Kenneth Atkins
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Kenneth Earl Atkins, of Charleston on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the age of 85 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Virginia E. Atkins in 2020; son Brian K. Atkins in 1988; son Glenn A. Atkins in 2010. He is survived by sisters-in-law Judith Smith and Ethel Williams; brother-in-law Sam Williams and wife Kathy; cousin Sue Layne; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Ken was born on February 20, 1939, to Murl and Mildred Atkins in Fayette County, WV. He graduated from Montgomery High School and went on to get a B.S. in chemistry from WV Institute of Technology. He joined Union Carbide's Research and Development in 1960 and later completed his M.S. degree at WVU. His work with synthetics, composites, and other materials has been applied in both North America and Europe in the automotive industry over the last 40+ years. Ken received the Union Carbide Technical Achievement Award in 1986, was appointed Corporate Fellow in 1989, and retired after 38 years of company service with Carbide. He has 25 U.S. Patents, 46 publications, and chapters in 3 books on composites.
Beyond his remarkable career, Ken was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother-in-law, cousin, and uncle. His gentle manner and easygoing nature provided a calm presence to those close to him. Ken's keen intellect was paired with warmth and kindness for which he will always be remembered.
By request, there will be no services. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Michael Wayne Rankin
Michael Wayne Rankin, 71, of Dunbar, passed away October 15, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Mike was born on October 12, 1953, to the late J.B. and Ruby Rankin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri Hinkle Rankin; sisters, Sue Kinney, Brenda White, and Betsy Phillips.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Susan (Jim) Cowie, Melissa (Chris) Furby, Kara (Doug) Curry, and Amber (Derek) Rankin; granddaughters, Kimberly, Haley, Brogan, Skylar, Riley, and Addison; grandson, Max; great grandsons, Josiah, Jayden, Jullian, and Theo. His grandkids were the world to him! He also leaves behind his brother-in-law and best buddy, Joe Hinkle, who helped look out for him and take care of him.
Mike loved softball and helped coach many girls in pitching over the years. His other love was fishing. The following poem speaks to Mike’s life: “If someone would ask for me, tell ’em heaven is where I’ll be. I’ve finished all my life’s chores, and now I fish on heaven’s shores.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Dr. Marty Diane Henley
A reception to celebrate the remarkable life of Dr. Marty Diane Henley will be held from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Edgewood Country Club, 1600 Edgewood Drive, Charleston, WV 25302. The family welcomes you to join them in this celebration.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to a scholarship fund to be established in her name at the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304.
Online Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Please see the full obituary below.
Dr. Marty Diane Henley, whose life was defined by compassion, dedication, and resilience, passed away on September 14, 2024, after a courageous journey with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and boundless love that inspired not only her family but also countless individuals whose lives she touched.
Born on May 28, 1955, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to the late Robert "Bob” and Marty Johnson, Marty grew up with a passion for helping others. After graduating from East Liverpool High School in 1973, she pursued a career in nursing, earning her RN from the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing. In 1976, she began her medical career at WVU Hospitals, and by 1980, she had graduated from the School of Nurse Anesthesia at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). In 1998 she assumed the role of Chief CRNA and held that position until her retirement in 2020. She earned her Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice Management from Marshall University in 2001.
Marty’s professional life was marked by more than 40 years of service at CAMC. She was known as a tenacious advocate for patient care and her fellow colleagues, constantly seeking improvements for CRNAs, students, MDs, and patients alike. Her contributions were many, from implementing electronic anesthesia records to leading the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Council at CAMC. Marty’s passion for excellence in anesthesia practices was legendary, and she mentored and inspired a generation of students and peers. Her tireless work ethic and pursuit of fairness left a lasting impact on the hospital community.
In 2002, Marty received the Lifetime Recognition Award of Excellence in Professional Nursing at CAMC. In 2001, she received the WV Nurse Excellence Award for Advanced Practice. She served as a member on the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists Board of Directors from 2009-2013 and served twice as its secretary. She also served on the Cancer Advisory Board of CAMC and the CAMC Executive Committee, as well as several other leadership positions.
Marty’s heart for service extended beyond her profession. She participated in 14 medical trips to Haiti, where her work reflected her deeply held belief in the importance of giving back. She said these trips to Haiti allowed her to live with the attitude of gratitude. A colleague remarked that even in Haiti, “everyone knew Marty” and wanted to be around her.
Marty and her husband, John Rudolph “Rudy” Henley, were married on June 9, 1984, celebrating 40 years of marriage this year. She cherished her family above all else, and nothing meant more to her than her children: her son Grant (Melissa) of Aspen, Colorado, and her daughters Julia (Charlie) of Charleston and Sarah. She was excitingly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild in October. Marty is also survived by her brothers, David Johnson (Dawn) of Amherst, Ohio, and Brandon Johnson (Melanie) of Lewisburg, West Virginia, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family and friends remember her as a loving mother, a compassionate friend, and a fierce advocate for those she cared about.
In 2020, Marty received a diagnosis of Stage IV inoperable lung cancer, but true to her character, she faced it with unmatched strength and resilience. She continued to travel (Hawaii, Mexico, Turkey, Greece and Italy), exercise regularly, and constantly helped others in impactful ways, including those also diagnosed with cancer. Marty became a champion for patients through the LUNGevity Foundation, empowering others to become their own advocates in their fight against cancer. Her medical knowledge, combined with her personal research, allowed her to make an impact on patients nationwide. Even in the face of cancer, her generosity and grace remained steadfast. Her battle with cancer became a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Marty’s impact transcended the medical world—she was a mother, a friend, a compassionate caregiver, a survivor, and an advocate for those in need. She lived life with boundless energy, always putting others first. As an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, she found joy in the world around her and shared that joy with everyone in her life.
Marty’s life was defined by her desire to make a difference, and she did so with humility and love. She carried a light that made the world a brighter place.
Marty was a member of Christ Church United Methodist and she lived life with a servant heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to a scholarship fund to be established in her name at the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304. A private family service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 17. A celebration of Marty’s remarkable life will be scheduled after the arrival of her grandson in the coming days.
Online Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Rev. Mrs. Linda Lee McCollam Moore
The Rev. Mrs. Linda Lee McCollam Moore, of South Charleston, died on October 3, 2024. She is now held securely in the loving arms of God, blessed with the peace of God.
She was preceded in death by her father, W.C. “Jack” McCollam (12-06-95), and her mother, Genevieve E. Kapp McCollam (03-15-13), whose strong personal integrity and unique closeness to God strongly influenced her own. In Linda’s own words, “They were absolutely the best parents anyone ever had!” She was also preceded in death by her first son, and the true light of her life, Jeremy Newman, of Lexington, KY.
She leaves her husband of 36 years, Paul M. Moore, Jr.; their son, the other true light of her life, Paul M. Moore III “Trey”; and her precious little angel, Luci Lee, at home; and her daughter-in-law, Sherri Stickles Newman, of Lexington, KY. Other survivors include: sister, Marjorie “Margie” McCollam Adkins, of Rio Grande, Ohio; nephew, Jeff Adkins, and his wife, Andrea, of Gallipolis, Ohio; nephew, Brent Adkins of Columbus, Ohio; niece, Ann Dorne and her husband, Scott, also of Columbus; along with 5 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews; and one aunt, Nancy Kapp Ratliff, of Columbus. Many cousins, their children, and grandchildren were also very dear to her.
Family and friends will remember Linda as a Christian, a woman of integrity with a gentle spirit, and yet a possessor of inner strength, having been stricken with polio at the age of 4 years, and later persevering through other tribulations that life often brings our way. She did not, however, label herself a “victim,” but a “survivor,” a fact that was very important in her thinking.
Born February 3, 1950, in Charleston, Linda was a 1968 graduate of South Charleston High School, a 1972 graduate of West Virginia State University, with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education, and a specialization in Math. While a student at WVSU, she was an active member and leader of the Campus Crusade for Christ fellowship and evangelistic group. After teaching for one year at Shoals Elementary School, while she was still a member of her home church, Boyd Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she followed God’s call to the Christian ministry and became a student at the Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY. She graduated from LTS in 1977, with the degree of Master of Religious Education, having completed the writing of her thesis (“The Preschool Child’s Understanding of God”) two months after her first son, Jeremy Newman, was born. On May 22, 1977, she was ordained into the Christian ministry at the Perryville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Perryville, KY. Rev. Moore served several churches as Youth Director, Student Associate Minister, Assistant Minister, and as a volunteer Interim Minister, as needs arose.
The Rev. Mrs. Moore officiated at many weddings, including that of her son, Jeremy Newman, and performed the baptisms of her younger son, Paul Moore III, and others. She presented innumerable messages in Sunday worship, and officiated as part of countless worship services, including the presentation of the Benediction at the 1995 GWHS Baccalaureate Service of her son, Jeremy. She served as Deacon and Elder, visited with and offered prayer and Holy Communion to many shut-ins, and presided at countless funerals, some of whom were her own relatives.
After living in Dallas, Texas, where she taught at the St. John’s Episcopal School, and Pikeville, KY, she returned to South Charleston in late 1985. After beginning what would become many post-graduate classes at the WVCOGS (currently MU), she returned to the full-time teaching profession in 1986 at Piedmont Elementary for over 11 years. She then taught at Holz Elementary School for another 14 years, until her retirement in June 2011. Linda worked with children and young people of various ages nearly all her life: as a babysitter, church school and vacation Bible school teacher in many churches, youth director, elementary school teacher, and private tutor to many; and in the vocation she held blessed in the highest of honor, as a mother and grandmother. She had a heartfelt love of children and a way of relating with them that is seldom found. Children, in this wide variety of relationships, brought sparkles to her eyes like few things in her life.
A service will be held at the United Disciples of Christ Church, 100 United Disciples Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309, at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024. Following, a meal will be shared by any who knew and loved her wherever to celebrate her life, share her memory, and enjoy being together, as she would have wanted.
Although Linda enjoyed many sorts of flowers, it was her very strong wish that they not be sent. Those who wish to send monetary gifts in her memory are asked to remember the March of Dimes (note: to be used for the work of research and support of Polio survivors), the YWCA Resolve Spousal Abuse Program, the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice, or the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Larry Glen Myer
Larry Glen Myer went home October 3rd, 2024, to be with our Lord. Larry was born October 10th, 1948, in Tanner, West Virginia, to Glen and Ruby Simmons Myer.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Smith Myer; son, Jason Myer; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Brunello; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Larry was a member of the Teays Valley Baptist Church, where he assisted with the cameras and participated in the annual Passion Play.
Larry was employed by the South Putnam Public Service District for 23 years, where he had many friends. Starting as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, his expertise with computers was eventually recognized, and he was subsequently put in charge of IT.
As an Air Force Veteran, he was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 37, as a Staff Sergeant.
Larry was passionate about music throughout his life. As a teen, he mastered the trumpet and was “first chair”. His favorite music, however, was always rock ‘n roll... The louder, the better.
A Service to Honor the Life of Larry Myer will be held at 12 Noon, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Dr. John Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 am to Noon at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Larry’s name to the West Virginia Veterans Home of Barboursville: 512 Water Street, Barboursville, WV 25504.
Memories of Larry may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
David Allen Whidby
David Allen Whidby, 75, of St. Albans, WV, passed away on October 2, 2024, at his home.
David was born in Charleston, WV, on February 21, 1949. After high school, David became a professional truck driver, and proudly made deliveries all over West Virginia, being able to get a “tractor-trailer” into WV’s small towns and curvy roads! During his retirement years, David developed a hobby of making hand-crafted canes, of which he blessed many with. David was a devout Christian and faithful member of the Dunbar Church of the Nazarene. After Jesus, his wife Evelyn was the love of his life, and they were blessed to celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary this past summer.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Monroe “Pete” Whidby and Betty Mae Fizer Whidby; his brother, Paul M. Whidby; and sisters, Sharon L. Vanatter and Jackie Marie Stewart. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Whidby; and sister, Debbie Koontz (Bill).
A Service to Honor the Life of David will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Hudson officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dunbar Church of the Nazarene, 1334 Lightner Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064 (www.dunbarnazarene.org).
Memories of David may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Evelyn Layne Taylor
Evelyn Taylor, 93, of Charleston, WV, passed away on September 30, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Evelyn was born on October 28, 1930, in South Charleston, WV. She graduated from Nitro High School, Class of 1949, and while a student, won the “Miss Firecracker” pageant! After her education, Evelyn worked at FMC for 30 years as an executive secretary. Evelyn was an avid bowler and enjoyed her time playing on the FMC bowling team. Upon retirement, she and her husband, Bill, were able to travel the globe, enjoying visits to Hawaii, the Bahamas, traveling throughout Europe, and even driving to Alaska! But her favorite trips were to Las Vegas, where she loved playing $777 Lucky 7’s.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Harry Layne and Mayoma Layne Walker; her husband, Bill Taylor; her siblings, Maxine Taylor, Katherine Beckett, Lucille Fetherson, Eddie Layne, Harry Layne, and Barbarine Frye. She is survived by her sister, Lois Jean Walker, along with many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
A Service to Honor the Life of Evelyn will be held at 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with H.R. Whittington officiating. Burial will be held in Mountain View Memorial Park, Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Evelyn may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Deanna Louise Little Watts
Deanna Louise Little Watts, 85, of Charleston, WV, passed away on September 26, 2024, at the home of her daughter, Beth.
Dee was born in Charleston, WV, and graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1957. She worked in retail, selling cosmetics and modeling, and later worked at the Circuit Clerk’s Office, which she retired from.
Dee never remarried after the death of her husband, “Mack” Watts. She always said that he was her one and only true love! She was a wonderful, loving mother to all three of her children: Cindi, Beth, and L.M. Dee also took the responsibility of taking care of her mentally handicapped sister, Vonnie, for over forty years. She loved her grandchildren: Chanon, Justin, Megan, Matthew; and great-grandchild, Emma.
Dee loved interior decorating and fashion, and she was always “up with the times.” But, most importantly, Dee gave her life to the Lord! And with that love for the Lord, she attended the Bible Center Church of Charleston, until she became ill and could no longer drive. Dee’s family is so thankful that she is not suffering any longer, and knowing that she is with Jesus gives the strength to make it through each day. However, even with that hope and strength, she will be sadly missed.
Dee was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Edgington Little; her father, William Ralph Little; husband, Leonard “Mack” Watts; son, Leonard M. “L.M.” Watts; and granddaughter, Megan Mackelle Blaisdell.
Dee is survived by her daughters, Cynthia L. Means (Kim) of Hurricane, WV, and Beth A. Blaisdell (Paul) of Ripley, WV; granddaughter, Chanon L. Richardson of Ripley, WV; grandsons, Paul “Matthew” Blaisdell of Ripley, WV, and Justin Frame of St. Albans, WV; great granddaughter, Emma L. Richardson of Ripley, WV; brothers, Richard Little of Georgia, and Sonny Little and Butch Little, both of South Carolina; and sisters, Billie Bond of Virginia and Yvonne Little of Charleston, WV.
A Service to Honor the Life of Dee will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Richard Riffe officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Dee may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Patricia Susan Crawley
Patricia Susan Crawley, 69, of South Charleston, passed away on September 24, 2024, at the Hubbard Hospice House.
Susan was born on April 15, 1955, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Clarksburg, WV. During her childhood, she moved with her family to South Charleston, where she graduated from South Charleston High School, Class of 1973. Susan’s life moved her to South Carolina and Virginia, but she spent most of her years in South Charleston, WV. She worked in various clerical positions through these years, and was most recently employed by the State of WV.
Susan was a very social person! She was married for a time to Ron Simmons of St. Albans, and during those years participated in several bowling and pool leagues. She also loved traveling, camping, hiking, white-water rafting, and spending time with her friends and immediate family. Susan also loved her dogs and cats, as they were like children to her.
Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey Jean Eaton Crawley, who passed away in Erie, PA, on September 6, 1997; and her father, Charles Augustus Crawley, who passed away in St. Albans, on July 24, 1992.
Susan is survived by her sister, Kathleen “Kitty” C. Malcolm, and husband, Richard D. Malcolm, of Laguna Beach, CA; brother, Charles “C.B.” Brantley Crawley, of Kanawha City, WV; nieces: Cara Crawley of Elkview, and partner, John Moales; Lydia Terrill, and husband, Daniel Pereira, of Ambler, PA; Susanna Terrill Angelini, and husband, Chris Angelini, of Philadelphia, PA; and Paige Marie Paterno, of Alexandria, VA; nephew, Jared Crawley, of Elkview, WV; and grand-nieces, Madelyne Moales, of Elkview, WV, and Dallas Nicole Cassada of New Philadelphia, OH.
A Service to Honor the Life of Susan will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Jeff Moales of the Praise Cathedral in Ripley, WV, officiating. Family and friends may visit one half-hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311 (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today).
Memories of Susan may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles Hoback
CHARLES ("CHARLIE") EDWARD HOBACK, 80, OF CHARLESTON WV, PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2024, AT CAMC MEMORIAL HOSPICE WITH HIS FAMILY BY HIS SIDE.
CHARLIE WAS BORN ON JUNE 3, 1944, IN CHATTAROY, WV, TO CHARLES HENRY HOBACK AND FAYE MARIE MCCOY HOBACK ("MEMMIE"). CHARLIE IS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY BOTH OF HIS PARENTS, AS WELL AS HIS SIBLINGS, GENE AND PAULINE HOBACK.
HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS TWO DAUGHTERS, ERIKA DAWN JARRELL (CHARLES JARRELL) AND AMBER LYNN HOBACK, HIS ONE TRUE LOVE CHARLENE HOBACK, AND SEVERAL NIECES AND NEPHEWS.
A PRIVATE SERVICE TO HONOR CHARLIE'S LIFE WAS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, AT SNODGRASS FUNERAL HOME.
CHARLIE WAS AN INCREDIBLY KIND, LOVING, ENDEARING SOUL WHO ENJOYED WATCHING MARSHALL FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL GAMES, AND SMOKING THE OCCASIONAL CIGAR. HE LOVED TRAVELING, AS WELL AS LISTENING TO LIVE JAZZ MUSIC, AND ALBUMS BY LOU RAWLS AND MICHAEL MCDONALD. CHARLIE EXCELLED AT SALES AND MAKING DEALS, LEAVING HIS CAREER AS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES FOR PERSINGER SUPPLY COMPANY IN PRITCHARD, WV, TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR. HE WAS DEARLY LOVED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
IN LEIU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY ASKS THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO THE LOCAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.