James H. “Jim” Uldrich
James H. “Jim” Uldrich, 91, passed away on December 10, 2023, at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain. Born on March 23, 1932, in Gassaway, W. VA to Ray G. and Ruie Leo (nee Johnson) Uldrich.
At the age of 14, Jim began his journey in the timber industry, showcasing a strong work ethic that would define his life. Remarkably, he became a member of the National Guard at the tender age of 15, exemplifying his commitment to service and duty.
During the Korean War, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he courageously defended his beloved country. His time in the Air Force was marked by his dedication to learning, particularly in the field of radar technology. Jim served as a radar technician and even found time for enjoyment, participating in football during his enlistment. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
Following his military service, Jim, accompanied by the love of his life, Greta, moved to Amherst. There, he embarked on a remarkable career at Lake Terminal Railroad, starting as a laborer. Over 31 years of dedicated service, he worked his way up to the esteemed position of Train Master before retiring in 1986.
Retirement didn’t mark the end of Jim’s working days. He pursued a new chapter as a traveling salesman for Resco Refractory, showcasing his relentless work ethic. When he finally decided to hang up his hat for good, he found joy in spending time with his horse, riding and even introducing “Bo” to children at a local school.
Jim was a pillar of the community, dedicating 25 years of his life to being a Boy Scout leader in Amherst and coaching little league football for his boys. His advocacy extended to the Murray Ridge School, where he devoted an impressive 40 years supporting in any way possible and serving on the board as President for 9 years. Jim was also a staunch supporter of the Special Olympics, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and compassion.
He took great pride in his involvement with the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard team, even serving as a trustee of the American Legion Post 118. Jim Uldrich leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and community involvement that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
Jim is survived by his sons, James, Jr., and Dan, both of Amherst; daughters, Diana Uldrich, Dana (Chuck) Winiarski, Linda Uldrich and Jeanie (Bruce) Petkovsek, all of Amherst; his grandchildren; brother, Bill (Kathy) Uldrich, of Gassaway, W. VA; and sisters, Ruth Helen Uldrich, of Gassaway, W. VA, Susan Hull, of Weston, W. VA and Sharon (John) Barth, of Charleston, W. VA.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Greta J. (nee Johnson) Uldrich; parents; sisters, Frankie Fatka & Betty Hess; and a brother, Tom Uldrich.
The family received friends on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 from 11:00 am until the time of his memorial service at 12:00 pm in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Inurnment of both he and Greta took place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, OH at a later date. To send a message of sympathy, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.
To honor Jim’s dedication and devotion to Murray Ridge School, contributions, in his memory, are suggested to be made to the school at, 9750 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James H. Uldrich please visit our Sympathy Store.
Kathryn Sue Nelson
Kathryn Sue Nelson, age 62 years old, passed away on February 7th, 2024 at her home in Dille, WV. Kathy was born on October 17th 1961 in Braxton County, West Virginia to the late Arthur Nelson and Judy Butcher. She was the eldest of 5 kids. A beloved sister to Sandra Nelson, Larry Nelson (Sandy Rose), Theresa Belt (Brad Belt), and Jeremy Butcher (Beth Davis).
Her greatest love in this life were her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind her son Andrew Scott Nelson as well as her daughters Erin Lee Hiner (Billy Hiner) and Gracie May Nelson and her grandchildren: Jackson King and Abbagail Hiner. She was also dearly loved by all of her nieces and nephews and their families: Jennie Smith, Alicia Milanese, Jerry Nelson, Travis Belt, and Dustin Belt.
Kathy was a strong, witty, smart, and caring woman who enjoyed the simpler things in life like a good cup of coffee with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. According to Kathy’s wishes, she will be cremated with no services. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist for services can be sent to Greene-Robertson Funeral Home (www.Greene-RobertsonFuneralHome.com)
Greene Robertson Funeral Home is humbled to be serving the Nelson family.
Edith Eleanor Cunningham (Rose)
Edith Eleanor Cunningham (Rose), 94, of Little Birch, peacefully passed away on February 6, 2024 at Braxton County Healthcare Center. She was born on July 2, 1929, to John and Freda (Jackson) Rose.
Edith’s journey through life was marked by enduring love and cherished moments. On April 16, 1946, she joined hands in marriage with the love of her life, Ralph Cunningham. Together, they were blessed with raising five children: Steve (Becky), John (Sandie), Joe (Jeanie), Rhonda, and Kathy.
Her legacy extends through the generations, as Edith was a devoted grandmother to Chris, Lesley, Natalie, Brian, Joey, Jarrod, Jamie, Timothy, Eric, and a few great-grandchildren.
Edith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph, her son Joe, daughter-in-law Sandie, and two grandsons, Eric and Brian. She also bid farewell to her siblings Adrienne, Linda, Iris, and brothers Darrell and Vernon. In addition, Edith mourned the loss of a dear friend, Roscoe Reger. Edith is survived by siblings Allen, Earl, Carolyn, Peggy, and Farrell.
A woman of faith, Edith was an active member of the Laurel Run Baptist Church, finding solace and strength in her spiritual community. She was passionate about singing, traveling, quilting, and going to antique and yard sales. Her joy in these simple pleasures was only surpassed by the time she spent surrounded by her cherished family and friends.
A celebration of Edith’s life occured with graveside services on Friday February 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM, followed by her being laid to rest at Braxton Memorial Cemetery. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, let us remember her with smiles, for she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished moments that will forever be etched in our hearts, and may her memory continue to inspire love and connection among those she leaves behind.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton is humbled to be serving the Cunningham family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Robert “Tiny” Darrell Pyles
Robert “Tiny” Darrell Pyles, 85, of Cedarville, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, surrounded by his family at Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Weston, WV.
He was born on November 3, 1938, in West Virginia to the late Raymond and Pearl Greenlief Pyles.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis Pyles, Harley Pyles and Earnest Pyles; infant son, Jerry Mickel Pyles; sister, Betty Linger, and infant sister, Elaine Greenlief.
Robert raised two children with his wife and provided for his family. He was a coal miner, timberman and steel mill worker. Robert was a devout Christian by faith who was God fearing. You could often find Robert reading his bible. Robert enjoyed spreading the gospel and his faith to others. He was a member of Cedarville Baptist Church. He loved his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking, hunting in the woods and working outdoors.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 65 years, Clesta Lea Miller Pyles; daughter, Brenda Litton and husband, Jeff, of Ayden, North Carolina; son, Daniel Pyles and wife, Rebecca, of Glenville; brothers, Gary Pyles of Weston and Ronnie Pyles of Turkey Fork; sister, Alice Mackey and husband, Judd, of Turkey Fork. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brittney Wier and husband, Tyler, of Ayden, North Carolina, Casey Tripp and husband, Matthew, of Ayden, North Carolina, Mikala, Caleb, and Raianna of Glenville, West Virginia; great grandchildren, Brooke Wier, Jaxson Tripp, and Sydney Tripp all of Ayden, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Robert’s visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV.
His funeral will be held 1 P.M. Wednesday, February 14th at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Lytle officiating.
Burial will follow in the Mount Carmel Church Cemetery, Normantown, WV.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.
Bill Hall
Bill Hall, 76 of Diana passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at his home. He was born May 27, 1947 in Diana to the late Alpha and Erma Sears Hall.
He retired from Ford Motor Company in Lorain and then came back home to his roots. He enjoyed hunting, ramp digging, cutting wood, mowing grass for himself and anyone who lived around him, and listening to bluegrass music. He was a people person who never met a stranger.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the love of his life and mother of his children Christine Hall; sisters Wanda Brehm, Betty Howell, Marcy Hall, and Emmy Cutlip; and brothers Loren, Bob, and Donald Hall.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Michelle Hall; step-son Tim Barth; sister Fran Snyder; grandchildren Ashley Lopez, Kristen Hall, and Madelyn Hall; great-grandchildren Ariana Lopez, Cecelia Lopez, and Dominic Lopez; step-grandchildren Alexa Barth and Justin Barth; and several extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral Services to celebrate Bill’s life were held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs with Pastor Eddie Green officiating. Interment followed in Cool Springs Cemetery, Diana.
Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to service time, from 11:00 to 1:00 PM, at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hall family.
Beulah Given Blackmon
Beulah Given Blackmon, age 101, was born in Strange Creek, WV, on September 19, 1922, and passed on February 2, 2024, at Goodwin House in Falls Church, VA. Raised in Strange Creek, she graduated from Gassaway High School and earned her teaching degree from Glenville State Teacher’s College. A dedicated primary school educator, her career spanned over 40 years, 10 in the WV school system and 30 in the schools of Alexandria, VA. She was talented at handicrafts, and her friends and relatives will warmly remember her as they decorate their Christmas trees with her ornaments or transport hot dishes in her casserole carriers. After retirement, Mrs. Blackmon was an active member of the Eastern Star, Martha Washington Chapter #42 and the Kena Ladies Shriners. She and her husband, Marion, treasured the fellowship of the Masonic family.
Her husband of 42 years, Marion Claxton Blackmon, preceded her in death in 2009. She was the youngest child of the late Oscar Lawrence Given and Etta Frame Given. Her siblings, Roy, Ermine, Ernie, Louise, Mabel Butcher, Henry, Bessell, and Martha, preceded her in death. A beloved aunt with a steady and positive outlook, she will be fondly remembered by her 11 nieces and nephews, Paul/Patsy Given, Phyllis/Frank Sciarrone, Evelyn/Gary Fleming, Jim/Sharon Given, Sandra/David Kerekes, Sharon/Doyle Woods, Shirley/David Scott, Sundee/Wayman Kitchen, Neil/Debbie Butcher, Daniel/Kathleen Butcher, and Dr. William Douglas/Mary Given, and numerous great, and great-great nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by the Falls Church Goodwin House family of whom we greatly appreciate as compassionate caretakers.
Sunday, on February 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm there will be a viewing/visitation ar Everly-Wheatly Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 followed by a “Celebration of Life” at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place on Monday, February 19 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Comfort Cemetery 6600 S. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 1645 W. Eighth Street, Erie PA 16506.
Alexandria, VA, at a later date when she will join her husband, Marion. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital.
Darlene “Kay” Lee
Darlene “Kay” Lee, 69, of Cowen, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her family, left to rejoice in the kingdom of our Lord on February 2, 2024. Born January 21, 1955, Kay was the daughter of the late Billy Sr and Lemoine Wilson.
Kay was a homemaker, strong woman of unwavering faith, and the matriarch leader of her family. She enjoyed reading, the outdoors, and was always happy to help her family and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her granddaughter, Darlene “Misty” Russell Chapman; sister Norma Wilson; and brother David Wilson. Left to cherish her memory as she passes through Heaven’s gates are her husband of 51 years, Preston Lee Sr; her children Loretta Russell, Preston Lee Jr, and Krista White; her grandchildren Michael Russell, Brittany Lee, Danessa Lee, and Sandra Lee; her great grandchildren; and siblings Billy Wilson Jr of WV, Carol “Sue” Clark of WV, Shirley Moran of CT, and Brenda Wilson of VA.
Though we will miss her in this life, we will meet her again in the next, restored and without suffering, just as she always knew we would.
Services to celebrate the life of Kay were 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 , at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen, with Pastor Butch Rose officiating. Burial followed at WV Memorial Gardens, Calvin. Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Adams-Reed Funeral Home to assist in funeral expenses.
Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen is honored to be serving the Lee family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com
Lorina Gay Hartshorn
Lorina Gay Hartshorn, 67, of Shock, WV; departed this earthly life surrounded by her loving family in the mid-afternoon Hours of Sunday, February 4, 2024 at her residence, following an extended illness.
She was born June 11, 1956 in Gassaway, WV; daughter of the late James and Lucy (Parsons) Wright.
Lorina was a member of the Shock Church of Christ, and was an amazing cook and took great pride in her job cooking at the Gilmer County Senior Center.
In her earlier years, Lorina was also a foster mother and loved those children as her own. She volunteered many hours at Normantown Elementary School where she touched many young lives. She spent many days baking with, reading to, and cuddling her grandbabies. Even when she didn’t feel like it, she could be found cheering them on at their sporting events or other extra-curricular activities.
On June 1, 1976 Lorina was united in marriage to Colin Hartshorn, who survives at their home in Shock.
Surviving are 4 children, Loretta Hartshorn of Shinnston, WV; Scott Hartshorn and wife Suzanne of Chloe, WV; Andrew Hartshorn and wife Sonja of Shock and Jay Hartshorn of Shock, and 2 siblings, Richard Wright and wife Brenda of Shock, and William “Bill” Wright and wife Angie of Fairmont, WV.
Also surviving are 5 Grandchildren who were the light of her life: Tyana Hartshorn, Landon Hartshorn, Raegan Hartshorn, Ryann Hartshorn, & Lincoln Hartshorn, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with her parents, Lorina is preceded in death by 2 half-brothers, Jerry and Donald Wright.
A funeral service was conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 1:00 PM; Friday, February 9, 2024 with Pastor Donnie Brown officiating. Burial followed in the Collins Community Cemetery in Stumptown. Friends were received from 11:00 – 1:00 Friday at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., Is honored to assist the family of Lorina Gay Hartshorn with traditional burial arrangements.