Shirley Iris (Rabel) Holstine, 79, of Alum Creek, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2015.  She was preceded in death by her parents John and Maggie Rabel;  brothers, John B. , Keith  and Tom Rabel; and  sisters, Phyllis Pauley and Charlotte McGraw.

Shirley, affectionately known as “Ma” to her family,  was a faithful member of Hopewell Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years.  Ma loved to crochet, work puzzles and spend time with her granddaughters.  Ma also loved to go to her “little home in the mountains”, a beloved camp in Pocahontas County, that holds so many great memories.  Ma loved to cook and her most precious time was cooking for her family, serving her last big meal for all the family this past Thursday.  Shirley was a retired cook from Kanawha County schools.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bob “Tuffy” Holstine; son, Timothy (Gayla) Holstine; and two granddaughters, Tori Holstine and Maggie (Brendon) Leaptrot, whom she dearly loved.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Hopewell Baptist Church, Route 119 at Brounland Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Dwight McClure officiating and  assisted by Randy Searls.  Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29^th, at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV.

Lucille A. Israel, 85, of Charleston, passed away Sunday April 26, 2015, at the Hubbard Hospice House after a long illness.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Israel.

She is survived by her two daughters, Meg Diehl and Jody McClanahan; Sister, Ramona Martin, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

There will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local animal shelter.

Robert W. Adams, Sr., 89, passed away April 26, 2015 at his home in Goose Creek, SC.  Robert was born April 11, 1926 to John C. and Mattie Powell Adams of Tango, WV.

Robert was retired DOD US Navy and enjoyed 31 years retired life.  He also served in the US Army Air Corps, was a life member of Knights of Pythias Griffithsville Lodge 195 and life member of the UA Steamfitters Union Local 420.  Robert was a watchmaker by hobby and an avid CB radio operator.

Robert was predeceased by his parents,  John C. and Mattie Adams, brothers, John C. Adams, Jr. and Marshall Adams;  sister, Manoka Lynn; and his beloved wife of 60 years, Dorothy Bird Adams;  and daughter,  Juanita (Pixie) Ledbetter.

He is survived by a sister Anna Lou Wade of Tango; brother,  Chester Adams of Julian;  sons,  Robert W. Adams, Jr., and wife, Gaye, of Goose Creek, S.C., and Timothy S. Adams and wife, Sally, of Elko, Ga.; daughter,  Joetta J. and husband, Ronald,  Hale of Lisbon, Ohio; grandsons, Scott Ledbetter and wife, Debbie, of LaGrange, Ga., Ronnie Hale of Kensington, Ohio, and Benjamin “Travis” Adams and wife, Jennifer, of Warner Robins, GA.  Granddaughters: Kimberly and her husband Brett Patterson of Branford, FL and Rebecca and her husband Richard Routh of Reardan, Wash.; and seven great-grandchildren, Lauren and Kyle Ledbetter, Brenna, Braylon and Bristol Patterson and Cody and Troy Routh.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m.  Saturday, May 2,at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Rev. Chester Bird officiating.  Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.   The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Elmer H. Clark, 83  of Sod, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Hubbard Hospice House after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian “Tom” Clark, brother, Bobby and sisters, Bonnie, Faye and Eldean.

He was a retired cement finisher and was a member of Union Local 926.

He is survived by his sons, Elmer Ray (Evelyn) Clark, Tony Clark, Chris Clark, Mark (Beth) Clark, daughter Susan (Mark) Austin, brothers, Wilmer and Howard Clark, sisters, Bessie Fowler, Melba Saul, Mary Dunlap and Shirley Justice, grandchildren, Shanda, Ashley, Nikkie, Bambam, Christopher, Hailey, Savannah, and Chase, and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 7:00pm Thursday, April 23 at Curry Funeral Home 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Jackie Miller officiating. Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Kenneth R. Arkola, 81, of Julian went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Hubbard House in Charleston after a short illness.

He was born in Westboro, Wisconsin, the second born of eight children to his parents, Arvid and Elsie Arkola.  He was also preceded in death by his teenage daughter, Nona Arkola; siblings, Audrey Kennedy, Doris Johnson and Charles, Nancy, Gloria and Marvin Arkola; and three grandchildren, Hope, Faith and Luke.

Kenneth was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served during the Korean War.   He worked as a contractor with Fed Ex for 20 years; and was a substitute teacher at Scott High School. A very faithful active member of Lory Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, van driver, grounds keeper and principal of the Lory Baptist Christian School.

He is survived by four children, Donna (Curt) Shamblin of Danville, Kevin (Cheryl) Arkola of Blacksville, Shelia (Daniel Jr.) Chandler of Peytona and Tony (Kelly) Arkola of Jeffrey; the Mother of his children, Wanda Malcomb; sister, Karen and Pastor Garry Bowman of Julian; sister in law, Judy Arkola; grandchildren, Deidra, Diana, Derek, Makaila, Paul, Katie, Bridget, Jacklyn, Alex, Austin and Owen; and great grandchildren, Layla and Gunner.

Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Friday, April 17, at Lory Baptist Church in Julian, with Pastor Dr. Garry Bowman officiating.  Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Julian with military graveside rites.   The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek.

CAROLYN SUE (DUNLAP) SMITH, 70, of St. Albans, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2015, after a long and hard fought battle with her illnesses.  Carolyn was a Christian and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many people.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Bernice Dunlap, brothers Rusty and David, and niece Jennifer.

Carolyn was born in Barboursville, WV, on November 13, 1944.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 52 years, Charles, daughter Cathy (Donald) Peal of Hurricane, son Charles (Amie) Smith of Scott Depot, daughter Rebecca (Scott) Stevens of Charleston, sister Brenda Dunlap of St. Albans, brother Bill Dunlap of South Charleston, eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.  Everyone that met her loved her and she never met a stranger.

Carolyn was a devoted homemaker and spent many years as a Girl Scout leader.  She volunteered as a troop leader and was involved in the Girl Scouts from 1974 to 1986.  She earned many Esteem awards and other accolades for her service to young women.  She also volunteered as a sponsor for several midget league cheerleading teams.  She loved life and all of the joy that being a mother and grandmother could bring.  She had a determination and zest to live life and always said she wanted to be able to say “Woo Hoo, what a ride”, when the time came.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Glenn Ridenour, Dr. Julie DeTemple and staff, Dr. Anca Zegrean, and Dr. Scott Duffy, along with a host of other medical professionals that took care of her.

Service will be 11:00am Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating.  Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Patty Mae Walls, 82, of Alkol went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Danville.

She graduated from Scott High School.   Patty was a former nurses aid at the Glover Clinic in the late 1960s and a member of Sycamore Grove Baptist Church in Alkol.

Patty was a loving wife, mother and momaw.  She was born March 28, 1933 to the late Aubry Bowman and Nell McMickens.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Cecil Walls, and her beloved sister, Jean Meadows.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Pam) Walls of Alum Creek; daughters, Lynn Kinney of Freedom, Pa. (Davy) of Clothier,  and Jonell (Travis) Barclay of Huntington; grandchildren,  Danielle (Derek) White, Amber Carter, Seth Walls, Chelsea (Jeremy) Stragand, Jay (Rebekah) Kinney, Casey and Kelsey Barclay; and 7 great grandchildren, Stevi, Ashby, Kendel, Dalton, Brenna, Jaycie and Layla; sisters, Gerri Ann Clay, Martha Smith, and Wanda Rose Malcom; and brother, Rev. Gary Bowman.

Funeral Service will be 3:00 pm Sunday, April 12 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Darrell Searls officiating.  Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Kenneth R. Hess, Sr. 93, of So. Charleston, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday April 1, 2015 at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Edward and Etha Lee Hess, brothers, Freddie, James, Charles, and Eugene.

He was a retired millwright from Union Carbide Tech Center with 30 years of service.  He was part of the Greatest Generation, and a WWII Army veteran with the 95^th Infantry Division, known as the “Iron Men of Metz” where he earned three Bronze Stars.  He also was a member of the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768 and he was awarded the Legion D’Honneur, which was the highest French Decoration for the Liberation of France and Europe during World War II.  He was a woodcrafting artist who enjoyed building swings, children’s rockers, birdhouses and other items for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of  66 years, Hazel; son, Reed Hess (Vicki) of Alum Creek; daughter, Susan Conner (Jack) of Elk Hills; brothers, George Hess and Joe Hess all of South Charleston; grandchildren, Elizabeth Paige  Hill (Rex), Eric and Stephanie Conner; and great-grandchildren, Serena and Hunter Hill.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Eric Mounts officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes with military graveside rites.

Family and friends will gather from 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Susan Cavender, Debbie Steffick, RN and to HospiceCare for their loving and gentle care for our loved one and the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536 or The Bible Center Church, 100 Bible Center Dr., Charleston, WV 25314.

Betty Ross Saul McComas of Alum Creek, WV passed away Monday, March 30, 2015 at Candlelight Cottage, St. Albans, WV, after  a long illness.  Betty retired from the Lincoln County Board of Education after serving 43 years as a teacher and administrator.  She served her last 22 years as Principal of Griffithsville Elementary.

She was a past member of the Phythian Sisters Eastern Star, the RHO Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Teachers Society and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was a member of the St. Timothy Lutheran Church, The National Education Association and a life-time member of The West Virginia Teachers Association.    Mrs. McComas received her AB Degree from Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) and Masters Degree in Supervision and Administration from Marshall University.  She was a faithful member of the Thomas Memorial Auxiliary as a volunteer since her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her father Robert Ross, Sr., and mother and step-father William & Della Rymer, brother Robert Ross, Jr., and brother and sister-in-law William Ray & Pauline Rymer and Betty’s late husbands Dorsey D. Saul and Hal S. McComas, Jr.

Survivors include her son David (Diana) Saul of Charleston; daughter Nancy (Larry) Pauley of Sod; brother Jimmy (Anna Gae) Rymer of Yawkey; sister-in-law Lucille Ross of Spring Grove, PA; Granddaughters, Lindsey (Ryan) Welch of Dunbar, Tia Saul of Plano, TX; Grandsons, Craig (Jennifer) Pauley of Sandy Ridge, NC, Bruce (Karrah) Pauley of South Charleston; Great-Granddaughters: Chasity (Codey) Cromer, Isabella Pauley & Genevieve Welch, Great-Grandsons Riley Pauley & Augustin Welch, along with several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 1:00pm Friday April 3^rd with Pastors Oshel Bell and Frank Chapman officiating at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV. Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.  Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Thursday, April 2^nd.

The family would like to thank Candlelight Cottage and Lauren Robinson for taking such good care of her these last few years.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.

Sewell Wesley Ryan, Jr., 87,  of Sandyville, entered Heaven on Friday, March 27, 2015, surrounded by loved ones.

Born January 17, 1928,  in Nellis, he was the son of the late Sewell and Tressa Ryan.  He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Audra; loving daughter, Carolyn Parsons; and sisters, Joy Grey, Sandra Ryan and Delores Peggs.

Sewell is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Ada; daughters, Linda Posten (Randall) and Elaine King (Kem); and Ada’s children, Jeff and Dena, who are very dear to Sewell; and brother, James Ryan (Sharon).  He was the best PaPa ever to his five grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and loved by his many nieces and nephews.

He retired from Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood.  A brilliant and humble man who saw the good in everyone and never a bad word uttered through his lips.  This avid adventurous man, full of love and laughter, was a joy to be around.  He loved trips to his cabin in Randolph Co. with his wife, neighbors and family.  Countless stories with his friends have been shared time and again and enjoyed just as much the last time as the first time.  A wonderful man who loved hunting and fishing, a man who loved nature and what it had to offer, a man fair, honest and faithful.  Faithful to his church, his fellow man and above all to God.  Sewell (Jr) was a gentleman, as well as a gentle man, and if you knew him you have an idea of how broken our hearts are.  Sewell clearly found joy in giving and that makes such a difference in this world.  He loved going to the Ponderosa in Ripley and they loved him.  Father, husband and friend, we love who you are and what you mean to us and for us it is forever and on-going.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6-8 pm  Monday,  March 30 at the Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, West Virginia.  The funeral service will be held 2 pm Tuesday, March 31  at  Sandyville Church of Christ, 7796 Parkersburg Road, Sandyville, WV  with Minister Jeff Dorton officiating.  Burial will follow at  Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.

The family wishes to thank our church family, who has been very dear to us;  the many nurses and doctors who cared for him down through the years; a special thank you to Cathy Easter from Hospice and all those who came all hours relentless in their help, the family is grateful.