Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

Loretta Marie Marks
Loretta Marie Marks, 88, of Fairmont, WV passed away on September 7th, 2024 at WVU Fairmont Medical Center. She was born on July 18, 1936 to the late Denver and Icie (Hardway) Criner.
Loretta attended Polemic Run Baptist Church, she enjoyed gardening, loved flowers, working crossword puzzles, playing yahtzee and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Darrel O. Marks and brothers and sisters Denver L. Criner, James Criner, Ruth Burnside and Cora Criner. She has one surviving sister Wanetta Marks. Children include: Loretta (Mack) Hess, Beverly (James) Hess, Mikel (Melony) Marks, and Robert (Dolly) Marks. Grandchildren: Shellie Hess, Crystal Hess (William Halterman) and Jessica Hess. Great Grandchildren: Shyanne Pratt, Matthew Watson, Haylee Hess (Derek McGlone), Jaden Halterman, Jasmine Halterman and Chloee Halterman.
Visitation was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm with funeral service at 1:00pm at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV with Reverend Vernon “Chip” Rose Jr. officiating. Burial followed at Tenney Cemetery, Road Run, Sutton, WV.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is humbled to be serving the Marks family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Denzil “Denny” M. Skidmore Jr.
Denzil “Denny” M. Skidmore Jr., age 76, passed peacefully at the Kobacker House (Columbus, Ohio) on Friday, September 6th, 2024 surrounded by those that he loved.
Denzil was preceded in death by his father, Denzil Skidmore of Wheeling, WV; mother, Rena Calvert of Wheeling, WV; sister, Janice Lough of Bethany, WV and the love of his life, Margaret Skidmore of Delaware, Ohio.
Denny was born April 5, 1948 at home in Centralia, WV to Rena Virginia Dennison and Denzil M. Skidmore Sr. He met his wife of 48 years at the age of 16. They moved from Sutton, WV to Delaware, Ohio and raised three children.
Denzil is survived by his three children, Saundra Robinson of Delaware, Ohio; Keith (Regina) Skidmore of Delaware, Ohio; Heather (Michael) Blackburn of Marion, Ohio. Also surviving are his nine grandchildren, 9 (almost 10) great-children, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a Vietnam Veteran (Air Force), a former volunteer firefighter, and retired from Ametek Solidstate Controls after more than 20yrs as an Operations Manager.
Denny was a kind and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, attending any events his grandchildren were involved in, and spending the evenings on his front porch with his neighbors.
Viewing was held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 4pm – 6pm, and service followed beginning at 6pm at Eastside Mission Church, 32 Joy Avenue, Delaware, Ohio with Pastor Donnie Akers officiating. The family then received friends and family from 5-8 p.m. on Friday September 13, 2024 at Stockert Funeral Home, 378 Flatwoods Corner Rd, Flatwoods, WV 26621. Funeral and burial services were held Saturday, September 14 at 11 AM at Stockert Funeral Home, and concluded at Morrison Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests tributes in Mr. Skidmore’s name be made to Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio at www.ohiohealth.com on the “Make a Gift” tab.

Shawn Michael Sparks
Shawn Michael Sparks, 46 of Princeton, formerly of Webster Springs, passed away September 7, 2024, at CAMC Memorial.
Shawn was born September 6, 1978, in Webster Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Joyce Wyatt Taylor, his sister Crystal Hamrick and his loving dog Prince Michael Sparks
Shawn worked for Columbia Gas Company in Kentucky until he became disabled due to his history of diabetes. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his nephew Jonathan. Shawn liked going on 4 -wheeler rides and collecting heavy equipment models.
Surviving are his nephew, Jonathan Newsome, and also several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services were 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs with Pastor Bennie Cowger officiating. Friends joined the family for visitation 5:00 PM until service time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sparks family.

Jimmy Dale Claypoole
Jimmy Dale Claypoole, 74, of Napier, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Weston.
He was born in Heaters, WV, on February 13, 1950, a son of the late Ray and Irene Virginia Finnigan Claypoole. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by one brother, Earl Claypoole.
Forever cherishing their memories of Jimmy are his loving wife, Susan Mae McHenry Claypoole; one daughter, Melissa Chase and husband, Terry, of Florida; three grandchildren: Tara Chase, Kevin Chase, and Megan Burkhammer; three great grandchildren: Aubrie Hoover, Kashtan Farley, and Madilyn Burkhammer; six siblings: Sandra Claypoole and companion, Bob Crawford, of Walkersville, Roger Claypoole, Steven Claypoole, Ronnie Lee Claypoole and wife, Barb, and Dave Claypoole and wife, Joyce, all of Ireland, and Charlene Ware and husband, Johnny, of Napier; several nieces and nephews.
He worked as a tree cutter, but he liked working on lawn mowers and running bulldozers. Jimmy’s love for hunting, particularly coon hunting, underscored his deep connection to the land.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Clutter Funeral and Cremation to aid with final expenses. Mail donations to: 21 Elnora Circle, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Jimmy’s request for Cremation has been honored. A Graveside Service will he held on at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Green Hill Cemetery in Braxton County with Pastor Earl Cayton officiating.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation – Alkire Chapel located at 190 Wildcat Road in Ireland, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Jimmy Dale Claypoole. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

Rodney Earle Steorts
Rodney Earle Steorts age 89, of Sutton, Braxton County WV, died September 9, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
He was born June 17, 1935 at Parcoal, Webster County, WV. He was preceded in death by parents George Ernest and Ethel (Mullins) Steorts, sister Linda Katherine Steorts, brother, William Walter “Bill” Steorts, half-brother Charles Burton Steorts, Spencer Cermit Steortz, James Ernest Steortz and son-in-law James Edward Michael.
He is survived by his wife Wanda Lee (Jeffries) Steorts, daughter Marilyn “Jaye” (Steorts) Michael of Morgantown WV, son Rodney Earle Steorts II, and wife Judy Elaine (Dunlap)of Port Orange, Florida. Step-sons, Joseph Ellery Davis and wife Lisa of Madison, WV and William David Davis of Sutton, WN. Step-daughter Christina Gail (Davis) Messenger and husband Greg of Charleston, WV. Also surviving is, sister Rosa Sharon Steorts of Charleston, WV, brother George Donald Steorts and wife Margaret “Peg” (Skidmore) Steorts of Fairmont WV, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
He was a 1953 graduate of Sutton High School, 1954 graduate of Coyne Electrical School, Chicago IL, 1964 graduate of ICS Inorganic Chemistry and held license as a West Virginia General Contractor, Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector General, Master Plumber, Private Investigator, Locksmith, and was the owner operator of multiple TV cable companies. He was also the founder of Steorts Electric Company. He served on numerous authorities, associations and committees in Sutton, including several terms as Sutton Town Councilman.
He was a licensed private pilot, participated in several search and rescue missions, and served as commander of West Virginia Wing Civil Air Patrol-US Air Force Auxiliary from August, 1993 to August, 1996, with numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Ribbon and retired after 20 years service with the rank of Colonel.
He was a Past Master (1973) of Paut Revere Masonic Lodge #538 F&AM of St.Claire Shores MI., Royal Arch Mason of Dearborn MI, Scottish Rite Mason and Moslem Temple Shrine of Detroit MI. Beni Kedum Shrine of Charleston WV, served as District Deputy Grand Master in Michigan Grand Masonic Lodge, was an honorary member of Ararat Masonic Lodge #582 in Detroit MI, served as secretary of Sutton WV Royal Arch Lodge and secretary of Sutton Masonic Lodge #21. He received his Master Mason Degree from Brockway Lodge 116 at Yale, Ml, which he would joke about having a Master Degree from Yale.
He enjoyed life more than most and his frequent advice to others was: “If you are not happy, change your lifestyle”. He would often call people on a gloomy weather day and say: “Isn’t it a beautiful day”?
Per his wishes there will be no service and his body is donated to the Human Gift Registry of WVU School of Medicine.
Condolences can be sent to Wanda Steorts, 249 Steorts Rd., Sutton, WV 26601.

Ginger Louise Williams Short
Ginger Louise Williams Short passed away August 28, 2024, at her home. She was born on June 27, 1969, to Jubert and Hazel Williams of Cowen.
Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Hazel Williams; sons, Joshua Curtis (Amy Jo) Short, John (Ashley) Short, Bradley (Makayla) Short and Aaron Quinn; grandbabies, Macy, Maddy, Emmette, Natalie, Robbie Lynn, CeCelia Kash, Kaelynn and Gabby (her grandbabies were her world); siblings, Tammy (Rick) Crislip, Angie (Gary) Coombs, Amy (Wayne) Hinkle, Joy (Robert) LaFever; special nephew Jacob Crislip; the one she spent most of her life with, Ronnie Short; best friends, Sandy Miller, Bonnie Stewart, Debbie Dorsey and Marla Short. She will also be missed by her four-legged fur babies, Clutch and Sissy. Ginger will be missed by all!
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jubert John Williams, Jr. (Johnny).
Ginger was a Christian by faith and a member of Halo Church.
Keeping with Ginger’s wishes, a private service will be honored.
Final resting place will be at Jubert and Hazel’s Garden.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home. transmission

Geneva B. Cochran
Geneva B. Cochran, age 96, of Medina, Ohio, passed away surrounded by her friends on September 9, 2024.
She was born to Bernard and Glendora (McGraw) Armentrout on September 12, 1927, in Pickens, West Virginia.
Geneva was very giving and caring towards everyone in her life. She enjoyed gardening, making Christmas tree crafts and beaded many crafts that she gave away to her friends. Geneva was known for keeping things pristine. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Geneva is preceded by her husband of 47 years, Homer A. Cochran; her parents; her sisters, Beulah Harper and Eula Horton; and her brothers, Cecil, Emery, Everett, and Leonard Armentrout. Geneva is survived by many extended family and friends.
Visitation was held Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH. Funeral Service were during visitation at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Graveside Services were held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Big Run Cemetery, Diana, where she was laid to rest by her dear husband.
Online condolences may be left for her family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Geneva’s family.

Carole Ann Martin “Muggie”
Carole Ann Martin, “Muggie” to family and friends, departed this world on August 24, 2024. Carole Ann was born in Sutton, WV on December 1, 1942. She was the youngest of five children born of Vergie Emma Fox Greene and Jesse Raymond Greene. Her sister, Jessie Greene Greathouse (William) and brothers Charles (Sam) Greene (Margaret), Harold (Bob) Greene (Elsie) and John Greene (Twila) along with her parents all preceded her in death. A niece Susan Davis (Merritt) and two nephews Charles Greene and William Greene also preceded her in death.
She is survived by nephews W. Gary Greathouse (Mary), Jeffrey Greene (Susan), James Greene and nieces Nancy Vanderwende (Glenn), Janet Greene, Kathy Greathouse, Christina Greathouse (Kevin Kelly) and Clara Ann Robare (Harry). She is also survived by grand nieces and nephews Margaret Greathouse, Amanda Byrd, William Greathouse II, Jeanne Marie Greathouse, Glenda Vanderwende, Jeffrey Davis, Gregory Davis, Megan Noletto, Rachel Greene, Patrick Greene, Phillip Greene, Gina Haubenstern, Candace Sharpe, Carrie Greene, Liam Kelly, Luka Kelly, John Paul Robare and Aleah Robare,as well as many great, great nephews and nieces and one great, great, great grandniece
She is also survived by stepdaughters Susan Martin, Lisa Badz (Stanley) and Megan Martin and step grandchildren, Julian Martin, Devon Martin, Keegan Martin, Logan Badz and Lola Badz.
Carole Ann strode an amazing path through life from her beginnings in Sutton, WV to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. In between, she made career stops in Pittsburgh; New York City; Greenwich, CT; Tulsa; and Madisonville, KY. Wherever she went this dynamic woman made friends and influenced many people with her kind heart, generous spirit, and her thoroughly engaging persona.
She excelled in her administrative profession and was a dean’s list student in economics at the University of Tulsa. Carole created Exec-U-Sec, a very successful secretarial and administrative services business in Greenwich, CT. On the societal side, Carole volunteered actively with organizations such as Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Neighbor for Neighbor and Project Get Together bringing food, clothing and a variety of healthcare services to low-income people, and Citizens For Fair Utility Rates, dedicated to achieving its name.
Throughout her career, besides owning and operating her own business, Carole provided secretarial, administrative, accounting and marketing services in a wide variety of industries such as banking, coatings and resins distribution, cosmetics distribution, financial services, oil and gas exploration, construction and property development, property management, and transportation services. Her brightness and charm made her a valued member of numerous teams.
In her retirement Carole continued to enjoy time with her friends including the Steel Magnolias. She became a devotee of water aerobics, a painter in watercolors, an avid reader and the caretaker of several felines including Dottie, who brightened her final years.
Her fun-loving spirit endeared Aunt Muggie to her many nieces and nephews. She loved her family dearly and they returned that love.
The family would like to thank the members of the care teams at Baptist Hospital Beaches, Shands Hospital and especially those at The McGraw Center who eased her final days.
Her remains will be interred with her mother at West Moreland County Memorial Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, PA. Please visit her online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Alfred Holley Shaffer
Alfred Holley Shaffer, 83, of Flatwoods, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, August 30, 2024.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Sarah Shaffer; his parents, Holley & Delphia Shaffer; step-son, George Miller, brothers, Lloyd, Emory, and Chester; sisters, Mildred, Beaulah, Violet, Helen, Dorothy, and Ruby.
Alfred was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He served his country in the U.S. Army and worked at Morris Harvey college. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing bluegrass music.
He is survived by his son, Brian (Brenda) Shaffer; daughters, Shelia (Tim) Murdock, Anita Kennedy, Tina Troy, and Brenda Tanner; step-daughters, Teresa Jones and Beverly; sister, Elise Coffman; 11 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and 12 step-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to family or funeral home to assist with funeral arrangements.
A service began 12 pm Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Hafer Funeral Home, with Pastor Lee Elmore and Dustin Murdock officiating.
Visitation was from 11:00am – 12pm at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview WV 25071

Melba F. Freeman
Melba F. Freeman, 94, of Sutton, WV went home to the Lord on September 11, 2024 at her home. She was born on February 14, 1930 in Tesla, WV to the late Maude (Carder) and Orva Johnston.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Freeman. She was also preceded in death by her brother, James Johnston, sister Phyllis McElwain and daughter, Marsha Neel.
Melba was a homemaker who enjoyed canning, gardening, loved flowers, crocheting and old Perry Mason reruns. She attended Long Run Baptist Church and will be missed by her church family.
She is survived by brothers, Franklin D. Johnston of Staunton, VA and Allen Johnston of Baltimore, MD. Her children are Terry (Laura) Freeman of Cuyahoga Fall, OH, Jeffrey (Lisa) Freeman, of Sutton and Karen Zenz of Cashe, OK.
Melba’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, Robert Freeman, Peter Freeman, Joseph Freeman, Nolan Freeman, Joshua Freeman, along with great grandchildren, Gage Freeman, Grace Freeman, Jackson Freeman, Serenty Wescott, and Clarissa Wescott-Freeman
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV with Reverend Robey Godfrey officiating. Burial will follow at Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, WV. Friends may call 12:30 to 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Freeman family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

James Bryan Nottingham
James Bryan Nottingham, 87 of Duck, WV, entered his eternal rest on September 8, 2024. He was born April 1, 1937, to the late Raymond Nottingham and Darla Gay Mollohan.
He had worked in the Coal Mines early on, retired from several years as the Postmaster in Duck, co-owned Nottingham’s Store for over 65 years, and was a lifelong farmer. James was an avid fisherman and sportsman. He could be found at the store, on any given day, regaling stories of his travels and trophy catches. He was a 60-year member of the local Masonic lodge, and Order of the Eastern Star.
James is survived by his wife Vida Lea (Nichols) Nottingham and brother, Larry Nottingham. He was preceded in death by his brother Norman Nottingham and sisters Bernice Moore, Anna Lee Stalham and Linda Nottingham.
His children are Bryan Nottingham and Kay Nottingham Chaplin. His grandchildren are Raymond J. Nottingham, Ashley Hart, Lesley Janem and Zach Chaplin. Great grandchildren include Landon Hart, Taylor Hart, Amelia Chaplin, Adily Chaplin, Aiyla Janem and Malachi Hart-Anderson. Services will be announced soon.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nottingham family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com