Published: September 27, 2008 11:10 pm         

Obituaries - Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008

Warner ‘Wa Wa’ Anthony

Mr. Warner “Wa Wa” Anthony, 74, of Beckley, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, in Raleigh General Hospital.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Ruby A. Argabright

Ruby A. Argabright, 63, of Princeton, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. today from the Burns Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory, Princeton. Friends may call one hour prior to services or may leave online condolences at www.memorialfd.com.

Arrangements by Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center, Princeton.

Erma Lee Brogan

Erma Lee Brogan, 69, of Summers County, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.

At her request, her body has been cremated. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at info@ronaldmeadowsfp.com.

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.

Raymond ‘Ted’ Brown

Mr. Raymond “Ted” Brown, 95, of Beckley, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

David W. Buckland

PEMBROKE, Va. — David W. Buckland, age 68, of Pembroke, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel in Peterstown. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Online guest book may be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com.

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.

Sarah Lou Butler

Mrs. Sarah Lou Butler, 76, of Pipestem, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, from the Burns Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory, Princeton. Friends may call today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home or may leave online condolences at www.memorialfd.com.

Arrangements by Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center, Princeton.

Dorothy Taylor Charlton

TUCSON, Ariz. — Dorothy Taylor Charlton, 76, of Tucson, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008.

Dorothy was born April 2, 1932, in Fayetteville, W.Va., and lived in Tucson since 1969. She came here with her husband Francis Wade Charlton, to whom she was married for 53 years until his death in November 2006.

Dorothy worked in the real estate industry as an escrow officer for several title agencies until her retirement in the early 1990s.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Steven and Russell Charlton, both of Tucson, her daughter-in-law Leanne Charlton of Tucson, her grandsons Benjamin Charlton of North Carolina and Jerame Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz.; her sister Loretta Bostic of Georgia, and her brothers Elmer Taylor of Virginia, Everett Taylor of West Virginia and Clarence Taylor of North Carolina.

Dorothy was a much loved mother, sister and friend; she will be greatly missed, but our loss is eased by the knowledge she is with her beloved Wade once again.

While no formal memorial service is planned at this time, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kidney Fund.

Elizabeth Ledger Clay

Elizabeth Ledger Clay, age 90, of Danville, W.Va., formerly of Whitman, departed this life on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Boone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, c/o Activity Fund, P.O. Box 605, Danville, WV 25023.

For e-mail condolences or to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, go to www.honakerfuneralhome.org.

Honaker Funeral Home in Logan is in charge of her services.

Carolyn J. Wade Comer DeFoe

Carolyn J. Wade Comer DeFoe, age 63, of Oak Hill, became our loving mother angel watching over us in heaven on Sept. 27, 2008.

She left this earth after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at home with her loving family surrounding her. All those who loved her and knew her know what a big heart she had and was constantly thinking of the happiness of her family above herself. Not a stronger woman in our eyes will ever exist.

Carolyn was born at Carbondale, W.Va., on April 20, 1945, the daughter of the late Lewis and Louise Huddleston Wade.

She was a member of the National Humane Society and loved to cook.

She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Paul F. Comer, and by her second husband, Lt. Col. Donald R. DeFoe.

Surviving are her son, Rick Comer and wife Teresa of Hico; her two daughters, Pamela Blake of Cannelton and Angela Pyatt and husband Rick of Oak Hill; 10 grandchildren, James Shell, Jackie Shell, Jennifer Comer, Amy Comer, Amanda Comer, Joshua Comer, Brittany Comer, Elijah Pyatt, Mariah Pyatt, and Noah Pyatt; four sisters, Sue Saylor of Hamilton, Ohio, Wanda Sparkes and husband Richard of Bradley, Kay Jones and husband Bob, and Sharon Lowery and companion Scott Messmore all of Beards Fork; and her special companion of seven years, her dog, Pepe’.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, with Rev. Phyllis Bowling assisted by Linda Nibert officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Pallbearers will be Rick Comer, Rick Pyatt, Scott Messmore, Joshua Comer, Elijah Pyatt, and Jackie Shell.

Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Gene A. Fink

Gene Austin Fink, of South Pike Street, Beckley, died on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at his home. He was 67 years of age.

Mr. Fink was cremated. There will be no formal services.

Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net.

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Brandon Fodge

Brandon Fodge, 21, of Amherstdale, passed away Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

Funeral service will be noon Monday, Sept. 29, at Mounts Funeral Home Cha-pel, Gilbert, W.Va. Friends may call today at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m.

Visit www.mountsfuneral home.com.

Arrangement by Mounts Funeral Home of Gilbert.

Lydia Goodman

Lydia Goodman, 68, of Lorado, W.Va., passed away Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Saunders Memorial Freewill Baptist Church, Lorado. Friends may call at the church 6 to 9 p.m. Monday.

Visit www.mountsfuneral home.com.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home of Gilbert.

Clyde W. Graham

Clyde Willis Graham, 73, of Rhodell, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, Mullens. Friends may call Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

Nora Eva Hatcher

WEIRTON — Mrs. Nora Eva Hatcher, 83, of Weirton, formerly of Beckley, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at Trinity West Hospital, Steubenville, Ohio.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Hattie Faye Bragg Jolliffe

Hattie Faye Bragg Jolliffe, 85, of Hinton, died Saturday morning, Sept. 27, 2008.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel in Hinton. Friends may call at the funeral parlors after 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Condolences may be sent to the family at info@ronaldmeadowsfp.com.

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.

Shelia Raye Kessler

Shelia Raye Kessler, 52, of Rupert, born March 24, 1956, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, at home, following a sudden illness.

Shelia was a loving spouse, mother, nana, sister, and aunt. She was always there when anyone needed her. The family loved gathering for holidays and dinners.

She is survived by her husband of almost 22 years, Butch “Brush” Kessler; two daughters, Stephanie Redden and husband, Brian, of Rupert and Nikki Kessler of Hines; two granddaughters, Destiny and Tiffany Redden of Rupert; four sisters, Darlene Bika and husband, Charles, of Beckley, Carol Brackenridge and husband, Thomas, of Rupert, Sharon Dooley of Rainelle, and Sandra Deitz and husband, Sammy, of Rupert; two brothers, Aunley “Watson” Robinson and wife, Dianna “Susie,” of Rupert and Johnny Robinson and wife, Tammy, of Rupert; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; as well as many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Onley and Madonia Faye Heaster Robinson.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the Wallace & Wallace Chapel in Rainelle, with Preacher Rob Newman officiating. Burial will follow at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery in Clintonville.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Inc. of Rainelle.

Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade

Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a tireless advocate for senior citizen rights and founder of National Grandparents Day, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, Sept. 26, 2008, at Hilltop Center, Hilltop, W.Va. She was 91 years old.

The daughter of the late Clarence and Lucille (Dickerson) Herndon, she born on Jan. 18, 1917, in Caperton, W.Va. Marian was a lifelong West Virginian and native of Fayette County. She married her Oak Hill High School sweetheart Joe L. McQuade in 1936. Mr. and Mrs. McQuade went on to become the proud parents of 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In 1970 Mrs. McQuade initiated a grassroots campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents. Years of working with civic, business, church and political leaders paid off in 1973 when West Virginia Gov. Arch A. Moore proclaimed the first National Grandparents Day. Also in 1973, Sen. Jennings Randolph, D-W.Va., introduced a Grandparents Day resolution in the United States Senate. When the resolution languished in committee, Mrs. McQuade began a determined national effort to get the resolution passed.

Mrs. McQuade petitioned governors in 49 states to follow West Virginia and set aside a Grandparents Day. Forty-three of those governors sent proclamations to Mrs. McQuade, each declaring a holiday in their states. With this momentum, the bill (Public Law 96-62) was signed into legislation in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day each year as National Grandparents Day. National Grandparents Day celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

In part, the Grandparents Day proclamation reads: “Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to events and beliefs and experiences that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us. Whether they are our own or surrogate grandparents who fill some of the gaps in our mobile society, our senior generation also provides our society a link to our national heritage and traditions.”

When Mrs. McQuade was asked about founding National Grandparents Day, she said, “I am the luckiest person in the world. I have a wonderful and understanding husband, my children are all healthy and well, and my grandchildren and great-grandchildren brighten my days. And then I have my work promoting Grandparents Day, working with seniors and visiting the sick and lonely in hospitals and nursing homes. What more could I want?”

Mrs. McQuade’s legacy is now being carried on by many of her children and grandchildren, some of whom work on the National Grandparents Day Council, the nonprofit corporation established by descendants of Marian H. McQuade (www.grandparents-day.com). The council’s purpose is to protect and promote the original intent of National Grandparents Day as championing the elderly. The council also works to enlarge and enhance the celebration of the holiday by cultivating intergenerational activities throughout the year.

Mrs. McQuade’s work with senior citizens dates back to 1956, when she first helped Jim Comstock, editor of the West Virginia Hillbilly and the Richwood News Leader, with organizing a Past 80 Party. The Past 80 Party became an annual event celebrating the state’s octogenarians.

She went on to become Vice Chair of the West Virginia Commission on Aging and was appointed as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1972, Mrs. McQuade’s efforts resulted in President Richard Nixon proclaiming a National Shut-in Day. She also served as President of the Vocational Rehabilitation Foundation, Vice President of the West Virginia Health Systems Agency, and was appointed to the Nursing Home Licensing Board, among many other involvements.

In 1970, Mrs. McQuade ran for United States House of Representatives in West Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. She was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention from West Virginia in 1972. Also in 1972, she was a candidate for West Virginia State Senate 11th District.

Mrs. McQuade’s efforts on behalf of the elderly and in the establishment of National Grandparents Day have been recognized through numerous honors. In 1976, Mrs. McQuade received a citation as one of 10 West Virginia Women of Accomplishment and in 1981 she was designated Whitman’s Chocolates’ Grandparent of the Year. The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative envelope bearing Mrs. McQuade’s likeness in 1989 for the 10th anniversary of National Grandparents Day. On the 25th anniversary of the first West Virginia observance of the holiday, new West Virginia state highway signs were erected outside her hometown, announcing Oak Hill, W.Va., as the “Home of Marian McQuade, Founder of National Grandparents Day.”

Mrs. McQuade is survived by her children: Shirley McQuade Davis of Beckley, W.Va.; DJ McQuade Lancaster of Chula Vista, Calif.; Dan McQuade of East Haddam, Conn.; Charles (Darby) McQuade of Santa Fe, N.M.; Patricia McQuade of Watsonville, Calif.; Tom McQuade of Charlotte, N.C.; David McQuade of North Hollywood, Calif.; Ruth McQuade of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; Mary McQuade of Carmel, Calif.; George McQuade of Sun City, Calif.; Margaret McQuade Salimi of Oak Hill, W.Va.; Michael McQuade of Santa Fe, N.M.; Kathleen McQuade Eye of Oak Hill, W.Va. She is also survived by her sister, Vida Herndon Albert, and brothers, Robert Herndon and Harry Herndon, as well as her 43 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe L. McQuade, her sons Joel Herndon McQuade and William Robert McQuade, her brothers J.W. Herndon and Char-les Herndon, and her sisters Eva Lee Herndon and Virginia Herndon Cater.

Services will be on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Baptist Church with Rev. David Sneed and Pastor Jerry Bush officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.

Visitation will be held at Tyree Funeral Home today, Sept. 28, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The West Virginia Alzheimer’s Association, 1111 Lee St., Charleston, WV 25301. Her family also asks that in honor of Marian McQuade’s work on behalf of the elderly, please pass on family histories to grandchildren, visit with the elderly or volunteer at a local nursing home. As Marian always said, “Make every day Grandparents Day.”

For more information on Mrs. McQuade and National Grandparents Day visit www.grandparents-day.com.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Michelle Lilly Miller

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, Michelle Miller, of Jasper Lane, Soak Creek, died at her home. She was 40 years of age.

Born Michelle Louise Lilly on April 27, 1968, the youngest of 12 children, she was the precious daughter of Audrey Sears Lilly of Jonben and the late Eulis “Happy Jack” Lilly.

Michelle spent her childhood at Jonben. A graduate of Independence High School, Class of 1985, she had been a resident of Soak Creek since 1993. In her leisure time, she enjoyed camping and shopping. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her father, Michelle was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Ray Lilly.

Michelle is the beloved wife of William Frank “Billy” Miller; the devoted mother of Will Lilly; the dear sister of James Lilly and his wife Sheri, Kenneth Lilly and his wife Missy, Kirk Lilly, Danny Lilly and his wife Crystal, all of Jonben, Ernie Lilly and his wife Linda of Sophia, Dean Lilly and his wife Bertie of Parrotsville, Tenn., Gloria Bowles of Crab Orchard, Carol Lilly, Sharon Blevins and her husband Ronnie, Priscilla Reed and her husband Randy, and Juanita Smith and her husband “Butter,” all of Jonben; her husband’s family: father and mother-in-law, Carl and Ilene Miller; brother-in-law, Carl Miller Jr.; sisters-in-law, Anna Sturgill, Denise Rochester, both of Flat Top, and Teresa Miller of Beckley; 13 nieces and 14 nephews; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in the Jonben Community Cemetery.

Friends may call this evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour prior to the services on Monday.

Pallbearers will be Joey and Carl Miller Jr., and Randy and Michael Reed.

Condolences can be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net.

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Thelma L. Ratliff

RIPLEY — Thelma Louise Ratliff, 82, of Ripley, formerly of Corinne, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Jackson General Hospital, Ripley, following a short illness.

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

Mildred Mae Reynolds

Mildred Mae Reynolds, age 96, of Daniels, passed away Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, of natural causes.

Born April 12, 1912, at Stover, she was the daughter of the late Perry and Bertha Shumate Little.

Mildred loved to hunt and fish with her late husband George. She was a gardener, and was a wonderful cook and seamstress. She loved to needlepoint and won awards at the W.Va. State Fair. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a gentle person and always found good in people. Her love was unconditional, no matter the offense.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Reynolds; two daughters, Betty Jean Clark of Daniels and Marilyn Sue Reynolds of Beckley; four brothers, Harold Little, Julian Little, Ralph Little, and George Little.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, James Perry Reynolds and wife Sara of Swansboro, N.C.; son-in-law, William Clark of Daniels; four granddaughters, Terri Stover and husband Gary of Daniels, Becky Hite and husband Randy of Kingsport, Tenn., Debbie Paris and husband Bob of Daniels, and Billie Enciu and husband Mircea of Lexington, Ky.; five grandsons, George Reynolds and wife Bobbi of Mebane, N.C., Robert Reynolds and wife Teresa of Fayetteville, N.C., Greg Reynolds of New Castle, Va., Mike Hensley and wife Tracy of Lexington, N.C., and Jay Hensley of Raleigh, N.C.; 21 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ruth Brown, Ruby Burleson, Janice Burcham, Donald Little and wife Via, and Alice Dickerson.

Friends may gather with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, W.Va., with service to follow at 8 p.m. Graveside service will be held 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the Oak Grove Cemetery, 1291 Dorsey Ave., Morgantown, W.Va.

Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth Clifford Smith

Kenneth Clifford Smith, 85, of Wilson, N.C., formerly of Rupert, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.

Born Dec. 8, 1922, in Landisburg, he was the son of the late Minor and Zona Smith.

He had worked as a produce salesman. He was a World War II Army veteran. He formerly operated Crookshanks Pontiac in Rupert.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ethel Crookshanks Smith; a son, Kenny Smith Jr.; and four brothers, John D., Curtis, Minor C. Jr., who was killed in the military, and Bernard Smith.

Survivors include a son, Scott and Ellen Smith of Raleigh, N.C.; a daughter-in-law, Ann Smith of Forest, Va.; a sister, Irene Kenney of Elkins; a brother, Terry Smith of Hurricane; five grandchildren, Kelly Shelton of Forest, Va., Jeff Smith of Richmond, Va., Eric Smith of Forest, Va., Jacquline Holloman of Smithfield, N.C., and Stephanie Smith of Raleigh, N.C.; and three great-grandchildren, Reed and Will Shelton of Forest, Va., and Kennedy Holloman of Smithfield, N.C.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at the Wallace & Wallace Chapel in Rainelle, with Pastor Youel Altizer officiating. Burial will follow in the Wallace Memorial Cemetery at Clintonville.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Inc. of Rainelle.

Leona Marie Browning Staten

RONCEVERTE — Leona Marie Browning Staten, age 89, of Ronceverte, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Summers County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hinton.

Mrs. Staten was born July 16, 1919, in Williamson, Ky., and was the daughter of the late Joe and Ella Mae Browning Hatfield.

She was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church on Teaberry Road. She was a homemaker and entrepreneur in the restaurant business, and retired from the Greenbrier Manor.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Evermont Staten; a son, Evermont Staten Jr.; a daughter, Georgia Rhodes; a brother, Earl Browning; and a sister, June Wickline.

Survivors include her three sons, Kelly Staten and wife Lisa of Gap Mills, Gary Staten and wife Cricket of Ronceverte, and Randy Staten and wife Donna of Second Creek; seven daughters, Trula Surgeon and husband John of South Carolina, Kathleen Hall and husband Darrell of Alderson, Patches Rogers and husband Jerry of Lewisburg, Nancy Gunter of Ronceverte, Barbara Weikle and husband Donnie of Ronceverte, Delores Staten of Alderson, and Tammy Painter of White Sulphur Springs; two stepdaughters, Allie Lopez of Arizona and Patricia Niemi and husband Ed of Oregon; 34 grandkids; 66 great-grandkids; and 25 great-great-grandkids.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church on Teaberry Road, with Donald Weikle and Robert Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Anderson Cemetery on Teaberry Road.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte.

Pallbearers will be her sons and sons-in-law.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.

Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte is in charge of arrangements.

Michael James Streho Jr.

Michael James Streho Jr., of Purity Hills, Eccles, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67 years of age.

Arrangements are incomplete at Melton Mortuary, Beckley.