Douglas Rondy ‘Doug’ Aliff

FANROCK — Douglas Rondy “Doug” Aliff, 72, of Fanrock, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with his loving wife of 47 years, Susie Aliff, whom he missed dearly, on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at the Bowers Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Doug was born on Sept. 27, 1937, at Fanrock, a son of the late Ulbert and June Morgan Aliff. He was a retired coal miner of 25 years from Keppler National Mines and a member of the UMWA Local 1599. Doug was of the Baptist faith and had been a Christian for many years. He enjoyed going to church, reading his Bible and serving the Lord; he also loved the outdoors, camping at Bluestone, fishing, gathering wood, spending time with his family, especially his eight grandkids.

In addition to his parents, Doug was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Brenda “Susie” Aliff; a sister, Joann Aliff; and his in-laws, Glen and Leola Williams.

Those left to cherish his memory are his four sons, Mark Aliff, Marvin Aliff and wife Angie, Donald Aliff and wife Becky, and Eddie Aliff and wife Mandy all of Fanrock; six brothers and sisters, Edna Thomas of Indianapolis, Ind., David Aliff and wife Mary of Annapolis, Md., Carol Wheaton and husband Ernest of Ormond Beach, Fla., Patricia Blankenship of Salisbury, N.C., Charles Aliff and wife Betty and Shirley Aliff, all of Indianapolis, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Lyndsey Cline and husband Jonathon of Sunhill, Tonya Cline and husband Cody of Fanrock, Joshua Aliff of Harrisville, W.Va., Erica and Emily Aliff of Fanrock, Kayla and Isabella Aliff of Bob White, and Jeremiah Aliff of Fanrock; a very special friend, Sam Vance; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at the Briar Creek Tabernacle with Rev. Hannibal Blankenship, Ernest Francis III and Steve Acord officiating. Doug will be laid to rest by his wife in Morgan-Hatfield Cemetery, Fanrock.

Friends may gather with the family from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at the church.

Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to express their most heartfelt gratitude to the Bowers Hospice House for their part in taking care of Doug. To all the family and friends, we appreciate all the prayers and visits to Doug.

E-mail letters of sympathy may be sent at www.staffordfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco.





Doris Carren Barker

HICO — Doris Carren Barker, 71, of Hico, passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Lansing Cemetery, Lansing, with the Rev. Michael Angelona officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery one hour before the graveside services.

Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.





Eddie D. Burnside

Eddie D. Burnside, 59, of Rock Creek, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1950, at Rock Creek, a son of the late Arley and Louise Evelyn Farley Burnside.

Eddie was a member of Rebecca Chapel United Methodist Church, Rock Creek. He was an avid fan of the Marsh Fork Bulldogs and an avid major league baseball New York Yankees fan.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd Burnside, and an uncle, Adolf Farley.

Survivors include one brother, Lonnie Burnside of Rock Creek; three aunts, Mildred Cantley of Rock Creek; Peggy Rizzuto of Valley City, Ohio; and Patsy Pettry and husband, Eugene, of Henry, Ill.; three uncles, Azel Farley Jr. and wife, Joyce, of Beckley; Teddy J. Farley and wife, Cathy, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; and Jim L. Farley and wife, Bobbie, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Services will be 12 noon on Monday afternoon, Nov. 23, 2009, at the Rebecca Chapel United Methodist Church, Rock Creek, with the Revs. Mike Kessinger, Donnie Russell and Larry Kinder officiating. Burial will follow in the Miller Cemetery, Rock Creek.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at the church and one hour before the service.

Armstrong Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.





Edward Cline Cooper

Edward Cline Cooper of Flat Top passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.

He was born April 17, 1928, in Lillybrook, W.Va., to the parents of Hershel and Annise Houchins Cooper.

He was of the Baptist faith, loved to work around his home, taking care of his lawn, raising his garden, loved any kind of ball games.

He served his country proudly in the United States Army.

In addition to his parents Edward is preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Vivian Caton.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 52 years, Gearldine Cooper of Flat Top; son, Thomas Cline Cooper and wife Melanie of Ghent; daughter, Donna Gail Cooper of Flat Top; grandsons, Aaron Thomas Cooper and Corey Thomas Cooper of Ghent.

Graveside rites will be conducted 2 p.m. today, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley, with Pastor Jack Barber officiating with burial to follow.

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

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.





Linda Craft

PINEVILLE — Linda Craft, 60, of Pineville, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley.

Calfee Funeral Service of Pineville is serving the Craft family.





Joe Phillip Duncan Jr.

OAK HILL — Joe Phillip Duncan Jr., 56, of Oak Hill, died on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley.

Born Nov. 25, 1952, at Oak Hill, he was the son of Lucile Shepherd Duncan of Oak Hill and the late Joe Phillip Duncan Sr.

Joe was a Christian who loved the Lord and as a licensed minister enjoyed preaching the word of God. He was a member of the Summerlee Freewill Baptist Church and attended the Oak Hill Church of the Nazarene. Fishing and hunting were his pastimes.

In addition to his mother he is survived by two sisters, Barbara Kincaid of Beckley and Rita Toler and husband, Raynell, of Oak Hill; a brother, Randy Duncan and wife, Karen, of Oak Hill; uncle, Frank Shepherd and wife, Vada, of Joppa, Md., aunt, Eunice Wheeler and husband, Robert, of Beckley, Mrs. Yvonne Duncan; great-aunt and uncle, Howard and Virginia Snodgrass of St. Albans; several nieces, nephews and cousins and special pet, Coco, his Siamese cat.

Services will be on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Jerry Bush officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Tyree Funeral Home.

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

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.





Billie Vernida Gray

OAK HILL — Mrs. Billie Vernida Gray, 56, of 641 Central Ave., Oak Hill, died Nov. 16, 2009, at 3 p.m. in Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital after a short illness.

Born Oct. 21, 1953, in Oak Hill, she was the daughter of the late William E. Lumbsey and Ada W. Johnson.

Mrs. Gray was a town site manager of Raleigh County Commission on Aging, a day care provider, and a fabulous cook. She was a member of Word of Truth Church of God in Christ and was appointed a teacher’s certificate license as one who has given evidence of a calling by God into the Ministry on July 25, 1993.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by grandparents, Rev. C.T and Eva Robinson, and James H. and Mary Lumbsey Sr., brothers, John Hicklin and Norman Gray.

Those left to cherish precious memories are: sons, Richie L. Gray, of Mt. Hope, Spencer D. (Sonia) Gray of Oak Hill, Townsend O. (Cheryl) Gray of Oak Hill, and Dortornieous A. (Amie) Gray of Mt. Hope; brothers, Wilbert Johnson of Kentucky, Raymond Johnson of Oak Hill, Demetrice Johnson of West Virginia; sisters, Ace (Raymond) Pannell of Beckley, Amy (Neil) Lewis of Mt. Hope, Patrice (Robert) Belcher of Oak Hill, Eva (George) Wilson of Oak Hill, and Myra (Oral) Allen of New York; 15 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Glorious Church of God, 421 Main St., Mt. Hope, with Pastor Sandra Jackson and Bishop John Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Highlawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the church.

Online condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.





Opal Marie Grimmett

NIMITZ — Opal Marie Grimmett, 83, formerly of Nimitz, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 20, 2009.

Born Jan. 10, 1926, at Little Bluestone, she was the daughter of the late Zechariah and Linnie Meador.

Ms. Grimmett was a member of the Nimitz Missionary Baptist Church where she had served as treasurer and Sunday School Teacher. Her former employment included the Summers County Sheriff’s Department, Odie Meador Lumber Company and the Summers County Board of Education.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Virgil Grimmett Jr.; four brothers, Orie Meador, Okie Meador, Ordie Meador and Odie Meador; as well as two sisters, Ola Woodard and Odelta Williams.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Donna Bragg of Pipestem, and Linda Turner and husband Billy of Forest Hill; and two grandchildren, Bryan Bragg of Morgantown, and Amber Squeo of Frederick, Md.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Nimitz Missionary Baptist Church at Nimitz with Pastor Don Hannah officiating. Burial will follow in the Meador Family Cemetery on Ellison Ridge Road, Nimitz.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Saturday, at Pivont Funeral Home in Hinton, and one hour prior to services on Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Light of the World Radio Ministries, Inc.

Online condolences and guest register at www.pivontfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Pivont Funeral Home, Hinton.





Wyatt Zane Lanham

Wyatt Zane Lanham left us to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009.

Our baby was born on Sept. 13, 2009, in Summersville to his loving parents Robert D. Lanham and Susan I. Showalter of Ansted.

In addition to his parents, Wyatt is survived by his grandparents: Ken and Debbie Showalter of Chimney Corner, as well as Robert and Joanne Underwood of Ansted. His great-grandmother Kitty Waugh of Hico. His great-grandfather Bob Dorsey of Smithers. His godparents/uncle and aunt Stanley and Catherine Underwood of Page. His very special aunt Megan Crist and uncle JC Crist of Ansted. His very special uncle Jesse Springstead of North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at Wallace and Wallace in Ansted on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Lanham officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Fola, W.Va.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace, Ansted.





Dr. William D. McLean

Dr. William D. McLean, 80, of Beckley, passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, in a Beckley hospital.

Arrangements are pending at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.





Alonzo Murphy Sr.

MADISON — Mr. Alonzo Murphy Sr., 62, of Madison, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2009, in Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel, 748 S. Fayette St., Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday, at the funeral parlor.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.





Freda Anna Pitsenberger

LAYLAND — Freda Anna Pitsenberger of Layland passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.

Arrangements are being handled by Wallace & Wallace Inc. of Rainelle.





Margaret Elizabeth Ritter

LOOKOUT — Margaret Elizabeth Ritter passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at CAMC General Division, following a long illness.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Ansted.





Opal Sexton Shrewsbury

BUD — Opal Sexton Shrewsbury, 58, of Bud, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Princeton Community Hospital following a short illness.

A celebration of Opal’s life will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Rockview Pentecostal Church of God with the Rev. Raymond Bishop officiating. Burial will follow in Harry Cook Family Cemetery, Keyrock. Family will receive friends from noon until time of service Monday at the church.

Online guest book may be signed at www.calfeefuneralservice.com or e-mail condolences to the Shrewsbury family at calfeefuneralservice@stei.com.

Calfee Funeral Service of Pineville is serving the Shrewsbury family.





Anna ‘Ruth’ Blofeld Spino

CHARMCO — Anna “Ruth” Blofeld Spino, 82, of Charmco, W.Va., joined her loved ones in heaven Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at the home of her daughter following a long illness. God saw you were getting tired, a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you, and whispered, “come with me.”

Ruth was a member of the Newton Memorial Baptist Church of Charmco for more than 50 years where she was pianist and Sunday School teacher and was a member of the Sewell Valley Rebekah Lodge and a past Noble Grand.

She was correspondent for the Meadow River Post, worked for Green Thumb and was retired from Heartland of Rainelle.

Born May 24, 1927, at Nuttleburg, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Cecil L. Blofeld Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Ludat) Blofeld. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Sam O. Spino, and her brothers, Cecil L. Blofeld Jr., Richard Blofeld, William Joseph Blofeld, Theodore Blofeld, and Thomas Blofeld, and a sister, Margaret Christian Karnes.

Survivors include her children: Sam and Sue Spino of Schuyler, Va., Ken and Donna Spino of Hixson, Tenn., MaryAnn and Ken Guthrie of Roanoke, Va., Rosemarie and Danny O’Berry of Hagerstown, Md., Larry and Lee Anne Spino of Houston, Texas, Jon and Joann Spino of Ruckersville, Va., and Brenda and Tim Richmond of Charmco. An angel sent from God, Heather Windon of Rainelle, and special lifetime friend, June McCall of Smoot, W.Va.; four sisters, Edith Holcomb of Rupert, Helen Straub of Hopewell, Va., Francis Smith of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Barbara and Ray McClung of Proctorville, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Laura, Emily, Jennifer, Angela, Robert, Samantha and Madison; six great-grandchildren, Gracy, David, MacKenzie, Delaney, Aliyah and Kaitlyn; three stepgrandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Rainelle, W.Va., with the Rev. Maynard Kessler and Gay Stover officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the End of the Trail Cemetery at Clintonville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the HospiceCare, Inc., 223 Maplewood Ave., Lewisburg, WV 24901, or to the Newton Memorial Baptist Church, HC 40, Box 419, Rockcliff Road, Rupert, WV 25984.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Inc. of Rainelle.





Marie Tincher

HINTON — Marie Tincher, 62, of Tug Creek Connection Road, Hinton, went home to Heaven on Nov. 19, 2009, at 4 p.m. at Summers Nursing and Rehab following a long illness.

Born March 1, 1947, at Hinton, she was a daughter of the late Jesse “Buddy” and Dora Canterbury Bragg. Marie was a very special person who was loved by everyone that knew her. She loved children and animals, especially “Chewy” her pet parrot. Marie loved to fish and truly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Melvin M. Bragg Sr.

Survivors include a very special sister-in-law, Mary V. Bragg with whom she made her home for over 30 years; one sister, Ina Gill and husband Jimmy of Virginia; one brother, Orville Bragg of Florida; two nephews, Junior Bragg and wife Brenda and Daniel Bragg and wife Wanda, both of Hinton; two nieces, Diane Pitzer and husband Charles and Kathleen Adkins and husband Jackie, both of Hinton; and several great-nephews and nieces, great-great-nephews and nieces. She is also survived by many special friends especially Margie Bragg and the staff and residents of Summers Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Rev. Ray Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Bragg Cemetery on Tug Creek Connection Road.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral parlors.

Great-nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ronaldmeadowsfp.com.

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.





Pamela Ann Blevins Knight Todd

GLEN JEAN — Pamela Ann Blevins Knight Todd, 50, of Glen Jean, died on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at her home.

Born Nov. 27, 1958, at Ashtabula, Ohio, she was the daughter of Dale A. Blevins of Oak Hill, W.Va., and the late Patricia Ann Courtney Blevins.

Pamela graduated from Mountain State University in 2001 with a B.S. in Accounting. She was a self-employed accountant.

Survivors include husband, Kenneth Michael Todd; one son, Don Allen Blethen Jr. and wife, Laura, of Baltimore, Md.; two daughters, Theresa Lynn Blethen of Glen Jean and Autumn Amber Todd of Glen Jean; stepdaughter, Crystal Lambert of Glen Jean; three brothers, Randolph A. Blevins and wife, Ragena G., of Fayetteville, William C. Blevins of Maple Fork and Scott P. Blevins and wife, Thresea, of Fayetteville; two nieces, Kelsey and Stephanie; and one nephew, Ryan.

A memorial service will be on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the Garten Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Larry Humphries officiating.

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

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.





Lorraine Trull

OCEANA — Lorraine Trull, 80, departed this life Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at her home following a short illness.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.





John W. Wampler

GARWOOD — John Wesley Wampler, 50, of Garwood, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at his residence following a long illness.

Friends may gather with the family from 1 to 5 p.m. today, Nov. 21, at the residence at 306 Herndon Road, Garwood.

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.





Ethel Weidensall

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, our beloved Ethel McCormick Weidensall of Sunset Drive, Beckley, passed away at Raleigh General Hospital. She was in her 89th year.

Born Cora Ethel McCormick on July 27, 1920, at Posey, she was one of six children born to the late Charles McCormick who died in 1956 and Almeda Brooke Webb McCormick who died in 1985. Her sister, Wanda Cooper, and brothers, Roy, Edward, and James Kermit McCormick, all preceded Ethel in death. A sister, Mary Agnes Cowden of Knoxville, Tenn., survives her.

“MaMaw,” as Ethel was known to countless people, was a resident of Beckley the past 30 years, coming from Spruce Street in Mabscott. A dedicated homemaker, she lived her life for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Her door opened wide for everyone. Ethel loved gospel music and going to Tamarack to hear the psaltery music. She faced many challenges in her life. Her husband Wilhelm V. Weidensall died in 1978 and she endured the loss of two of her daughters, Agnes Ann Weidensall in 1974 and Mary Ellen Higgins in 1992.

When her children and grandchildren recall their Mother, they remember, “She was a wonderful mother. Tough. A fighter, who had unconditional love.” Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”

Left to cherish her memory are her living children: Shirley Thompson of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., William E. Weidensall and his wife Margaret of Bradley, Larry Weidensall and his wife Peggy of Crab Orchard, Linda Kluesner and her husband Bernie, Elaine Williams and her husband Jack, Barbara Henry and her husband David, all of Beckley; the doting grandmother of 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who loved her dearly.

On Sunday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. we will remember the life of Ethel Weidensall at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Jim McCormick will be officiating. Ethel will then be laid to rest beside Wilhelm and Agnes at the Sunset Memorial Park. Mary Ellen rests nearby.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

And so now we must say goodbye. She goes before us. But we know, “A Mother’s love is always with her children.”

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

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.