Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

John Clinton Strader
John Clinton Strader, 95, of Roanoke passed away on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 at a family home in Orlando, WV. He was born in Orlando, WV on June 16th, 1929: son of the late Linzy Earl Strader and Mae Elizabeth (Posey) Strader. He was married to Louella (Smith) Strader, who preceded him in death.
Cherishing his memory is his son: Terry John (Joyce) Strader of Crescent, PA, one grandchild: Jason Strader, and two great grandchildren: Alisha and Ellie Mae Strader. Also cherishing John’s life are his loving siblings: Ivy Gibson of Belleville, OH, Shirley Williams and Mina Luzader both of Orlando, WV, James Floyd Strader of Atwater, OH, Ray Strader of Burnsville, WV, Franklin Strader of Berkley Springs, WV and Junior Strader of Akron, OH and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by three brothers: Richard Earl Strader, Herbert Strader and Wesley Riffle and one sister: Glenna Lipps.
Mr. Strader was a retired steel worker with International Cooperge Company of Neville Island Pittsbugh, PA. He was a graduate of Burnsville High School with the class of 1949 where he was captain of the football team. John was a proud veteran of the United States Army with the rank of Sergeant and served during the Korean Conflict. He loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time in his boat on Lake Erie. He became a big sports fan from his high school sports background. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Family and friends gathered at the Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue Weston on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 pm. Funeral Services followed at 1:00 p.m. from the Hardman Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Alan Strader officiating. Interment followed services in the Posey Cemetery of Braxton County. Full military honors were presented by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard. On-line condolences and life stories in memory of John may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the family of John Clinton Strader.

Juanita Mae (O’Brien) Clutter
Juanita Mae (O’Brien) Clutter, 67, of Bolair, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at her home in McConnellsburg, PA.
Born in Richwood on August 4, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Ulysses and Esther (Rose) O’Brien. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Preston O’Brien.
She loved the outdoors; particularly bird watching and tending to her flowers. She also enjoyed turkey and deer hunting. Juanita was known in the community as someone you could always rely on to lend a helping hand; she would help with anything from helping clean to transporting someone to a doctor appointment. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she was very proud of them and loved them endlessly.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Clutter; daughters: Marie Bragg and Scelena Cochran, both of Bolair; three grandchildren: Quinten Durham (Lillie), Wesley Bragg, and Jessica Roberts (Cody); four great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Easton, Malia, and Theo; brothers: Ronald, Donald, and Harold O’Brien; sisters: Eulah Fisher, Wanda O’Brien, Barbara Dugger, and Ella Gibson; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Graveside services to celebrate Juanita’s life were held 10AM, October 18, 2024 at Alex Williams Cemetery, Cranberry Ridge, with Pastor Doug Martin officiating. Burial followed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com
Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen, is honored to be serving Juanita’s family.

Marilene Artha Durham
Marilene Artha Durham, 91, of Cranberry Ridge, joined her loved ones in heaven on Thursday, October 10, 2024. She was born in Richwood, WV on December 17, 1932, the daughter of Ivery and Glenn Staunton Russell of Mills Mountain.
Marilene attended Mills Mountain School and was a 1950 graduate of Cowen High School. She furthered her education at Glenville State College and Shephard College, where she obtained her elementary teaching degree. She later attended West Virginia University and received her master’s degree in 1963. She began teaching at Mills Mountain School in 1950 and dedicated 39 years to the students of Webster County. She retired from her lifelong career in 1989 from the Webster County Board of Education.
She was the family matriarch and a proud Christian, having been a lifelong member of the Mills Mountain Community Church. Her spiritual guidance and strong character shaped the lives of her entire family. She was an avid reader who loved her books, enjoyed gardening and picnics. Marilene was a devoted Mountaineer fan and enjoyed watching both basketball and football games. Most of all, Marilene loved her family. Planning and preparing big family meals was the centerpiece of her life and no one ever left her home hungry.
In addition to her parents, Marilene was preceded in death by her husband, James Meekin Durham, brother in laws, Ray Dodrill and Gene Diaz, sister in laws, Wanda Bennett and Lenora Quinn, and brother in law, Lawrence Cook.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, James (Elizabeth) Durham and daughters, Mary (James) Hinkle and Glenda(Dan) Kennedy; sisters Marretta Dodrill and Shirley “Pinky” Diaz; sister in law, Nina Durham Cook; brother in law, Basil Bennett; grandchildren, Logan (Cari) Durham, Faith (Tyler) Cogar, Trace Durham, Gracyn Durham, D.J. Kennedy, Brandon (Brianna) Clark; great-grandchildren, Chad Given, Avery and Cameron Durham, Haley and Zeke Cogar and Reed Clark.
She is also survived by a close-knit group of family, friends, and neighbors. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Kanawha County Hospice Care Nurse Mary Canfield and grandson D.J. Kennedy for loving and caring for Marilene in the last few years.
A gathering of family and friends were held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the funeral home. In Marilene’s honor, guests helped show her love for the Mountaineers by wearing your blue and gold. Service was held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Linda Dyer and Keith Dodrill officiating. Burial will follow at Mills Mountain Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.

Melvin Eugene Hall
Melvin Eugene Hall, 81 of Ridgepoint Road, Cowen, passed away peacefully at the Peyton House Hospice the evening of Saturday, October 5th with family by his side. He was born on November 9, 1942, on Elk River, the son of Emory Albert Hall and Nettie Perkins.
Melvin had numerous jobs and many interests. He was a military veteran having served in the Army. He worked line construction, helped build cable systems, helped his brother build houses and owned a small housing construction business himself. After retiring from construction work, he became a mail carrier for 12 years. In his spare time, he loved to hunt and fish, play basketball and enjoyed bowling in a league. He loved going to Busch Gardens, Camden Park and riding the Cass Railroad with his family. Melvin was very active in his church having been named as Branch President of the Webster County Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) twice and he also served as Clerk and First Counsellor to the President. He firmly believed in God and an afterlife.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 41 years, Carolyn Sue Hines Poole Hall; his two children, Carla Ariel Poole and Curtis (Keri) William Poole and four grandchildren: Taylor Poole (Stormy), Matthew Eubank, Jacob Eubank and Abigail (Abby) Poole; brother Roger Hall, many nephews, nieces; great and great-great nephews and nieces, and his cat Sammy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Porter Hall, Hansford Hall, Elzia Hall, Elmon Hall, and Hinton Hall and sisters, Genevieve Hall and Maxine Clutter.
Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with Elder Keith Hamrick officiating. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Cowen. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melvin’s memory to Saving Webster Dogs.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.

Betty L. Pritt
Betty L. Pritt, 75, of Gassaway, WV, formerly of Bayard, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
She was born on May 10, 1949, in Bayard, WV to the late Rudy Anthony and Ellen (Stahl) Anthony.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older sisters, Bonnie Bonner and Dottie Reall.
Betty is survived by her brother, Rudy (Pudge) Anthony; two sons, Rodney Pritt and wife, Lori, and Tod Pritt and wife, Kelly; five grandchildren; Christian Pritt, Thomas Pritt, Tessa (Pritt) Perkins, Drew Pritt and Lauren Pritt; two great grandchildren; Lincoln “Peanut” and Aliza “Wize” as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
In life she was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved visiting with family and friends, cooking for family get togethers and vacationing on the beach. Betty was a graduate of Bayard Highschool, Class of 1967 and worked as a manager for several restaurants and stores in Braxton County. In all her jobs, she enjoyed meeting new people and working with people who were like family. Those who had not seen her in a while were always met with Betty’s warm smile, outgoing and cordial personality.
In her spare time, she liked listening to Elvis, watching Jimmy Swaggart, and old game shows on television.
Betty’s funeral was 3 P.M. Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Pastor Mike Jackson officiating.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Betty’s request for cremation will be honored following her services.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Richard Lane Rose
Richard Lane Rose, 71, of Erbacon passed away on October 2024. He was born in Erbacon the son of the late Eugene Rose and Arliss Barnette.
Richard was Navy Veteran and worked many years in the coal mines. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and setting around the fire socializing with his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Bradley Richard Rose, Benjamin Wesley Rose and Amanda Rose Bennett; siblings, Ed Rose, Roscoe Rose, Catharine Vance, Claude Rose, Kay Reisz, and Patricia Seafelt; grandchildren, Roxy, Trenton, Tessa, Trace, Baylea, Bentley, Landon, and Benson.
Richard’s wishes for cremation have been honored.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home

Jimmie Loyd Springston
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Jimmie Loyd Springston, passed from this earthly plain. He left to join his beloved wife, Ann Springston and his two children: Lloyd Edward Springston and Molly Ann Springston (Sparks).
He was born August 29, 1932, in Bolair the son of the late Hugh Springston and Louvida Moffatt. Jimmie enjoyed wood working (building furniture), mowing, painting and eating.
Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Jessica Sparks, Rebecca Sparks Highley, Ashley Sparks and great grandson, Nolan Highley.
Service was held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen. A gathering of family and friends was held at 12:00pm until the time of service on Saturday. Burial followed at McAvoy Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.

Dane K. Gerwig
Dane K. Gerwig, 90, of Charleston, WV passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Kanawha Place Senior Living Community, Charleston, WV.
He was born in Gassaway to the late Orville Gerwig and Lucile Sumpter Gerwig on August 31, 1934.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alpha Coberly Gerwig.
Dane grew up on his family’s farm in Braxton County near Gassaway. He graduated from Gassaway High School and went on to serve in United States Army. After his service in the US Military was completed, he and his wife Alpha settled in Clendenin WV where they raised their two sons. He worked for 50 years with Columbia Gas as a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, welder, pipeline construction supervision and finally a supervisor that operated several well fields before retiring.
Left to cherish his memories are his twin sister; Josephine G. Coberly (Rolland); sons, Dane Larry Gerwig (Judy) of Charleston, WV and Alan Gerwig (Anne) of Wellington, FL; grandchildren, Jessica Chusid (Jordan) of Parkland, FL, Dane Gerwig of Taluca Lake, CA, and Luke Gerwig (Amara) of Greenacres, FL;
and great grandchildren, Leighton Chusid, Millie Chusid and Rory Chusid.
Dane’s funeral was 1 P.M. Friday, October 18, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Pastor Rick Hart officiating.
His visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Burial was in the Frederick Gerwig Memorial Cemetery, Tom’s Run, Chapel, WV.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Kanawa Place Senior Living Community.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Old German Community Church, c/o Joyce Wayne, Treasurer, 8761 Chapel Road, Gassaway, WV 26624.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

David Lee Patterson
David Lee Patterson, 66, of Ivydale, WV entered into his eternal home on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on October 15, 1957, in Charleston, West Virginia to the late Fred Patterson and Betty Jean Hamrick Rose.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Diana McCormick, and Cheryl Parks; brothers, Rodney Patterson and John Patterson; and special sister-in-law, Brenda “Bunny” Patterson.
Dave’s larger than life personality shined through with everything he did. His passion was spending time with his sons and grandson. He enjoyed camping at Groves Creek in Duck with his family. Riding his motorcycles was his favorite pastime. He thoroughly enjoyed riding with his sons on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dave liked to play his music loud and drive his trucks fast. He was employed most of his life driving trucks for various companies.
Left to cherish his memories are his sons, David “Matt” Patterson and wife, Amanda, of Elkin, North Carolina, and Josh Patterson also of Elkin, North Carolina; grandson, Samuel Patterson; brother, Mike Patterson; sisters, Sandra Patterson, Jolene Belt and Debbie Hamrick; stepfather, Joseph Rose; and special friend and caregiver, Vicky Mayfield.
In keeping with Dave’s wishes, he was cremated and there will be a private service held at a later date.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home Gassaway West Virginia.

Freddie G. Thompson
Freddie G. Thompson, 82, of Frametown passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Braxton County on August 7, 1942, to the late Darrell Franklin Thompson and Sarah Marie Metz Thompson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Michael Thompson and Amber Thompson; brothers, Bill Thompson and Randall “Chip” Thompson; sister, Pat Whitesel; and twin sisters, Sherry Stewart and Shirley Lemon.
Freddie had a passion for helping those in his community. For 22 plus years he was the Braxton County Office of Emergency Services 911 Director. He and several others saw the need and founded the Servia Fire Department. He also served as Captain for the Frametown and Servia Fire Departments over the years. When he was younger, he was a member of the Army National Guard. His employment over his lifetime included CSX Railroad as an Office Clerk for 37 years and Pinkerton as a security guard for several years. In an entrepreneurial spirit, he started Thompson’s Used Auto Parts. In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, tinkering around the garage and spending time with his family. Freddie was a Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Secretary and Treasurer at Unity Baptist Church. He led the Frametown Blazers Senior League Baseball team for eight years.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 63 years, Sue Thompson; daughter, Kim Johnson and husband, Mike; sons, Mark Thompson and wife, Mona and Shane Thompson and wife, Christine; brothers Mike Thompson and wife, Sandy of North Carolina; sister, Karen Woods and husband, Jr. Ray, of Sutton; grandchildren, Jessica Rice and husband, Eric, Jennifer Smarr and husband, Brian, Andrea Hilton and husband, Beau, and Allison Mayse and husband, Billy; and step grandchildren, Cody Cool, Dustin Cool, Tyler Cool, and Gracie Davis. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Cole Tonkin, Kenneth Cogar, Easton Rice, Brodi Smarr, Mason Smarr, Aubree Thompson, Aspen Rice, Gunner Hilton, Preston Smarr, Case Hilton, Jolie Hilton, Ariel Smith, Remi Hilton and Aurora Mayse; and several nieces and nephews.
Freddie’s funeral was held 1 P.M. Monday, October 21, 2024, at Unity Baptist Church, Lower Sleith, with Pastor Matthew Stepp officiating.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the church.
Burial was in Nicholas Cemetery, Servia.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Unity Baptist Church, 2030 Lower Sleith Road, Frametown, WV 26623.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Jackie Argabrite
Guilford Lake, Ohio-Jackie C. Argabrite, 88, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 18, 2024.
Jack was born on April 10, 1936 in Clay, West Virginia. He was the son of the late Ledra and Pearl Argabrite. After leaving home, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served in Florida, Colorado, and abroad.
He was a thirty-eight-year employee of General Motors Automobile plant in Lordstown, Ohio where he worked as an electrician.
He also spent many years as a local farmer raising various crops and livestock. He and his wife, Charlotte, brought their children to the country after living in Cleveland, Ohio. They wanted them to experience a simpler life, as they had when they were growing up in West Virginia. Baling hay, raising long-horned Herefords, and providing for his family from what was raised on the farm, these are the things that brought him the most joy.
Jack’s interests were varied. He loved being out on the water whether it was cruising with Charlotte on Lake Erie or putting around Guilford Lake in his pontoon boat. He loved talking about cars and researching what the newest cars on the market had to offer him. He was always up for a game of cards whether it was with his children and grandchildren or after work with the guys at the plant.
For many years Jack was an active member of the New Lisbon Masonic Lodge #65 where he served in various roles including that of Worthy Master. He also held the position of district education officer for which he was very proud.
Jack was a member of the Lisbon United Methodist Church for many years.
He was preceded in death in 2020 by, Charlotte, his wife of sixty-two years. Together they raised three children, Lionel (Roxanne) Argabrite of Westerville, Ohio, Sonya (Kirk) Johnson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Andrea Argabrite of Lisbon. Jack had two granddaughters, Samantha (Chris) McMahon of Bristow, Virginia, and Kaylan (Ray) Dezeeuw of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He had three great grandsons, Connor and Kaiden McMahon and Ryder Dezeeuw.
Jack also leaves behind many loved ones in West Virginia including his sisters Anna Margaret (the late Richard) Cadle, Susie (Rick) Campbell, and Linda (Ronnie) Schaffer. Jack was preceded in death by sisters Brenda (Kent) Dobbins and Karolyn Kay Williams and brothers Damon Argabrite and Carl (Sue) Argabrite.
A graveside service will be held at the Duffield Cemetery in Duck, West Virginia on Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home.
Friends may also view Jack’s memorial tribute page, share a memory, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com.

Jenifer Ann Myers
Jenifer Ann Myers, 52, of Burnsville, entered into her eternal home to be with the love of her life on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
She was born on June 29, 1972, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
Jenifer was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Myers and her father, Butch Frame.
In the words of her loving precious brother “She loved intensely and cared more than most. She accepted others just as they are. Perfect? Not close nor can we claim that. Cherish what you loved most about “J”. Follow her lead and do better as a human- love unconditionally, care until it hurts. We will miss you Jenifer. Now, go have a much-needed chat with your Bruce.”
Jenifer was a 1990 graduate from Braxton County High School and furthered her education with a four-year degree in Behavioral Science and Criminal Justice from Glenville State College. Jenifer had a passion for helping others professionally, personally, and fighting for the underdog or anyone in need. Her hobbies included baking her “Famous Muffins”, reading, watching her favorite television shows, and spending time with family and friends. Watching her nieces and nephews at their special events brought her so much joy. Jenifer had the voice of an angel and inspired many with her singing for the glory of the Lord.
Jenifer’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her and she will be greatly missed by her survivors, her loving mother, Mary Jo (Aspinwall) Frame; sister, Melanie Frame Murphy; brother, Mike Frame and husband, Brian Deweese; nieces and nephews, Meredith Frame, Amelia Frame, Joseph Murphy, Angie Wolverton, and Amanda Flint; sister-cousins, Missy Shipley and Kim Gaines; and many other extended family members.
In keeping with her wishes, Jenifer was cremated.
Her memorial service was held at 3 P.M. Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Gassaway Baptist Church, Gassaway with Pastor Mark Stump officiating.
Friends and family gathered an hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Roach Funeral Home to aid with final expenses. Mail donations to 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV 26624.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.