Frank A. Belknap
Frank A. Belknap, 80, of Gassaway passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024.
He was born on March 12, 1944, the 7th of 13 children to the late Donnie and Juanita Rockhold Belknap.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandson, Frankie Ray Belknap; sisters, Mary Norman, Vera Norman, and Wilma Belknap; infant sister, Burgess Belknap; and brothers, Carlin Belknap, Denzil Belknap, Wendell Belknap and Denver Belknap.
Frank loved getting outside and running his tractor, operating the sawmill, working in his garage, driving trucks and just tinkering on the farm. He had expertise in running any equipment. He was well loved by the community and worked for the Department of Highways for 30 plus years holding many job titles, working up to Supervisor for the last 10 years. He retired to farm life. Frank was an honest, hardworking man that would help out anyone in need. He loved sharing peanut butter crackers and sneaking food to his faithful dog, Bandit.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 13 years, Tina Getrost Belknap; sons, Frankie Dorn (Gloria) Belknap and Scott (Christy) Belknap all of Gassaway; daughters, Sue (Tommy) Starcher of Sutton, Tina (David) Byrd of Buckhannon, and Staci (Darla) Belknap of Caldonia, Wisconsin; brothers, Russel (Linda) Belknap of Weston, Wade (Helen) Belknap of Gassaway, and Wes (Lori) Belknap of Gassaway; and sister, Kathy Hall of Zanesville, Ohio. He is survived by nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Frank’s funeral was held 1 P.M. Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV with Pastor Brace Cook officiating.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Burial was in the Hosey Cemetery, Trace Run, Exchange.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Nancy Ann (Conrad) Singleton
Nancy Ann (Conrad) Singleton, 92, of Orlando, WV was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 11, 2024. She was born at Benny’s Run, Napier, WV on May 5, 1932 to parents, Boyd William Conrad and Artie Mae (Wine) Conrad.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband William “Shimmy” Singleton; daughter, Diane Slaughter; son, Darrell Joe Singleton; grandson, Travis Marsh; brothers, Benjamin, Thomas “Ben”, James “Sonny Boy” and Roy “Budge”; sisters, Rose, Ressie, Reba, Lou, Lona, Nina, and Patty.
Nancy is survived by her sons, Delmas Singleton and wife Diann, Craig Singleton, Rick Singleton and wife Gayla, and David Singleton; daughters, Nancy Sue McKisic and husband Bob, Kathy Thomas and husband Billy Ray; 9-grandchildren, 9-great grandchildren and 11-great great-grandchildren.
Nancy was one of the oldest members of the Copen Independent Church where she was “Grandma” to everyone who attended there. Nancy had a servant’s heart and loved going to church. She passed out Gospel Tracts (she called “Little Books”) at Walmart and enjoyed going to Shoney’s on Thursdays. Nancy also loved canning fruits and vegetables. She cherished her family, friends, and church family and will be forever missed by all who knew her.
Service for Nancy were at 1 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Stockert Funeral Home, 378 Flatwoods Corner Road, Flatwoods, WV. Pastor Delmas Singleton and Reverend Daniel Arnold officiated the service. Visitation was 2 hours before the service from 11-1 pm. Nancy’s final resting place was in the Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens, Heaters, WV.
Stockert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Nancy Singleton.
William Wallace
Sutton Sr
William Wallace Sutton Sr., of Morehead City, NC took his last breath on Earth and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, November 8, 2024. He was 87 years old.
Wallace was born in Nicholas County, West Virginia, the seventh of fourteen children born to William Jennings Sutton and Delphia Eagle Sutton. He attended Gassaway High School. At age 17 he entered the U.S. Army, then the U.S. Navy at age 21.
Wallace retired as a Navy Chief Petty Officer after twenty years of service to his country. He then began his civilian career serving our nation at USMC Air Station, Cherry Point, NC where he continued service as an avionics technician until his second retirement. After retirement, Wallace and his wife, Mary, enjoyed time with their family. Wallace provided devoted care to Mary during the years preceding her death. He used his GI Bill benefit to obtain two Associate of Arts degrees, in Business, and in Criminal Justice.
Wallace was a devoted member of Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City, NC, where he served humbly and compassionately, always ready to lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, known for his warm smile and calm demeanor. Quick to laugh and slow to anger, he was a gentle soul who rarely needed to raise his voice or hand, and was always there to listen.
A man of deep faith, Wallace believed in Jesus Christ and held the Bible as the unwavering word of God, infallible and relevant for all time. He was a proud American and a true patriot, devoted to the principles and values our forefathers set forth. His love of history and passion for understanding the past reflected his commitment to the ideals that shaped our nation. He was especially proud to have cast his vote in the 2024 Presidential election.
Wallace cherished the opportunities his military service provided, especially his career in avionics, which allowed him to support our nation’s finest, whether by land, air, or sea. He valued education deeply and continued to learn throughout his life. At home, he was the family’s “Mr. Fix-It,” always ready to tackle auto repairs, household projects, or tending to his beloved vegetable garden. He took an active role in his grandchildren’s lives, attending band performances, cheering them on at sports games, teaching them to drive, and passing on practical life skills and wise counsel.
Wallace’s love for his family and friends was evident in all he did. He was a moral compass, a steady guide for those who looked up to him. His kindness, wisdom, and devotion will remain with us, a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure.
Cherishing his memory are his wife of ten years, Vera Humphrey Sutton; his three children Rebecca Lewis and husband Leinster, Elizabeth Sutton Scheller, and William Wallace Sutton Jr., all of Morehead City, NC; grandchildren William Martin Lewis, Delphia Lewis Griffin and husband David, Stephanie Scheller Kim and husband BongJu, and Troy Scheller and wife Jessica; and great-grandchildren Macey Jefferson, Kenna Jefferson, Liam Sutton Scheller, and Jackson Yong Kim. Also cherishing his memory are Vera’s children Gina Humphrey, David Humphrey and wife Beverly, and grandchildren Shiloh Humphrey and Emily Humphrey. Also surviving are brothers Victor (Lockport, NY), Jim (Lockport, NY), Con (Jefferson, GA), and Pete (Shelby, NC), and sisters Mae (Vandalia, OH), Jenny (Vandalia, OH), June (Gassaway, WV), and Sue (Beckley, WV), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Wallace was predeceased in death by his wife of forty-eight years, Mary Jean Ingram Sutton; parents William Jennings Sutton and Delphia Eagle Sutton; and brothers Gordon and Ed, and sisters Darlie Gay, Enola, and Joann.
The funeral service for Wallace was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 2:00pm at Parkview Baptist Church, Morehead City, NC with Pastor John Carswell officiating. A private burial followed. The family received friends from 1 to 2 pm on Wednesday at the church.
A livestream of the service was available at www.noebrooks.net. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Baptists on Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.
Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net
Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.
John David Postelwait
John David Postelwait, 68 of Webster Springs, passed away November 8, 2024, at his home.
John was born October 21, 1956, and was the son of the late Richard and Katherine Coontz Postelwait. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Randy Sue Postelwait, nephew, Brian Davis, stepson Chad Cutlip, and his fur buddy Sadie Mae.
John was a Christian by faith. He was a United States Army veteran; in his earlier years he worked in the coal mines and then later became an excellent carpenter. He enjoyed woodworking, playing the fiddle, bluegrass music, reading and fishing for brook trout up Sugar Creek.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Mary Cutlip; daughter, Dawn (James) Steward; stepdaughter, Rexana (Jamie) McCourt; brother, Richard (Carolyn) Postelwait; sisters, Vicki Davis and Linda Sears; granddaughters, Aubrey Houser and Kaylen Houser; and a great-granddaughter, Joise Woodruff.
Per Johns’s request, no services will be held.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Postelwait family.
Richard Elbert Tenney
Richard Elbert Tenney, 90 of Cowen, passed away November 9, 2024 at Braxton Healthcare Center. Richard was born August 2, 1934 in Hemlock and was the son of the late Squire and Lora Cutright Tenney. Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by his brothers; Ray, Raymond, Ralph, Ronald and Clark Donald Tenney and also a sister Ruth Tenney Currence.
Richard was a Christian by faith. Richard was a city police officer for the Town of Addison Webster Springs and also for Cowen; Richard worked for many years alongside his brothers at Tenney Brothers Rail and Fence Company in Webster Springs. He enjoyed going to church, listening to gospel music, singing, coon hunting, fishing, digging ramps, berry picking; he enjoyed raising gardens and his animals were a happy time in his life.
Surviving are his wife, Pamela Ann McCourt Tenney, daughters; Amanda (Sam) Riffle, Diane (Danny) Bender, Roberta (Randy) Sears and Patricia (Tom) Cowger; son, Jeffrey Tenney; brother, Roy (Judy) Tenney; sister-in-law June Tenney; step-son, Eddie Schrader; granddaughter, Hannah Hamrick (Zed) Markle; step grandsons, Cole, Tylor and Arron Riffle; numerous other grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friend Jeffery R. Hamrick whom he thought of as a son.
Service was 7:00 PM, November 14, 2024 at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Doug Martin officiating. Friends joined the family for visitation starting at 5:00 PM until time of service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com
Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen is honored to be serving the Tenney family.
Mary Kathryn Handschumacher Barger Ayers
On November 11, 2024 at Morgantown Health Center in Morgantown, WV, Mary Kathryn Handschumacher Barger Ayers left her earthly home at the young age of 101 to reunite with her heavenly family. Mary was born March Il, 1923, in Cowen, WV to the late Lawrence G. and Freda Crites Handschumacher.
In 1939 she married the late James “Doc” Barger, and they were the parents of three children; the late Larry and Don “Tim” Barger of Elkins. Mary is survived by her daughter Fran (Jerry) McClure of Fairmont and her daughters-in-law Beth Barger of Elkins and Donna Barger of Morgantown.
Affectionately known as Nennie, she was loved and will be missed by her grandchildren: Amy Kuhn Of Fairview,
Shelton (Kenna) Barger, Jeff Barger and John (Kate) Barger of Elkins; Deann Barger of Durham NC, Danica (Steve) Wilburn and Devin (Carrie) Barger of Morgantown; Janaea (Mike) Croyle, Coleton (Allison) McClure and Jarod McClure of Fairmont. Also surviving are 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Additionally, Mary is survived by her brother, William (Bill) Handschumacher of Green, Ohio and her sister Charlotte Jordan of East Liverpool, Ohio. Her brothers Dana, Eldon (Bunny), Bob, sister Katy Cutlip, and infant sister, Peggy, preceded her — what a wonderful reunion she will have with her family.
There are many nieces and nephews surviving who loved their Aunt Mary and will miss her, and will have fond memories of visits to her home.
Mary attended Cowen High School. In 1991 she retired after 25 years of service as Secretary at Glade
Elementary School in Cowen where she earned her unofficial degree in dentistry as the official tooth puller for many students. Her grandchildren looked forward to trips to Nennie’s to have a loose tooth magically extracted.
Mary was famous for her impersonation of Minnie Pearl. Known by many locals as Minnie, her outfit was complete with her hat and price tag. She performed at many local events including the Cowen Railroad
Festival, family reunions and sometimes in the living room — always starting with a big HOWDY for the crowd. She enjoyed music, singing, Yahtzee, a good game of Setback, playing a game (or 10) of Bingo, and was an avid quilter. Her quilting expertise won her a blue ribbon at the WV State Fair. She also made quilts for each of her grandchildren. Bowling was a favorite pastime for Mary, and she participated in many bowling leagues and tournaments, continuing well into her early 90s.
She was also a great cook — made from scratch biscuits, fried potatoes, cakes and pies, with her most famous being her butterscotch pie! Mary loved to shop, have her hair done, loved jewelry and was always particular about her clothes. But most of all, she loved to have fun!
Mary attended the Upper Glade Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She taught herself to play guitar and loved singing Ring of Fire while strumming on it. She was a member of the Eastern Star and insisted on keeping her dues paid even after she was no longer able to participate in meetings or events.
She married the late Bill Ayers in 1992 and in the fall of 2000 they decided to spend winters in Fairmont to be close to family, with plans to return to the farm near Cowen in the spring. They enjoyed 9 years together before Bill’s passing in February 2001 at which time Mary decided to remain in Fairmont permanently.
Mary enjoyed life, especially her family, and will be missed by all who had an opportunity to know her, as she never met a stranger and was the life Of every party. She taught us all to love family, work hard, take pleasure in life, and most of all have fun!
Service was held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November16, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Larry Lovely officiating. Burial followed at the Handschumacher Cemetery in Upper Glade. A gathering of family and friends was held from 11:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s honor to the Upper Glade Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.
Debra Ann Jones
Debra Ann Jones, age 73, passed away on October 29, 2024, at Siler City Center in Siler City, NC. Born on May 20, 1951, Debra grew up in Webster County, WV, where she attended elementary and high school. She later settled into her role as a devoted housewife and mother, raising her family with love and care.
Debra was a talented artist whose creativity found expression in oil paintings, charcoal, pen, and pencil artwork, delighting those who viewed her work. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Debra was a dedicated member of New Life Baptist Church in Cowen, WV, where she was known for her kind heart and lively spirit.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Eugene Davis; her husband, James Franklin Jones; her son, Shawn Eugene Jones; and her great-grandson, Everett Ridge Jones.
Debra leaves behind her beloved mother, Georgia Davis; her children, daughter Michelle Hayhurst and husband Frederick Hayhurst, son Jeremy Jones and wife Jodi Jones, and son Steven Jones; and her cherished grandchildren, Jordan Jones and wife Lexie Jones, Chase Hayhurst, Seth Hayhurst, Stormie Surface, Shawn Jones and wife Amy Jones, Jayden Shifflet, Isaiah Jones, Noah Hayhurst, Isaac Hayhurst, and Hannah Jones. Additionally, Debra was a loving godmother to Lana Smith and her children, Raelyn, Wyatt, and Evie.
Funeral services will be held on November 30, 2024, at 1 p.m. at New Life Baptist Church in Cowen, WV, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. Debra’s lively soul and artistic spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Online condolences may be sent to the family www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home, Cowen WV.
Leona Madeline Varrella
Leona Madeline Varrella, 105, of Ivydale entered into her eternal life on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
She was born on December 3, 1918, in Stark, WV to the late Lewis H. Kelley and Marteley Bayes Kelley.
Leona was born in a coal mining and logging community. Her life saw many changes in everyday life over all her years as a centenarian. She was a homemaker but also worked at several different jobs. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes. Leona was a religious servant of the Lord and was a 55-year member of O’Brion Church. She did many duties at the church and served mostly in the capacity as secretary. Her interesting life will not be forgotten by her loved ones and she will be missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Amelio J. Varrella; daughter, Barbara Pizza; granddaughter, Jennene Pizza; great grandchildren, Anthony and Angel Pizza; and 16 siblings.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, Joseph Varrella of Ivydale; grandson, James Dario Pizza, and wife, Julia Herkert of Ivydale; great grandchildren, Lauren Fiore, Jillian Pizza, and Kirsten Pizza; great-great grandchildren, Alexander Pizza, Xavier Pizza, Aria Stull, Effie Stull, Olivia Fiore, Vincenza Fiore; and several nieces and nephews.
Leona’s visitation will be 5 to 8 P.M. Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV.
Her funeral will be 11 A.M. Friday, November 22, 2024, at the O’Brion Christian Church, Duck, WV.
Burial will follow in the O’Brion Christian Church Cemetery.
The family would like to give special thanks to her caretaker, Emma Richards, for her compassionate care of Leona.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Harry John Ropp
Harry John Ropp 78, of Elkview, WV went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Nov. 5 2024.
He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He was a retired Navy Veteran and a retired Nurse from St. Francis Hospital.
Leaving behind to cherish his memory is his wife Mary Crislip Ropp of Elkview, son Harry John Ropp II and Chandelle of Bevard NC, daughter Courtney Ropp DeJohn and Ryan of Clendenin WV, sister Martha Ropp Parkell of NJ, grandchildren Colby Ropp, Brandon Ropp, Elias Jenkins, Oden Jenkins, Malachi DeJohn and Gideon DeJohn.
Harry was preceded in death by his father Harry Charles Ropp, mother Isabella Drain Ropp Bucholz, sister Virginia Ropp Scalese, brother-in-law Robert Parkell, father-in-law Johnny Crislip, neices Cathy Carlaw and Alicia Mayo.
Harry loves all his family very much.
Service was held at 12:00PM Tuesday November 12, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to service. Burial followed at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview.
Justin Michael Conley
Justin Michael Conley, 31, of Beaver, WV formerly of Spencer, WV passed November 8, 2024 at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.
Justin was born November 27, 1992 in Charleston, WV and is the son of Lisa Conley Jirles (Stacy) and John Carr all of Spencer, WV.
Justin was a graduate of Roane County High School Class of 2012 and had worked at Farmers Friend and Kroger. He enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, hiking and spending time with his son Owen Conley of Beaver.
In addition to his parents and son, left behind to cherish his memory are his three siblings, Allie Taylor (Adam) of Clay County, WV, Daniel Carr of Spencer, Stacy Jirles, II of Gassaway, WV; maternal grandmother, Geneva Conley of Spencer; paternal grandparents, Pat and Randy Wayne of Spencer; special friend, Alicia Williams of Beaver; many aunts and uncles; and several nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Randell Conley; and step grandparents, Susan and Dana Ramsey.
There will be no services at this time. A private family graveside will take place at Clover Ridge Cemetery in Roane County, WV.
Arrangements provided by Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.taylorvandalefuneralhome.com