Micheal “Mike” Vernon Blankenship, age 75, was welcomed into his heavenly home on Monday, April 15, 2024 from his home in Franklin, West Virginia.

Mike was a devout Christian, a friend and helper to all. Mike worked hard all his life until the day he passed when he was working on a project with his eldest son, Mick. He was born September 22, 1948 in Portsmouth, Virginia and was the son of the late Leonard Douglas Blankenship and Alice Perthenia Black Millan. He was raised on the family farm in Upper Tract, West Virginia by his maternal grandparents, Walter William and Olena Dahmer Black.

His sister, Patricia Blankenship, and his brother, Larry Blankenship preceded him in death.

He was married on June 28, 1969 to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for 54 years, Nancy Mitchell Blankenship, surviving.

Surviving are two sons that he was so proud of and adored, Micheal “Mick” Vernon Blankenship II and wife,Teresa Conley Blankenship, of Hinton, Virginia and Nevin Jason Blankenship and wife, Vickie VanMeter Blankenship, of Harrisonburg, Virginia; three grandchildren who called him “Paw Paw”, Jerica Blankenship of Hinton, Virginia; Alexis Blankenship and Jathan Blankenship of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Mike loved his family and was so proud and supportive of their accomplishments, especially his grandchildren. He tried to attend every recital, play, sporting event, ceremony that his grandchildren participated in up until his passing. Mike enjoyed being outdoors, lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, offering advice on any project, singing, playing his guitar, and living with the Lord. He was a talented speaker and writer.

Mike was a faithful member of Christ Central Community Church since 1979, where he was a lay leader for many years. He officiated several weddings and performed funeral services for many of his friends and family members. Mike completed a Walk of Faith with Rainbow Via De Cristo in Frederick, Maryland. He led a Wednesday prayer group at James Madison University for many years.

Mike graduated from Franklin High School in 1966. After high school, he studied engineering at Potomac State College, Columbia Institute of Technology and Northern Virginia Community College.

Mike was an accomplished engineer, designer and business owner. He started his career in the metro Washington, D.C. area where he was head engineer on many projects over 10 years. He built the first high rise in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Mike was the head engineer on the Crystal City Complex in Arlington, Virginia. One of the highlights of his career was the Washington, D.C. temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kensington, Maryland. He moved his family to West Virginia where he established the Micheal V. Blankenship, Inc. construction firm. Some of the projects he completed were the Lovegrove Complex, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery addition. He was a Scholz Home builder where he built multiple houses in the area. Two homes stood out to Mike that he completed. One multi-home project was the renovation of his friend and “brother” Larry Rexrode and wife Beverly’s home, Maple Manor, along with the relocation of a home from the current location of the Franklin Subway. The other home is the one he built for his friend and “brother” Mike Hammer. Mike designed and built a home for his family that was completed in 1988. He worked for Pendleton County Schools for five years as the maintenance director working with another dear friend, Doug Simmons, where he completed the school bus garage on Route 33 near the State Police barracks. In 1989, he began his career as a Capital Outlay Project Architect/ Engineer at James Madison University. Mike’s first project at JMU was Buress Hall. His notable projects he oversaw were Plecker Athletic Performance Center, the entire CISAT Campus including the bridge over Interstate 81, the Warsaw Street Parking Deck and the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. 

After retirement from JMU, he oversaw construction projects at Bridgewater Retirement Community and was Clerk of the Works for the construction of the new Franklin Elementary School and projects at Pendleton County Middle/High School and North Fork Elementary School.

Mike was a friend and mentor to many throughout his life. He never met a stranger. Mike leaves behind a legacy and testaments to his expertise through his projects at JMU, the Blue Ridge Valley, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., but most of all the guidance and knowledge he passed on to all who crossed his path.

Funeral services were Saturday afternoon at Christ Central Community Church in Upper Tract, West Virginia. Graveside services were in the Kline Cemetery in Upper Tract. 

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to Paw Paw’s Bridge to Education Fund through Pendleton Community Bank, c/o Nancy Blankenship. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.                  (4-23-24)

Jaron Lee Rowland, born on July 25, 2000, in Tacoma, Washington, left us tragically on April 16 2024, following a motor vehicle accident.  

A beloved son, brother, grandson, fiancé and father, Jaron’s vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. 

He is survived by his father, Mark Rowland and Kathleen Castro, as well as his mother, Vicki Hansell, and her husband John. Jaron leaves behind five sisters, Hailee Scott and her husband Elisha, Courtney Hamm and her husband Derek, Brooke Rowland and her boyfriend JJ, Jordan Hansell, and Kennedy Heater. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Matthew Hansell. 

Jaron was engaged to Kimbree Pownall, with whom he shared a precious daughter, Dez’Lynn Rowland. His family was his heart, and Kimbree and Dez’Lynn were his world. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Linda and Ralph Reed, and his paternal grandparents, Yvonne and Elwood Williams. 

Jaron was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Ted Rowland. Jaron’s love extended to his nieces, Avaree and Oakley, and nephews, Cody, Isaiah, Callen, Landon, Joseph and Logan, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Jaron found solace and joy in the beauty of the outdoors, often enjoying skiing, fishing and hunting. His passion for music and playing the guitar filled his life with melody and meaning. His infectious energy filled every room, and his quick wit and constant humor brought joy to those around him. 

Recently embarking on a new chapter with a job in California, Jaron had dreams of building a bright future for his family. His love knew no bounds, and his presence will forever be cherished by his friends and family. 

In the hearts of his friends and family, Jaron’s memory will forever live on as a beacon of love, laughter and cherished moments. Though he may be gone, his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched. 

Funeral services were Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg,  W.Va., with Pastors Shannon Earle, Frank Ketterman and Mark Flynn officiating. Interment followed at South Branch Valley Memorial Gardens, Petersburg. This gathering was a time to reflect on Jaron’s life, share memories, and find solace in the embrace of community.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his daughter, Dez’Lynn Q. Rowland, c/o Grant County Bank, 3 North Main Street, Petersburg, WV 26847, honoring Jaron’s legacy of love and devotion to his famiy.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com

(4-23-24)

Wanda Jeanette (Ours) Judy, 83, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at her home.

Born Oct. 13, 1940, in Petersburg, she was a daughter of the late Carl E. Ours and Louise (Hepner) Ours. 

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by one daughter, Denise Crites; two brothers, John E. Ours and Richard A. Ours; and five sisters, Alma L. Huffman, Patricia A. VanMeter, J. Ruth Pack, Barbara L. Bensenhaver and E. Joyce Ours.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roger L. Judy whom she married Nov. 9, 1962; three daughters, Jill Smith (Junior) and Mitzi Judy both of Petersburg and Bridget Vance (Leroy) of Upper Tract, W.Va.; son-in-law, John F. Crites of Petersburg; seven grandchildren, Nathan Smith (Jessica), Dustin Crites (Julie), Chastity Crites, Kelsi Wimer (Rex), Zachary Kile, Hailey Vance and Kyndal Vance; one stepgranddaughter, Renee Haines; six great-grandchildren, Paslee Thompson, Payden Adkins, Reagen Kimble, Rylee Crites, Rayden Crites and Audrey Paige Kile; one sister, Pam Ours Berg of Petersburg; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Wanda was a 1959 graduate of Petersburg High School. She was a Christian by faith and attended Dorcas Baptist Church. Wanda was a homemaker before working at the Petersburg Garment Factory and Advantage Foods.

Wanda enjoyed spending time with her family.  Her passion for NASCAR, and particularly for her favorite driver, Dale Jarrett, was a topic she could discuss bringing joy and excitement to the conversations.

Funeral services were Saturday afternoon in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor Steve Davis officiating.  Interment was in Dorcas Baptist Cemetery, Dorcas, W.Va. 

Memorials may be made to the Judy family, c/o Schaeffer Funeral Home, 11 North Main Street, Petersburg, WV 26847.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com

(4-16-24)

Robert Glenn “Bob” Coffman Jr., 66, of Maysville, W.Va., passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at his home. 

Born Aug. 26, 1957, in Petersburg, W.Va., he was a son of the late Robert Glenn Coffman Sr. and Martha Frances (Self) Coffman. 

Bob is survived by one sister, Donna Walp (Larry) of Petersburg; two brothers, Nicholas Coffman of Petersburg and Richard A. Coffman of Maysville; several nieces and special nephew, Lance Walp of Petersburg; special niece, Amy Urich of Petersburg; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Bob was a 1975 graduate of South High School in Springfield, Ohio. He was a lifelong truck driver and retired from Hinkle’s Trucking. 

Honoring Bob’s wishes his body will be cremated and services will be private. 

Arrangements are by Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com            (4-16-24)

Educator, entrepreneur, and colorful member of the North Fork community, Mary Louise Harman Bowers passed away at her home at Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, on April 8, 2024. She was born January 4, 1931, at Macksville, the daughter of Ivan and Gae Vance Harman.

Louise attended the one room schools in the Harman Hills before graduating from Circleville High School with the class of 1948. She then went to Davis and Elkins College where she became certified to teach K-12 as well as obtaining a Bachelor of Science in business. Upon graduation she began teaching in a small two room school at Doe Hill. Part of her job each morning was to light the hanging kerosene lamps and she practiced until she was able to hop from chair to chair and light them all with one wooden match. Parents would donate food so she would put the roast on to boil when she got to school, students would peel potatoes, and a parent would come before lunch to help get everything ready. She also taught at Short Gap and other schools before joining the staff at Circleville High School in 1957 to teach typing and shorthand. Over the years she trained students who were recruited for the FBI and CIA because of their clerical skills, students who served as court reporters for the United States Supreme Court, and in 1969 Louise and her student, Shirley Weese Sherman, were honored in Chicago as the National Touch Shorthand Teacher and Student of the Year.

Louise received her master’s degree in counseling and when the South Branch Vocational Center opened, she began a second career in education serving as the center’s counselor. When she retired from education, she and her husband built and opened Skate World, Bowers’ Woodsedge Trailer Park, and Macksville Mart.

A staunch Republican, Louise was a member of the Pendleton County Republican Committee, WVEA, PCEA, West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees, and was a 62- year member of Franklin Chapter #138 Order of the Eastern Star. In 1950 she joined the WVU Extension Homemakers Onego-Seneca Club in order to drive her mother and her friends to meetings. She continued with the Dixie CEOS club making her a 73-year participant of the extension program. Although she was a member of High Rock Church, she taught Sunday School as long as she was able at Valley Chapel Church in Riverton.

Louise loved to travel-first with her friends Ivan and Debbie Jirak, and then later with the school groups that explored other countries. Some of her favorite trips were to Italy, Egypt, Israel, Australia, and Germany.

On December 24th, 1952, Louise married Ward Conley Bowers. This marriage lasted 47 years until Ward passed away in 1999. Along the way they had two daughters Mary Christine and Suelinn. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Mary and her sister Juanita. She is survived by her daughter Suelinn, her sister Dottie Harman Roy, her brother John Verzich, five grandchildren—Kyle Mahluo, Kaela, Keenen, Patrick, and Miles Bowers; a special niece, Vickie Skavenski; three special nephews, Sonny O’Neil, Kevin Roy, and Carl Bowers; nieces Jeanne O’Neil and Angie Nestor; her goddaughter Deana Jirak and godson Jonathan Jirak; her angel of a caregiver, Caroline Hoffman, her nighttime companions, Sherry Hedrick, Nancy Watson, and Sally George, and four special friends—Patsy Hedrick, Dona Bennett, and Neil and Mary Robinson in addition to many great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Sunday afternoon at High Rock Church at Seneca Rocks, W.Va. with Pastor Robert Baer officiating. Entombment was in North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton, W.Va. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Louise to North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Maintenance Fund, c/o Jack Bennett 390 Harper Gap Road, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884. 

Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.          (4-16-24)

Gregory D. Crites, 71, of Lynchburg, Va. formerly of Moorefield, W.Va., went to be with his Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, Va., surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. 

Born March 12, 1953, in Petersburg, W.Va., he was a son of the late Darl Conway “Ted” Crites and Nellie Frances Bierkamp Crites. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Jodi Crites of Keller, Texas; and one sister, Dedirea Crites Allen of Petersburg.

Greg was known for his unwavering faith as a Baptist and was an esteemed member of the First Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Va. His dedication extended to his professional life as well; he retired in 2021 from the University of Virginia Medical Services in Lynchburg, where he served as a bio medical technician.

Greg leaves behind his beloved wife, Sharon Volpe Crites; his daughter Sarah Crites of Lynchburg; sons, Cory (Karen) Crites of Weatherford, Texas and Dustin Crites of Ft. Worth, Texas; along with two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter residing in Texas. He is also survived by his brothers, Clint (Robin) Crites of Moorefield and Grant B. (Olga) Crites of Winchester, Va. Additionally, Greg is remembered fondly by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in the Moorefield and Petersburg area.

In accordance with Greg’s wishes, he has been cremated. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Lynchburg to honor and cherish the memory of a kind-hearted individual who touched the lives of many.

May Gregory D. Crites rest in eternal peace knowing that his legacy of faith and love lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him.

Obituary courtesy of the Fraley Funeral Home, Moorefield.           (4-2-24)

Richard “Spike” Humphreys, 81, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away  Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Grant Memorial Hospital, Petersburg.

Born Aug. 12, 1942, in Penn Hills, Pa., he was a son of the late Charles Everett and Edna Mae (Shaffer) Humphreys. In addition to his parents, Spike was preceded in death by one brother, Bruce Humphreys. 

He is survived by his son, Brad and wife Jane Ruseski of Morgantown, W.Va.; his companion of 38 years, Margaret J. Kesner and her children, Tony and wife Lynn Kesner, Mark “Moke” and wife Shannon Kesner and Nikki and husband Kelly Sites; six grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Hope Jachim of Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-law, Lois Humphreys of Essex Junction, Vt.; a special niece, Wendy Humphreys of Burlington, Vt.; and special friends, Lance and Melissa Martin of Petersburg.

Spike was a graduate of Penn Hills High School in 1961 and attended Salem College. In the early ‘60s Spike moved to Petersburg and was an agent for the former I.D. Smith Insurance Company. He was a truck driver for various companies including Mullenax Trucking, and retired from Petersburg Oil Company. He was a member of the Petersburg First Baptist Church.

Spike showed Tennessee Walking Horses at the Tri-County Fair and other area horse shows. He enjoyed farming and was always followed by his German shepherds.

Funeral services were Monday afternoon in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastors Shannon Earle, Frank Ketterman and Rick Bergdoll officiating. 

Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Petersburg.

Memorials may be made to the Petersburg First Baptist Church, 112 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847. 

Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com

(4-2-24)

Robert Lee Long Jr., 61, of Moorefield, W.Va., went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Va.

Born Dec. 3, 1962, in Petersburg, W.Va., he was a son of Robert Lee Long  Sr. and Patricia Carol (Wimer) Long of Maysville, W.Va.                     

Along with his parents, he is survived by his wife of  30 years, Denise L. (Fink) Long; two sons, Bobby Lee Long of Maysville and Caleb Long (Shay) of Moorefield;  two daughters, Jennifer Ours (Paul) of Petersburg and Cara Jo Long of Moorefield; three grandchildren, Alexa Conrad, Orion Conrad and Waylon Long; three brothers, Jake Long (Cathy), Raymond Long (Cindy) and Jason Long (Judy), all of Maysville; two sisters, Ronna Goldizen (Will) and T.J. Hedrick (Tim), both of Maysville; and  several nieces and nephews.

Robert was a 1981 graduate of Petersburg High School. He worked for the Boilermakers Union for several years. Later he worked for the former Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Petersburg  and retired in 2021 after 40 years of service. During that time Robert received several awards and certificates. He drove for Pepsi as a technician in 14 counties throughout those years and never met a stranger. He was also a welder, mechanic, plumber, and carpenter.  One of his hobbies that he enjoyed was cooking and baking for others. Robert loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all. 

Robert was a devoted Christian and was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 2014. 

Funeral services were Monday evening in the chapel of the Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor Dewaine Corley officiating. 

Interment was private in the Kelly Mountain Cemetery near Elkins, W.Va.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com

(4-2-24)