Paula Lynn Miller
Paula Lynn Miller, 64, of Saint Albans, West Virginia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 26, 2023. Her life is best described by the words of Proverbs 3:15-18, “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”
Paula devoted her life to being a loving wife, wonderful mother, and creating precious memories with her grandchildren. She is best remembered for her passionate love for others, selfless service, and nurturing spirit, that impacted the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her life was devoted to serving her Lord Jesus Christ, caring and compassionate love for her family, and creating life experiences that would forever touch the lives of others.
Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Margie F. Stump, her father, Paul E. Stump, sister, Deborah Eplin, and brother, Jack Stump. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Robert (Bob) A. Miller Jr.; brother, Paul Stump (Carolyn); brother in-law, Bert Eplin (Betty); daughters: Amber Moore (Sam), Kristin Scott (Marcus), and Malissa Miller (Carl); grandchildren: Eli, Eva, Mason, and Ella; her nephews, Craig Stump and Paul Stump; niece, Beth Stansbury; and her very special neighbor and friend, Annie Carr.
A Celebration of Life to honor Paula will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church, with Rev. Chuck Rhodes officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 5028 Kentucky Street, South Charleston, WV, 25309.
Memories of Paula may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Eva Kay Cardea
Eva Kay Kessinger Cardea, 82, of Charleston, died on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Ridgemont assisted living facility at Edgewood Summit. The only child of the late Arnold ("Kess") and Eva Moye Kessinger of Beckley, she grew up visiting relatives in Camp Creek and Spanishburg in Mercer County in a family of teachers and farmers.
Mrs. Cardea was an inspirational teacher of English and Speech at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, and for 30 years, teacher and chair of the English Department of West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery. Her department included English composition and literature, foreign languages, drama, musical theater, and debate. In summers she organized federal remedial programs for non-traditional students. She also organized off campus classes for Job Corps and CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston.
A 1962 graduate of Concord College, she earned an MA degree from West Virginia University in 1965.
In 1975 she married Harry B. Cardea of Charleston and Welch. They enjoyed sports, travel, and volunteer work until his death in 2009. The couple held season tickets for Marshall University and WVU basketball and football home games, and attended all bowl games for both teams. They also spent spring training season in Sarasota, FL, and attended Cincinnati Reds practice games there as well as the annual jazz festival week. The couple flew to Portland, OR, for all the Four Freshmen annual concerts and enjoyed dance cruises on the Caribbean Sea. Their travel covered adventures from the Greek Isles to Alaska among others.
The couple's volunteer work included Meals on Wheels, bell ringing at Christmas for the Salvation Army, poll working on election days, and participation in the Sons of Italy and the Charleston Area Elks Club events.
After her husband died, Mrs. Cardea continued her work for the WV Republican Women and the Charleston Woman's Club. She supported the Appalachian Children's Choir, the Light Opera Guild, Kanawha Players, the WV Historical Society, and the musical arts productions at Capitol High School. As a volunteer, she worked for 12 years at the Consignment Shop where customers still look for her energetic personality.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Thursday, October 26 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston followed by a gathering and sharing of memories at 2:30 pm for those wishing to attend the committal in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum on Harper Road in Beckley.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Charleston Woman's Club, 1600 Virginia St. E, Charleston, WV 25311.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Bogdan Gumowski
Bogdan Gumowski of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2023, at the age of 91. Danny was born in Krynica, Poland, on January 16, 1932. After surviving living in forced labor camps for seven years during World War II, he emigrated with his family on the SS Ernie Pyle from Bremen Germany to the port of New York, arriving October 27, 1947. Danny became a naturalized US citizen in 1953.
Danny earned his Bachelor in Chemical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1953, and his Master of Science and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester in 1955 and 1962, respectively. Danny moved to the Charleston area in September 1957. He worked for 35 years at Union Carbide’s Research and Development Center and often traveled around the country and the world setting up chemical processes for start-up Carbide plants.
Danny was well known in Charleston for his love of playing tennis and bridge. He played tennis daily at both the Charleston Tennis Club (CTC) and the Union Carbide Tennis Courts. He ran a successful tennis business from the basement of his home stringing tennis racquets and selling tennis supplies to members of CTC and Edgewood Country Club. He loved umpiring matches during the National Girl’s Sweet 16 Championships at CTC. Danny was also a life master in bridge and played in many tournaments locally and around the country. Listening to classical music, reading in both English and German, smoking his pipe, sipping scotch, and watching Notre Dame Football, the Green Bay Packers and professional tennis on television, were among his other favorite pastimes.
A beloved father and grandfather, he is survived by daughters, Julie Gumowski (Tom Barna) of Fairfax, VA, Lynn Gumowski (Jim Laychak) of Alexandria, VA, and Dana Senninger (Mark) of Louisville, KY; son, Alex Gumowski (Margie) of South Charleston; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Danny is predeceased by his first wife, Lydia Gumowski (2007), and his second wife Kathlyn Bailey Gumowski (2007).
A Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in South Charleston at 11am Friday, November 3, 2023, preceded by a visitation at 10am. His remains will be inurned at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens at 2pm.
In honor of his love for his rescued dogs, donations may be made in his memory to the ASCPA or Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Memories of Danny may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Betty Morrison
Betty Morrison, 89, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on October 11, 2023, at her home.
Betty was born in Weston, WV, on August 26, 1934, and graduated from Lewis County High School, class of 1952. She married Frank Morrison that same year and moved to Charleston to raise her family. She worked in retail for most of her life. Betty had many friends and enjoyed vacations with her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered as the life of the party!
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, William and Reva Johns; her husband, Frank Morrison; and her four brothers and five sisters.
She is survived by her daughters, Janeen Nida and Cathy Weaver (Richard); sons, Steven Morrison (Tina), Mark Morrison (Adwena), and Brian Morrison; ten grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Belinda “B” Henderson for the loving care that she provided for their mother, along with HospiceCare, especially Kayla and Jennifer.
A service to Honor the Life of Betty will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Dave McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HospiceCare (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Betty may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Joseph H. "Dr. Joe" Matusic, Jr.
Joseph H. “Dr. Joe” Matusic, Jr. age 58, of Charleston passed away due to a heart attack, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday October 1st, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
He was born on October 12th, 1964 in Cherry Point, NC, son of Joseph H. Matusic, Sr. and Dorothy Hauck Matusic.
For 33 years, Dr. Joe served the community as a pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and their families. He was a graduate of the WVU School of Medicine, resident at Charleston Area Medical Center, and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was a proud Aviation Medical examiner since 1997 and was certified in HIMS in 2017. Joe was featured in over 100 news health segments named ‘BabySteps’ covering all aspects of pediatric health and author of BabyMD.net. His compassionate and nurturing demeanor made him an incredible provider, cherished by all who knew him. His brilliance and dedication to his practice were unparalleled, a brilliant man in every sense of the word.
Joe was a man of diverse interests and talents. He found great joy in woodworking, Legos, computer coding, scuba diving, flying, skiing, traveling, and Disney. His family will remember and cherish the special memories at Disney, his happy place – a true kid at heart.
Joe is survived by his mother Dorothy, his father Joseph (Kelly Ferrell); his wife, Renee Davis Matusic; children Lauren, Kelsey, Joseph, and William; stepchildren Olivia and Christian; grandchildren Rooker, Willow, Ava, and Beau; brother, Tony (Shelia) along with their children, Rachel (Nocona), Sara, and Dan. The family also includes their faithful dog, Jake, who brought joy and companionship to Joe's life.
Joe's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.
Family and friends are invited to visit Snodgrass Funeral Home on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
A service to honor Joe’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday with Rev. Paul Mateer officiating in remembering a remarkable man who enriched the lives of all he encountered. Entombment will follow at Tyler Mountain Memorial Garden in Cross Lanes, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity close to Joe's heart, Disney Make-A-Wish, in his memory. (https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_today&chid=100-000)
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Joanna I. Tabit
Judge Joanna Tabit, 62, of Charleston, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on September 29, 2023.
Known for her brilliant mind, infectious smile, and positive energy, Joanna loved people and they loved her. Each time you saw her, you left feeling better. She had many friends of all ages and from all walks of life. In her honor, we are all called to fight for justice, mentor others, recognize every person’s worth, and make each other laugh and love big.
Born in Montgomery, WV, on March 15, 1961, Joanna attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1979. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marshall University in 1983 and her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1986. While an undergraduate student at Marshall University, she served as President of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She loved all her alma maters – Charleston Catholic High School, Marshall University, and West Virginia University.
As Kanawha Circuit Judge, she strove to carry out her mission as mentor to young lawyers, which she believed was one of the most critical components to their success. She also mentored aspiring lawyers during her career as a public and private practitioner and as an Adjunct Lecturer, teaching Summer Appellate Advocacy for the WVU College of Law.
She began her legal career in 1986 as a law clerk, to former Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh. Following her clerkship, she served as an Assistant, and then as Deputy Attorney General, of the Appellate Division in the Office of the Attorney General, from 1989 to 1992, under the administrations of Attorneys General Roger Tompkins and Mario Palumbo. In 1992, she joined the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson, where she was a partner until October 2014, when she was appointed to the bench.
She was active in professional and civic organizations. Among other things, she served as Co-Chairman of the Campaign for Legal Aid of West Virginia; served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Charleston; chaired the Access to Justice Foundation; served as a member of the Board of Governors of the West Virginia State Bar; and served as a Commissioner on the City of Charleston Human Rights Commission.
She was chairwoman of the Mass Litigation Panel, a member of the Juvenile Justice Commission, and a former member of the Business Court Division. She was also Presiding Judge over the Juvenile Drug Court and the Family Treatment Court.
While in private practice, she was rated an AV lawyer by Martindale Hubbell and recognized by Chambers USA as a Leader in the Field, with a specialty in commercial litigation. In 2009, she received the “Outstanding Private Practice Attorney” award, presented by the Women’s Law Caucus at WVU College of Law. She also was recognized as “Charleston’s Finest” by the Kentucky/West Virginia chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for her charitable work for the organization; and, in 2017 was a YWCA Women of Achievement honoree.
Joanna was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gloria Tabit, and her niece, Hallie Tabit Johnson.
She is survived by sisters, Diana White and Annette Reynolds. Although she loved her sisters dearly, her nephews, Craig Tabit and Jeff Reynolds, were unquestionably the lights of her life.
Joanna leaves behind a host of family and friends who were fortunate to have been touched by her presence in their lives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, with Monsignor P. Edward Sadie and Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Private family entombment services will follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday, October 6, 2023. The funeral service will also be live-streamed. It will be available on the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart’s Facebook video page: Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | Facebook.
Joanna had a special place in her heart for youth. She saw the importance of helping to secure their future, and ours. Not surprisingly, Joanna’s connections with young people through the Juvenile Drug Court showed her determination to provide youth with direction, support, and realistic hopes for positive futures. As a talented athlete herself during her formative years, it is not surprising to learn that Joanna's encouraging spirit was deeply felt by Charleston Catholic High School students through her faithful, enthusiastic attendance at their sports competitions and other events. In order to continue her work and passion, two memorial funds have been established. The family asks that those who are able, in lieu of flowers, to consider donating to continue Joanna’s work with the Juvenile Drug Court administered by the WV Supreme Court of Appeals, or to scholarship support for students and athletics at Charleston Catholic High School. Donations can be made through the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Send contributions payable to TGKVF, PO Box 3041, Charleston, WV 25331, or visit www.tgkvf.org. Please designate your contribution for support of Juvenile Drug Court or Charleston Catholic High School scholarships.
Online condolences and memories of Joanna may be shared by visiting
https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
William E. "Bill" Kitchen
William E. “Bill” Kitchen, age 78, of Charleston, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at his residence, on Friday September 29, 2023.
He was born on February 21, 1945, son of the late Derwood and Theodosia Mason Kitchen. He is also preceded in death by his granddaughters, Chelsea Kitchen and Angel Kitchen.
Bill was a loving husband and father, good to everyone he met.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; sons, David Kitchen (Angie) and Billy Kitchen (Kim); grandchildren, Chasadina Cook (Josh), Christopher Kitchen (Kaitlynn), Brittany Brown, and Joseph Brown; great grandchildren, Josilyn, Sophia, and Ethan.
The family will have a private celebration of Bill’s life.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Emma Lou Crowder Kuhn
Emma Lou Crowder Kuhn, 83 of Elkview WV died on September 25th shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She is survived by her children, Suzann Cowie of Charleston, James Barton Kuhn of New York, sister Shirley Goad of Charleston, John Crowder of Huntington, granddaughter Elizabeth Welch (Danny) of Elkview, granddaughters Ivy Thompson (Andrew) of Morgantown, Madeline Gibson (Travis) of Charleston, Willow Welch of Alexandria VA, and her two great grandsons Briggs and Beau.
She was preceded death by her husband of 45 years James B. Kuhn III of Ona, her parents Owen and Cornelia Crowder of Charleston, brothers Lionel and Rex Crowder of Charleston, sister Carrie Henderson of San Angelo Texas.
Emma Lou worked as an LPN at Village Medical Center, St. Mary's and Cabell Huntington Hospitals. All shifts, all holidays, all weather. She was always available, always nursing. As happens with most nurses, she became a neighborhood and family resource for information on all matters of health. She embraced this role and served as a touchpoint and resource for healthcare, helping friends, family and neighbors to understand what was happening, who to call, where to turn. At work, or at home, she never stopped nursing.
At the encouragement of several physicians, she realized her dream of attending university and received her Registered Nursing degree from the University of Charleston in 1989. She actively worked as an RN until her retirement in 2004. After direct patient care, her favorite duty was training medical students in the clinical skills of healthcare. She took great pride in watching new people develop their talents and remained in touch with her colleagues long after her retirement. Even after retirement, she traveled to assist in the daily care or recuperation of family members, often living with them as they recovered. She continued serving her community by volunteering at Bible Center Church in Charleston and after she relocated to Philadelphia, by working in food pantries and fund raisers as an active member of Lehman Church.
Prior to starting her nursing career, she was an Army wife, mother, business owner, semi-professional baker, and candy-maker, but if asked, she would most like to be remembered as a nurse.
As expected, Emma Lou donated her body to medical science. She will be interred with her husband at the Marshall University Medical School with her husband who also donated his body to the same cause. At Emma Lou's request, there will be no service.
A fund to help similarly minded nursing students at her alma mater, The University of Charleston, has been established. The family asks that those who are able, in lieu of flowers, contribute to this fund to help another student in their career. Emma Kuhn Memorial Nursing Scholarship - University of Charleston https://www.ucwv.edu/emma-kuhn/ If donors would like to donate via mailed check, please mail to: University of Charleston Office of Advancement,2300 MacCorkle Ave, SE, Charleston, WV 25304 Memo Line: Emma Kuhn Scholarship
Online condolences and memories of Emma may be shared by visiting
https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Margaret Barton Bettinger
Margaret Barton Bettinger, 100, of Charleston, WV, passed away on September 24, 2023, at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Margaret was born in Charleston, WV, and attended Bowling Green Business College, earning a secretarial degree. She worked at Union Carbide, and after retirement, volunteered at the American Lung Association into her 80’s.
Margaret was dedicated to her children and grandchildren. She loved and supported her church, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer of her Sunday School class, singing in the choir, playing in the Bell Choir, was involved in Trinity’s “Circle of Friends,” and served on the alter guild.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Randolph Barton and Beulah Haynes Barton; and her brothers, Robert Barton and William Barton. She is survived by her children, Ann Bettinger Martin, Robert Alan Bettinger (Julie), and Barbara Ann Bettinger; grandchildren, Erin Martin, John Martin, and Charles Bettinger; and a great grandchild, Isaiah Curry.
A Service to Honor the Life of Margaret will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Randolf Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV, 25311. (www.Trinitywv.org)
Memories of Margaret may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles R. (Snub) Damron II
Charles R. (Snub) Damron II, 74, of South Charleston, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 16, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Snub was preceded in death by his father, Charles Damron I, and his mother, Helen Damron.
Left to cherish his memories: his wife of 36 years, Janie Damron; brother, David Damron (Cheri); sister, Sandra Higgenbotham (Steve); children: Tammy Stephens (Ernie Anderson), Katie Underwood (Chris), Charles Damron III (Amy), Kelly Parsons (Steve), Kim Blake (David), Kevin Bell (Brooksanna); grandchildren: Amanda Holland (Chris), Emily-Ann Stephens, Samantha Underwood, Reagan Underwood, Katelyn Damron, Shelby Damron, Charles Damron IV, Wyatt Damron, Dakota Damron, Montanna Damron, Hayley Clay (Cody), Lukas Parsons (Amy), Peyton Dillon (Sam), Cole Parsons, Chelsie Stover (Jasa), Collin Stover (Amy), Haley Blake (Nathan Keefe), Jeremy Blake, Gavin Bell, Sydnee Bell, and Tatum Bell; and great-grandchildren: Marshall Holland, Owen Clay, Nora Clay, Delainey Clay, Liam Parsons, and Emarie Stover.
Snub was a Businessman; a Master Electrician and owner of Damron Electric. “No Job Too Small” was his slogan and he honored that. If you had a problem, Damron Electric was there. Snub was the kindest, most generous man you would ever meet.
Snub was a Christian. He loved the Lord and was a loyal supporter of the Loudendale Church of the Nazarene.
A service to Honor the Life of Snub will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. Chuck Pennington officiating. Burial will follow in Dock’s Creek Cemetery, Kenova, WV. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memories and online condolences of Snub may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.