Patricia Faye Hutchison
Patricia Faye Hutchison, 87, of Orville, OH, passed away on February 6, 2024.
Patricia was born on September 4, 1936, to the late Harvey and Stella Ray in South Charleston, WV. Upon graduation from high school and getting married, Pat devoted her life to raising her children, having a career at Thomas Hospital, and serving faithfully at Bethel Baptist Church. Her later years were spent in Ohio, living near her loving family. Pat also loved her sports, especially football! She was a big fan of the Marshall Thundering Herd and loved Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald Hutchison; a brother-in-law, son-in-law, and a niece.
Pat is survived by her children, Vicki Thomas of Orville, OH, and Mark Cook of Nitro, WV; fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one sister, two nieces, and one nephew.
A Memorial Gathering to honor the life of Pat will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. A private burial will be held at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans.
Memories of Pat may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Polly Stephens
Polly Ada Stephens, 92 of Kanawha City, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 after a short illness.
She was born the youngest of 5 children, to Charles Ross and Ada Drown Childers. She was a 1949 graduate of Huntington East High School where she was active in the school choir. She was a member of Morris Memorial United Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir.
Polly worked at Logan’s Meat Packing in Huntington and the Diamond Department Store in Charleston. She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family, sewing, knitting and relaxing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Philip whom she had married in 1952 in her parents’ home in Huntington. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Jack Childers, Jeanne Moore, Charles Ross Childers, Jr, and Thomas Childers.
Polly is survived by her three daughters, Paula Lowe of Charleston, WV, Pam (Glenn) Painter of Hurricane, WV, and Piper (Doug) Sarver of Millertown, PA; six grandchildren, Tammy Lowe, Stephen Lowe, Chris Painter, Carrie Runyan, Alison Sarver and Zach Sarver; 13 great grandchildren.
A private family graveside service was held with interment in Woodmere Cemetery, Huntington, WV with Pastor Peter Ambler officiating.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Raymond Edward Bays
Raymond Edward Bays, 76, of Nitro, WV, passed away on February 2, 2024, at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Raymond was born on August 1, 1947, to the late Abraham Bays and Dorothy Toler Bays in Charleston, WV. After graduation from high school, Raymond served his country with distinction in the United States Navy, serving in both Vietnam and the first Gulf War. After a career of service to his country and earning advanced degrees, Raymond worked for many years in the chemical industry in South Charleston.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Dorothy Bays; sister, Betsy Meadows, and brothers: Dennis Bays, Norman Bays, and Joe Bays. He is survived by his two sons, Derrek Bays and William Bays; his domestic partner for over 23 years, Vickie Ross; sisters: Kay Means, Sue Wiblin, Diana Pauley, and Pam Lowers; and brother, James Barger.
A Memorial Gathering to remember Raymond will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston.
Memories of Raymond may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Toney Latel Delaney
Toney Latel Delaney, 67, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully and contentedly on January 31, 2024, at home, with his family.
Toney was a longtime resident of Charleston, building dozens of homes as a talented carpenter. He was a righteous man, and spent the last few years of his life retired and passing along his wisdom of a compassionate life. He was also an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, prankster, magician, comedian, philosopher, devout visionary, teacher, artist, gospel singer, merrymaker, and one who had a deep respect for and obedience to God’s Word. Toney loved Bible passages from the Old Testament books like Job, Exodus, and the Psalms.
These passages helped Toney live a life of perseverance, meekness, humility, and allowed him to be forgiving, loving, kind, and humble.
Toney was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Hairston; father, Sydney Delaney; brothers, Ronnie Hairston and Harold Eugene Delaney (who sadly passed in the womb); and his sister, Ada Regina Price, whom he loved dearly.
Toney is survived by his daughters, LaToya Richards and Sydney Delaney (Scott Strader); his grandson, Julian Livingston Jr.; his wife and the love of his life, Mildred Honeycutt; and siblings: Marshall Hairston, Vetrice “Renae” Hairston, Benjamin “Benny” Earl Delaney, Phillip Terry Delaney, and Pamela Delaney.
A Service to Honor the Life of Toney Delaney will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Central Community Tabernacle, 1340 Elmwood Ave., Charleston, WV 25301, with Rev. Caroline Virginia Walker officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Toney may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Ruby Pauley
Ruby Pauley, 94, of Cross Lanes, WV, went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2024.
Ruby was born on January 5, 1930, to the late Thomas and Tempa Largen in Lester, West Virginia. She was a 1946 graduate of Trap Hill High School. She spent the majority of her career as an executive assistant at Union Carbide in South Charleston, WV. She was a charter member of Riverlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans, and later a member of Cross Lanes United Methodist Church.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Denver “Chick” P. Pauley, her special friend Charlie Smith, and five siblings (four sisters and one brother). She is survived by her loving daughter, Diana Kessler (Mike) of Cross Lanes, WV; grandsons, Jeremy Beakes (Sarah) of Wilmington, NC, Benjamin Beakes (Sarah) of Cross Lanes, WV, and Jeffrey Beakes (Brittany) of Charleston, SC; and great-grandchildren: Chloe, Sadie, Cooper, Ruby Kate, and Parker. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who adored her.
From humble beginnings in Southern West Virginia, Ruby moved to Charleston to create a new life for herself. Throughout her life, Ruby established herself as the matriarch of the family. Ruby was often described as the sweetest lady you’ve ever met. She was well known for her meticulous lawn. Wearing her straw hat, neighbors passed by and waved as she worked outside. Ruby prepared meals for many over the years. No birthday was ever complete without her homecooked meal. Rides home from school, cheering in sporting events, helping with school projects – there wasn’t much Ruby couldn’t do.
Ruby always had the company of her loving daughter, Diana, who cared for her in her final days. Ruby was most proud of her daughter and how she raised her sons (Ruby’s grandsons), the Beakes Boys, who she referred to as her pride and joy. The boys loved their MaMaw dearly. The impact she had on their lives will continue to be seen as they love their families in the same spirit as she loved them. They will continue to fight with each other about who MaMaw’s “favorite” was!
A service to Honor the Life of Ruby will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Rev. J.F. Lacaria officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes.
Memories of Ruby may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Golden "Mark" Vickers
GOLDEN MARK VICKERS, 60, of Charleston, WV, passed away on January 24, 2024, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family following a valiant fight with cancer. He was born February 15, 1963, in Clarksburg, WV, to Deryck S. Vickers and Wanda L (Stowers)Vickers. Mark graduated from George Washington High School, where he met his soulmate, Cynthia Ann (Martin) Vickers, on a blind date. After marriage, they had their only son, Christopher Mark “Markie” Vickers.
Mark started his career as a mechanic at a very young age. He has been “mechanicing” since before he could even walk. He loved nothing more than taking things apart and putting them back together (or not). Mark loved his family, friends, fishing, and relaxing at the Outer Banks with Cindy, Sue, and Keith. He loved being a father and grandfather and shared a special bond with his only grandchild, Josie. Josie had Papaw Mark wrapped around her little finger and was the apple of his eye. The love of motocross that was once shared between Markie and his daddy, will now continue between Markie and his daughter, Josie.
Mark retired from the South Charleston Stamping Plant after 20+ years following his first battle with cancer and living another 13 years cancer free. He is preceded in death by his father, Deryck Vickers; paternal grandparents, Sim and Delphia Vickers; maternal grandparents, Emit and Inez Stowers; and favorite uncle, Jack Stowers. Mark leaves behind his wife, Cynthia Ann (Martin) Vickers; son, Christopher Mark “Markie” Vickers; granddaughter, Amya Josephine “Josie” Sky Vickers; mother, Wanda Vickers; brother, Tim (Ramona) Vickers; sisters, Renita (Porter) Vickers, and Sue (Keith) Whaples; special nonbiological sister, Stephanie Burrow; and his two very best friends, Angelo McCallister and Jim Decker. He was also beloved “Uncle Mark” to several nieces and nephews, plus many of their friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ruby Memorial that were involved with his care while he was there.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Golden “Mark” Vickers will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Richard McCallister officiating. Friends and family may visit and share memories one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the WVU Cancer Institute.
Memories of Golden “Mark” Vickers may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Joanna Margaret Austin Pauley
Joanna Margaret Austin Pauley (89) of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully at Harmony at Southridge on January 19, 2024. She was the daughter of Emory H. Austin and Catherine Coalter Austin. She grew up in Saint Albans, WV, and was raised in the Coalter family home with her beloved aunts and uncles, grandparents, Charles and Margaret Coalter, as well as her mother. Her great aunt and great uncle, Irene and Samuel Nurnberger, were also an influential part of her childhood.
Upon graduation from Saint Albans High School in 1952, Jody attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, where she made many lifelong friends. She also attended Mississippi College in Jackson, MS. She later attended Morris Harvey College, where she met the love of her life, David Pauley. They were happily married for 52 years, until David’s death in 2009. While living in Gallipolis, OH, their children, Teresa Ann and J.D. (James David, Jr.) were born. In 1965, they returned to West Virginia, where they lived out the rest of their lives.
Jody was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Teresa (Rob) Matheny and J.D. (Becky) Pauley, Jr.; grandchild and spouse, her beloved grandson Christopher (Moe) Matheny, step-grandchildren and spouse: Cory Fagan and Stephanie (Steve) Johnston; 4 great grandchildren, many cousins, and dear friend, Diana Jones.
Jody was a woman who loved children, never seeing anything but good in them. As Christian Education Director at South Charleston First United Methodist Church for many years, she was able to fulfill that love for children by involving them in Sunday School and church, Wednesday evening kids club, and other various church activities. Jody was a long-time member of South Charleston First United Methodist Church, was a member of the Anna King Circle, and was honored with a Life Membership pin in recognition of her work in United Methodist Women. She was also a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 283, in Gallipolis, OH. Jody loved traveling with friends and family, and especially loved the time spent with her family at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
A service to Honor the Life of Jody will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Rev. Paula Napier officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston.
Jody loved flowers and you are welcome to send them if you wish. As an alternative, you may send donations in her memory to Kanawha Hospice Care 1606 Kanawha Blvd W. Charleston, WV 25387 (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) or Alzheimer’s Association 1601 2nd Ave. Charleston, WV 25387(https://www.alz.org/wv).
Memories of Jody may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jean "Gail" Harrah
Jean “Gail” Harrah ,79, of Hurricane, WV, passed away on January 11, 2024.
Gail was the daughter of Jim and Pauline Meeks and a member of the South Charleston High School Class of 1962. Gail was an avid bowler and looked forward to her weekly trips to the bowling alley. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was always up for a road trip. Gail was quick witted, with a great sense of humor, a quick smile, and an infectious laugh.
Gail was preceded in death by Charlie Harrah, her loving husband of 59 years. She also was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Pauline Meeks, and her brother, James Richard “Dick” Meeks.
Gail is survived by her children: Allen Harrah, Chris Harrah Turner (Robert), and Deby Quick; her grandchildren: Grayson Epperson (Jordan), Abigail Turner, Katherine Turner, and Willow Meade; her brother, John Meeks (Jennifer); sisters-in-law, Mary Meeks and Susan (Tom) Bennett; brother-in-law, Fred (Becky) Harrah, and many nieces and nephews.
Memories of Gail may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Elisabeth "Betty" Gherasin Miles
Elisabeth Gherasin Miles (Betty), 97, died at Hubbard Hospice House West on January 16, 2024. Betty was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, on December 9, 1926. She had a full professional and private life. She was a vibrant member of the Charleston community and a proud West Virginian. She dedicated much of her time to her health and fitness, the media, entertaining friends, and her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Anisiea; 4 sisters; her husband, Paul; and her daughter, Janet (Douglas). She is survived by her son, Mack (Elliott), and her grandchildren: Sam (Derin), Charlie, and Elisabeth McElwee.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Shirley Jean Cielensky
Shirley J. Cielensky of Charleston, WV, lived an amazing 85 years. She died at home, Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was born and raised in Pineville, WV, until her graduation from high school and began attending college at Morris Harvey (now the University of Charleston). It was there she met and later married the love of her life, (and great quarterback) Joseph L. Cielensky.
They were married on July 6, 1957. Mother is predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph Cielensky, their only son, Joseph (Joey), and her parents, Beauman and Edna Goodman.
Charleston Catholic High School was blessed to have her wisdom and caring ways for 43 years where, as secretary, she helped thousands of students throughout her years. She also had the privilege of working with her husband, Coach Cielensky, for many of those years. Together they imparted not only their skillset, but their wisdom, kindness, and love to all.
Shirley was the oldest of two daughters, born to the late Beauman and Edna Goodman. Soon children entered their world; Leigh Anne Cielensky, Vicki Cielensky-Holstein (the late Mark Holstein), the late Joseph (Joey) Cielensky, and Kelly Cielensky. Grandchildren later blessed her world. Vicki and her late husband Mark had three wonderful boys; Jason (Mady and their daughter Brooks, a great-great grandchild), Justen and Jordan. Kelly was blessed with two daughters; Britani (Adam) Wright and Briena (Shaun) Guthrie. Britani Wright (Adam) gave mother three great, great grandchildren; Eva, Lucy, and Levi Wright, and another child (a son) on the way. Briena (Shaun) has a son Adrian, and a daughter, Mila, and are expecting a son within a matter of weeks.
Our parents provided their children with the most educational, and privileged life anyone could imagine. Our father was the camp director of Union Carbide’s summer girls camp. We spent so many summers there learning to swim, participating in crafts, archery, sharpshooting, and riding our own horses among many camp horses. We learned camp songs, went on overnight camping trips, learning to build campfire’s, cooking over the fire, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. When we were in our early teens, our parents purchased a 32-foot trailer which was parked for many years right across the street from the beach in Myrtle Beach. We stayed there from the day after school was out until it was time to go back to school. We also took it to several other campgrounds, traveling to many destinations. These adventures gave us a lifetime of educational experiences, values, appreciating the outdoors, and learning to love (and appreciate) the ocean. Several years later, they purchased a small place in Murrells Inlet, where we would enjoy vacations, extended weekends, holidays, and more. We still enjoy going to the beach. We couldn’t have had a better start to our lives together. We thank them for everything they gave us.
We will gather one last time to enjoy memories of mother, exchange stories, and celebrate and honor her life at Snodgrass Funeral Home ( 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, S.W. South Charleston WV) on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5-7 pm, with a short service at 6:00 p.m. Mother will be buried Friday morning at 11:00 am with a few short words in the mausoleum. Resting place will be alongside her beloved husband with her son next to them at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Charleston, WV.
Many thanks to Snodgrass Funeral Home for their professionalism, their care and help getting through this difficult time. For further information, please contact Snodgrass Funeral Home at 304-768-7324