Michael Tad Bennett

WESTON -- Michael Tad Bennett, 33, of 24 Kitson Street, Weston, WV, died on Sunday, December 28, 2003, in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born on August 3, 1970, in Athens, Greece, he was a son of Larry Bennett and Carolyn (Goe) Bennett of Weston, WV.

Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Brian Lee (wife Melisa) Bennett, Weston, WV; one sister and brother-in-law, Kelli (husband Jeff) Ivory, Rochester Hills, Mich.; paternal grandparents, Homer and Katy Bennett, Weston, WV; maternal grandparents, Mona (husband M.J.) Goff, Weston, and the late maternal grandfather, Norval Goe, WV; two nieces, Belle and Brianna Bennett, both of Weston, WV; two aunts, Judy (husband Steve) Montgomery, Lebanon, PA, and Patricia (husband Glenn) Hammer, Dublin, OH; two uncles, Robert (wife Jackie) Goe, Weston, WV, and Norval (wife Mary Lee) Goe, Olympia, WA; several great-aunts and uncles, and several cousins.

Tad was the business manager of Bennett's Home and Auto of Weston. He was a graduate of Lewis County High School, Class of 1988, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Fairmont State College. He loved sports and outdoor activities.

Friends may call at the Floyd Funeral Home, 402 Main Avenue, Weston, WV, on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2003, from St. Matthew United Methodist Church, with Reverend Rupert Evans officiating. The body will lie in state at St. Matthew United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 31, 2003, from 12 noon until the funeral hour of 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Weston Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 49, Weston, WV 26452.

Floyd Funeral Home of Weston.

Mary 'Gerri' Caynor

CLARKSBURG -- Mary "Gerri" Caynor, 72, formerly of Clarksburg, died Sunday, December 28, 2003, at Buckhannon following an extended illness.

She was born on November 6, 1931, in Buckhannon, WV, a daughter of the late Jesse and Anna Virginia Browning Caynor.

She is survived by her stepmother, Joyce Caynor of Buckhannon; one nephew, John Michael Caynor and his wife Julie; one great-nephew, Bradley John Caynor; one great-niece, Lauren Ann Caynor, and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Caynor, all of Dover, Delaware.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Lowell "Bud" Caynor, and one nephew, Kevin Caynor.

Ms. Caynor was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was a retired switchboard operator from St. Mary's and Union Protestant hospitals, with 42 years of service, and was a member of the Bridgeport Baptist Church.

Family and friends will be received at the Davis Funeral Home, One Olen Thomas Drive, Rt. 98, Clarksburg/Nutter Fort on Friday, January 2, 2004, at 12 noon, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.davisfunerals.com (online obituaries/guest book). Davis Funeral Home.

Daniel Lee Carroll, Jerry Lyn Carroll, Brianna Marie Carroll

Daniel Lee Carroll, age 18, a student of Lincoln High School; Jerry Lyn Carroll, age 14, a student of Lumberport Middle School; and Brianna Marie Carroll, age 10, a student of Lumberport Elementary School, died Saturday, December 27, 2003, at their residence in Brown Community as a result of a house fire.

They were born in Clarksburg, the children of David Allen and Rosemarie Elza Carroll.

They are also survived by 2 brothers, Mark and Luke Carroll; maternal great-grandmothers, Dorthy Elizabeth Elza and Alma Cozad; paternal grandfather, Robert Carroll; maternal grandparents, Paul and Sue Gorbey Elza; aunts and uncles, Thomas and Mary Carroll Sr., Brian and Brenda Carroll, Toby and Patty Prangler, Robert and Jody Carroll, John and Lisa Carroll, John and Barbara Cozad, Jeff and Sandra Martin, Roger and Emmie Carroll, Helen Carroll, James Carroll, Charles and Jan Carroll, Ralph Gorbey, Pat Elza, Dorthy Elza, several cousins and several great-aunts and -uncles.

Preceding them in death are paternal great-grandparents, James and Rhoda Carroll and maternal great-grandfather, Charles Cozad; paternal grandmother, Geneva Carroll; 1 aunt, Ott Carroll, 2 uncles, Pat and Terry Carroll.

Friends will be received at the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, on Tuesday from 4-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at 2 p.m. with Pastor William Warnick officiating. Interment will follow at the Lumberport Lions Club Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to the Carroll Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 33, Lumberport, WV 26386.

Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.

Dorothy A. Coughlin

CLARKSBURG -- Dorothy A. Coughlin, age 96, of Clarksburg and formerly of 499 Lee Ave., died at 8:05 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003, in the Clarksburg Continuous Care following an extended illness.

She was born in Lancaster, Ohio, on November 20, 1907, a daughter of the late Harry F. "Pete" Allen and Harriette F. (Parido) Allen.

Her husband, William P. Coughlin, whom she married on July 10, 1934, preceded her in death on July 31, 1958.

Surviving are four sons, William Paul Coughlin, Westlake, Ohio, Michael A. Coughlin, Santa Fe, New Mexico, John J. Coughlin, Clarksburg, WV, and Patrick E. Coughlin, Clermont, Fla.; one daughter, Harriette C. Hatfield, St. Marys, WV, eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Allen and Donald Allen, and a grandson, Mark V. Hatfield.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clarksburg.

In previous years, she was active with the Catholic Daughters of America.

Mrs. Coughlin retired from the Hope Gas Co. in 1972.

She was a volunteer with the auxiliary of the St. Mary's Hospital in the 1950s and the United Hospital Center. She served on the Harrison County Development Authority.

Friends will be received at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main Street, Clarksburg, WV, from 4-8 p.m. Monday. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003, with the Reverend Father Cesidio J. Federico as celebrant.

Interment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

A biblical wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Davis-Weaver service.

Ruby M. Keister

CLARKSBURG -- Ruby M. Keister, age 84, of 423 Capitol Ave., Clarksburg, WV, died at 2:28 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003, in the United Hospital Center.

She was born in East View on November 29, 1919, a daughter of the late Bennett G. Queen and Olive Jane (Riffle) Queen.

Her husband, Ralph Keister, whom she married on June 4, 1938, preceded her in death on September 11, 1989.

Surviving are one son and a daughter-in-law, Jack L. and Sue Keister, Hillard, Ohio; one daughter and a son-in-law, Judith Ann and John Davis, Clarksburg, WV, with whom she made her home; eight grandchildren, Jeff Keister and wife, Tracy, Greg Keister and wife, Alice, Kelly Keister Shuman, Julie Keister Barriger and husband, Steve, Tonya Davis Maxwell and husband, Frank Zedek, Tracey Davis Lawrence and husband, Randy, Tim Davis and wife, Teresa and Todd Davis and wife, Tiffany; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kolby Keister, Haley Keister, Chris Keister, Mike Keister, Wayne Shuman, Adam Shuman and Elizabeth Shuman, Riley Barriger, Josh Maxwell, Kelsey Lawrence, Karley Lawrence, Myriah Davis and Hannah Davis; and one great-great-granddaughter, Jenna Maxwell.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Thelma Harlan and Bessie Heater, one brother, Fray G. Queen Sr.

Ruby's public service spanned in Harrison County for four decades. She was the first woman elected to the County Commission and served fourteen years from 1976-1990. She also was the only known write-in candidate to win a commission seat. Prior to her term on the commission, Ruby worked 22 years in the County Clerk's bookkeeping office. During her tenure, she served eight years as president of the commission and worked on various boards, including the airport authority, senior citizens center, emergency squad, health department, planning commission, development authority and parks and recreation.

Some of her proudest accomplishments were the renovation of the county's 911 system, negotiations that led to the FBI's fingerprint center and renovations to the courthouse, including the jail.

Ruby had the privilege of breakfast at the White House with President Jimmy Carter in 1979. President Carter appointed her to serve on the N.A.C.O.

She was an active member and longtime treasurer of the First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg.

She was also a member of the Stonewall Jackson Civic Club, Rebekah Lodge, B.P.O. Elks 482, Clarksburg, Democrat Women's Club and the Democrat Executive Committee.

Ruby was a loving, caring, family-oriented person who was a great mother and grandmother. She loved her family dearly and loved having them all around her.

Friends will be received at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main Street, Clarksburg, WV, from noon-9 p.m. Monday. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church, Clarksburg, with Reverend Etheldean Yanero and the Reverend Dr. Gary N. Shepard presiding. Interment will be in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Mrs. Keister's body will lie in state from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Davis-Weaver service.

Earnest 'Ernie' Leasure

MIDDLEBOURNE -- Earnest "Ernie" Leasure, 90, of Middlebourne, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville.

He was born in Tyler County, a son of the late Joseph "Duty" and Ada Fox Leasure.

He was a retired employee of PPG Industries, Natrium, WV, and a farmer. He was a Methodist and a member of IOOF No. 69, Middlebourne.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife, Ruth Baker Leasure in 1982; three brothers, Harman, Warren and Jake Leasure; two sisters, Margaret Lough and Betty Monroe.

He is survived by a son, David Lee (Melinda) Leasure; a daughter, Earnestine Dianne (Bill) Pelikan, both of Middlebourne; one grandson, Levi Pelikan; three step-grandchildren, Melissa Midcap of New Martinsville, T.J. Haught of Weirton and Chris Haught of Linville, N.C.; and three step-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the Furbee Funeral Home, Middlebourne, Tuesday 6-9 p.m., where services will be held Wednesday 2 p.m. with Rev. Earl Fletcher officiating.

Interment in Middlebourne Cemetery, Middlebourne, WV.

Furbee Funeral Home.

Monica LouAnn McCombs

SHINNSTON -- Monica LouAnn McCombs, 48, of Terra Alta, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2003, following an extended illness. She was born February 24, 1955, the daughter of the late Louis Medina and Sophia Koreski Medina.

She is survived by one son, Jordan McCombs of Ohio; one brother, Louis Michael Medina and wife, Lisa, of Enterprise; and one niece, Layla Medina of Enterprise.

Ms. McCombs worked as a registered nurse for Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Psychiatric Institute of Richmond.

She was a member of the Holy Family in Spelter and a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.

A private viewing for the family will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home. There will be a Mass of Christian burial held at St. Ann Catholic Church Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at 10 a.m. with the Father Karl Wohinc as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery.

Dorsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.dorseyfuneralhome.com.

Dolores E. Stoffel

HUNTINGTON, IN -- Dolores E. Stoffel, 89, former resident of N. Goshen Rd., Huntington, IN, had gone to be with our heavenly Father at 3:55 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003, at Norwood Nursing Center, where she was a resident.

Dolores Stoffel was born August 22, 1914, in Huntington, IN, to Edward J. and Anna C. Karst. Her parents preceded her in death.

Mrs. Stoffel married Robert J. Stoffel November 1945 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Huntington, IN. He died Sept. 1, 1980. Dolores was a loving wife and mother and co-owner of LaFontaine Country Club, which she continued after her husband's death until its sale in 1988. A member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Huntington, IN, she was a WWII veteran in the U.S. Navy, serving as a WAVE.

Survivors include 3 sons, Norman F. Stoffel, Huntington, IN, Galen E. Stoffel, Wabash, IN, and Darwin E. Stoffel, Warren, IN; 2 daughters, Mrs. William (Carlin E.) Richard, Huntington, IN, Mrs. Randy (Shari L.) Hernly, Clarksburg, West Virginia; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Hank Karst, Kendallville, IN, and Raymond Karst, Fort Wayne, IN; and 3 sisters, Eilene Swoverland, Huntington, IN, Helen Ludwig, Fort Wayne, IN, and Annette Morrow, Huntington, IN.

She was preceded in death by 1 son, Alan Stoffel, and 2 brothers, Eugene (Jake) Karst and Norbert Karst.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, December 30, 2003, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, with Rosary at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 840 Cherry St., Huntington, IN, with Father Ron Rieder presiding.

Memorials to Mass to the church or Gibault School in Terre Haute, IN, both in care of the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements.