Category: Obituary

Terri Lynn Black Nicholas, 72, of Kenova, loving mother and grandmother passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at her residence. Terri was born September 21, 1951 in Kenova a daughter of the late Attlee P. and Reba Jean VanFaussien Black. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James J. Nicholas. Survivors include daughter Gena Nicholas; son and daughter-in-law Jay (Misty) Nicholas; four grandchildren Katherine Nicholas, Stephanie Nicholas, Taitum Nicholas and Dalton Nicholas; brother and sister-in-law Dale (Connie) Black and sister and brother-in-law Nancy (Bobby) Hallman. A memorial service will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Fellowship of Grace Church 372 Main Street Ceredo, Wv. 25507 with Pastor Tom Baisden officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Janet Leigh Bullock Diamond, a cherished soul and devoted Christian whose love for family, literature and art, always enriching the lives of those around her, passed away at the age of 72, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. A memorial service to celebrate her vibrant life will be held at 10:30 AM on April 8, 2024, at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, marking a moment to honor her legacy and the indelible mark she left on the world.

Born on September 17, 1951, Janet’s early life was nurtured by the love and values of her late parents, Olan Herman Bullock and Betty Jo Porter Bullock, setting the foundation for a life of passion, education and care. As a dedicated educator, she illuminated the minds of countless students, guiding them with a blend of wisdom drawn from her beloved books and the creative flair inspired by her appreciation of learning. Janet’s classroom was more than a place of to expand the mind; it was a gallery where the art of understanding and the literature of life were displayed in full color.

In the tapestry of her life, the brightest threads were her beloved husband, Ronald Wilson Diamond, whose memory she held dear following his passing last year and their four children and their spouses: Ronald W. “Ronnie” Diamond, II (Brent), Timothy Eric Diamond (Millie), Matthew Scott Diamond (Dorthy) and Elizabeth Anne Diamond-Eplin (Justin). The joy of her heart was further multiplied by her love for the Church of Christ and her three grandchildren, Preston Carter Eplin, Greyson Cruz Eplin and Aniston Grace Eplin, who brought new chapters of love and laughter into her story.

Janet’s legacy is a mosaic of love for her family, a profound connection with the world of literature, and a lifelong affair with art and music, which painted her world in bright, unforgettable colors. Her teachings went beyond the classroom, instilling in her children and students a deep appreciation for the beauty of storytelling, the power of education and the importance of cherishing each moment.

In addition to all her children and grandchildren, Janet is survived by her dear sister, Joyce Bullock, her brother, John Bullock, as well as many cherished loved-ones and relations. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Monday, April 8, 2024, at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, to share memories, offer condolences, and celebrate a life beautifully lived. Janet’s memory will also live on through the pages of the books she adored, the art and music she reveled in and the hearts of the family she loved so dearly. Online condolences and tributes can be shared at rollinsfh.com, a space for all to express the impact Janet had on their lives and the void her departure leaves behind.

Wallace Edward Dean, 89, of Lavalette, WV. husband of Kathleen Ross Dean, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his residence. He was born July 12, 1934, a son of the late John and Laura Oneta Buskirk Dean. Wallace was a member of the graduating class of 1952 at Ceredo-Kenova High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University and his Masters of Science from Marshall University. Wallace retired from the Army Corp of Engineers after 35 years of service. He had also worked for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and briefly taught at Ceredo-Kenova High School. He served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1976. He had the distinction of being WV’s first Certified Wildlife Biologist in 1978. Wallace became a member of the Professional Wildlife Society in 1989. He received the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service from the Boy Scouts of America in 1991; the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service Dept. of the Army in 2001 and Superior Civilian Service Award Dept. of the Army in 2006. In 2005, Wallace was the Environmental Project Director for the Dolly Sods UXO Project receiving a Telly Award for film “Enjoying Dolly Sods Safely.” He was also a founder of the Wilderness Rangers Program in 1984 sponsored by the American Legion Post 93 in Kenova, WV. In addition to his wife, Wallace is survived by his son, Shaun A. (Deborah H.) Dean and their children, Jacob A. (Angie) Dean, their children, Fischer, Sawyer and Henlee; Luke P. (Stephanie) Dean, their daughter, Paige; and Randie (Javey) Vance and their daughters, Lillie and Rose May; his daughter, Jinah J. (Robert) Cook and their sons, Robert T. and Ryan M. Cook; son, Sonny (Wendy, deceased) Haren and their children, Ethan (Azure) Haren; Lydia C. (Brandon) Louth and their daughter, Sloan; daughter Gina Stevens, deceased, (Tim) and her daughter, Callie B. (Tony) Cicenas and their children, Shelby, Shay Tanner (Ricky), Sydney and Asher; many nieces, nephews and other family members. Wallace loved the outdoors. He and Kathleen enjoyed traveling and finding a good place to share a meal. He liked being with his family and will be missed by all who loved him. Friends may call from 11 to 1 on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, WV. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wilderness Rangers Program and mailed to Grady Brewer, 95 Feely Drive, Ona, WV 25545. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Bonnie Sue Hayton Ekers, 80, of Prichard, WV., passed away Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Madison Park Assisted Living Center. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Thursday April 4, 2024 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Zach Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Hayton Cemetery. Bonnie was born in Prichard, WV. a daughter of the late Ezra and Victoria Bowen Hayton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Willis Vinson Ekers; sisters Pauline Rodgers, Clara Hayton, Roberta Hayton, Sadie Mullet, Ida Belle Wetherall, Bertha Skeens & Beulah Oney and brothers Mack Hayton, Benjamin Riley Hayton and William S. Hayton. She is survived by two daughters and one son-law Tammy Ekers and Kimberly (Ray) Messer; one sister and brother-in-law Jo Ann (Buford) Smith; grandchildren Brittany Messer and Jared (Abbi) Messer and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Barb VanHoose; neighbors Judy and Kathy and Cindy Cooper for loving on her Mamaw. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Dorothy Marie Kimbler Hale, 85, of Kenova, WV., passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Graveside service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Monday April 1, 2024 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor Frank Donnely officiating. Dorothy was born in Huntington, WV. a daughter of the late David and Mary Carver Kimbler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son Roger Kimbler; son-in-law Larry Walters; grandson Flem Walters and great-grandson Cadence Walters. She is survived by five children Connie (Bo) Sloan, Gerry (Denise) Hale, Rick Hale, Violet Walters and Della Hale; one sister Thelma Frazier; 18 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation and no procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com. 

Stacy Neil Morrison, 55, of Huntington, WV passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Cabell Huntington Hospital. She was born March 30, 1968, in Huntington, WV. She was the daughter of Lynda Jeffries Hunter and the late Jimmie N. Hunter.

Stacy was a graduate of Vinson High School and Marshall University. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring daughter, selfless friend, and passionate teacher. Stacy enjoyed spending time with her husband and traveling with their dear friends. Her biggest joys in life were being a mother to her two children and becoming a Nona (grandma) to her first grandchild. She was an active member of Kenova United Methodist Church, serving in the choir and volunteering in various roles. She was a drum major in high school through college where she lead her peers consistently. She was a 3rd grade teacher at Ceredo Kenova Elementary where her students were more like her children. Stacy loved fiercely.

Survivors include her husband, Steven Morrison; one son and future daughter-in-law, Hunter Morrison and Holly Schneider of Columbia, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Timothy Keep Jr of Cincinnati, OH; one granddaughter, Nora Keep; her mother, Lynda Jeffries Hunter; three brothers and one sister-in-law, John Hunter, Kraig Hunter, and Chris and Lisa Hunter; and a special friend, Gus.

Family and friends are invited to the services being held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Kenova United Methodist Church, by the Reverend Andrew Tennant. Burial will follow at Spring Valley Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Kenova United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial gifts be made in memory of Mrs. Morrison to Kenova United Methodist Church, 503 15th Street, Kenova, WV 25530. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com. Funeral services will be live streamed on Kenova United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Edra Louise Thacker Selby, 80, of Kenova, WV., was united with her Savior and husband Friday, March 22, 2024. Funeral service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Wednesday March 27, 2024 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Baker and Pastor Tony Cicenas officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Edra was born in Kenova, WV. a daughter of the late John Harrison and Katherine Elizabeth Meredith Thacker. Edra was retired from the State of WV DHHR. She was a member of the Marcum Chapter Order of the Eastern Star whose members will conduct services at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kenova where she over saw the crib nursery for 20 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ralph Selby; three brothers Charles Thacker, Bobby Dale Thacker and Stanley Ray Thacker; two nieces Cheryl Thacker and Buffy Arthur; brother-in-law Roger Haynie and a sister-in-law Sandra Thacker. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Michelle (Jimmy) Hardwick and son Phillip Selby; grandchildren Casey (Anthony) Eldridge and Jimmy (Alissa) Hardwick; ten great-grandchildren Dylan, Kenyan, Camron, Jorjana, Gracie, London, Caleb, Alexis, Kyran and Ellie; four sisters Betty Haynie, Katie (Larry) Brammer, Helen (Charlie) Rickman and Elizabeth (Stan) Ewan and one brother John Thacker, Jr; sister-in-law Judy Thacker; nieces and nephews Kenny and Bryan Haynie, Larry Brammer Jr. and Crystal Atkinson, John, Glen and Katrina Chapman, Joe Thacker and Annette Crum and Fonda Carter and numerous great nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Richard Lee “Buck” Lykins, 88, of Kenova, WV, beloved father, brother, grandfather, friend, and child of God passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was born July 12, 1935 to the late Moody D. and Dora Salyers Lykins. Buck graduated from Buffalo High School and joined the U.S. Army where he was honorably discharged after his term of duty was complete. Members of the Barboursville American Legion Post will conduct graveside military rites. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Lewis Lykins. Together they raised two children, Frances and Richard, Jr. Buck worked for and retired from Novamont. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ceredo. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; and four sisters, Marie Lycan, Ethel Michaels, Lois Jones and Peggy Wellman. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Frances (Jimmy) Bloss; a son and his wife, Richard Lee (Karrie) Lykins, Jr.; three grandchildren, Alexandria (Micaiah) Branch, Joshua Lykins and Rachel Lykins; his great granddaughter, Olive Branch; and three sisters and their husbands, Jean (David) Jones, Georgia (Larry) Smith and Judy (Steve) Fields; and many other nieces and nephews and special friends. Visitation will be Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ceredo. Funeral services will begin immediately following at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Canterbury officiating. Burial will follow in Cyrus Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

James William “Buck” Taylor, 75, of Kenova, WV passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at his residence. Military graveside rites will be conducted 1:30 P.M. Tuesday March 19, 2024 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East. Buck was born July 7, 1948 in Kenova a son of the late Demp Taylor and Patricia Smith Staley and the late John Staley. Buck was a veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center after 25 years of service. Buck was always active in the C-K community having coached numerous children at the C-K Community Center. He was an avid C-K fan no matter what sporting event was taking place. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Mike Taylor. He is survived by his wife Diane Runyon Taylor; four sons Jamie Taylor (Melissa), Bub Taylor, Todd Taylor (Brooke) and Jon Taylor (Ashley); grandchildren Tevin, Jordyn, Ty, Kendall and Kaiya; sister Judy Estep (Rodney); special brother-in-law Jack Runyon; Special aunt Judie Smith and special friends Roger Ward, Johnnie Runyon and Caleb Newman. Friends may call from 10:00 AM- 12:30 PM Tuesday at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Lawrence “Big Larry” Harlan O’Dell, Jr., 81, of Prichard, WV passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Funeral service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Wednesday March 20, 2024 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating. Larry was born February 25, 1943 in Kenova a son of the late Lawrence Harlan O’Dell, Sr. and the late Freda Irene Samples O’Dell. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Marine Corp. and a retired truck driver. He was a member of the American Legion Post 93 whose Honor Guard will conduct graveside rites and Past commander of the Honor Guard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Nora Jane Donaldson. He is survived by five children Jeff Woodard, Lawrence O’Dell, III, Jay O’Dell (Lisa), Shannon O’Dell and Jody O’Dell; grandchildren Alex, Dakota, Cheyenne, Cassie, Will, Jayme, Jodie, Jayne, Charles, Alicia, Keirstin, Logan, Corey, Cassaundra and Cory and numerous great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.