James “Jim” Franklin Merriner, 101, of Clarksburg, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 26, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by love. He was born on May 26, 1924, in Hundred, WV, the son of the late Robert Lee and Rebecca Taylor Merriner. Jim lived a long and meaningful life, remembered for his steady kindness and quiet strength. He worked for many years as an accounting manager in retail, where he was admired for his hard work, dedication, and gentle spirit. He was a be...

Mary Beth Oldaker, 66, of Jane Lew, passed away surrounded by loving family on Friday, September 26, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg. Mary was born in Elyria, OH, on March 3, 1959, a daughter of the late Charles Leslie Dillon and Beatrice Schworer. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by one sister, Amy Dillon. On October 6, 1979, Mary married the love of her life, James Michael Oldaker. Their union, spanning over 45 years, was one marked by love,...

Elsie Dot Raines. 95, of Normantown, WV; departed this earthly life in the in the early afternoon hours of Friday, September 26, 2025 in the comfort of her son’s home with her loving family by her side. She was born January 9, 1930 in the Normantown area, daughter of the late Howard and Cannie (Vanhorn) Stout. Elsie owned and operated a store with her first husband Bill before selling and moving to a farm on Steer Creek. She loved raising a garden and canning. She later worked at Rubber Fab...

Russell “Rusty” Plaugher, 57, of Clarksburg, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025 at his home in Clarksburg. He was born on February 16, 1968 in Clarksburg, a son of the late Harry Carl Plaugher and Katherine Viola Titchnell Plaugher. Rusty is survived by his companion Connie, and her children who were like his own. He is also survived by one sister Belinda Southern-Miles and husband Mike and one daughter, and one son; and many nieces and nephews and a favorite Aunt Helen Critchfi...

Mary Jane VanGilder, 90, of Fairmont, West Virginia, passed away on September 26, 2025. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 7, 1934, a daughter of the late Walter and Irene (Kreiger) Wisch. Mary was a member of Central Christian Church. She was a homemaker, where she loved to cook and make desserts. Left to cherish her memory is one daughter, Debra (Ron) Wenig and one sister-in-law, Willa VanGilder. She is preceded in death by her husband, Loren VanGilder; h...

Joseph Wayne “Joey” Wilson, 48, of Fairmont, WV, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was born on December 2, 1976, the son of John and the late Helen (Hinkle) Stuyvesant. Joey was a truck driver by trade, but his true calling in life was being a family man. He had a big laugh, a big heart, and never met a project car he didn’t want to tinker with. He enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, tattooing, drawing, and teasing...

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis, age 39, of Rock Cave, died Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Weston, WV on November 5, 1985, a son of Darren Wade Nethken and Norma Lee Hovis Nethken, who survive at Rock Cave. Also surviving are one daughter Willow Rose Parker of Buckhannon; two sisters: Rosalyn Marrie Freeman and husband Jonathan of Selbyville and Norma Ann “Annie” Hovis of Rock Cave; maternal grandmother Wanda L. Hovis of Champion, OH; tw...

Donald Eugene Heaster, 59, of Clarksburg, departed from this life on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Donald was born in Buckhannon on February 1, 1966, a son of William E. Heaster and the late Opal L. Smallridge Heaster. In addition to his mother, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Heaster; and one brother, Mark Heaster. Donald is survived by his father, William Heaster of Weston; one daughter, Cassie Heaster of Jane Lew; ...

Betty Geraldine Sawyer, 86, formerly of Aliquippa, passed away on September 25, 2025. She was born on May 20, 1939, in Meadowbrook, a daughter to the late William Cox and Grace (Evans) Cox. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Jack Sawyer; son David Sawyer; sisters Marie Morrison, Thelma Ancell, and Ella Mae Cox; and brothers Gene, Dale, and Richard Cox. Betty is survived by her brother-in-law Thomas W. (Francine) Sawyer, and their daughter Lynnell (Pa...

Mary Evelyn ( Eve) LaFon, 69, of Enterprise, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 2025. She was born September 3, 1956, in Prince George's county, Maryland to Regina Castle and Clifford Barkman. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 35 years, William ( Bill ) Howard LaFon, with whom she shared a life of deep love and devotion. She is survived by her three sons, Jeremy May, J.C. May, Jesse LaFon and fiance Kelly Blinkmann; four grandc...