| Obituaries for Tuesday, November 28, 2000
BELINGTON -- William J. "Bill" Coontz, 63, a resident of 306 Brown Ave., Belington, died Sunday morning, Nov. 26, 2000, at his home. He had been in failing health for the past few years, but death was unexpected.
He was born Nov. 6, 1937, in Montrose, a son of the late William and Anna Lee Coontz.
On Jan. 14, 1959, in Philippi, he was united in marriage to the former Sara M. Beatty, who survives in Belington.
Also surviving are three sons, Timothy M. Coontz and wife, Cindy, Belington, William Todd Coontz and wife, Dana, Aiken, S.C., Jody Robert Coontz, Elkins; three granddaughters, Amy, Ashley and Cori Coontz; two grandsons, Conner and William Landon Coontz; one half sister, Sherry Brady, Junior; one half brother, Shane Coontz, Wellsville, Ohio.
Mr. Coontz attended the schools of Barbour County. He was retired after 20 years of service from the U.S. Navy with the rank of first gunner's mate. While in the Navy he had been aboard the U.S.S. Champlain, the U.S.S. Valley Forge, the U.S.S. Intrepid, the U.S.S. Shadwell, the U.S.S. Fort Shelling and had served with the SeaBees during the Vietnam War.
He was a former member of the Belington Town Council and a member of the Destiny Tabernacle of Praise in Elkins.
NEWBURG -- Hazel Wolfe Cox, 95, of Newburg, Yorks Run community, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Grafton City Hospital, Grafton.
She was born Sept. 10, 1905, in Newburg, a daughter of the late Herbert and Albertha Rosier Wolfe.
Her husband, Ulysses Sheridan Cox, preceded her in death in January of 1977.
Surviving are one son and spouse, William U. "Bill" and Sarah Kirby Cox, Grafton; one brother and spouse, Edwin and Ruth Wolfe, Gladesville; three grandchildren, Susan Cox Domico, Morgantown, Jennifer Jenkins, Grafton, and Paul S. Cox, M.D. and wife, Cheryl Cox, M.D., Charlottesville, Va.; four great-grandchildren, Matt Domico, Daniel Stevens, Chey Jenkins and Ryan Cox; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by one grandson, Carl William Cox in 1980; two brothers, Jonas Wolfe and an infant; five sisters, Beaulah Larew, Nellie Bolyard, Daisy Bolyard, Virgie Mattlick and Mary Louise Wolfe.
Mrs. Cox was a homemaker and enjoyed working in her flower gardens, quilting and sewing. She was a life member of the York's Run Church and was noted for her love of the Lord and many years of service to the church.
PARSONS -- Eula Mae Cross, 70, a resident of Chestnut Street, Parsons, died at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at her home. She had been in declining health since September and death was attributed to cancer.
She was born Sept. 27, 1930, in Parsons, a daughter of the late Henry Robert Bright Sr. and Eva Belt Bright.
On May 3, 1952, in Parsons, she was married to Junior M. "Tub" Cross, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Susan Cross, Parsons, Diane Tennant and husband, Mark, Fairmont, and Shellie Cross, Woodside, N.Y.; one brother, Harold "Squeak" Bright and wife, Nettie, Pheasant Run; one sister, Betty Bright McCourt, Fort Mill, S.C.; three grandchildren, Tamara Ends and husband, Danny, Holly Meadows, Christopher Watson, Buckhannon, and Amanda Watson, Newport News, Va.; three great-grandsons, Zachary, Brittan and Nicholas Ends, all of Holly Meadows.
She was also preceded in death by one brother, Henry Robert Bright Jr.
Mrs. Cross was a graduate of Parsons High School with the class of 1948, attended Berea College at Berea, Ky., and graduated from Davis and Elkins College with the Class of 1959, with a degree in education.
She taught at the one room schools at Flanagan Hill, Mill Run, Leadmine and Pifer Mountain for 13 years. She was a supervisor for 23 years for the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving in Tucker, Randolph and Pocahontas counties, retiring in 1988, at which time she returned to substitute teaching in Tucker County.
Mrs. Cross was a former Sunday school teacher at the Irons Chapel Church, a member of the St. John's United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the United Methodist Women.
She was also a member of the Tucker County Senior Center, and was instrumental in organizing the First Chapter of the Women's Day Apart and the Tucker County Right to Life.
CLARKSBURG -- Harold E. Fincham, 75, of Lightner Street, Stonewood, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg, following an extended illness.
He was born April 5, 1925, in Harrison County, a son of the late Arnold B. and Maude E. McNemar Fincham.
His wife, Margaret Lamb Fincham, whom he married Dec. 5, 1946, survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. William E. (Brenda K.) Riley, Camden, and Mrs. James L. (Joyce A.) Talkington, Calora, Md.; four grandsons, Christopher and Timothy Riley and Michael and Matthew Talkington.
Mr. Fincham worked at Parson Souders (Stone & Thomas) where he was a department head in Shipping and Receiving with 38 years of service.
At the request of Mr. Fincham, he will be cremated. A service of remembrance will be announced at a later date. Davis Funeral Home, Clarksburg, is in charge of arrangements.
CLARKSBURG -- Oren Allen Fincham, 75, of 1527 Richards Ave., Clarksburg, died at 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Louis A. Johnson Veterans Medical Center, Clarksburg.
He was born March 15, 1925, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Mord Fincham and Iva Cox Fincham.
Surviving are one brother, Forman Fincham, Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by one sister, Mary Louise Fincham; three brothers, Mord Jr., Russell and Nelson Fincham and three half brothers, Arnold, Varner and Harold Fincham.
Mr. Fincham was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a painter and was associated for many years with Fincham Brothers Painting Co.
Friends will be received at Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, Clarksburg, 329 East Main St., Clarksburg, from 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, where the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, with Pastor Larry Green presiding. Interment will be in the Greenlawn Masonic Cemetery, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites.
NUTTER FORT -- Edith V. Hamilton, 89, of Clarksburg, died Monday morning, Nov. 27, 2000, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.
She was born Aug. 13, 1911, in Wilsonburg, a daughter of the late Archie E. and Eunice Rexroad Locke.
Her husband, French Hamilton, whom she married July 11, 1937, preceded her in death in 1977.
Surviving are two brothers, William Locke, Clarksburg, and Leland Locke, Ravenna, Ohio; one nephew and two nieces.
She was also preceded in death by one son, Edward Hamilton in 1947.
Mrs. Hamilton was a member of Freedom Southern Baptist Church, Nutter Fort.
Friends may call at Greathouse-Gemondo Funeral Home, Nutter, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, where the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, with Pastor James Sanders presiding. Burial will follow in the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freedom Southern Baptist Church, 107 Illinois Ave., Nutter Fort.
BRIDGEPORT -- Infant David Matthew Hollar, 4 months old, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.
He was born July 27, 2000, in Morgantown, a son of Mary Ellen Howell and Robert Barton Hollar, Bridgeport.
Also surviving are one brother, Bryan-Austin Anthony Hollar, and one sister, Bethany Marie Hollar, both at home; his maternal grandparents, Helen and Kinsey Howell Jr., his paternal grandparents, Bennie and Becky Hollar, his maternal great-grandparents, Kinsey Howell Sr., and Ellen and Jimmy Fultineer, all of Bridgeport; his paternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeMick, Clarksburg, and Mrs. Zelma Hollar, Fairmont; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfather, Vangie Hollar and his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Bobbella Howell.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 South Virginia Ave., Bridgeport. Interment will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery.
GRANTSVILLE -- Emery F. Kerns, 99, of Glenville, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, at Center Ridge Convalescent Center, North Ridgeville, Ohio, following an extended illness.
He was born in Gilmer County, a son of the late Isaiah and Martha Simmons Kerns.
His wife, Goldie Rexroad Kerns, preceded him in death.
Surviving are six sons, Russell Kerns, Jane Lew, Vernon Kerns, Shock, Carlon, Delvis and Allen Kerns, all of Elyria, Ohio, Junior Kerns, Wooster, Ohio; three daughters, Evelyn Barnett, Norma Cummings and Loretta Carr, all of Elyria; 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by one son, Wilbur Kerns and one daughter, Naomi Ewing.
Mr. Kerns was retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways in Gilmer County. He was a former teamster in the oil and gas fields and was a timberman.
He worked on the improvement of U.S. Route 33 east of Glenville when it was converted from a dirt road to a hardtop surface. He was a former construction worker and helped build the American Viscose Plant in Parkersburg.
GRANTSVILLE -- Sylba V. Marshall, 91, of Wheaton, Ill., formerly of Clarksburg, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at DuPage Convalescent Center, Wheaton.
She was born in Gilmer County, a daughter of the late Daniel and Susan Keith Varner.
Her husband, Gerald Marshall, preceded her in death.
Surviving are one son, Charles Marshall, Wheaton; her son-in-law, Richard Lapp, LaVergne, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Karen Gerber, Laura Lapp, Lisa Watson, Steve Marshall and Aaron Marshall; and three great-grandchildren, Christopher, Kelsey and Carissa Gerber.
She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Maralee Marshall and Linda Lapp.
Mrs. Marshall was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Winfield, Ill.
GRAFTON -- Edward Lee Morgan, 64, of Monticello, Ark., died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, following a brief illness in Poca.
He was born April 5, 1936, in Parsons, a son of Mary Margaret Pitzer Morgan, Grafton, and the late Frederick Morgan.
His wife, Lanelle Newton Tucker Morgan, survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Matthew Morgan and wife, Debra, Swanton, Ohio, and Mark Morgan and wife, Estrella, Tucson, Ariz.; three daughters, Mrs. Greg (Michelle) Simpson, Vilonia, Ark., Ms. Melissa Bass and Mrs. David (Cynthia) DeRosa, all of Conway, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Natalie, Jody and Stefanie Ballard, Trey and Cameron Bass, Morgan and Dayle DeRosa, and Kaytlyn Morgan; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Billy (Deborah) Bolen, Cornerville, Ark.; nine stepgrandchildren, four stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary C. Morgan, Nitro, and Ladonna C. Morgan, Kingwood; four brothers, Charles Robert Morgan and Gary Clark Morgan, both of Grafton, Ronnie Morgan and wife, Jerrianne, Sylmar, Calif., Jim Morgan and wife, Donna, Grafton.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, William Burdette "Sonny" Morgan and Jacob Rayar "Dickie" Morgan.
Mr. Morgan was retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of honorable service.
Friends will be received at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, from 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, where the funeral service will be held at 9 p.m. Thursday, with Pastor Jeff Johnson, officiating. Burial will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, with military services being conducted by VFW Post No. 3081, American Legion, Taylor County Post No. 12 and DAV Chapter No. 24.
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Evert Roy Pearcy
SALEM -- Evert Roy Pearcy, 90, of West Main Street, Salem, died at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at his residence following a brief illness.
He was born Jan. 30, 1910, in Guysville, Ohio, a son of the late George and Mary Pearcy.
His wife, Elizabeth Elsie Bond Pearcy, whom he married in June of 1935, at Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 1994.
Surviving are one son, John Pearcy, Cary, N.C.; one daughter, Helen Pearcy Phillips, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; one brother, James W. Pearcy, Hendersonville, N.C.; two sisters, Mary Ogg, Alyria, Ohio, and Doris Effaw, Wyandotte, Mich.; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Mr. Pearcy's education began with his enrollment in a two year high school near Harrisville, where he became interested in football. A highlight in his high school football career occurred on Thanksgiving day of his senior year when he and his two brothers scored all the points in a football game against a nearby rival.
His athletic talents did not go unnoticed, he was guided by his football coach to accept a scholarship to Salem College, where he became captain of his football team. Soon after leaving Salem, he moved to Plainfield, N.J., to work in a factory and coach at Plainfield High School. A short time later he interviewed for a teaching position at Bristol High School.
His academic career included Dean of Men, Alfred State Tech, Alfred, N.Y., and later line coach at Alfred University, also at Alfred.
Mr. Pearcy received his master's degree in health and physical education at West Virginia University in 1940. From 1964-1970, he was dean of students at Salem College. He was a 50 year Mason, belonging to Salem Lodge No. 84, AF&AM.
Along with his membership in the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, he was ordained a deacon and trustee. Up until his most recent illness, he was president of Randolph Terrace Apartments.
There will be a memorial service and celebration of the life of Evert Roy Pearcy at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, with Pastor Dale Thorngate presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church building fund.
SHINNSTON -- Martha J. Rogers, 81, of Dola, died at 3:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.
She was born Sept. 26, 1919, in Shinnston, a daughter of the late Edgar and Reva Orr Heldreth.
Her husband, John Rogers, whom she married Dec. 3, 1941, survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jim Rogers and wife, Polly, China, Tom Rogers and wife, Charlotte, Dola; two daughters, Nancy Reed and husband, Doug, Morgantown, Jane Lantz and husband, Brian, Annapolis, Md.; one brother, Bob Heldreth and wife, Nancy, Mansfield, Ohio; one sister, Joy Lou Kubas and husband, John, Fairview; eight grandchildren, Daphne Robertson, Jamie, Mike and Josh Rogers, Justin and Stacey Reed, Katie and Jacob Lantz; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by one son, John David Rogers and two brothers.
Mrs. Rogers graduated from Shinnston High School and graduated as a registered nurse from Union Protestant Nursing School.
She was employed at various hospitals throughout her career and retired as a industrial nurse at Harrison Power Station, Haywood.
Mrs. Rogers was a very active member of Tenmile Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher and formerly was treasurer and clerk. She was also active with American Baptist Women Association and Union Protestant Nurses Alumni.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, from 4-9 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday. Mrs. Rogers will lie in state at the Tenmile Baptist Church from 1-2 p.m. the funeral hour on Wednesday, with Pastor Chad Hutson officiating. Interment will follow in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Quiet Dell.
GRAFTON -- Michael Lynn Shaver, 47, of Druid Park Drive, Baltimore, Md., died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, following a sudden illness.
He was born May 30, 1953, a son of Betty L. Evans Shaver and the late Ralph J. Shaver.
Surviving are two sisters, Mary Ellen Morgan, Atlanta, Ill., and Cheryl Ann Shaver, Clearwater, Fla.; three brothers, Paul Richard Shaver and wife, Sarah, Worthington, Ralph E. Shaver and wife, Michelle, Eldersburg, Md., and Timothy Lee Shaver, Grafton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, James Patrick, Robert Allen and Charles William Shaver.
Mr. Shaver was a graduate of Grafton High School class of 1971, was a football player and also attended Fairmont State College.
He was a salesman for Hikens Formal Wear of Towson Mall and Wesrminster Mall, both in Maryland, and was the co-owner and operator of a cleaning service in Maryland.
Friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. the funeral hour on Friday, with the Rev. H. Edgar Suite, officiating. Burial will follow in Woodsdale Park Cemetery.
FAIRMONT -- Gladys M. Squires Stansbury, 96, of Fairmont, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Wishing Well Health Center, Fairmont.
She was born May 8, 1904, in Independence, a daughter of the late Ira Rollin and Hannah E. Wright Squires.
Her husband, J. Hershel Stansbury, preceded her in death on March 8, 1958.
Surviving are one sister, Grace Saunders, Worthington; four nieces, Sarah L. Crayton, Fairmont, Jean Baker, St. Albans, Myra Jane Cain, Austin, Texas, and Rosalea Mueller, Maryland; two nephews, William Koon, Fairmont, and Robert Saunders, Worthington.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Koon and Anna Bradley and two brothers, John Squires and James Squires.
Mrs. Stansbury was a member of the Diamond Temple United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Shinnston High School and the West Virginia Business College.
She and her husband had lived in Hartford, Conn., for many years before returning to Fairmont. She retired from Hartley's Department Store after 28 years of service.
CLARINGTON, Ohio -- Ralph E. Strader, 72, of 36847 Jodi Ave., Zephyrhills, Fla., formerly of Clarington, and Clarksburg, W.Va., died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000, at East Pasco Medical Center, Zephyrhills.
He was born Nov. 10, 1928, in Philippi, a son of the late Brell A. and Mable Zinn Strader.
His wife, Betty M. Davis Strader, preceded him in death.
Surviving are one daughter, Kimberly Harman and husband, Terry, Clarington; one brother, James Strader, Olivet, Mich.; three sisters, Iris Karickhoff, Lakes Wales, Fla., Doris Blackmore, Des Moines, Iowa, and Willa Lucas, Flint, Mich.
Mr. Strader was a retired elementary educator for the Switzerland of Ohio School District, having served as principal of both Clarington and Cameron elementary schools.
He was a member of Immanual United Church of Christ and the Monroe County and Ohio State Teachers Association.
MANNINGTON -- Pauline Williams Swiger, 88, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Mannington, died Monday morning, Nov. 27, 2000, in Virginia.
She was born Nov. 5, 1912, in Salem, and had lived in Mannington, for over 40 years.
Her husband, Paul Swiger, preceded her in death.
Surviving are one son, Bud Swiger, Roanoke, Va.; five grandchildren, Chuck Zopfi, St. Petersburg, Fla., Scott Zopfi, Houston, Texas, Becky Hayes, West Palm Beach, Fla., Brent Swiger, Vail, Colo., and Craig Swiger, Athens, Ga.; and five great-grandchildren, Leigh Ann, Clayton, Brooke, Desteny, and Cheyenne Zopfi.
She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Janet Sue Hayes.
GRAFTON -- Donald J. Tansill I, 65, of Ridgeley, formerly of Grafton, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at The Sacred Heart Hospital, Cumberland, Md., following an extended illness.
He was born March 7, 1935, in Grafton, a son of the late George E. and Mintie Weber Tansill.
His wife, Nancy E. Laber Tansill, whom he married in April of 1995, survives in Ridgeley.
Also surviving are his former wife, Sara E. Kite Powelson, Ft. Ashby, Ky.; two sons, Donald J. "Smokey" Tansill II and wife, Joanie Tansill, Ft. Ashby, and Rodney D. "Chip" Tansill and wife, Stephanie Tansill, Columbus, Ohio; three grandchildren, Stephanie Lynn Tansill, Kayla Elizabeth Tansill and Nikole Alyse Tansill; five sisters, Mary E. Ringler, Renton, Wash., Louise Jeffery, Ft. Madison, Iowa, Virginia Howard, Grafton, Mrs. Reynolds (Martha) Gall, Morgantown, and Mrs. John (Jean) Miller, Rivesville; four stepchildren, Helen M. Tarbox, Lexington, Ky., Jamie R. Laber, Moorefield, Lorie L. Labor, Frostburg, Md., and Anna M. Laber, Cumberland; four stepgrandchildren, Angela R. LaClair, Matthew R. Laber-Kamp, Shandi M. Tarbox and Trevor A. Laber; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by one sister, Barbara J. Tansill; four brothers, George G. Tansill, James "Jim" Tansill, Edwin E. "Skip" Tansill and Paul Thomas Tansill.
Mr. Tansill was retired from the B&O Railroad and Chessie System with service in Grafton and Cumberland, Md., retiring in 1997, with over 43 years of service.
He was a member of The Masonic Lodge, The Aligan Shrine Temple and the Moose Lodge, all in Cumberland, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the American Legion Post, both in Ridgeley.
Mr. Tansill was a graduate of Grafton High School with the class of 1953.
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Rosa M. Lopez Wiggins, 80, of Baltimore, formerly of Lumberport, W.Va., died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000.
Her husband, J. Warren Wiggins, preceded her in death.
Surviving are one son, Robert W. Wiggins; three sisters, Frances Ritter and Mary Broyles, both of Baltimore, and Sophia Lopez, Lumberport; one grandchild, Robin Bremmer; one great-grandchild, Timothy Bremmer; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dominic and Frank Lopez and one sister, Thelma Crutch.
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