Pendleton Times Obits, 3 Jan 2008

David A. Weese, 60, of Franklin, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007, at his residence following a long illness with leukemia.

Mr. Weese was born Sept. 15, 1947, in Petersburg and was a son of the late John W. and Etta June Vance Weese.

He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and retired as a heavy equipment operator and from the U.S. Forestry Service. He was a member of Friends Run Church of the Brethren. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1966.

Mr. Weese was a member of the Local No. 132 Operating Engineers. He was a life member and commander of Rock Caverns VFW Post 6862 for 17 years, a member of American Legion Post 183, Pendleton County Rescue Squad, a life member of the Military Order of the Cooties High Rockers, Elkins, Pendleton County Trappers Association, the West Virginia Trappers Association and the National Trappers association.

He is also survived by two daughters, Michelle Gonshor and husband, Kevin of Franklin and Julie Warner and husband, Travis of Circleville; two sisters, Betty Burner and Lera Volz, both of Riverton; a half brother, Roy Lee Hayes of Baltimore, MD; and three grandchildren, Tyler Warner, Joshua Warner and Elizabeth Gonshor.

Pastor Daryl D. Ritchie conducted the funeral Dec. 27 at Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Burial was in the North Fork Memorial Cemetery in Riverton with military honors by the Pendleton County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Hospice, Pendleton County Rescue Squad or Friends Run Church of the Brethren.

Molly "Clement" Shreve, 79, of Upper Tract died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg.

Mrs. Shreve was born May 4, 1928, in Smoke Hole and was a daughter of the late Russell Kimble and Dora Spitzer Kimble.

She was employed at the Petersburg Half-Price Store, Harman & Co. Federated Store in Petersburg. She was a member of the Upper Tract United Methodist Church, the Franklin Moose Lodge Ladies Auxiliary, Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Upper Tract CEOS Club. She was a 4-H leader and was a member of the Pendleton County Repulblican Executive Committee.

On June 8, 1945, she married B. Ottis Shreve, who preceded her in death Feb. 9, 1997.

Surviving are two daughters, Wanda Hedrick and husband, David of Upper Tract and Joyce Calhoun and husband, Bob of Culpeper, VA; three sons, Ben Shreve of Gerrardstown, Jim Shreve of Horn Town, VA, and Mike Shreve of Burlington; one sister, Fannie Alt of Baltimore, MD; two brothers, John Kimble of Baltimore, MD, and Gerald Kimble of Petersburg; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Rev. Rita Beeman conducted the funeral Friday at the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin. Burial was at Cherry Hill Cemetery, Upper Tract.

Memorial donations may be made to Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Upper Tract Rescue Squad or Franklin Moose Lodge Ladies Auxiliary.

Ruby Virginia Moats, 65, of Sugar Grove died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at her home of a heart attack.

Ms. Moats was born Sept. 10, 1942, in Moatstown and was a daughter of the late Cameron Moats and Gladys Gertrude Strother Moats.

She retired fro Hanover Shoe Company in Franklin and Wampler Foods. She was a member of Moats Chapel AME Church and attended Franklin High School.

Survivors include a daughter, Gwendolyn Moats of Moyers; three sons, Sander Moats and Kenneth Jeffery Moats, both of Franklin, and Doyle Moats of Linville, VA; two sisters, Clara Mae Johnson of Staunton, VA, and Geneva Wright of Franklin; five brothers, Clarence Moats of Moyers, Otis Moats of Staunton, VA, Charles Whitney Moats of Franklin, Eldon Moats of Washington, DC, and Hank Moats of Waynesboro, VA; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Douglas Lewis conducted the funeral Thursday at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Burial was at Cameron G. Moats Cemetery in Moyers.

Aaron Robert Keesecker, son of Robert "Bobby" Wayne Keesecker Jr., and Rachel Diane Pennington Keesecker of Franklin, died at birth Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Megan Bowers of Franklin: maternal grandparents, Lynwood and Janice Pennington of Franklin; paternal grandparents, Wayne Keesecker of Franklin and Eva and Walter Simmons of Brandywine; and great-grandmothers, Elsie Keesecker of Martinsburg, Ruth Mullenax of Cherry Grove; an uncle, Jason Pennington of Franklin; two aunts, Julie Pennington of Franklin and Nikki Midkiff and husband, Lee of Virginia Beach, VA; and one cousin, Camren Midkiff of Virginia Beach, VA.

The Rev. Carl Tribett conducted a private family graveside service Monday at the Lambert Family Cemetery on Smith Creek in Franklin.

William Vinton Alt, 81, of Upper Tract, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at the E.A. Hawse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Baker.

Mr. Alt was born Aug. 1, 1926, in Landes and was the son of the late Enoch and Sarah (Ratcliff) Alt.

He retired from V.R. Mowry, Inc. in Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was a life member of the VFW Post 6454. He attended the Brushy Run Church of God.

Also surviving are ason, Michael Alt of Upper Tract; and a brother, Roy E. Alt of Cabins; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by four sisters, infant Arvella Alt, Mildred Rohrbaugh, Velma Stump and Thelma Catherine Alt.

The Rev. Bruce Cosner conducted the funeral Sunday at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg. Burial was at Cherry Hill Cemetery with military honors by the VFW Post 6454 and the JROTC.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alt family, c/o Marie Alt, HC 62, Box 74, Upper Tract, WV 26866.

Luther William Hively, 88, of Brandywine died Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA.

Mr. HIvely was born April 23, 1919, in Havre, MT, and was a son of the late Loy Hively and Estella Sibert Hively.

He was a part-time farmer and was employed at Wampler Foods for 27 years. He served in the ARmy Air Force for four years during World War II and was in Pearl Harbor when it was bombed.

Mr. Hively was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Brandywine, where was Sunday school Superintendent, served on the church council and various committees for 53 years. He was a member of the VFW and graduated from Franklin High School in 1938.

His wife of 61 years, Mary Hoover Hively, whom he married March 3, 1946, survives.

Also surviving are three sisters, Virginia Propst of Moyers, Elaine Athey of Charles Town and Mary Mae Sponaugle of Franklin; a brother, Norman Hively of Columbus, OH; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Tilman Hively and Rev. Earl Hively; and one sister, Louise Snyder.

Briana Richardson conducted the funeral Dec. 24 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Brandywine. Burial was at the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Sugar Grove.

Memorial donations may be made to the South Fork Fire Department, Pendleton County Emergency REscue or Calvary Lutheran Church.

Carl S. Auvil, 92, of Harpers Ferry passed away on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007, at Canterbury Cetner in Shepherdstown.

He was born Oct. 7, 1915, in Whitmer and was the son of the late John M. Auvil and Bessie Kisamore Auvil.

He was a former principal at Harpers Ferry High School and retired as assistant principal at Martinsburg High School. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church at Harpers Ferry. He was a 47-year member and Past Master of Logan Lodge No. 25 AF&AM at Harpers Ferry and was a Scottish Rite Mason of Valley of Martinsburg Orient of West Virginia and Osiris Temple of the order of Mystic Shrine in Wheeling.

He is survived by one daughter, Judy Dailey and husband, Richard of Chesapeake, VA; one son, Keith Auvil and wife,, Laura of Martinsburg; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held Dec. 27 at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, Charles Town / Harpers Ferry with the Rev. Douglas Fraim officiating. Interment was in Pleasant View Memory Gardens at Martinsburg. Masonic graveside services were given by Logan Lodge No. 25 AF&AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodsit Church, PO Box 1, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

John Paul Bennett, 76, of Middletown, MD, and formerly of Onego, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at the home of his daughter, Betty Turley, Middletown, MD.

Born March 19, 1931, in Onego, he was the son of the late Estel and Iva (Dolly) Bennett.

Also surviving five daughters, Betty Turley and husband, William of MIddletown, MD, Kaythern Bennett of Frederick, Md., Sharon Bennett and Brenda Bennett, both of West Virginia; and Judy Bennett of Middletown, MD; three sons, Estel Paul Bennett of Westminister, MD, Walter James Bennett and companion, Dawn of Pennsylvania and Dennis Lee Bennett and wife, Tina of Frederick, MD; three sisters, Shirley Flohr of Augusta, Vallie Kisamore of Cabins and Merle Sites, Grant County Nursing Home, Petersburg; two brothers, Clifford Bennett of Maysville and Chester Bennett of Onego; 23 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl Bennett, Don Bennett and Foster Bennett; three sisters, Josie Payne, Ruby Burke and Eva Patterson; and one infant grandson, Lucas Downes.

Funeral services were held Dec. 22 at the Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor Eddie Knight officiating. Interment was in the Bennett Cemetery, Spruce Mountain, Onego.

Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Betty Turley, 8728 Mount Tabor Rd., Middletown, MD 21769.

Wesley Elmoe Vellines III, 79, a Williamsburg, VA, resident since 1963, died Monday, Dec. 24 2007, at his home.

He attended West Virginia University and graduated from Marshall University majoring in Engineering. He was employed by the Newport News Shipyard for 27 years as an electrical / mechanical engineer and also taught students for New Horizons Vo-Tech School during his tenure. He was a member of the Jamestown Society, a registred professional engineer, and an avid golfer.

Also surviving are five children, Don M. Vellines and wife, JoAnn, Beverly V. Caldwell, all of Williamsburg, VA, Wesley E. Vellines, IV, of Newport News, VA, Jeffrey M. Vellines and wife Alice, and Nanette V. Burcham and husband, Jeff, all of Williamsburg, VA; six grandchildren, Shannon, Wesley V, Brandie, Alexis, Jake and Kyle; one great-grandchild, Madison; a brother, John Bowers Vellines of Richmond, VA; and a sister, Joan Ashley of Franklin.

His mother was the late Edna Kathyrn Bowers Vellnes, formerly of Franklin. Materal grandparets were the late Byrdie Virginia and Clint Bowers of Franklin, and maternal great-grandparents were the late John Hagler and Elizabeth Alice Warner Bodkin, also of Upper Tract.

A graveside service was held Dec. 27 in the Williamsburg Memorial Park with the Rev. Sam Frye officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the JCC Fire Dept., 5077 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg,
VA 23185.

Bucktrout of Williamsburg, VA, Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Violet Genevieve Wimer, 82, of Morgantown and formerly of Annandale, VA, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 16, 2007, at the Windy Hill Manor Personal Care Home in Kingwood.

Born Dec. 18, 1924, in Gettysburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter J. and Mary A. (Welton) Martin.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Martin and husband, William, and Kitty Wimer, all of Morgantown; a step-son, John W. Wimer of Winchester, VA; two brothers, Leonard Martin and wife, Juanita of Moorefield and Robert Martin and wife, Cathie of Annandale, VA; two sisters, Ila Smith and husband, Robert of Martinsburg and Ludie Bensenhaver of Clermont, FL; a grandson, Scott Martin and four step-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 2q1 at the Fraley Funeral Home in Moorefield with Pastor Lois Harder officiating. Interment followed at the Olivet Cemetery.

Condolences may be left to the family at Mrs. Wimer's obituary at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com.

Arnold Vincent Bland, 43, of Manassas, VA, passed away suddenly on Dec. 12, 2007, with his wife by his side.

Mr. Bland was more than a husband and father. He was a pillar of strength and support. He embraced them with all his heart and was a mentor, problem solver and official spider remover. He made each day extraordinary just by being there. He share his life's passions with his family, and he felt honored to be a part of theirs.

He began his employment with multiplex Cinemas in 1986, where he met his wife of 16 years. He enjoyed all the many things he did there, and was always ready to help wherever he was needed. His expertise lay in the projection booth, which he has always enjoyed being a part of. He leaves behind many good friends and colleagues.

Also surviving are six children, Ryan, Jordan, Catherine, Lauren, Brandon and Ian; his parents, Ernest and Gwen; and many beloved aunts, uncles and extended family members.

A memorial service was held Dec. 19 at Pierce Funeral Home, Manassas, VA. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Luke's Church, 8009 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308, in memory of Arnold V. Bland.

Kerry Lynn Kisamore, 49, of Dollytown Road in Cabins, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at his residence.

Mr. Kisamore was born Aug. 25, 1958, in Elkins and was the son of Jacob "Jake" Kisamore of Seneca Rocks and the late Nellie Mullenax.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of 17 years, Loretta Weatherholtz Kisamore.

Also surviving are two sons, Jeremia Kisamore and Corey Kisamore at home; two daughters, Emily Kisamore and Kerri Kisamore, at home; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by a brother, John Mullenax, his paternal grandparents, Martin and Pearlie Kisamore and his maternal grandparents, Kenny and Elva Mullenax.

The Rev. Charles Lomasney conducted a memorial service Dec 21 at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.

Memorials may be made to the Kisamore family c/o Loretta Kisamore, HC 59 Box 1887, Cabins, WV 26855.

Nellie M. Ruddle, 75

Nellie Marie Ruddle, 75 of Moorefield and formerly of Ft. Seybert died Monday, Dec. 24, 2007, at the E.A. Hawse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Baker.

Mrs. Ruddle was born July 28, 1932, in Wardensville and was a daughter of the late Raymond Anderson and Mildred Stevens Anderson Mongold.

Her husband, William A. Ruddle, preceded her in death in November 1993.

Surviving are two sons, W. Allen Ruddle of Moorefield and Roy A. Ruddle of Ft. Seybert; two daughters, Mary A. Nesselrodt of Dayton, VA & Karen A. George of Bergton, VA; two brothers, Kenneth Anderson of Franklin and Wayne Anderson of Moorefield; a sister, Kay Funkhouser of Mathias; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Pastor John Leininger conducted the funeral Friday at the Fraley Funeral Home in Moorefield. Burial followed at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine.

Condolences to the fmaily may be left at Mrs. Ruddle's obituary at www.fraleyfunerahome.com