Category: Obituary

Carolyn Leep Samples,73, of Kenova, WV. passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She was born September 5, 1950 in Huntington, WV., a daughter of the late William and Bedelia Brown Leep. Carolyn was retired from the Corp of Engineers after 35 years of service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters Maria Bodamer and Brenda Compton and one brother William Leep, Jr. She is survived by her husband Earl Samples; two sons James Samples (Samantha) and Kevin Samples; one sister Linda Pratt (Sam) and three granddaughters Emmalee Brooke Samples, Anna Marie Lucille Taylor and Trinity Noelle Taylor. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. The family request no flowers. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Jack Hutchison Riggs, a child of God, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington. He was 91 years old. Jack was born on April 11, 1932 to Venice Pratt Riggs and Ernest Riggs and grew up in Kenova. He was known as a kind person with a gentle spirit. His biological father, Ernest, died when Jack was young and Venice remarried Warren Wood, who Jack looked up to. He had an older sister; Dolly Riggs Dingess, and an older brother, James Riggs. After they both retired, Jack and James enjoyed traveling around West Virginia. In 1950, Jack graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School and joined the US Air Force serving from 1951-1955. During this time he ended up in West, Texas where he met Ann Prasifka. They married in 1952 and had two daughters, Donna and Natalie. After returning to Kenova from military service, Jack stayed busy. He began working at Kenova Box and attended Marshall College (now Marshall University) where he graduated in 1958. Through the years, Jack was known by many in Kenova and beyond as one of the friendly faces who greeted them at Kenova Box where he was Vice President for 40 years. He was known for providing encouragement and a kind smile to everyone. After he retired, Jack enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up. He didn’t like to disappoint and even agreed to be a part of the C-K High School half time show at the St. Joe Tournament in the mid-90’s. He danced with his granddaughter, Jaclyn, who was a majorette at the time. Jack never complained and smiled the whole time. Jack loved to watch his grandson, Jared play in golf tournaments. When Jared was young, they played golf together and Jack didn’t mind one bit when he lost every game. Jack was proud to watch from his home in Ceredo as Jared played in the PGA Championship in 2022. In the past decade, Jack spent many mornings with members of his cornhole group, teasing one another in good spirits while eating delicious baked goods the entire time. Even with all of the horsing around, Jack and his buddies were expert cornhole players and couldn’t be beat. Jack was a very active member of Kenova United Methodist Church as an usher and greeter for many years. He also volunteered with the Backpack Ministry and Caring/Sharing Group that provided lunches to shut-ins. He will be remembered for making people feel like they could count on him to laugh at their jokes, even if the jokes weren’t funny. His volunteer activities were a reflection of how he treated everyone he met, always wanting to help if he could and offering gentle kindness along the way. Jack is survived by his wife, Ann Riggs, two daughters, Natalie Hemann and Donna Riggs Jones; his son-in-law, Rick Hemann; his grandchildren, Jared Jones and Jaclyn Jones; his grandchildren’s spouses, Courtney Harmon and Jason Karakehian; and his great grandchildren, Jack and Scottie. The family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to Amy and Scott of Hospice of Huntington who provided excellent care. A funeral service to celebrate Jack’s life will be conducted at Noon on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Kenova United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Maynard, Jack’s special life-long friend, and Rev. Andrew Tennant officiating. Burial will follow at Docks Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours before the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Jason Karakehian, Jared Jones, Rick Hemann, Jamie Riggs, Sean McLain and Stewart Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the cornhole group with whom he enjoyed many hours of laughter and friendship. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Backpack Ministry or the Caring/Sharing Group at Kenova United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Huntington. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Rollinsfh.com.

Rose Jones passed away on August 29th, 2023 at age 85 in Hospice Care. She was the daughter of Taylor Hammond and Violet Maynard. She was preceded in death by her husband Lowell Williams. She grew up in Kentucky but spent most of her life in Las Vegas. She taught Cosmetology which she loved and her students adored her. She was a Christian her whole life and is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is loved by all who cared for her in the nursing home and hospice. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter Debra Williams Bryan and husband Dennis Bryan and daughter Pamela Foster. Her brother Tim Hammond, niece Elaine Hairston, grandsons Daniel Bryan and his wife Jennifer and son Ezekiel David Bryan, Philip Bryan and his wife Kelly and children Noah Michael and Ella Rose and granddaughter Brittany Warford and her family. She had many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that she loved.

Rose did not want a service but instead wished for donations to a Hospice of your choice if you wish to remember her.

Cheryl Ann Mathis Preston, 64, of Prichard, WV. passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at her residence. Cheryl was born May 27, 1959 in Huntington a daughter of Joyce Mathis and the late Taylor Mathis. She was formerly employed with Zim’s Bagging Company as a shipping and receiving manager. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a beloved brother Anthony Mathis. She is survived by her beloved husband Jack Preston; precious mother Joyce Mathis; brother and sister-in-law Mark Mathis (Heather); sister and brother-in-law Anita Eddy (Ross); several nieces and nephews; step-daughter Jackie Preston and step-grandchildren Danielle Ryder (Cody) and Thomas Napier. Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. September 2. 2023 at the Preston Ridge Cemetery on White’s Creek Road with Pastor Tom Baisden officiating. There will be no visitation or procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Ron J. Smith, of Huntington WV, passed away August 17, 2023. Ron was born on July 11th, 1943 the son of the late Jack I. and Georgia Davis Smith. Ron was also preceded in death by siblings, Mr. Carl Smith of Prichard WV, Mrs. Hazel Olson of MIchigan, Ms. Lois Romans of Ceredo WV and Mrs. Gwendolyn Thompson of Prichard WV. He was also preceded in death by great-nephew; Jason D. Spence of Ceredo, WV. Ron is survived by sisters, Mrs. Betty Beckley of Prichard WV, Ms. Phyllis Hewlett of Ceredo WV and brother, Roger Smith of Prichard WV. In addition, Ron survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children; all of whom he cherished. Ron was a retired antique dealer. His fondest memories were of times he and his late partner, Steve Chapman, spent traveling the East Coast buying and selling their fabulous antiques. He especially enjoyed the years they had the shop on 5th Avenue in Huntington, WV. Ron also enjoyed his work with the Mountain State Center in his latter years. The family would like to thank Ron’s friend and neighbor, Frank, for all his help during Ron’s illness. There will be a graveside service on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Newman-Hatten-Ferguson Cemetery on Centerville, Prichard WV at 11am. In lieu of flowers; the family requests donations to Lawrence Co. Kentucky Animal Control or the animal welfare league of your choice.

Pearley Frazier, 88, of Kenova, WV. passed away Monday, August 14, 2023 at his residence. Pearley was born November 16, 1934 in Fort Gay a son of the late Barney and Edith Marshall Frasher. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a retired electrician from Armco Steel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce Ilene Frazier and numerous siblings. He is survived by his children Terry Frazier (Bev), Bambi Frazier and Kristie Cyrus (Eddie); he had a host of loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside service will be conducted at noon, Saturday, August 19. 2023 at the Christian Cemetery on Big Hurricane Creek Road. There will be no visitation or procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

William Aaron Mullens, 51, of Kenova, WV passed away Monday, August 7, 2023 at his residence. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Daniels, officiating. Inurnment will follow in Dock’s Creek Cemetery. He was born December 14, 1971 in Atlanta, GA. a son of Pastor Larry and Helen Skeens Mullens. He was preceded in death by his Paternal grandparents Dr. H.S. Mullens and Lillian Mullens; Maternal grandparents William Riley and Della Mae Smith Skeens; uncle Robert T. Mullens and numerous other family members. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother and sister-in-law Scott Alan Mullens (Carrie); special cousin, Beverly Bailey; a friend since elementary school, Kenneth Hatten; his fur baby Willie and his good friend and neighbor Betty Wilson. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, Saturday at the funeral home. “Absent from the body present with the Lord, Corinthians 5: 8”, our precious son, we will see you soon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Fred M. Sparks, 95, of Kenova, WV passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 12:00 P.M. Monday, August 14, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Canterbury officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Fred was born April 12, 1928 in Clifford, Ky. a son of the late Charlie and Jane Peters Sparks. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kenova, 67 year member of the Blue Lodge #715 F & AM Rush, Ky. He was a 32nd Degree Mason Covington, Ky., El Hasa Shrine Ashland, Ky., Horse Traders Rush, Ky. and a Kentucky Colonel. Fred was a retired Signal Maintainer with the N & W Railroad with 38 years of service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Proctor L. Sparks, Clyde B. Sparks and Homer Mack Sparks and one sister Elsie Sparks Conn. Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years Thelma Jean Marcum Sparks; daughter Vickie Ann Sparks Mays; son, Fredrick Bruce Sparks; grandchildren Stephanie Ann Mays and Christopher Mays (Abby); three great-grandchildren Callie, Bree & Bode Mays; several nephews and nieces and a sister-in-law Pat Sparks Friends may call one hour prior to the service Monday at Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Atha Melissa Mayo Mills, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Kenova, W.Va. passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 8, 2023 just one month shy of her 71st birthday. Atha was born on September 8, 1952 to Hershel V. and Emma L. Cunningham Mayo. Atha was a very proud “Wonder” and West Virginian, having graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, N. Richard Mills, Sr. the morning of her senior prom. Five years later they welcomed their first child, Jennifer and then their son, Richie, followed two years later. Atha was a very faithful member of Kenova United Methodist Church, having taught Sunday School, served on various committees and volunteered in any way possible. Atha loved children and put that love into action by caring for some very special children that she held near and dear to her heart; “Courtney, Derek, Gabbie, Avery, Griffey, and Levi.” She also shared her love and caring with countless children during her time as a preschool teacher with The Training Station Preschool as well as her time with Playmates Childcare of Kenova. Atha was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel V. Mayo and Emma L. Cunningham Mayo; her loving husband of 32 years, Noah Richard Mills, Sr.; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends she considered family. Atha is survived by her children, Jennifer Edwards, and Richie Mills, and her son-in-law, Steve Edwards; grandchildren, Riley Jean Mills, Kennedy Ferguson and Noah Edwards; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug (Lisa) King, Jimmy (Connie) King, Paul (Jo) King, Darlene (Oz) Kazee and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Atha was born an only child, but held tight to and cherished her friendships both old and new. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kenova United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 503 15th St. Kenova, W.Va. 25530 or Queen City Hospice, 4605 Duke Dr. Suite, 220, Mason, Ohio, 45040. The family would like to thank her loving and faithful friends, the residents and staff of The Glen Senior Living Community, as well as Queen City Hospice for their love, friendship and unmatched care; everyone should feel as loved, appreciated and cared for as Atha surely did in the last few days of her life. Pallbearers will be, Doug King, Jimmy King, Paul King, Dustin Edwards, Ben Butler, Ken Workman, and honorary pallbearer, Michael Hibbard. Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Kenova United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Tennant, Rev. Lindsay Thorp and Chaplain Bonnie Bohn officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmere Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on Kenova United Methodist Church Facebook Page. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

 

Shirley Rae Ferguson, 88, of Kenova, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington. She was born May 7, 1935 in Huntington a daughter of the late Ralph and Flora Ferguson Holland. She was a cashier at Tri State IGA. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Earl Ferguson; her daughter, Sheree Lynn Armstrong; a son-in-law, Greg Frisby and sister, Billie Stewart. Shirley is survived by a son, Billy R. (Melody) Ferguson; a daughter, Pamela Frisby; son-in-law, Terry Armstrong; sister, Carol (Thurman) Slone; brother, Gary (Jina) Holland; brother-in-law, Tom Stewart; six grandchildren, Phoenix (Dannie) Dyer, Jamie (Melissa) Ferguson, Crystal (Mark) Jackson, Christopher Frisby, Lindsay (John) Tatum and T.J. (Tara) Armstrong; seven special great grandchildren, Raelyn, Jenna, Julia, Addison, Ellie, Irelynn and Faith. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. A funeral service will begin at 3 with Rev. Dave Cardwell officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Rollinsfh.com.