Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

Betty LeMoyne Ankrom
Betty LeMoyne Ankrom, 94 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2023 at the TerraBella Pheasant Ridge Senior Living in Roanoke, VA.
She was born, June 7, 1928, in Newville, Braxton County, WVA, the daughter of the late Haymond and Nellie (Ocheltree) Stutler. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, James H. Ankrom.
She attended Sutton High School, graduating in 1946 and then attended Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Clarksburg, WVA, graduating in 1949. Betty was a well-respected RN for many years before her retirement.
Betty had many interests including painting, needlework, knitting and crocheting. She also spent many years doing genealogy and family history research. Betty always loved to talk to people, and kept in touch with many of her family members through letters and emails until she was unable to do so in later years.
She is survived by her two brothers, Jackson (Leola) Stutler of FL and W. Zaccheus (Julie) Stutler of Mexico. She also leaves behind her three children, Raymond (Dayle) Ankrom of RI, LeMoyne Seamster of VA, and Tamara Silvius, of VA. She has six living grandchildren, James Ankrom, Sharon-Lee Smith, Jeffrey Ankrom, Timothy Switzer, Matthew Switzer and Sara Silvius and one deceased grandson, Samuel Silvius. She has nine great grandchildren as well.
A graveside service was held Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the High Knob Cemetery, Sutton, WV.
Greene-Robertson Funeral home is humbled to have served the Ankrom family.
Online condolences may be sent to:greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Lee Granason Hosey
Lee Granason Hosey, 39 of Craigsville, formerly of Webster Springs, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023 He was born December 6, 1983 in Webster Springs to the late Isaac William “Ike” and Regina Gail Riffle Hosey.
He was a 2001 graduate of Webster County High School was employed at Jeld-Wen Products in Craigsville. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, spending time with his kids, and working on cars and trucks. He was a proud father. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Eric Chase Davis.
Lee is survived by his children Isaac Hosey and Bryana Hughart; sisters Lorra (Boone) Hamrick and Jennifer (Wayne) Jordan; niece Leah Hamrick; nephew Jakob Payne; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Funeral Services to celebrate Lee’s life were held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs with Pastor Bennie Cowger officiating.
Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to service time at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hosey family.

Darrel V. Ramsey
Darrel Vernon Ramsey, 88, of Seville, Ohio went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. He was born on July 23, 1934 in Harrison, West Virginia to the late Clarence and Iva (Lucas) Ramsey.
Darrel served in the US Air Force during the Korean War (1951-1954). Darrel retired from the IBEW Electrical Union in 1997. He also worked construction, running heavy equipment. He helped build Interstate 79 from Charleston to Morgantown, West Virginia. Darrel was an ordained Baptist minister and preached the gospel for over 50 years. Darrel loved his family dearly and telling stories of “yester years.” He also enjoyed hunting and riding four wheelers. Darrel was also a Master Mason and a Scottish Wright officer for a number of years. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
He is survived by 4 children, Patty (Gary) Miller of Barberton, Jim (Brandy) Ramsey of West Salem, Darrel Wayne Ramsey of Glenville, WV, and Tammy (Doug) Vaughn of West Salem; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Darrel was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 62 years, Janet (Miller) Ramsey; daughter, Gwendolyn Ramsey; daughter-in-law, Penny (Crutchfield) Ramsey and grandson, Adam Ramsey.
Visitation was held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 6 to 8 PM at Park Funeral Home, 210 Medina Street, Lodi, OH 4424.
Funeral Service was held Friday, February 24, 2023 at 12 PM at the funeral home.
Interment with military honors followed at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.
Pastor Jerry Clevenger will officiate.
Online condolences may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com.
Keith Gregory
Keith Gregory, 74, of Ireland, WV passed away on February 17, 2023. He was born on October 10, 1948 to parents, Paul Pierson Gregory and Mable Lucy (Mollohan) Gregory. Keith was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon Hawkins.
Keith worked many years for Jones Chevrolet in Gassaway, WV and Waco Oil and Gas, Glenville, WV as an auto body mechanic. He was a United States NAVY Veteran.
Keith loved taking road trips and restoring old cars.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Ellen Gregory; daughter, Kelsey Mae Gregory; stepsons, Buddy Key Prince and Jacob Allen Prince; step grandson, Cullen Key Prince; brother, Paul Morris Gregory (Debbie); in-laws; Calvin and Lucille Williams; brother-in-law’s; Mike Williams and Joseph Hawkins; sister-in-law, Brenda Stewart (Don) and several nieces and nephews.
Keith’s wishes to be cremated are being honored by his family. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Stockert Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gregory family.
Donations will be accepted to assist the Gregory family with final expenses. Please mail checks to Stockert Funeral Home, PO Box 280, Flatwoods, WV 26621.

Velma Marian Forinash
Velma Marian Forinash, 94, passed away on February 18, 2023, at 9:10 p.m. at Broaddus Hospital in Philippi.
She was born June 9, 1928, in Bela PA, to Charles and Gertrude Crispen who preceded her in death, along with one brother, Dean Crispen; and two sisters: Bertha Bump and Dorcus McCall. Also preceding her in death, was the love of her life, Wilbert Joe Forinash.
Marian is survived by her only child, Stephen Forinash and wife, Mary, of Crawford WV, as well as two sisters: Jean Miller of Parker, PA, and Connie Collier of Chicora, PA. Marian was blessed with three granddaughters: Joanna Barnette and husband, Matt, of Jane Lew, Melinda Hairfield and companion, Paul Fallon, of Weston, and Shawna Cogar and companion, Lucas Cottrell, of Wana; and five great-grandchildren: CJ Hairfield, David Hairfield, Ella Barnette, Alton Cogar, and Sawyer Cogar; as well as, several nieces and nephews.
Marian was Methodist by faith and a longtime member of the Ireland United Methodist Church. She loved living in and being part of the community of Ireland West Virginia. Marian enjoyed volunteering in the kitchen at the Irish Spring Festival, participating in the parade, and keeping the community building and grounds clean. She was very proud to have the honor of holding the seat of Irish Spring Festival Queen in 1996, Queen XV. She was an awarded 50-year member of the Ireland CEOS, was a longtime member of the Rebekahs, and volunteered countless hours working at Our Neighbor in Weston.
Marian enjoyed word search puzzles, collecting teddy bears, walks on nice days, watching her “stories”, and the Golden Girls. She loved having company stop by and sharing a cup of hot tea with honey.
Family and friends gathered for Visitation at Clutter Funeral Home – Alkire Chapel located at 190 Wildcat Rd. in Ireland from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Funeral Services began at 2:00 p.m. in the Alkire Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in McCutcheon Chapel Cemetery in Ireland.
We, at Clutter Funeral Home – Alkire Chapel are honored and privileged to serve the family of Velma Marian Forinash. Condolences may be made online at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

Kenneth Ray Long, Sr.
Kenneth Ray Long, Sr., 72 of Webster Springs, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh. He was born August 7, 1950 in Parcoal to the late Fred I. Long, Sr. and Grace N. Mitchell Long.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing grass, and being a firefighter. He was a member of the Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department from September 1, 1985 until he became an Honorary Member in 2020, when his health caused him to retire. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Cowen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Fred I. Long, Jr. and Carlton Kurt Long, and two granddaughters.
He is survived by his wife Brenda Sue Smith Long; sons Jamie (Shantee) Long, Kenneth R. Long, Jr., Scott (Cheyenne) Long, Robert Long, and Kurt (Mary) Long; daughter Heaven R. Long; 10 grandchildren; brother Jess (Laura) Long; and several extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral Services to celebrate Kenny’s life were held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs. Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to Service time at the Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors follow edin Union Cemetery, Parcoal.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Kenny’s family.

Jack Dewayne Steele, Sr.
Jack Dewayne Steele, Sr., 88, of New Providence, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 6, 2023 after a long illness. Born in Sutton, WV, he was the son of the late Art and Myrle (Miller) Steele. He was the loving husband of Ruth K. (Dawson) Steele. Together they shared 67 years of marriage.
Jack was a Christian man who was raised Baptist. He served his country during the Korea war from 1952-1954. He was a Truck Driver for most of his life and loved his job. He enjoyed reading and was known for helping anyone who needed it. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be very much missed.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, Jack is survived by his children Brenda Feerrar (husband, Harold “Bud”), and Jack D. Steele, Jr. (wife, Christien); his sisters Betty Carson, Violet Cantrell, and Rita Straley; and his grandchildren Lace Anne, Harold “BJ”, Janine, Lance, Allison, and Jack; as well as 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
For online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com

Rosemary McCarty Huffman
Rosemary McCarty Huffman died at Ruby Hospital, Morgantown, on Friday, February 17, 2023, of complications from pneumonia and respiratory failure. She was a resident of Buckhannon, West Virginia. Rosemary was born on November 27, 1944, the daughter of Virginia Wheeler Linger.
She is survived by one son, John Scott Huffman, and wife, Jennifer Cash of Burleson, Texas. 4 grandchildren: Andrew, Hannah Bell, Koby, and Guerlain Huffman.
Rosemary was predeceased by Mother, Virginia Wheeler Linger, Uncles, Robert and Noel Wheeler, Step-father, Bill Linger, husband, Ben Huffman, and companion, Gary Crites.
She was a graduate of the class of 1962 Sutton High School, Sutton, WV, and Glenville State College with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education.
Rosemary lived in Maryland, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
The body will be cremated and there are no arrangements.

John Carpenter
John Carpenter, 97 of Laurel Fork, departed this life on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Webster Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born December 30, 1925 in Hacker Valley to the late Benjamin F. “Ben” and Violet Ann Simmons Carpenter.
He attended school at Cowger Hill School House; he was drafted into the United States Marines and upon completion received an Honorable Discharge. In 1948 he married Oleta M. Cowger.
He worked in the logging industry as a timber cutter for Ken Hines Logging, Bernard “Dink” Cogar Logging, and Pugh & Bickel Logging. He worked for a short time for Paul Loudin Alkire Funeral Home in Ireland and then returned to Webster County in 1978 and went to work for the Department of Highways as a grader operator until his health forced him to retire in 1986.
John was a minister with the West Virginia Christian Conference for 24 years. He pastored Bendertown Church and Orndoff Church and was Sunday School Teacher, Church Leader, and later Pastor at Cowger Hill Church, until he resigned from this organization. John joined the Union Mission Conference in 1978 and remained a licensed Union Mission minister until his passing. He and Oleta moved from Cowger Hill to Laurel Fork and attended Jumbo Church and Upper Holly Union Mission Church, where he attended until his health declined.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two infant children, Lynn Michael and Alpha Franklin; four half-brothers; and five half-sisters.
He is survived by his wife Oleta; several nieces and nephews; his church family that was so dear to him; and several extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Ware Cemetery, Cowger Hill with Pastor Curt Davis officiating. Friends may join the family for visitation one hour prior to service time at the cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Carpenter family.