Phyllis Cowley
Phyllis Jean Murdock Cowley, 88, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2023, after a long battle with Dementia.
Phyllis was born in Avella, Pennsylvania on October 25, 1934 to the late Harry Hunter and Nora Rosa Murdock. . She was a proud graduate of Charleston High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Attendant. Phyllis worked for numerous years at the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. She later worked for the Prosecuting Attorney’s office and retired from the Kanawha County Commissioner’s office. These years were some of her fondest memories and when she developed many wonderful lasting friendships.
Later in life, Phyllis gained a great appreciation for the great outdoors that the wonderful state of West Virginia has to offer spending hours walking, hiking and bird watching with friends and family. She loved helping other people and spending time with family and friends. She had a kind heart and was never a stranger to anyone, especially children. She loved being a part of the Herbert Hoover Huskies football “family” for many years.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Coach Joe Eddie Cowley.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Sharon Matthews of Selma, NC; son Jeff (Toni) Lester of Jupiter, FL; daughter, Kelley Lester of Sunset Beach, NC; step daughter, Susan Lynn (Matthew) Wingender of New York City; sister, Myrna Griffith of Wilmington, NC; brother, Richard (Lucky) Murdock of Melbourne, FL. She cherished her 5 grandchildren, Leah (Todd)Yates, Rachel (Brian) Goldstein, Sarah (Adam) Emanuels, Erica (Scott) Reynolds, Jake Lester and 9 great grandchildren, Abbey and Ryan Yates, Mason and Eleanora Goldstein, Addison and Aiden Emanuels, Palmer, Pierson and Price Reynolds.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Phyllis will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow from 2pm-4pm honoring this beautiful, great lady.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in honor of Phyllis to the Dementia Society of America at https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.
Online condolences and memories of Phyllis may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com/ and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Nancy Snodgrass Osborne
Nancy Mann Snodgrass Osborne, 87, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on August 3, 2023.
She was born on November 4, 1935 to the late Lyle and Virginia Snodgrass. Nancy was married to Captain John E. Osborne of the US Navy. Nancy had two sons. Ian Stuart Osborne and John E. Osborne II of Lebanon, Ohio.
Nancy was fortunate to travel the world as a Navy spouse. After her husbands’ death she returned to South Charleston to be near family and friends. She loved animals, enjoyed gardening and socializing with friends during her retirement.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband John E. Osborne and son Ian Stuart Osborne.
Nancy is survived by her son, John E. Osborne II of Lebanon, Ohio.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Nancy will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Charleston Animal Shelter at https://adoptcharleston.com .
Online condolences and memories of Nancy may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Jeffery DeGroat
Jeffery Lynn "Jeff" DeGroat, 70, passed away peacefully at home August 8, 2023. Born February 1, 1953 in Anchorage, Alaska to Oliver and Sally DeGroat, he was the eldest of his four siblings.
Jeff was a master craftsman mason for most of his career, specializing in all aspects of masonry. He then traded his trowel in for the keys to a big rig and became a long-distance truck driver for the final 7 years of his career.
Jeff is predeceased by his parents, Oliver and Sally. Jeff is survived by his four children and their families: Jason of El Centro, CA ; Niki (Jim) Riley of Charleston, WV; Matt of Anaheim, CA; Kyle (Diana) of Cheshire, CT. He will always be "Pop" to Aidan, Lexi, Liam, and Eli. His surviving siblings are: Randy DeGroat of Stillwater, NJ, Lisa DeGroat of Milford, PA, Dana DeGroat of Sandyston, NJ, Marla DeGroat of Dingman's Ferry, PA, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
William "Bill" Snyder
William “Bill” Snyder, 84, of South Charleston, WV, died July 30, 2023, surrounded by family and friends who lovingly knew him as “Poppy”.
Father, Leonard Snyder, mother, Erma Duncan Snyder, brother Leonard “Bucky” Snyder, sisters-in-law Jean Snyder and Kay Gibson have passed on prior to Bill.
Continuing on while cherishing his memory are his wife, Frances Sayre Snyder; son, Randy (Penny) Snyder, daughter, Robyn (Scott) Eckley, son, Rod (Jodi) Snyder; grandchildren, Daniel and Michael (Stacy) Snyder, Bailee (Grant) Wirth, Lauren and Dylan Eckley, Madison, Jackson, and Duncan Snyder; great-grandchildren, Reese, Dani, Lily, and Owen Snyder, Brooks Wirth; sister-in-law, Betty Snyder; brother-in-law, Larry Gibson; nephew, John (Amy) Snyder; nieces, Karen Snyder, Lisa (Forrest) Hall, and Beth (Eddie) Ferrari.
Born in South Charleston in 1939, Bill grew up on 4th Avenue and graduated from South Charleston High School in 1957, where he played football and basketball. Bill married his beloved wife Frances in 1959. They spent the next 64 years building a life and family together.
Through the years, Bill worked at FMC, Electronic Specialty Company, and Buchanan Sound & Communications, where he sold and serviced electronic systems. Bill was also a skilled mechanic and builder. He worked on his own cars and built the house where he raised his family and lived for 46 years.
Bill coached youth baseball teams in South Charleston and Winfield. He coached elementary and junior high basketball teams and started a league for junior high boys. In his retired years, Bill restored classic cars, including multiple Corvettes. He enjoyed golfing with family and friends.
The hallmark of Bill’s life from teenage years forward was his commitment to his Christian faith. He attended and was a board member at 5th Avenue Church of God in South Charleston and 1st Church of God in Charleston. Most recently, he attended the Teays Valley Church of God.
The family welcomes all friends to attend a visitation and memorial service at the Teays Valley Church of God on Friday, August 11th, to honor and celebrate “a life worthy of being followed.” Visitation will start at 5:30pm, followed by a memorial service at 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Teays Valley Church of God Building Fund, PO Box 270, Scott Depot, WV 25560.
Memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Velma Jividen "Lulu" Westfall
Velma (Lulu) Westfall, 87, of Charleston, gained her heavenly wings after a long illness, on August 2, 2023. She was born June 18, 1936, to Austin and Pearl Jividen.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Ray, oldest son Mike, daughter Terri Harrison, son-in-love John Hill, and grandson Johnny Hill
Lulu is survived by her loving children and caregivers for the past several years: Kevin and his wife Heather, and daughter Lisa Hill. She also leaves to cherish her memories: son-in-law Mike Harrison, Sister Lois and brother-in-law Bob Allen, 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Velma worked for Frankenberger’s and later retired from Kanawha Valley Radiology after a number of years. She loved making porcelain dolls, camping, going to the beach, spending time with her family, and spent many, many hours shopping.
The family would like send a special thank you to her Hospice caregivers: Kim and Jennifer (The Dynamic Duo), Stephanie, and Cathy.
A Service to honor Lulu’s life will be Monday, August 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Mayford Witt officiating. Graveside services will follow at Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the funeral home before the service.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Ann Winn (Childs) Hyre
Ann Winn (Childs) Hyre (age redacted) passed away in Charleston, WV, on Friday, July 21, 2023, after a long illness.
A tiny spitfire who lived life to the fullest, Ann was a mother, grandmother, and partner loved beyond measure. Her irreverent sense of humor, unique ability to turn a phrase, and devotion to friends and strangers alike made her an adored pillar of the community. A lifelong Democrat, she was committed to making West Virginia a better place, and her contributions were many. You could always count on her to fight for the underdog… or actually, any dog. Ann never met an animal she didn’t love.
One of her proudest accomplishments was her work as Deputy Director of West Virginia Health Right. She raised tens of millions of dollars to bring critical medical services to those who needed it the most, tirelessly writing grants, securing in-kind donations, and shaking her friends down for the largest contributions they could muster. Her daughters joke that she personally helped spend every dollar she raised to ensure anyone in need got into Health Right to receive the quality care they deserved.
A sharp businessperson and entrepreneur, Ann also co-founded and led the Jobs Company, creating pathways for students who didn’t finish high school to earn their GEDs and receive vocational training. While her girls were young, she was the President of the Board for Children’s Theatre of Charleston, bringing fresh eyes and renewed fun to this crucial arts outlet for the city’s youth.
Ann is survived by her devoted partner of 25 years, Dennis Hicks; her ex-husband turned dear friend, Steve Hyre; her beloved daughters, Christina (Marc) and Stephanie (John); as well as the two greatest joys in her life, her grandsons, Jack and Benny. She is also survived by her brothers, David and Richard Childs of Summit Point, many nieces and nephews, and more friends than we could afford to list in print here. She is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Bell (Johnson) Childs Laycock, and her father, David Burwell Childs.
A celebration of life will be held in memory of Ann Hyre on September 16, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. at The Hale Center (210 Hale Street, Charleston, WV 25301). The event will be an open house with a short remembrance ceremony at 4 p.m. Ann's friends and family are invited to share memories, drinks, and appetizers in honor of this tiny spitfire who holds claims to so much space in our hearts.
To honor her memory, her family asks that donations be made to West Virginia Health Right (https://wvhealthright.org/) in her name.
Memories of Ann may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Joyce Gruntler Barickman
Joyce Gruntler Barickman peacefully passed away on July 25, 2023, in Richmond, VA, at the age of 88. She was born on March 13, 1935, in Rochester, NY, to Oscar Walter and Mildred Estelle (Bean) Gruntler.
While attending Sacred Heart Academy in Rochester, Joyce also studied piano, harp, and flute at the Eastman School of Music and later attended Nazareth University. Soon after, she moved to Charleston, WV, to join her parents, where she met Woody Barickman, the love of her life, on a blind date. They married 3 months later and spent the next 35 years raising their family in Charleston, later moving to Wilmington, NC, and to Naples, FL.
Joyce’s life was one filled with passion and purpose. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was immense. Joyce embraced each moment with enthusiasm and exquisite taste. While raising their 4 children, Woody and Joyce’s homes were havens for family and friends, as they entertained them with grace and warmth, creating lasting bonds and treasured moments.
Joyce had a multitude of passions that kept her busy. Whether it was shelling on the beach, playing tennis or bridge or gardening, she always found joy in creating. She leaves behind countless needlepoint creations, as well as hand woven and knitted heirlooms. Her decorator’s eye was impeccable.
With Woody by her side, they travelled the world, sometimes re-tracing Woody’s travels while fighting in WWII. Joyce loved planning each and every trip, and her journals and photos will be cherished for generations to come.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald Gruntler, and her beloved husband of 52 years, L.E. “Woody” Barickman. Joyce will be forever missed by her four children: Mark (Elizabeth) and their children, Matt and Anna; Donald and his children, Stuart (Alison) and William (Gina); Mike (Sarah) and their children, Lilly and Haden; and Lucinda (John) Stanchina and their children, Bayn (Callie), Woody, and Joe. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Norah, Riley, and August, who brought her much joy in the last days of her life.
A funeral Mass to honor and remember Joyce will be held at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston, WV, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 11, 2023, with a private inurnment at Eventide Cemetery in Spencer, WV.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Memories of Joyce may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Betty Belle McDaniel Pennington
Betty Belle McDaniel Pennington, 93, of Charleston, WV, passed away on July 22, 2023, at Complete Care at Oakridge.
Born January 3, 1930, to Andrew Cecil and Georgie Marvin (Knowles) McDaniel, she grew up in Charleston, graduating from Charleston High School. She attended South Ruffner Presbyterian Church all of her adult life, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was an active member of the Women’s Circle.
Betty married the late Norman Louis Pennington and devoted herself to life as a homemaker and mother, raising three children. She had an artistic side, playing the piano in the family home for her own pleasure and taking classes in tole painting and calligraphy. But her greatest passion was for gardening, and her happiest hours were those she spent tending the large yard surrounding the family’s home.
In addition to her children, Betty loved the many animal friends who passed through her life over the years. She especially loved hosting family gatherings, making Christmas and birthdays special times for her family. Betty will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Norman Louis, her parents, and seven brothers: Cecil Allison (Ella), Ernest Lee, Peyton Ashley (Eleanor), Andrew Lee (Mary), Marvin Wesley (Margaret), Boyd Kay (Jane), and James Samuel.
Betty is survived by her children: Dr. Ernest Norman Pennington (Rebecca), Deborah Pennington Wright (partner, David Stiles), and Jeffrey Louis Pennington (Marsha); grandchildren: Brian Pennington (Leila), John Pennington (Andrea), Jessica Wright, Carrie Wright, and Kelly Pennington; and great grandchildren, Nolan, Levi, and Ava Pennington. Betty is also survived by sisters: Georgie Alice Mooney (Thomas), Eileen Gale Taylor (David); and brother, Bradford Murl McDaniel (Bethel).
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff and administration at Complete Care at Oakridge and the Hospice caregivers for the care they provided.
A service to Honor the Life of Betty will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Alpha Cemetery, Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Betty may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles Clayton Bibbee
Charles Clayton Bibbee, 82, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Rossell Bibbee, his mother, Helen Swearengen Bibbee, and his sister, Rebecca Bibbee Deison, all of Clarksburg, W.V.
Chuck grew up in Clarksburg and, as a basketball standout at Washington Irving High School, was a freshman walk-on at West Virginia University men's basketball team. He was an outstanding athlete who focused on tennis and was a four-year letterman at West Virginia University.
Chuck moved to Pittsburgh after graduating as a civil engineer, where he met his wife of 57 years, Pat. They moved to Charleston in 1969, where they began a life with many friends and experiences.
Chuck enjoyed many years at the Charleston Tennis Club. He was on the USTA national championship men's tennis 4.0 team. He passed his love of the game to his son, Clay Bibbee, who also played on the West Virginia University men's varsity tennis team. He was a consummate athlete, and after his tennis career was over, he became an avid golfer.
Chuck loved his dogs and was always considered a dog whisperer. When he was a child, the boy next door said all he wanted for Christmas was a dog who would love him as much as Chuck's dog loved him. He and his daughter, Alison, shared this love of animals and nurtured rabbits, birds, and whatever animals wandered into their lives.
Chuck was president of Coal Fillers Inc. until his retirement in 2015. He loved his professional career, which took him all over the world.
His ten-year journey with Alzheimer's was filled with loving family and trusted friends who were with him every step of the way. Chuck’s friends have reflected that he was the kindest and most honest man they have known.
Left to remember Chuck are his wife, Patricia Sill Bibbee, his daughter, Alison Judge Bibbee, both of Charleston, his son, Charles Clayton Bibbee Jr., and his three beloved grandchildren, Caroline Anne Bibbee, Charles Clayton Bibbee III, and Sarah Jane Alison Bibbee (all tennis players) of Madison, N.J.
The family would like to thank Lesia Warner, who helped manage Chuck's care, and his Caregivers: Dawn, Becky, Pat, Connie, Maxine, Missy, Olga, and Karen.
The family would also like to give special thanks to Janice Hicks, Mick Givens, and Ted Priestly.
We also thank Cathy and Jared at Arthur B. Hodges Memory Care, Dr. Katherine Calloway, and the excellent staff at Hubbard Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute for Alzheimer’s Research, c/o the WVU Foundation, Attention Tim Bolling, (PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650) or online at https://rni.wvumedicine.org/ and St. Matthews Episcopal Church (35 Norwood Rd, Charleston, WV, 25314).
A Memorial Service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 25, 2023, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston, WV.
Memories of Chuck may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor, a remarkable and beloved figure in both the dental community and his personal life, passed away on July 22, 2023, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. He was born on January 16, 1940, in Charleston, WV, to the late Edward Lee Taylor and Mary Porter Carper Taylor. Dr. Taylor’s life journey was marked by numerous accomplishments. He made a profound impact on those around him.
After graduating from South Charleston High School in 1957, Dr. Taylor pursued his education at West Virginia University, where he excelled both academically and on the men’s tennis team. His passion for dentistry led him to earn his dental degree from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1963. A dedicated patriot, he honorably served his country in the U.S.A.F., stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and Orlando, FL.
Upon his return, Dr. Taylor settled in Charleston, WV, where he dedicated himself to his dental practice for four decades, earning a reputation as a well-respected dentist within the community. His commitment to serving others extended beyond his private practice. For an astounding 50 years, he served as the dental director at the Charleston Job Corps, impacting countless lives. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continued contributing to the community by volunteering his dental services at Charleston Health Right, earning the prestigious Health Right Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Taylor led a life filled with diverse passions and interests. An avid sports enthusiast, he was particularly devoted to his beloved Mountaineers. Throughout his life, he explored the world through travel, the thrill of flying airplanes, the freedom of riding motorcycles, the serenity of fishing, and the grace of tennis, a sport he played passionately until age 81.
Dr. Taylor’s leadership qualities were evident in all aspects of his life. He actively contributed to the local dental society, served as past president of H.O.G. and Appalachian Motorcycle Club, and remained dedicated to organizing events for his cherished tennis group until his passing. Family was of the utmost importance to him, and he relished spending quality time with his loved ones, especially at his beloved and beautiful home away from home, Watauga Lake, TN.
One of his most outstanding accomplishments was his ability to epitomize the essence of a true gentleman. Balancing his familial, professional, and recreational pursuits with grace and finesse, he became an exemplary role model. He selflessly helped many people who needed help, whether family, patients, friends, or even strangers.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 26 years, Linda Sue Taylor, and Cynthia Hansbarger Johnson, mother of his children and a dear friend. He is fondly remembered by his sister, Barabara Ann Taylor; three loving daughters, Susie Taylor Nichols (Robbie), LeeAnne Taylor Sampson (Brad), and Dr. Julie Taylor Vines (Jeff); his grandchildren: Taylor Nicole Frazier (Cody), Braylen Sampson (Remi), Danni Vines, and Hunter Vines; and great-granddaughter, Woodleigh Nicole Frazier. Dr. Taylor also leaves behind his niece, Lisa Kirkpatrick Stephens (David); cousin, Blair Taylor (Ginna); stepchildren, Mark Oxley and Melissa Mangus (Brian); nine step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are special neighbors, Matt and Gabe Harkins. Dr. Taylor was preceded in death by his precious parents, Edward Lee Taylor and Mary Porter Carper Taylor.
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor’s life was a testament to the values of dedication, compassion, and leadership. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy inspire us to live with purpose and grace, cherishing our loved ones and embracing life’s passions as he did.
To celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor, a gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Charleston Tennis Club, 1600 Tennis Club Road, Charleston, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/give/donate/) or to West Virginia Health Right (https://wvhealthright.org/).
Memories of Dr. Taylor may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.