John Dean Forbush, 24, of Gassaway passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022.
He was born in Elyria, Ohio on April 25, 1998 to Dean Robert Forbush and the late Kristina Lynn Stewart.
In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Donald Lee Richardson; and grandfather, John William Stewart.
When John was younger and living in Ohio, he and his brother, William, spent most weekends competing in turkey shoots and fishing tournaments. In 2011 he and William moved to WV to live with his grandmother and step grandfather. On September 25, 2011 he was baptized and became a member of Gassaway Baptist Church. Around this time, his passion for working on engines started early when at Gassaway Days one year he participated in the garden tractor pull. He fired up an old Sears lawn mower and painted it so many times it was believed to be held together with paint. He had several good friends and mentors who helped him build and hone the skill of competitive engine pulling. At 15 he started flipping trucks and bringing them back to working order for himself, friends and others who asked him. It wasn’t long before John had worked and made 50 trucks better. He bought, traded and sold until he had a truck that he wanted, a diesel Power Stroke. He eventually realized he would only be satisfied working for himself and he made it happen. He became the owner and operator of Braxton Auto and Diesel Repair Shop on Route 4. He also loved animals and particularly had a self-taught passion for showing horses. He and his fiancée had quarter horses and participated in competitive barrel racing, poles, and Western Pleasure. John was President of the West Fork Riding Club. He was a member of the Gassaway Fire Department Station #2. For a time he announced youth basketball games and also moved the chains for football in support for his little brother, who was on the team. Last year he tried his hand at the Demolition Derby. Their daughter was born in 2021 and he reveled in his new role as father. He had a really good sense of humor and loved to joke and kid around. Anything that he set his mind to, he became passionate about. John had a helping heart who never met a stranger and he touched the lives of individuals in our county as well as in other states.
John will be forever remembered by his fiancée, Amber Lynn Frame and daughter, Krislynn Grace Forbush of Gassaway; brother, William Alan Forbush of Gassaway; grandparents; Ruth Ann and Dave Samples of Frametown; father, Dean Robert Forbush; aunt, Rachel Boskovitch and husband, Frank, of Ohio and aunt, Rachel Collins of Ohio; his fiancée’s parents, Vern and Marshall Frame of Gassaway; and best friend, JC Hoard. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
His visitation was from 3 to 8 P.M. Monday, May 9, 2022 at Gassaway Baptist Church.
Fireman’s funeral service will be 11 A.M. Tuesday, May 10th at the church with the Reverend Mark Stump officiating.
Interment will be in the Frame Cemetery, Stumbo.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Gassaway Volunteer Fire Department, 105 Fifth Street, Gassaway, WV 26624
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Willard James “Red” Prince, 98, of Jane Lew went home to his Lord on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at his home. He was born in Lake Lane in Braxton County on October 7, 1923: son of the late John Luther Prince and Alice Rosie (Brown) Prince. On October 5, 1945, Red married the love of his life, Mary June (Eubank) Prince, who preceded him in death.
Red will be forever cherished by one daughter Deborah Ellen Prince of Bridgeport, one son Edwin J. Prince of Cleveland, OH, 7 grandchildren: Christy, Chad, Sarah, Nicole, Justin, Benjamin, Meredith, 24 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his best friend Jack Heffinger and caregiver Dennis Gaunt.
In addition to his parents and wife June, Red was preceded in death by two sons Steven Prince and Donovan Craig Prince, one grandchild Donovan Ashley Prince, 4 brothers: Garl, Ernest Luther, Earl and Denzil Prince and 5 sisters: Virginia “Virgie” Blake, Elsie Moats, Sara Davis, Mary Theda Prince and Myrtle Prince.
Mr. Prince was a graduate of Burnsville High School with the class of 1942 and a graduate of Weston Business College. Red then entered the United States Army during World War II where he received the rank of Sergeant. He was proud of his time served, where he was in the Battle of the Bulge and Red received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award and World War II Victory Ribbon and was very proud to tell anyone about. After his service, Red owned and operated Prince’s Service Station of Jane Lew from 1948-1986.
Red was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #166 of Jane Lew, the General Lightburn VFW Post #5131, where he had been first commander and past commander, and a life time member of Weston DAV #51.
Red was an avid NASCAR and football fan. He started playing music at a young age and continued playing throughout his life. He was especially known for playing the dobro and steel guitar. Red could tell a story that would leave a lasting impression. He had 3 furry cat companions who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends gathered at Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue of Weston on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 1PM-3PM. The funeral service began at 3PM from the funeral home chapel with Reverend Ron Brown officiating. Interment followed services at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens of Jane Lew with full Military Honors conducted by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Red may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Richard Donald Nettles, 78 of Sutton, WV passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Braxton County Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.
Richard was born April 24, 1944 to the late Donald Cecil Nettles and the late Evelyn Jarvis Nettles-Williams.
After graduating Sutton High School in 1962, Richard joined his parents’ business, Elk Valley Motor Sales, eventually taking over the businesses as they expanded to include Elk Valley Motor Sales (Towing & Salvage), Elk Valley Dodge-Chrysler-Plymouth-Jeep (Auto Sales & Service), U-Save Auto Rental, and Elk Valley Pre-Owned Auto Sales & Rental. Richard also owned and managed several rental properties and storage units all of which are located in Sutton. Richard was a member of Christ Church United Methodist in Sutton and a long time member of the Sutton Moose Lodge.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by son, Shawn E. Cutlip, and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife and devoted caretaker, Linda L. Cutlip Nettles; sons, R. Marc Nettles and Clifford C. Nettles (Tammy Sue), both of Sutton, M. Shayne Cutlip (Bridgett) of Salem, OH; daughter, C. Suzette Steele (Douglas) of Burnsville; grandchildren, K. Danielle Moore (Jeffrey) of Servia, Corey Nettles of Sutton, Grace Hines & Phillip Steele both of Burnsville and Skylar & Caleb Cutlip of Salem, OH; great grandchildren, Lilly, Layden & Lanette Hines, Addison & Lane Moore and Braelyn Nettles. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held 11:00 am, Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev. Be Be Marshall officiating. Friends called one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Richard was buried along side his beloved mother at Braxton County Cemetery on Airport Rd. Sutton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s name to: Just One Generation Cat Rescue, 4397 Elk River Rd. Frametown, WV 26623 or The Braxton County Animal Shelter, 10 Animal Shelter Ln. Sutton, WV 26601.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nettles family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Sonja Cooper, 82, of Gassaway, WV passed away on May 3, 2022. She was born May 22, 1939 to parents Earl McCune and Nora Fowler McCune.
Sonja was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Carl C. Cooper; brothers; Earl McCune, Jr and Donnie McCune; grandson: Ben Cooper and daughter-in-law Patricia Cooper.
She was a Baptist by faith and a lifelong resident of Braxton County. Sonja enjoyed cake decorating, gardening and growing flowers, bird watching, she loved animals especially cats, spending time at the beach and watching the sunsets, and most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Sonja is survived by her sons: Rickie A. Burrows, Sr. (Sherry), of Gassaway, WV, Gary W. Burrows (Patti) of Star Tannery, VA; Audy E. Burrows of Bruceton Mills, WV; stepsons: Dewayne Cooper of West Union, WV and Kenneth Cooper of Fairmont, WV; brother: Paul McCune of Wellsboro, PA; grandchildren: Rickie A. Garavaglia (Tracy), Nicole A. Grose (Robert), Gary W. Burrows III (Lindzey), Joshua P. Burrows (Angel), Zack A. Burrows (Ashley), Amber D. McFarland (Mike), Brian Cooper and Shannon Cooper. great-grandchildren: Adison J. Garavaglia, Matthias A. Garavaglia, Trebor C. Grose, Colieauna A. Grose, Autumn H. Gust, Seth A . Burrows, Caleb N. Burrows, Xander J. Burrows, Adeline R. Burrows, Grady R. Englehart, Rylee E. Englehart.
Service were held at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 6, 2022 at Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation, Flatwoods, WV. Visitation were two hours prior to the service from 11:00-1:00 pm. Pastor’s Rickie Garavaglia and Gary W. Burrows, Jr. officiated the service. Interment was in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway, WV. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the family of Sonja Cooper.
Janet Elaine Salisbury, 62, of Sutton, passed away on Friday, April 31, 2022 at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport.
She was born October 16, 1959 in Sutton, the daughter of the late Harley Leroy & Rosalene McCourt Roupe. Also preceding her in death was her son, Tracil Lee Salisbury, Jr; daughter, Shaunna Marie Roupe.
Janet was a homemaker and was a member of Kingdom Hall Jehovah Witness.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Tracil Lee Salisbury; daughters, Mackenzie Elaine Greene (Michael) of Sutton, Gena Rae Tinnel of Summersville, Brittany Nicole (Nikki) Tinnel (Brian Shaw) of Craigsville; brothers, Hillis Leroy Roupe, James Roupe both of Little Birch, Danny Roupe of Maryland; sisters, Sue Almony, Darlene Salisbury, Sheila George and Angie Cutlip all of Sutton; grandchildren, Joshua, Jazman, Aaden, Nevarah, Mason, Zayne.
Funeral service was held 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 5, 2022 with Elder Donald Lilly officiating. Friends called 12:00 pm till 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is humbled to be serving the Salisbury family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
James Lee Wine, 97, of Bragg Run Road, Burnsville, WV passed away April 29, 2022 with his loving family by his side. He was born at home in Copen, WV on March 15, 1925 to the late James Lewis Wine and Eula Marguerite Singleton Wine.
On July 4, 1947 he married Helen Scarff Wine. They were married 69 years at the time of her passing in 2016.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Helen Wine; brothers: Charles V. Wine, Omar J. Wine and Gerald L. Wine.
There wasn’t anything James Lee couldn’t do or fix. He had numerous occupations in his lifetime. He was a coal miner, spent 11-years driving a school bus, built homes during the day with Erlo Baker until time to make his bus run, he worked 29 years at Equitable Gas Company and retired as Station Supervisor. He was a proud Navy Veteran, one of the oldest in the county. He served in World War II and the Korean War onboard the USS Artic, USS Bassett and the USS Republic.
James Lee had many interests including beekeeping, gardening, canning, cooking, carpentry but most of all doing for others. He always loved raising his chickens. And then there was Dolly Parton. He always loved kids and was a wonderful son, father, grandfather, husband and neighbor.
He served on the Burnsville Park & Recreation Board, was a caretaker of the Burnsville Community Building for years. In the past, he was a member of the Burnsville fire department and served as chief. He served on the PPR committee, was a member of the Jackie Knight Post 3757 VFW and served as their Commander. He was a Christian by faith and attended Right Hand Fork United Methodist Church. He was the 1995 Town of Burnsville Citizen of the Year, the 1998 Town of Burnsville Citizen of the Year and 2013 Christmas Parade Marshall.
He is survived by his children; Sondra Wine Casto (Larry) of New Martinsville, WV, Norma Jane Wine Freshour (Charles) of Burnsville, WV, Cheryl Ann Wine of Burnsville, WV, Carol Lynn Wine Bucklew (Bruce) of Jetersville, VA, and Sean Lee Wine (Anne) of Sunnyside, NY; grandchildren: Michele Casto, Marla Casto Cumpston (Corey), Michael Casto, James Clinton Freshour, Alex Wine, CW Freshour, Ryan Bucklew and Ashley Williams; great grandchildren: Alexis Muha, Shana Hogue, Olivia Johnson, Mason Casto, Trevor, Madison and Landon Freshour, Crew, Aven, Reeve and Adah Williams; great-great grandchildren: Jaxon Casto and Myra Blackmon; brothers: Leroy G.Wine (Linda) of Colorado and Letcher “Newt” Wine (Darlene) of Tennessee.
Service was 2:00 pm Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation, Flatwoods, WV. Pastor John David Bush officiated the service. Visitation was held on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment was in the Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens, Heaters, WV
Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Wine family.
Adrian Don Collins, 46, of Rosedale passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022.
He was born June 1, 1975 in Amherst, Ohio to Darrel and Marie White Collins.
Adrian was preceded in death by his girlfriend, Martha Baisden; his maternal grandparents, Ronzal and Gladys White; paternal grandparents, Ali and Virginia Collins; and several uncles and aunts.
Often you could find Adrian being a jokester and kidding with his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and whittling. He had a kind heart. Adrian enjoyed reading his Bible and he was a Baptist by faith. Throughout his life he worked several different types of jobs as a laborer. He will be missed.
Adrian is survived by his parents, Darrel and Marie White Collins; brother, William “Bill” Darrel Collins and wife, Marybeth, of Elyria, Ohio; nephew, Carter Brayden; and step niece, Eloise Marie. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
His funeral service was 12 Noon, Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV with Reverend Rich Demastus officiating.
Interment was in Orma Methodist Church Cemetery, Orma, WV.
Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Melissa “Misi” Marie Hawkins, 54, of Sutton passed away at home on Monday, May 2, 2022.
She was born in Gassaway on October 14, 1967.
Preceding her in death was her companion of 20+ years, Donald Charles Davis.
Misi enjoyed listening to music, especially Janis Joplin. She often read romance novels and watched Grizzly Adams on TV. In the summer she enjoyed being outdoors, sunbathing and swimming. She also spent time with her family.
She is survived by her daughters Shanna Marie Johnson of Lubbock, TX and Sonya Leigh Hawkins of Gassaway; her mother Lela Joan Cogar of Gassaway; and her great aunt Wilma Johnson of Sutton.
Misi’s funeral service was 1 P.M. Friday, May 6, 2022 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV with Pastor Rodney England officiating. Interment followed in the Braxton Memorial Cemetery, Sutton, WV.
Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Lola R. Jackson
Lola R. Jackson, 93, of Gassaway, passed away at the Braxton Health Care Center on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
She was born in Sutton, WV on November 27, 1928, a daughter of the late Melvin Humphreys and Alice Perrine Humphreys.
Lola married the love of her life, Paul B. Jackson on August 16, 1946.
Lola was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tiffany Jackson; husband, Paul Jackson; parents, Melvin and Alice Humphreys; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry Winfred and Mabel May Cutlip Jackson; sister, Doris Lingo; brothers, Paul Humphreys and Robert Humphreys.
She is survived by children, Janet E. Barnett (Robert) of Weston, Linda M. Steen of Gassaway, Donna R. Eakins (Bill) of Warren, Ohio, William B. Jackson (Jean) of Gassaway, James P. Jackson (Teresa) of Gassaway; adopted son, John W. Jackson, formerly of Gassaway; sister-in-law, Helen Dennis of Ohio; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to mention.
Lola was a very talented and kind lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family gives special thanks to her former caretaker, Irene Wilson, and the wonderful staff at the Braxton Health Care Center.
Lola’s request for cremation will be honored and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Ann Lake, 74, of Frametown passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
She was born in Burnsville on February 25, 1948 to the late Edward A. Blake and Bobby Lou Blake.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, William Lee Lake.
Barbara worked at Go Mart, Inc. for 25+ years and most recently worked as a Human Resources Assistant. She truly enjoyed taking care of her lawn at home. She had a huge heart for the people in her life and a passion for all animals. She was a Baptist by faith.
She will be forever remembered by her daughters of the heart, Sharon Mace of Gassaway and Laura Rhodes of Weston; two dogs, Sadie and Percy and her cat, Miss Allie.
In keeping with her wishes she will be cremated and there will be no services.
Special thanks to the WV Caring hospice care nurses for their compassionate care of Barbara.
Memorial Donations can be made to Braxton County Animal Shelter, 10 Animal Shelter Lane, Sutton, WV 26601.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to her friends at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Mabel Jean (Dobbins) Hall, 85, of Duck passed away May 7, 2022.
She was born on January 22, 1937 to the late Mack McGraw Dobbins and Francis Wilkerson.
As a child, she spent most of her time with her grandparents, Gilbert and Florence (Vaughan) Dobbins, on their farm in Cowskin, WV. As an adult, Mabel called the Duck Creek area home, but she also spent several years near her daughter in Flatwoods. Recently she rested in the kind hands of the wonderful caregivers at Clay Health Care Center.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Hall; her father, Mack M. Dobbins; mother, Francis Wilkerson; and brother, Chester “Butch” Dobbins.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Arnold Gregory. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Rhonda Dobbins, of Beckley, WV; sister, Connie Johnson of Noble, Illinois; nephew, Richard Johnson; niece, Amy Rose and her son, Harrison. Mabel was a great cook. You would always leave her table with a full stomach and a covered bowl of leftovers for later. She made beautiful quilts, afghans and clothing for her daughter. She collected chicken candy dishes of every color, which she said reminded her of her childhood on the farm where it was her job to gather the eggs each day.
We would like to thank many wonderful people in Braxton who have helped us through difficult times, especially caregivers; Jennifer Jarvis, Heather Tanner, Dr. William Given, the BCMH Staff, EMS members and Home Health nurses. They are all irreplaceable!
Mabel’s funeral service will be 12 Noon Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Elder Larry Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in the Hall Cemetery, Servia.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com
Margaret Ann Rexroad, 63, of Sutton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Braxton Health Care Center. .
She was born September 16, 1957 in Sutton to the late Ernest Nicholson and Minora Adeline Cutlip Nicholson Freeman.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her infant grandson, Issac Caden Clutter; and her brother-in-law, Dave Harris.
Margaret was a homemaker. She served the Lord as a Sunday school teacher and was a current member of Mid State Church of God. Before her health turned, her grandson, Christian, and she would often have popcorn and movie night together. Margaret and her granddaughter, Sofia, would get their nails done and play games together. Her memory will also live on when Sofia plays jokes on other people, just like Margaret did. She wanted her children and grandchildren to know that she loved them and to know she would see them again someday.
She will be fondly remembered by her son, Michael Rexroad; daughter Amanda Gum and husband, Brandon; sister, Ernestine Clutter; grandchildren, Christian Heath Gum and her namesake, Sofia Adeline Gum. She is also survived by nephews, David Clutter and Jason Clutter and great niece, Aaliyah Clutter.
In keeping with her wishes, Margaret will be cremated.
A Celebration of her life will be 6 P.M. Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Mid State Church of God, Gassaway with Pastor Rodney England officiating.
A private inurnment will be at a later date.
The family would like to give special thanks to Braxton Health Care Center for all their compassionate care and love for Margaret.
Words of comfort and memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Charles Mitchell Given was born to the late Charles Donald Given and Annis Juanita Given in Sutton, West Virginia, on Nov. 12, 1947. He spent his early childhood in Little Birch, West Virginia, where he told stories of walking to his schoolhouse, through deep snow, to lighting the woodstove prior to arrival of fellow students and teacher, and of diving off the Sutton dam with friends in summer months.
Charles was drafted to Vietnam at the age of 18, where he served in the United States Army. During his time of service, he received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat. After finishing his tour, he began his lengthy career with Harrison & Wright Construction Company in Norfolk, Va., where he developed lifelong friendships and met his first wife, Linda Payne. Tragically, Linda died young and he later went on to meet and marry the love of his life, Jean Given. During their 30+ years together they enjoyed making their home and raising their family in Gloucester, Va.
Charles never met a stranger and was always willing to stop for a while and shoot the breeze. He loved his family, loved working in the yard and on home improvement projects, and thoroughly enjoyed camping in the mountains and fishing in the Outer Banks with his family.
Charles spent the last four years of his life in Dunnsville, Va., where he died on March 19, 2022. He is survived by his children, Sheila Harvey, Carolyn Dries (Jeff), Cristy Payne (Alvin), Jared Given (Jenny) and Megan Pollack (Jason); siblings, Carol Stanley (Jimmy), Martha Cutlip (Carl), Gary Lee Given, and Judy Adams and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Linda Payne; his second wife Jean Given, and his sister, Linda Cox.
A private family celebration of life service is planned for a later date.
