Ruth Cogan
Ruth Saunders Cogan, 93, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt passed away on May 30 at Edgewood Summit in Charleston after a long illness.
Born in Robinette, West Virginia in 1933, she was a lifelong resident of West Virginia. She graduated from Dupont High School and was offered a full scholarship to Marshall University, which she declined due to family obligations. Upon graduation she was employed at Sears, and later worked for Jefferds and Moore, and FMC.
Throughout her life, Ruth was devoted to and prioritized her family and faith. She was married to Harry Manning Cogan, III, for 50 years and together they made their home in Charleston, South Charleston, and Hurricane. Her greatest joy was being with her immediate and extended family. She is remembered for her loving, kind, and generous spirit, and for leading a life grounded in her Christian faith and love. Her life was a model of devotion.
She was a faithful member of Farrar Baptist Church and later attended the Bible Center Church. Knowing her was a blessing. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy. Through her living example, she instilled in others the values of honesty, integrity, empathy and gratitude, and has enabled us to live fully, embracing both great joy for her life and deep sorrow with her passing. Her family finds comfort knowing that, as her death approached, she was listening to the hymns she loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry M. Cogan, III, her parents Golden and Mary Saunders, her stepfather, Elzie Ferrell; her siblings, Wayne Saunders, Lacy Saunders, and Goldia Raines; and step-siblings Virginia Pinson, Willard Ferrell, Norman Ferrell, Garland Ferrell, Walter Ferrell, and Charles Ferrell.
She is survived by her son Harry Cogan, IV and his wife, Karen, and daughters, Mary Beth Cogan, and Laura Cunnings and her husband Col. John Cunnings; her grandchildren, Hal, Brian and Will Cogan, Ellen and Claire Beaudry, and Erin Boone Burdette, Ryan and Kyle Boone; and her great-grandchild, Sadie Boone, with two additional great grandchildren expected. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy.
She was also survived by her younger siblings to whom she was devoted, Gay Bono, Johnny Ferrell, and Glenn Ferrell, and was thought of as a “second mother”.
She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Family welcomes friends at 3:00 pm for visitation at Snodgrass Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Pastor Richard Thompson officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice Care of WV, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W. Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Charles Elmer Miller
Charles Elmer Miller, 97, passed away on May 28, 2026. Born in Sissonville January 8, 1929 to Clairmont and Rosa High Miller.
Elmer attended Sissonville High and was a graduate of Marshall University.
Elmer began his teaching career in 1953. After teaching for 2 weeks, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served most of his time in Korea. Upon discharge, Elmer returned to his teaching position at Sissonville High School to teach Science, Math, Chemistry, and Physics. He retired in January, 1984. After retirement he used his attention to detail and eye for perfection to re-finish school gym floors. Gardening was always a source of enjoyment.
Elmer’s happiest time was spent signing barbershop harmony with Pitch Hitters and Kanawha Kordsmen for 54 years.
Proceeded in death by his parents, Clairmont and Rosa Miller, siblings, Doris, Kathryn, C.T. (Jr.), Lester, Sybil, and Noble, special nephews Charles Young and Randy Pettit. He was also proceeded in death by his first wife Geraldine and second wife Mary Elizabeth (Betty).
Elmer is survived by his son, Eddie Miller (Sherry), Front Royal, VA and step-daughter, Betty Fluharty, Charleston, WV. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces, and cousins, including special nephew Byron Young (Lori) and niece, Karen Morphew (Don).
Also surviving Elmer is 2 grandchildren, CJ and Amy, 2 step-grandsons, Gary (Jenn) and Scott (Lauren), 3 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren.
Special thanks to neighbors Joe Patton and Robert & Sarah Perez for their consistent caring and compassion for Elmer’s well-being. Also, thanks to the caring staff of Kanawha Place Assisted Living and Kanawha Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sissonville High School.
Services will be conducted Monday, June 1, 2026, 11:00 AM in the chapel of Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Entombment will follow.
The arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Shirley Anne Fritsch
Shirley Anne Fritsch passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Thomas Memorial Hospital May 18th, 2026. Shirley is the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Dyer. Preceding her in death was her husband Ray, daughter Tina, and special son-in-law Anthony White.
Surviving Shirley in her death are three children, John (Tina), Joni, and Chuck (Jessica); five grandchildren, Adrienne, Donnie, Anthony, J.C., and Maria (Shane). five great grandchildren; Noah, Jay, Garrett, Cora, and Lydia. And a host of friends that were like family.
Shirley grew up in Boone County and was a hard worker since a child. She carried her work ethic into adulthood and enjoyed each job she had. Her job she held most of her adulthood was at Joe Holland, where she answered phones and interacted with customers. Some would call her the voice of Joe Holland as her voice was used as the automated phone message. Shirley was an animal lover, saving countless dogs and cats over the years. Her greatest love was for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would drop anything she was doing to be there for her family and offer her wisdom and advice. Beyond these things and the most important to her was her faith and love of God. Shirley was truly one of a kind and her spirit will live on in those that loved her.
A private family interment was held in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. The family will have a Celebration of Shirley’s life on June 20 from 12-2pm at the Charleston First Church of the Nazarene 200 Park Avenue, all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers donations to Kanawha Charleston Humane Association.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Richard "Rick" Whisner
Richard “Rick” Eugene Whisner, Jr. of Charleston, WV passed away peacefully at CAMC Memorial Hospital on May 13th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on December 1, 1952 at Staats Hospital in Charleston to the late Richard Eugene Whisner, Sr. and Elizabeth Field Whisner. A lifelong resident of the Charleston area and graduate of South Charleston High, West Virginia State and West Virginia Tech, he made a lasting impact on his community, friends and family. He will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives were touched by his service, dedication and love.
A local branch president at Huntington Banks, BB&T and National Bank of Commerce, he began his career in the mailroom of Kanawha Banking and Trust in 1973. He also served on the board of directors for numerous organizations in the area. He loved coaching many local sports teams over the years, staying active in the lives of his six boys despite the demands of his career. He enjoyed cooking, exercising, gardening, binging his favorite shows and watching WVU football.
He is survived by his sons, Rob of Beaverton, Oregon; Ryan of Charleston; Richie and Olivia of Charleston, South Carolina; Ross of Charlotte, North Carolina; Randall and Reilly of Charleston; former wife, Kristi Whisner of Charleston; sisters-in-law, Sabra Whisner of Richmond, Texas and Susan Whisner of Houston, Texas; aunt, Linda (Whisner) Jones of Charleston; nephews, David of Houston, Texas and Christopher of Largo, Florida; niece,
Elizabeth of Richmond, Texas; grandchildren Ripley, Hazel and Pierce; grand-nephews Dalton and Mark; grand-niece, Elliette.
A Memorial service to Honor the Life of Rick will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 30th at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston with Pastor Mark Addesa officiating and music to be performed by Kay Lowther. Friends may visit from 12:00 Noon until service time at the funeral home.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Richard D. Bishoff, Jr.
Richard D. Bishoff, Jr., 64, of Charleston, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on May 25, 2026.
Rich was born and raised in Oakland, Maryland, and was a 1979 graduate of Southern High School. He attended West Virginia University, served his apprenticeship at Bartlett Burdette Cox Funeral Home in Charleston, and then went on to graduate with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in January of 1987. He was the president of his class and was awarded the Mu Sigma Alpha award for academic, citizenship, and character excellence.
He received his introduction to the funeral business by working evenings and weekends at a funeral home, starting at the age of 16. His grandfather and great grandfather were Morticians and owned Markwood Funeral home; established in the late 1800’s up until 1960, in Keyser, WV. Rich was currently serving as the LIC Funeral Director and Embalmer at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, where he had been since 2018. For Rich, serving his community in the Funeral Industry was a calling and a gift from the Lord. He was a very talented Embalmer and provided care and kindness to all the families he served over his lifelong career.
He was a member of the River Ridge Church, where he was a leader of one of two greeting teams, and served in other capacities over the years.
Rich was continuously active in his community through coaching little league, travel softball teams, and as the George Washington High School Assistant Softball Coach. After his daughters left home, he continued to serve as Assistant Softball Coach at Horace Mann Middle School, where he, as well, was a mentor and reading coach.
Rich is a former board member of The Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home. He had been active with HospiceCare since 2002, where he served on the board of directors until 2012, and was made a board member emeritus. He went back on the board and continued to serve HospiceCare by providing CEU training for RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s, and their Social Workers.
Rich also served as President and District governor of District 1, WV Funeral Directors Association, and in 2018 was appointed by the Governor Justice as a member of the WV Board of Funeral Service Examiners.
Rich is also a long-time member of the Kanawha City Lions Club, one of the largest such clubs in West Virginia, where he served as president for two terms. He was awarded the Leonard Jarrett award in 2019, named after the founder of Lions club International. It is the highest award a Lion can receive.
Rich always had a deep love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard D. Bishoff, Sr. and Mary V. Bishoff; his fur babies: Missy, Annie, Marley, and Ilsa.
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Janie; beloved daughters, Amy Bishoff-Evans and Jacy Peterson; sons-in-law, Will Evans and C.J. Peterson; three granddaughters, Eloise, Layla and Maisy Jane, all who called him Papi; bonus grandchildren, Etta and Sawyer McMakin; sisters, Nina (Rich) Costantino, and Mary Ann Bishoff. He is also survived by his beloved cousin, Melody Stevens; his lifelong partner-in-crime, Mike Morrow; and his fur baby, Emma. Along with many nieces and nephews.
Rich was not only passionate about his work, but he had a love for the game of golf and its history since the age of nine. To his wife’s delight, he loved to cook, mostly on the grill and with his smoker. He also enjoyed taking walks with Emma, traveling to Maryland with family and friends, and time spent with his three precious granddaughters.
A Celebration of Life for Rich will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at River Ridge Church – Charleston, with Rev. Matt Santen officiating, assisted by Rev. Greg Hudson. Friends may visit from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the church.
A huge thank you to all the staff at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital for their amazing care and compassion!
In Lieu of flowers and to honor his wishes, please make any donations to: Hospice of Charleston,1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387 (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) or Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home, 1121 Virginia Street E., Charleston, WV 25301 (https://www.kvfh.org/donate.php).
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Terry Williams
Terry Williams joined the Lord and many departed loved ones on May 20, 2026 after years of battling Parkinson's disease. He was saved and ready to join his parents in heaven.
He was very close with his family and always there if you needed backup, your house painted, or your car fixed. He had a lifelong passion for driving and was an avid NASCAR fan. He enjoyed socializing with friends at clubs and taverns in Mansfield and Shelby, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ila and Shelby Williams; his siblings, Amos Maynor, Steven Maynor, Priscilla Maynor, Harley Williams, and Cheryl Brown; and his daughter, Tara Dunbar.
He is survived by his siblings, Linda Blevins, Kevin Williams, Darla Riviotta, Donald Williams, Shelby Williams, Leroy Williams, Clifford Williams, and Diane Douglas; his daughter, Jessica Williams and son-in-law, Rodney Denue; his granddaughters, Hayley Dunbar, Meghan Brazo, Emma Lambert, Kera Milligan and Alaya Elliot; his great-grandson, Kyzen; and many nieces and nephews.
A service to honor the life of Terry Williams will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 1:00PM with Pastor David Keeney officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston. Family and friends will gather and visit from noon to 1:00PM one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Howard Hensel Hackney, Jr.
Howard Hensel Hackney, Jr., a lifelong resident of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away after a short illness on May 18, 2026. He was 85 years old.
Howard was the son of the late Howard Hensel Hackney, Sr., and Catherine Weaver Hackney.
Howard spent his career in the chemical industry and retired from FMC after many years of service. Howard enjoyed his retirement doing more of what he loved including golfing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Linda Sue Holston Hackney. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Evans (Don); his children, Matt Hackney (Beth) and Jodi Jackson (Scott); his grandchildren, Sam Jackson, Ben Hackney (Kerry), Marie Hackney, and Hannah Williams (Bodhi); his great-grandchildren, Daniel Hackney and Isla Williams. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.
A private family gathering will be held to honor his life.
Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family.
Leigh Anne Cielensky
Leigh Anne Cielensky left our world peacefully on May 18, 2026 at the age of 67. Leigh lived most of her life in Charleston, WV. She attended Sacred Heart Gade School prior to attending Charleston Catholic High School. Following high school, Leigh began working at the State House in the Auditors office as an administrative assistant.
Leigh was the oldest child of four to Joseph L. Cielensky and Shirley J. Cielensky. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Joseph (Joey) Cielensky, Jr. Leigh had two sisters Vicki Cielensky-Holstein (the late Mark Holstein) and Kelly D. Cielensky. In addition, Leigh had three nephews: Jason C. Holstein (Madyson) and their daughter Brooks, Justen
C. Holstein and Jordan C. Holstein. She also had two nieces: Britani Wright (Adam) and their children Eva, Lucy, Levi and Vivian and Briena Guthrie (Shaun) and their children Adrian, Rowan ad Mila.
As a young child Leigh enjoyed participating in various activities during the summers at the Union Carbide girls Camp in which her father Joe was the director. In her later years she enjoyed spending summers in Myrtle Beach, specifically Murrells Inlet SC with her family. Summers were spent with family enjoying the beautiful ocean. In addition, Leigh enjoyed crocheting, reading, shopping and spending time with her close friends.
Snodgrass Funeral Home will oversee Leighs arrangements. Friends may visit on Tuesday May 26, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 7:30pm.
Her family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses that cared for her in the Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care unit and others at (Vandalia) Charleston Area Medical Center (Memorial) for their expert care and guidance through this difficult time
Martha Caroline Veazey DiTrapano
Martha Caroline Veazey DiTrapano, 92, died peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Martha was born in Charleston, West Virginia on January 20, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Alice Chambers Veazey and Louis Alphonsus Veazey. Martha was predeceased by her husband of 60 years Rudolph Lidano DiTrapano; sons, Lidano Albert DiTrapano and Giancarlo Veazey DiTrapano; sisters, Jane Lewis, Norma Sexton, Joanette Gould; brother, Dr. Richard Veazey.
Martha is survived by her children, Luisa DiTrapano (Cyrus) of Charleston, Dante diTrapano (Teri) of Charleston, Lia DiTrapano Fairless (L.J.) of South Charleston; her grandchildren Zachary diTrapano of Crestview, Florida, Niccia diTrapano of Palm City, Florida, Santino diTrapano of Charleston, Ben Fairless of Denver, Colorado, Sofia diTrapano of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Francesca Fairless of Charleston; her great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Avari and Hadley diTrapano, Natalia Valentine and Aubrey diTrapano and numerous nieces and nephews.
Martha was born and raised in Pratt, West Virginia until she was 8 years old when she moved to Charleston’s East End and lived on Piedmont Road. Martha attended grade school at Sacred Heart and started working at the Carte Street Grocery when she was 12. She graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1951. In high school she was referred to as one of Charleston Catholic’s liveliest seniors. She displayed her talents as an Irishette in the minstrel for 3 years. Martha was an active Sodalist throughout her 4 years at Charleston Catholic. She contributed much of her time during her senior year toward the revision of the school paper, The Rambler. She was employed in the Safety Management Division at Union Carbide for several years before starting a family. She attended Morris Harvey College after raising 5 children.
Martha was active in the community serving on numerous boards including: the Charleston Ballet, Tamarack, Community Music and Fund for the Arts. She supported women artists of West Virginia and she and Rudy were patrons of the Clay Center, University of Charleston, Wheeling Jesuit College and Charleston Catholic High School.
Martha was faithful, loyal, intelligent, generous, discrete, brutally honest, and brave. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and close friends covering several continents. She took one of the last flights on the Concord to Paris for a special anniversary with her love Rudy. Martha was an incredible cook and decorator and was a collector of distinct pieces of art. She was elegant, stylish and a visionary. For the last 15 years, her house in Kanawha City was the early morning gathering spot for family and friends to enjoy espresso, conversation, and her affection. She was the family matriarch and will be missed dearly.
The family would like to thank Kanawha Hospice Care and their medical director Dr. Katherine Calloway for her outstanding support, as well as her wonderful and devoted caregivers who treated her like a queen; Marta Raab, Marta Miranda, Patti Balazs, Patti Stamper, Tammy Fink, Dekasia Bannister and Jeanetta McCoy.
There will be a visitation at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston on Friday, 15, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Saturday morning at 10:00 am, May 16, 2026, with Father John Finnell officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Giancarlo DiTrapano Foundation for Literature and the Arts and Hospice Care.
Memories of Martha may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Donna Keoghan
Donna Louise Keoghan, 65, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on May 10, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital.
She was born on April 12, 1961, to the late Robert and Joan Keown. She graduated from Gloucester City High School and a former employee of Wawa Convenience Store, South Jersey.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Michael Keoghan, her daughter, Jessica Lynn Keoghan, and her son, Paul John Keoghan.
Donna is survived by; daughter, Erin Darden; son, Micheal John Keoghan; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Price; granddaughter, Savannah Keoghan; grandsons, Kieran Forbes, Xavier Darden, and Jalen Darden.
There will be no formal services at this time.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.