. Sharp and Ada J. Arbogast Sharp.

She is survived by Jimmie and Sharon; three sisters, Louise, Sylvia, and Rosalind; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were two daughters, Betty and Peggy; one infant son; six brothers, Raymond, Albert, Glenn, Lonnie, Cecil;and Robert "Junior;" two sisters, Myrtle and Ora Mae; and one great-grandchild.

Annabelle had attended the one-room school at Ware's Ridge, was a homemaker and was a Methodist by faith.

She loved her cat, and the love of her life was her family, especially her grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 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, April 30, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Jonas Johnson will officiate and interment will follow in Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman.

Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Annabelle Sharp Iseli.

William Denison "Denny" Baisden, 62, a resident of the Haddix Road, Elkins, departed this life Saturday morning, April 25, 2009, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel Thursday, April 30, at 11 a.m.

Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for William Denison "Denny" Baisden.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 29 Apr 2009.

The will be a memorial service for Charles "Keith" Morris at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at TenMile Baptist Church in Dola. All are welcome to attend and pay respects. From 30 Apr 2009.

Dayne E. Jack, 92, of Jack Hill, Buckhannon, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, in the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg.

He was born Aug. 17, 1916, in Upshur County, a son of the late George W. and Katie Hawkins Jack.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Bill, Stuart, Ralph and Hubert Jack; and three sisters, Ruth Spatzer, Hepsy Jack and Mabel Burr.

He is survived by one brother, George Jack of North Carolina; one sister, Kathleen Poling of Buckhannon; five nephews, Blaine Jack, Billy Jack and wife, Michele, and Tom Poling, all of Buckhannon, Edward Jack of Philippi and George Jack of North Carolina; two nieces, Helen Lantz and husband, Scott, of Buckhannon and Kathy McVicker of Philippi; and many friends.

Mr. Jack was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and working in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., until his retirement. Mr. Jack was a member of the Veterans of Froeign Wars Post 3663. He will be missed by all.

Friends will be received at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home Friday, May 1, from noon to 1 p.m., the funeral hour with the Rev. Donald Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in Sand Run Baptist Church Cemetery. VFW Post 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 30 Apr 2009.

Mr. Scott Thomas Arbogast, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, April 28, 2009, at his home while under the care of Mountain Hospice. He formerly lived in Valley Head for many years.

He was born Aug. 15, 1925, at Valley Head, a son of the late Solomon Wade Arbogast and the late Flora Alice Channell Arbogast.

On Nov. 25, 1949, he was married to Helen Kathleen Hamrick Arbogast, who preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 1987.

Surviving are son, Roger T. Arbogast and wife, Judy, of Valley Head; and two daughters, Deborah Parker and husband, Dave, of Elkins and Rocky Jean McCune and husband, Jerry, of Huttonsville. One granddaughter, Pamela Ann Samples and husband, Dave; three grandsons, Devin Samples, Jerry Lee McCune and Jared Scott McCune; three great-granddaughters, Amelia Neal, Kinley and Raney Hayhurst; one great-grandson, Benjamin Neal; two brothers, Burton Arbogast of Valley Head and Delmar Arbogast of Akron, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Also preceding him in death were one son, one daughter, five brothers and three sisters.

Mr. Arbogast attended the schools of Randolph County and was employed as a woodsman for many years.

Friends may call from noon until 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Valley Head United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday from the church with the Rev. Marshall Williams, the Rev. Ann Fretwell and Julie Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Head Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Hospice, 1600 Crim Ave., Belington, W.Va. 26250, in memory of Mr. Arbogast.

Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Scott Thomas Arbogast.

Dayton Michael Lister, 60, of Route 1, Salem, died Thursday, April 30, 2009, in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Clarksburg.

He was born Oct. 25, 1948, at Elkins, a soy of Dayton Lister Jr. of Fairmont and the late Rosemary Hale Lister.

In addition to his father, he is survived by one son, Dustin Michael Lister of Salem; his former wife, Susan Madden Lister of Lake Floyd; and his stepmother, Anna May Frost Lister. Also surviving are two brothers, Roy Lister of Fairmont and Rick Lister of Eagle River, Alaska; one sister, Dionne Moyers of Fairmont; two stepbrothers, Jack Frost Jr. of Fairview and Allen Frost of Pooler, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dayton and Ruth Lister of Conway, S.C., and Pearl Hale of Fairmont.

Michael served for 23 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam as a parachute rigger, recruiter and re-enlistment NCO. He received numerous medals and awards. Most recently, he was employed at the Bridgeport Post Office. He was a member of and past commander of Salem Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9151, an avid hunter and fisherman, excelled in woodworking and loved cars and animals. He was Methodist by faith.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Greathouse Funeral Home in Salem. Graveside services will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in Maplewood Cemetery in Elkins with the Rev. Basil Hensley presiding. Full military rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family as requested donations be made to the Salem VFW Post 9151, the humane society or the American Cancer Society.

A Greathouse service. From 1 May2009.

Edna Marie Watson 83, of Valley Bend, entered into eternal life at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins.

She was born on Sunday, Dec. 27, 1925, at Valley Bend, a daughter of the late Herman Beecher and Arha Emiline Oxley Bennett.

On Saturday, April 8, 1944, in Beverly, she became the bride of Silas Lee Watson, who preceded her in death.

She was a lifelong resident of Randolph County. She was Pentecostal by faith and was a member of the Gospel Light Tabernacle in Elkins. Edna worked for many years as a seamstress. She was employed by the Randolph County Senior Citizens at the Mill Creek Nutrition Site as a cook for 19 years. Edna was a very loving and special lady who will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to be her friend.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Danny Ray Watson in 1950 and Robert "Bob" Dale Watson in 1956; four sisters: Nora, Bessie, Hallie and Eva; and six brothers, Lewis, Charles, Wayne, Carroll and two infant brothers.

Edna is survived by three daughters, Arlene Knick and husband, Kenneth, of Valley Bend, with whom she resided, Darlene Scott and husband, William, of Dailey and Glenda Hedrick and husband, William, of Elkins; one son, Herman Watson and wife, Irene, of Elkins; one special grandson she raised, Richard Watson; two special nephews she raised, Charles and Elmer Watson; two sisters, Florence Pritt of Garrettsville, Ohio, and Janet Hallobaugh of Points; one brother Jennings Bennett and wife, Barbara, of Newton Falls, Ohio; and 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-grandson and several stepgrandchildren.

Visitation will be today from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 100 Meadow Lane, Valley Bend. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. A.H. "Burt" Belt and the Rev. Franklin Shreve officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery, Georgetown Road, Dailey.

Arrangements for Edna Marie Watson have been entrusted to The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.therandolphfuneralhome.com From 1 May2009.

Gail Metheny, 68, of Moorefield, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, in Cortland Acres in Thomas.

He was born April 8, 1941, at Kingwood, a son of the late Carl Anderson and Emma Marie (Teets) Metheny.

He attended the Bass United Methodist Church in Moorefield. Gail was a carpenter and had worked for many years in Florida and Texas.

He is survived by a son, Timothy and Nancy Metheny of Templeton, Ga.; a daughter, Tina and Richard Evans of Parsons; five brothers, Edward and Ruth of Reedsville, Bob and Connie of Virginia, Allen Dale and Jackie of North Carolina, Carlton and Carolyn of Reedsville and Francis of Kingwood; three sisters, Grace Taylor of Kingwood, Mary Nice of Terra Alta and Betty and Elmer Walls of Reedsville; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and his first wife, Joyce Gale (Youtzy) Metheny.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Ralph and John; and one sister, Hilda Squires.

Friends will be received at Morgan Funeral Home, Route 7, East Reedsville from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today where funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, with Dr. Gary E. Helms officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Terra Alta. From 1 May2009.

Hayward McGee

Hayward O. McGee Sr., 93, of Elk City Community, died Tuesday morning, April 28, 2009, at his home. He had been in his usual health and his death was unexpected.

He was born Jan. 4, 1916, at Elk City Community, a son of the late William J. and Nora Ethel (McCauley) McGee.

On Jan. 6, 1946, he married the former Anna Virginia Nixon, who preceded him in death on July 14, 1987.

Surviving are two daughters, Patricia Yocum and husband, Chalmer, and Theresa McVicker and husband, Eugene, all of Elk City Community; two sons, Leslie McGee and wife, Barbara, of Petersburg and Hayward McGee Jr. and wife, Ann, of Elk City Community; a special friend, Maxine Poling of Philippi; seven grandchildren, Regina Collette, Matthew McGee, Patrick McGee, Kevin McGee, Chalmer Yocum, Sheila Copeland and Billy Knight; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vada Felton and Opal Thompson; and by two brothers, Claude J. McGee and Forrest McGee.

Mr. McGee retired as a truck driver for the Hartland Planning Mill in Clarksburg. He then served 10 years as a driver of the Barbour County Senior Citizens Bus.

He was an honorably discharged veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army's 2013th Ordinance Co. He was a recipient of the American Theater Service Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was a life long member of the Elk City United Methodist Church, a member of the Barbour County Senior Citizens Center, Barbour County Post 44, American Legion, and a life member of Laurel Mountain Post 410 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed his great-grandchildren, gardening, caring for his lawn, playing dominos, collecting hats and sitting on his front porch.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today from the Elk City United Methodist Church. The Rev. Linda Payton will officiate and interment will follow in the Elk City Cemetery, where Barbour County Post #44, American Legion, will provide military honors.

Friends called Thursday at the funeral home and may from 9 a.m.. until noon today at the funeral home and from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., the funeral hour, at the Elk City United Methodist Church.

Stemple & Forman Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. (www.stempleforman.com) From 1 May2009.

Hilda Ruth Payne, 73, of Beverly, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was a former longtime resident of Elkins.

Surviving are her brothers, Paul Raines of Elkins and Dale Raines of Sarasota, Fla; and sisters, Edith Markley of Charleston, Elizabeth O'Reilly of Lutz, Fla. and Freda Dorsey of Lithia, Fla.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Keller Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Elk Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call at Keller Funeral Home, in Dunbar, from 12:30 p.m. Saturday until the service time at 2 p.m.

James M. "Jim" Ward, 85, of Buckhannon, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Holbrook's Nursing Home.

He was born April 14, 1924, at Weston, a son of the late Martin C. and Anna Peterson Ward.

On June 9, 1950, he married Maxine "Pete" Brockleman, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Mike Ward and wife, Heather, of Montclair, Va., and Pat Ward of Buckhannon; one granddaugher, Savannah Ward of Hollywood, Calif.; and one grandson, Joseph Joshua Ward of Buckhannon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brother, John, Fred and Bill Ward; and two sisters, Imogene Hodges and Mary Wooddell.

Mr. Ward was a meter reader for Columbia Gas Co. for 31 years. He was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church of Buckhannon. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was Admiral Nimitz's personal clerk, stationed at Pearl Harbor. He was a member of the Buckhannon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3663, Buckhannon Moose Lodge 598, a 25-year member of the Buckhannon Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the board of directors for the Upshur County Society for Crippled Children and Adults and a member of the Upshur County Farm Bureau.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Stephen Engle officiating. Burial will follow in the Weston Masonic Cemetery in Weston. Buckhannon VFW Post 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post 7 American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Chapters 5 and 36 will conduct military honors at the graveside.

The family would like to thank the girls on the fourth wing at Holbrook's Nursing Facility for their care during Jim's illness.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 1 May2009.

James P. Simon, 80, of Buckhannon, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg.

He was born July 10, 1928, at Little Pecks Run, a son of the late Philip A. and Freda Queen Simon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James P. Simon II; and one brother, Charles "Chubb" Simon.

He is survived by two daughters, Sherry Waybright and husband, Carl, of Buckhannon and Deborah Wilson and husband, Kevin, of West Virginia; four grandsons, Shawn Cutright and wife, Rita, of Buckhannon, Christopher Leary and wife, Tasha, and Nicholas Brady and Ryan Bowers both of Buckhannon; one granddaughter, Angela Hinchman and husband, Terry, of Buckhannon; one stepgrandson, Dustin Waybright and wife, Jackie, of Ohio; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Simon and wife, Louise, of Goode, Va.; and one sister, Iris McLain of Hodgesville.

Mr. Simon was a security officer for Moore Business Forms of Buckhannon. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and high priest at the church, a member of the Buckhannon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3663 and life member and past commander. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Navy where he spent 10 years in Naval intelligence and the National Security Agency.

Friends will be received at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, May 4, from noon until 2 p.m., the funeral hour. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Church Cemetery at Hodgesville. Buckhannon VFW Post 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 1 May2009.

Mary Deane Groves, 81, of Graham, N.C., died Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Rehabilitation and Health Care of Alamance, Graham, N.C.

She was born in Plymouth, N.C., on Oct. 17, 1927.

She attended elementary school in Pikeville, Ky., and fourth-grade through high school in Elkins, graduating in 1945. She graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown. She had a career in the educational field teaching in Welch, Towson, Md, and AM High School in Frankfurt, Germany. She retired as a professor at Suny-New Paltz in New York. She moved to North Carolina in September 2006 to be close to family. She entered Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County in May 2007 where she died.

Surviving relatives include a sister, Joan Right and husband, Craig, of Graham, N.C.; and one niece, one nephew, two grandnieces, three grandnephews and three great-grandnieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Esther Groves.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Graham, N.C. She will be buried in Maple Grove Cemetery at Findley, Ohio.

The family has asked that no flowers be sent. If you wish, you may make a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance/Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, N.C. 27215. On line condolences may be made to www.mcclurefuneralservice.net. From 1 May2009.

Michelle Dawn Doerr, 42, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Robinson Memorial Hospital.

Born Dec. 15, 1966, at Buckhannon, she was a daughter of Phillip J. and Helen (Marco) Doerr.

Michelle was a licensed cosmetologist. She had worked as a hairstylist with Kids Cuts and Teens Scene in Stow, Ohio, for several years. Michelle was known for her loving and compassionate personality towards everyone she met, including all of her furry friends. She enjoyed traveling to the ocean and spending time with her family. Most of all, Michelle was a devoted mother and best friend to her daughter.

Michelle is survived by her daughter, Bryanna Nicole Doerr; and her parents, Phillip and Helen Doerr of Ravenna, Ohio. She is also survived by her large extended family including many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Friends will be received Saturday, May 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, Ohio. Private services will be conducted at the family's convenience.

Memorial donations may be made to the Portage Animal Protective League. Please share your memories at www.mem.com.

Mr. Scott Thomas Arbogast, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, April 28, 2009, at his home while under the care of Mountain Hospice.

Friends may call from noon until 2 p.m. today at the Valley Head United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today from the church with the Rev. Marshall Williams, the Rev. Ann Fretwell and Julie Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Head Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Hospice, 1600 Crim Ave., Belington, W.Va. 26250, in memory of Mr. Arbogast. Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Scott Thomas Arbogast. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 1 May2009.

Virginia Ann Hall, 81, of the Hall Road, Buckhannon, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Broaddus Hospital in Philippi.

She was born Aug. 15, 1927, at Ambridge, Pa., a daughter of the late Stephen and Teresa Radabaugh Miller.

On April 8, 1943, she married Joseph L. Hall, who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Joseph S. Hall and wife, Janet, of Buckhannon; one granddaughter, Ellen Foster and husband, Travis, of Barboursville; one grandson, Jacob Hall of Buckhannon; and one brother, John Miller of Ambridge, Pa.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Markle and Betty Hoffman; and one brother, Robert Miller.

Mrs. Hall was a homemaker, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3663 Ladies Auxiliary and a Lutheran by faith.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. From 1 May2009.

Mr. Wilbur H. "Butch" Koontz, 71, a resident of Elkins, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at his home.

He was born Jan. 10, 1938, at Elkins, a son of the late Wilbur S. and Beatrice Harvey Koontz.

On Aug. 26, 1956, he was married to Barbara Boyles Koontz, who preceded him in death Dec. 19, 2007.

He is survived by one son, Wilbur H. "Bill" Koontz II and wife, Donna, of Elkins; two grandchildren, Tara and Zachery and wife, Kassie; one great-grandchild, Dominic; and one sister, Betty Brooks Riege and husband, Art, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Butch had attended the schools of Randolph County and was employed for many years as a salesman for Ward Auto Parts in Elkins prior to his retirement. He also retired from service in the Army National Guard. He was a founder of the Frank Wimer Little League Football and was a member of the Elkins Jaycees and BPOE Lodge No. 1135.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3, from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Parli officiating. Interment will follow in Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road.

Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Wilbur H. "Butch" Koontz. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 1 May2009.

Caroleen J. Reed, 81, of Route 3, Buckhannon, the Hinkleville community, passed away Friday, May 1, 2009, at the Saint Joseph's Hospital in Buckhannon.

She was born March 7, 1928, in Braxton County.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Amy Ocheltree Norman; her husband, Kenneth Gilbert Reed, and an infant daughter, Nola Jean Reed.

Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Dale Reed and Mary, his companion of Beaver Falls, Pa., and John Wayne Reed and Sandy, his wife, of Kesling Mill; a daughter, Glenna Moran, and Thomas, her husband, of Route 3, Buckhannon, the Hinkleville community; six grandchildren, Jennifer Sandberg and George, her husband, Brandi Deems and Jeff, her husband, Angela Boggs, Amanda Titchenell, T.J. Moran and Katrina, his wife, and John Reed; five great-grandchildren; her brother, John Norman of Texas; and Freda Norman of Orlando, Fla.

Mrs. Reed was a homemaker and was a member of the Mount Olive United Methodist Church at Hinkleville.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 4, at the Tomblyn Whitescarver Funeral Chapel, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5. Burial will follow in the Upshur County Memorial Park in Tennerton.

The Tomblyn Whitescarver Funeral Chapel of Buckhannon is in charge of the arrangements for Caroleen J. Reed. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblyn.com. From 2 May 2009.

George Anastasios Anastos, 88, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., passed away April 28, 2009, in Holy Spirit Hospital at Camp Hill, Pa.

Born in Newport, N.H., he was the son of Anastasios and Olga Saggiotes Anastos.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 55 years, Thelma Payne Anastos, originally of Elkins, who died May 15, 2008.

George leaves behind his daughter, Mary Dunn of Pineville, Pa., her husband, Joseph, and two granddaughters, Cristin and Briana; his son, Ernest of Arlington, Va., his wife, Laura, and two grandsons, Erik and Mark; his son, Steven of Gainesville, Va., his wife, Sandra, and a granddaughter, Robyn, and grandson, Christopher; his daughter, Barbara of Pennington, N.J.; his sister, Mary Manos and brother-in-law, Arthur, of Sun City, Ariz.; his brother, Spiro Anastos of Concord, N.H;. sisters-in-law, Ola Anastos and Peggy Anastos of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

George will be remembered for his love and care for his family, his dedicated service and devotion to his country, his passion for the Boston Celtics and Bruins, his voracious newspaper reading and stamp and coin collecting.

George retired as a command sergeant major after 28 years of service in the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.

The viewing will be Sunday, May 3, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 N. Baltimore, Mount Holly Springs, Pa. At 7 p.m., there will be a Trisagion service with Father Rodion Laskowski officiating. A funeral service with full military honors will be conducted in the pavilion at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa., Monday at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to either the Children's Hospital Fund, P.O. 827790, Philadelphia., Pa. 19182-7790, or The Wilds Christian Camp; ATTN: Living Memorials, P.O. Box 509; Taylors, S.C. 29687; or www.wilds.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 717-486-3433. From 2 May 2009.

Ira Dawson Alkire, 93, former mayor of Hendricks, and a resident of the Rosendorf community, departed this life Thursday afternoon, April 30, 2009, at his home.

He was born Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1915, at Arlington, a son of the late Albert Dawson Alkire and Judie Woods Alkire.

He was twice married, first on Dec. 5, 1936, at Oakland, Md., he was married to the former Madeline G. Plaugher, who preceded him in death Feb. 26, 1994, and second, on Oct. 4, 1997, at Red House, Md., he was married to the former Opal M. Sponaugle, who preceded him in death Feb. 10, 2006.

Surviving are two stepsons, Mike Mobley and Bill Carr and wife, Faye; and several nieces and nephews. Ira was known to be called Dad by many, Sue, Diane, Pam, Donna and Nancy; and Granddad to Walter and Dr. Michael, who called Ira "Uncle."

He is the last surviving member of his immediate family having been preceded in death by four brothers, Albert, William Dewey, Earl Jackson and Emory M.J. Alkire; and three sisters, Susan Elizabeth Ware, Dora M. Marple and Laura J. Smith.

He attended the schools of Tucker County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II on the Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Pacific oceans. He was at Okinawa when the war ended, working in every terminal on his division and honorably discharged at Bainbridge, Md. He was a former councilman and mayor of Hendricks. He worked in the coal mines, in the woods, ran heavy machinery, worked for the West Virginia Division of Highways, was a farmer and retired from CSX Railroad as an engineer. He was a lifetime member of the Moose, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

"I'm Free" - "Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took God's hand when I heard the call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full; I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me - God wanted me now, God set me free."

The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home parlor on Sunday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Eli Hostetler will officiate and interment will follow in Parsons City Cemetery at Parsons, where the H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion will present the American flag.

Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Ira Dawson Alkire. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com. From 2 May 2009.

Mr. Leon Phillips, 70, a resident of Beverly, passed away Thursday evening, April 30, 2009, in the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. He had been in his usual health until the past two months.

He was born Feb. 23, 1939, at Harding, a son of the late Walter "Banjo" Phillips and the late Laura Virginia Donaldson Phillips.

Surviving are one son, Leon Bradford Phillips of Baltimore, Md.; four daughters, Deborah Kay Phillips and fiancee, Vernon Berg of Bowden; Sharon Lynn Phillips of Canton, Ohio; Karen Jean Stiffler and husband, Irvin, of Homeworth, Ohio; and Mary Simmons and husband, Bill, of Kent, Ohio; two brothers, Roger Lee Phillips of Elkins and Maynard Phillips of Akron, Ohio; one sister, Eleanor Phillips of Baltimore, Md.; and 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.

Also preceding him in death were one son, Bradford Alan Phillips; three brothers, Wayne, Bob and Randall Phillips; and one sister, Carrie Sue Watring.

Mr. Phillips attended the schools of Randolph County and was employed as a carpenter in Baltimore, Md., for many years prior to his retirement.

He was member of the Randolph County Senior Center, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4, from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Parli officiating. Interment will follow in the Phillips Cemetery near Jimtown.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Leon Phillips. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 2 May 2009.

Ronald "Ronnie" Paul Flasher, 72, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2009, in the Fairview Hospital in Cleveland surrounded by family and friends.

He was born March 31, 1937, in Harrisonburg, Va., a son of the late William Flasher and Dessie Fox Flasher.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret Thomas Flasher, formerly of Whitmer.

Also surviving are three children, Ronda Cooper and Ronald "Ronnie" Flasher Jr., both of West Virginia, and April Slavik of Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Kelly, Daniel, Nick, Tiffany, Dustin, Andrew, Joey, Jack, Megan and Trevor; eight great-grandchildren, Darren, Kyle, Ryan, Alexis, William, Ronnie, Aaron and Jacob; three sisters, Henrietta, Debbie and Wynema; and one brother, Herman.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be under the direction of the Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins for Ronald Paul Flasher.

The family is currently arranging the time of services which will be at the Job Church of God. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 2 May 2009.

Mr. Wilbur H. "Butch" Koontz, 71, a resident of Elkins, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at his home. Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 3, from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Parli officiating. Interment will follow in the Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Wilbur H. "Butch" Koontz. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com. From 2 May 2009.