Obituaries

Obituaries in Cowen, West Virginia

Charlotte Elaine (Holbrook) Bennett

Charlotte Elaine (Holbrook) Bennett

Jul 2, 2026

Charlotte Elaine (Holbrook) Bennett, 75 of Cowen, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on May 3, 1951, in Sutton, West Virginia, Charlotte was the daughter of the late Hershel Angus Holbrook and Helen Barnett Holbrook.

Charlotte was the heart of her family and loved having everyone together. She looked forward to holidays, filling her...

Freda Arlene Armentrout

Freda Arlene Armentrout

Jun 30, 2026

Freda Arlene Armentrout passed away on June 29, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Kincaid, West Virginia, to Lewis and Edith Newhouse.

We remember and celebrate a woman whose life was defined by love, generosity, and quiet strength. She didn't seek attention yet left a lasting impression on everyone she met through her kindness, her actions,...

Nancy Ann Hizer

Nancy Ann Hizer

Jun 19, 2026

Nancy Ann Hizer, 57, of Cowen passed away unexpectedly at home on June 19, 2026. She was born on October 7, 1968, in Oak Hill the daughter to Alice Adkins and the late Richard Richardson.  

Nancy was a graduate of Webster County High School.  She was a previous employee for WV Choice for over ten years providing in-home health care.

Nancy...

Victor Ace McClure

Victor Ace McClure

Jun 18, 2026

Victor Ace McClure, 62, of Upper Glade, passed away Friday, June 18, 2026, at his home. Victor was born on March 11, 1964 in Webster Springs, to Acie and Helma McClure, both deceased. In addition to his parents, Victor was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Larry Wayne and his niece, Cwayna Wayne.

Victor is survived by his daughter Chelsea Vanpelt...

Arletta Kay Mathes

Arletta Kay Mathes

Jun 15, 2026

Arletta Kay Mathes, a devoted mother, veteran, and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 78 in Beaver, West Virginia. Born on February 12, 1948, in Glade View, West Virginia, Arletta was a lifelong resident of the area and a cherished member of her community.

A proud 1966 graduate of Cowen High School, Arletta's commitment...

Julia JoAnn Riddle Hughes

Julia JoAnn Riddle Hughes

Jun 11, 2026

Julia JoAnn Riddle Hughes, a dedicated educator and passionate community member, passed away on June 11, 2026, at Mon General Hospital. Born on July 13, 1947, in Richwood, West Virginia, Julia's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family, her community, and her work.

Julia earned a Bachelor’s degree and devoted many years of her career to the Webster...

Amos Hill "Sonny" Bird

Amos Hill "Sonny" Bird

May 28, 2026

Amos Hill "Sonny" Bird, Jr. departed this life at his home after an extended illness on May 28, 2026, at the age of 74 years old.  Sonny was born in Richwood, WV on July 23, 1951, to the late Amos and Goldia Moore Bird.

Sonny married Joy L. Crowe Bird on April 1, 1978.  They had two children Sonja (Rick) Cool...

Betty Jo Lynch

Betty Jo Lynch

May 25, 2026

Betty Jo (Hamrick) Lynch, a cherished and devoted woman whose life was marked by love, faith, and service to others, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at her home in Upper Glade, West Virginia. She was 91 years of age, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 9, 1934, in Bergoo, West Virginia, Betty Jo obtained her GED and...

Betty Lou Fincham

Betty Lou Fincham

May 23, 2026

Betty Lou (Roberts) Fincham, passed away on May 23, 2026, at the CAMC Memorial in Charleston, West Virginia, after an extended illness. She was 67 years of age. Born on May 21, 1959, in Richwood, West Virginia, Betty Lou lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a warm spirit that touched the lives of many.

For over two decades, Betty...

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...