Obituaries

Obituaries in Cowen, West Virginia

Michael Jefferson Holbrook

Michael Jefferson Holbrook

May 14, 2026

Michael Jefferson Holbrook, born on January 9, 1964, in Webster Springs, West Virginia, passed away on May 14, 2026, in Morgantown, West Virginia, at the age of 62. After an extended illness, Michael departed this life at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy marked by devotion to family, a rich career, and a deep appreciation for the natural...

Wuanita Riffle Short

Wuanita Riffle Short

May 14, 2026

Wuanita Riffle Short, a devoted homemaker and beloved family matriarch, peacefully passed away on May 14, 2026, at United Hospital Center. Born on May 20, 1947, Wuanita’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her enjoyment of the simple pleasures found in nature and family gatherings.

Wuanita cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and extended family,...

Virginia Berry Woods

Virginia Berry Woods

May 13, 2026

Virginia Berry Woods, 105, of Upper Glade, WV died May 13, 2026.

She was born March 5, 1921, in Skyles, WV and was a graduate of Cowen High School.

She was married for 70 years to Warden Robert (Bob) Woods.  The were proud parents of 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her...

Michael James Hamrick

Michael James Hamrick

May 8, 2026

Michael James Hamrick, a devoted family man and respected truck driver, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026. Born on February 5, 1954, Michael was a 1972 graduate of Cowen High School and built a commendable career spanning over 30 years driving truck, where he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Michael was known for his warm...

William Bradley Mollohan

William Bradley Mollohan

May 2, 2026

William Bradley Mollohan, 66, a dedicated construction worker and cherished family man, passed away on May 2, 2026, in Defuniak Springs, Florida. Born on September 15, 1959, in Webster Springs, West Virginia, William's life was marked by hard work, devotion to his loved ones, and a passion for the outdoors.

Bradley built a distinguished career in construction, beginning with his work...

Harold Leon Sholes

Harold Leon Sholes

Apr 27, 2026

Harold Leon Sholes, affectionately known as "Butch," passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Summersville Health Care Center in Summersville, West Virginia. Born on August 6, 1942, in Tioga, West Virginia, Harold lived a life marked by dedication, hard work, and deep commitment to his family and community.

A 1959 graduate of Richwood High School, Harold distinguished himself...

Retha Virginia Morrison

Retha Virginia Morrison

Apr 22, 2026

Retha Virginia Morrison, 77, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2026, in her hometown of Cowen, West Virginia. Born on February 12, 1949, in Cowen, Retha’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community.

A 1969 graduate of Cowen High School, Retha devoted much of her career to caring for others. She spent many years working in...

Michelle Kay Duckworth

Michelle Kay Duckworth

Apr 19, 2026

Michelle Kay Duckworth, 61 of Cowen, WV passed away peacefully at Summersville Regional Medical Center on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a short illness.

Born October 14, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Gail C. Stalnaker and Tonita Kay Hale. Also preceded in death was her beloved brother Issac Stalnaker.

Michelle was a 1983 graduate of Braxton...

Ira Keith Strickland

Ira Keith Strickland

Mar 29, 2026

Ira Keith Strickland, of Dille, West Virginia, and a former valued member of the Cleveland automotive community and a cherished individual known for his passions and faith, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the Glenville Health Center in Glenville, West Virginia. He was 64 years old.

Born on February 2, 1962, in Sutton, West Virginia, Keith's early life in...

Youvone Hilton

Youvone Hilton

Mar 15, 2026

Youvone "Bonnie" Hilton, a cherished member of her community and beloved family matriarch, passed away on March 15, 2026. Born on March 1, 1948, in Gauley Mills, she carried a vibrant spirit and a deep love for those around her throughout her life.

A proud 1966 graduate of Richwood High School, Bonnie furthered her dedication to care and service by obtaining...

Sharon Kay Murphy

Sharon Kay Murphy

Mar 15, 2026

Sharon Kay Murphy, born on October 14, 1952, in Sutton, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Dille, surrounded by her loving family. She was a dedicated and compassionate individual whose life was marked by a deep commitment to helping others.

Sharon devoted fifteen years of her professional career to trauma services at Summa Health Systems, where her dedication and...

Sampson Franklin Woods

Sampson Franklin Woods

Mar 13, 2026

Sampson Franklin Woods, a skilled craftsman, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2026, in Summersville, West Virginia. Born on April 1, 1957, in Calvin, West Virginia, Sampson lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Sampson's career spanned several professions that showcased his talents and work ethic. He was a coal miner, a demanding...

Dalton Emerson Lough

Dalton Emerson Lough

Mar 9, 2026

Dalton Emerson Lough, born on October 23, 2000, in Summersville, West Virginia, passed away on March 9, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a tragic vehicle accident. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend.

Dalton was a proud graduate of Webster County High School and was currently employed at Wendy's in Summersville, where he was known for his friendly...

Garel Tony Adamy

Garel Tony Adamy

Feb 28, 2026

Garel Tony "Red" Adamy, born on February 14, 1940, in Bolair, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at CAMC in Charleston, West Virginia. He lived a remarkable life, filled with dedication and commitment to both his family and his profession.

Red devoted an impressive 33 and a half years to the coal mining industry, working tirelessly for the...

Louise Rigsby

Louise Rigsby

Feb 24, 2026

Louise Rigsby, a devoted homemaker and beloved member of her community, was born on August 16, 1957, in Webster Springs, West Virginia. She passed away unexpectedly on February 24, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Division in Charleston, West Virginia, at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.

Louise was a proud graduate of Webster County High School,...

Loretta Marcene Payne Gregory

Loretta Marcene Payne Gregory

Feb 18, 2026

Loretta Marcene Payne Gregory, 86, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 18, 2026. Born on December 13, 1939, in Elkhurst, West Virginia, Loretta was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her life and shaped the love she poured into everyone around her.

Loretta was known for being the very best mom,...

Douglas Norman King

Douglas Norman King

Feb 13, 2026

Douglas Norman King, 67, passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2026.

Born April 9, 1958, in Richwood, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Arnold King and Macil Roberts (Woodring)



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike King and Blaine King, and his sister, Elizabeth King.

Douglas is survived by his sisters, Susan “Kathy”...

James Oscar Lee Wilson

James Oscar Lee Wilson

Feb 8, 2026

In loving memory of James Oscar Lee Wilson of Erbacon, born on December 13, 1971, in Webster Springs, West Virginia, he peacefully passed away on February 8, 2026, at CAMC General in Charleston, WV with his loving sister holding his hand. A man of robust spirit and deep convictions, Oscar was not just known for his career as the owner...

Charolette Kay Lynch

Charolette Kay Lynch

Feb 3, 2026

Charolette Kay Lynch, a beloved member of the Webster Springs community, passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on August 12, 1951, in Buckhannon, she was a proud 1969 graduate of Webster Springs High School and went on to dedicate over 32 years of her life to public service. Charolette worked diligently in the probation...

Dallas Lloyd Brooks

Dallas Lloyd Brooks

Jan 30, 2026

Dallas Lloyd Brooks, 58, was born on July 9, 1967, in Welch, West Virginia, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Craigsville West Virginia. He left a legacy marked by his hard work, strong character, and a great sense of humor that touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A proud graduate of Webster County High School in 1985,...