Category: Obituary

Opal Lorraine Newman Michael, 88, of Hilliard, OH., formerly of Prichard, WV., passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at her son’s residence in Hilliard. Funeral service will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Andrew Tennant officiating. Private interment will follow in Cyrus Cemetery Opal was born September 18, 1934 in Huntington a daughter of the late Willie and Pauline Newman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald Fred Michael, one sister Doris McSorley and one brother Donald Newman. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in law Stephen Michael (Ann) and Gary Michael (Lora); four grandchildren Emily Hill (Jason), Ashley Michael, Andrew Michael (Amy) and Jessica Michael. There are also six great-grandchildren Brody, Jazzelle, Magnolia, Jemma, Ransom and Leo and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Saturday. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Howard Hatten, 53, of Huntington, WV., passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 12:00 P.M. Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor Scott Byard officiating. Jeff was born November 24, 1969 in Huntington a son of the late James Thomas and Nancy Ann Walker Hatten. He was a former grounds keeper with Spring Valley Memory Gardens. He is survived by his beloved wife Yvonne Mullens Hatten; son and daughter-in-law Shane Hatten (Magan); two step-sons and step-daughters-in-law Ryan Mullens (Deana) and Michael Elkins (Amanda); brother and sister-in-law Kent Hatten (Tina); sister Rona Frazier and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Teresa Fouch (Lenny). There will be no public visitation. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Hazel Marie Elam, 83, of Huntington, WV., passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Sunshine Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor and long-time family friend Kim Stone. Hazel was born July 13, 1939 in Wayne County a daughter of the late Frank and Fay Bean Wellman. She loved singing and being a part of anything that her grandchildren and great grandchildren were participating in. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband Bill Elam and her second husband Eugene Napier and five brothers Herman, Lace, Homer, Elzie and Glen Wellman. She is survived by one son Jimmy (Kim) Hensley; daughter Diana (Chet) Cole; four granddaughters Tara (Carlos) Barron, Stefani (Clayton) Lovejoy; Kayla (Korey) Mitchell; Kara Cole (Fiance’ Alex Thomson); nine great-grandchildren Maddox and Carli Barron, Caiden, Cashton, Case and Sadie Lovejoy, Blake, Cole and Quincy Mitchell; one brother Charles (Glenna) Wellman; four sisters Thelma (Les) Murray, Sherlene (Gene) Hiroskey, Evelyn (Butch) Butcher and Kathy (Mickey) Plymale and sister-in-law Martha Wellman; three step-children Teresa (John) Sipple, Melvin (Carolyn) Napier, Eddie (Laura) Napier; and a life-long special friend Viola Bentley and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank St. Mary’s NTICU staff and third and sixth floor teams. The family also has a special thank you to niece Melinda Gibson. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Mary Margaret “Margie” Leidecker, 82, of Ashland, died peacefully at Hospice of Ashland on February 27, 2023 after a long illness. Margie was born November 20, 1940 in Kermit, WV. She was the daughter of the late Nathan and Myrtle Johnson.

She was a retired school teacher from the Boyd County School System. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed working with children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Leidecker and son, William “BT” Scott. She is survived by her two children, Stephen “Pup” (Christine) Scott and Dr. Mark Kevin “MK” (Michelle) Scott, both of Ashland, KY. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren: Hunter, Austin, Kennedy, Payton, and Landon.
A private service will be held for her family at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Margie’s name to Community Hospice of Ashland: 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.

Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Barbara Gail Hutchinson passed away on February 25, 2023. She was born November 18, 1940, in Boyd County, Kentucky, the daughter of Joseph C. and Linnie Lambert Enyart.

Known as Gail to family and friends, she worked primarily in food service, most notably as a waitress at The Steak House and Leta’s Restaurant, both in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, and in the Wayne County (WV) school system. In her later years, she was the manager of the Smithers Senior Center in Smithers, WV. One of her proudest personal achievements was earning her GED in 1988.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Willard Hutchinson; her son’ Charles Beecher Hitchcock, and her daughter, Linnie Jo “Lynn” Hutchinson; her brothers, James C. Enyart, Carl E. Enyart, Harold D. Enyart and Harlin E. Jackson; and her sisters, Josephine Howell, Wanda Fugett, Clara Forrer, Helen Taylor, and Lola Enyart.

Gail is survived by her daughters, Deborah Hitchcock Edgar (Scott) and Vina Hutchinson Roberts (Paul); a son, Willard David Hutchinson; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial gathering for friends and family will be held 1:30 pm. – 3:00 pm. Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. A separate memorial service also will take place later this year.. Online condolences may be made at rollinsfh.com. Continue reading “Barbara Gail Hutchinson”

Shawna Lynn Ferguson Marshall, 67 of Lebanon, TN, went to her heavenly home on Friday February 24, 2023. Shawna was born on August 6, 1955 to the late Harry U. and Claudia Merle Lambert Ferguson. She graduated from Buffalo High School in Wayne Co., WV. Shawna worked for many years as a manager in Risk Management for the Cracker Barrel Corporate Office. Shawna enjoyed reading, crocheting, quilting and crafting. She was a loving person who was a very important part of her family and she will be greatly missed by them. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Ann Ferguson and Rose Sharon Barr and three brothers, Harry L. Ferguson, Roger W. Ferguson and Samuel D. Ferguson. Shawna is survived by two sisters, Florice “Midge” (Pete) Martin and Mary Ruth (Estel) Nelson; several loving nieces and nephews; a host of other family and friends and her special companion, Izzie her dog. Her family would like to thank the staff at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, The Pavilion Senior Living Facility and Avalon Hospice Lebanon, for their loving care of Shawna. We would also like to say a special thank you to Shawna’s sister, Midge Martin and her husband, Pete for the daily care provided and unselfish love shown to Shawna over the past three years. A graveside service will be conducted at Noon on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Maple Hill Cemetery with her nephew, Samuel Dale Ferguson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Avalon Hospice Lebanon, 115 Winwood Drive, Suite 102, Lebanon, TN 37087. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, WV is in charge of the arrangements, and condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com

Lynnda Ann Miller
(Mom, MawMaw, Mamaw, Grannie)

Mom, the heart of our family, passed from this life, on Friday evening, February 17, while at home with her son and daughter-in-law in Prichard WV.

Born Lynnda Ann Ballard, in Houston TX, on November 12, 1940, she is survived by her children: Suzie Aguilar and husband-Chuck; Nanci Stevenson and husband-Bill; Ernie Hooks and wife-Betty; Bobby Hooks and wife-Diane; Debbie Merryman and husband-Glen; her brothers: Butch Ditto and wife-Lauri, Ray Ditto and wife-Emily; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Miller, and her parents: Florence Ditto and Lynn Ballard.

She has gone to her eternal home with the Lord but remains forever in our hearts!

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 10, 10:45 am at

VA Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Dr
Houston, TX 77038

My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.  Psalm 119:28 (NASB)

Herbert Blankenship, 66, of Kenova, WV. passed away Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home. Herbert was born November 17, 1956 in Huntington, WV., a son of the late James and Della Nelson Blankenship. He was a retired construction worker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Debbie Blankenship and three brothers Enos, Richard and Benny Blankenship. He is survived by a brother Ed Blankenship; two sisters Paula M. Smith and Betty Effingham and numerous other family members. In keeping with Herbert’s wishes there will be no services. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Terry Moore, 78, of Huntington, WV., received his biggest reward Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Woodland Oaks Health Care in Ashland, going to his heavenly home where he was spiritually and physically ready to go. Terry was born April 23, 1944 in Akron, OH. a son of the late Reed and Rena Simmons Moore. Terry was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is survived by two precious daughters Belinda Robertson (Billy) and Kaylee Moore; one son Michael Moore (fiance’ Jessica Hamilton); two grandsons Brandon Robertson and Tyler Robertson (Katie); two nieces Karen McGuire and Kelly Jones; his dog Sissy and very special friend Harold Hundley. The family wishes to express their deepest love and appreciation to the staff of Woodland Oaks Health Care. Visitation will be 5:00-6:30 P.M. Monday, February 20, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. The funeral will follow at 6:30, interment in the Donel Kinnard Veterans Cemetery will be private. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Marilyn Gail Wright Blankenship, 71, of Prichard, WV. passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023 at her home. Marilyn was born December 22, 1951 in Kenova, WV., a daughter of Lucy M. Christian Wright and the late James Wright. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband Cay Blankenship and a beloved grandson Justin Harless. In addition to her mother she is survived by her two precious daughters and a son-in-law Deana Cantrell (Bennie) and Nikki Blankenship; granddaughters Tenesha Ferguson, April Spaulding and Caylin Spaulding; great-grandson Branson Proctor and great-granddaughter Ryan Robertson; two sisters and brothers-in-law Sherry Parsons (Fred) and Rhonda Boone (Daniel); two brothers and a sister-in-law Don Wright (Charlotte) and Scott Wright and a host of nieces and nephews. There will be no services at this time. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.