Bonnie J. (Whetzel) Borror Rexrode, 81, of Petersburg, W.Va., went to be with her Heavenly Father at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.

Born Dec. 12, 1942, in Smoke Hole, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Charles R. Whetzel and Gladys (Kimble) Whetzel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her first husband, Austin Paul Borror in 1990, her second husband, Orville Lee Rexrode in 2016, and one brother, Charles Lee Whetzel.

She is survived by two daughters, Patsy Ours (Tim) and Melinda Borror, all of Petersburg; one son, Bishop Rob Borror (Teresa) of Petersburg; nine grandchildren, Kassidy Haslacker (Wes), Corey Kimble (Kelsey), Natasha Guerrero (Randy), Derek Ours (Karey), Tyler Borror, Ryan Borror (Jennell), Rashay Borror, Trent Borror and Austin Bennett; 14 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Cletus Whetzel (Sandra) of Baltimore, Md., Paul Whetzel (Mildred) of Petersburg and Gerry Whetzel (Rose) of Bridgewater, Va.; two sisters, Shirley Kile of Petersburg and Frances Ruddle (Randy) of Franklin, W.Va.; sister-in-law, Margaret Whetzel of Franklin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was a homemaker and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening and was a meticulous housekeeper. She worked at the Petersburg Sewing Factory for several years. She was a member of the Petersburg Church of God.

Funeral services were Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Bishop Stephen Noel and Bishop Rob Borror officiating. Interment followed in South Branch Valley Memorial Gardens, Petersburg.

Memorials may be made to Petersburg Church of God, 13 Myrtle Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847 or Franklin Church of God, P.O. Box 729, Franklin, WV 26807.

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

(10-15-24)

 Dayton Kisamore, 91, of Cabins, died October 7, at his home.

Born June 20, 1933, in Seneca Rocks, he was the son of the late Floyd Sr. and Rosa Pearl (Kimble) Kisamore. On Sept. 29, 1962, he married Beggie M. Kisamore, who preceded him in death Oct. 24, 2021. 

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jacob “Buddy” Kisamore and Denton Kisamore; three sisters, Ressie Bible, Rosa Lee Choate and Della Marie Carr; and one granddaughter.

Mr. Kisamore attended school in Seneca Rocks and the Riverside Church. He was a self-employed mason and served in the U.S. Army. He was a lifelong apiarist (beekeeper) and avid gardener.

He is survived by one daughter, Rebecca Roy of Petersburg; three sons, Mark Kisamore of Riverton, Steven Kisamore of Maysville and Dwight Kisamore of Cabins; four sisters, Rettie Barger of Maysville, Mae Goldizen of Liberty, Gloria Bennett of Cabins and Hazel Smith of Corning, N.Y.; one brother, Floyd Kisamore Jr. of Louisa, Va.; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services were Friday morning at the Basagic Funeral Home chapel, Petersburg, with Pastor Tommy George officiating. Interment was in Riggleman Cemetery, Cabins, with military honors by the U.S. Army and Grant County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the family c/o Basagic Funeral Home. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home. (10-15-24)

Donnalie Markwood Hope, beloved mother, friend, and the town’s very own “Hat Lady,” passed away on Sept. 30, 2024, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable style.

Known for her colorful hats that could brighten even the cloudiest of days, she was a beacon of joy in our small town.

Born in “The Bryan Field” in Petersburg, W.Va., on April 20, 1942, just a stone’s throw away from her beloved Fort Mulligan, where she played as a child, she was a daughter of the late James Orlando Markwood and Margaret Rosalie (Simmons) Markwood.

In addition to her parents, Donnalie was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Wood Hope II, with whom she spent 15 wonderful years with. Together they traveled and worked side by side, creating lasting memories. Also preceded in death by her stepfather, Charles H. Alt; and two brothers, Dawn Wayne Markwood and Charles Royce Alt.

Donnalie is survived by a daughter, Tina (Alt) Liong; and a grandson, Ryan William Liong; stepdaughter, Dawn Hope Mullins (Greg), with whom she shared a special relationship; grandson, Scott Trichel (Becky); and great-grandson, Lucas Trichel; one nephew, Chad Rinaldi-Alt, and his sons, Ben and Charlie; and her Markwood cousins, Rodney, Gary, Gene, Regina of Maryland and Karen of Moorefield, W.Va.

A faithful supporter of veterans and the armed forces, Donnalie dedicated countless hours to honoring those who served. In order by what she loved most, God, Trump and family. Her compassion and commitment to others will be remembered by all who knew her. 

Donnalie was a certified master gardener who loved sharing her passion for herbs with both children and adults, frequently giving talks to eager groups. She also brought the history to life as a Belle Boyd reenactor, delighting audiences with her enthusiasm and knowledge of the past.

Donnalie was a 1960 graduate of Petersburg High School. She then embarked on a career that would touch many lives. She initially served her community at the Veach-Townsend Clinic and was there when Dr. Dewey Bensenhaver and Jane joined the practice. Later she worked for Dr. Chester D. Harman. Her nurturing spirit and dedication to others’ well-being shone brightly in this role. Donnalie continued to contribute to her community as a retired real estate appraiser, where her keen eye for detail and her genuine care for her clients’ needs were greatly valued.

Donnalie’s zest for life was infectious. Her interests were as vibrant and varied as the collection of over 800 different hats she had curated over the years. Each hat was not just a fashion statement but a testament to love for celebration and her unique ability to make every occasion special. She was particularly fond of her UTV, which she affectionately named ‘Gator,’ and it was a common sight to see her exploring with joyous abandon. Holidays were never a mere date on the calendar for Donnalie; they were opportunities to express her creative spirit. With every festive season, she would don a themed costume and a matching hat, much to the delight of her family and friends. Her playful nature and love for life were most evident during these times, and those memories are cherished by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of them.

Donnalie was the heart of her family, a loving mother to her daughter, Tina, and an adoring grandmother to her grandson, Ryan. Her guidance and love were the cornerstones upon which they built their lives, and her legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to live on through them.

Those who knew Donnalie will remember her for the warmth of her smile, the joy she brought to every room, and one selfless way she lived her life. She had an innate ability to make each person feel seen, heard, and valued. Her laughter was a melody that echoed in the hearts of those she encountered.

As we bid farewell to Donnalie Hope, we reflect on a life lived to its fullest, a path marked by the love she gave and the lives she touched. Her journey may have come to an end in this life, but the impressions she left on this world are as great and numerous as the glitter she left behind on everything, in everything, and on everyone. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the incredible woman that was Donnalie. We honor her life by remembering the joy she found in the simplest pleasures, the care she devoted to her loved ones, and the passion with which she embraced every moment. Her story is one of love, laughter and hats - reminder to us to live life with a touch of whimsy and an open heart.

The following is from all Donnalie’s friends at Family Traditions... Jordan wrote, “You could find Donnalie on a daily basis, often multiple times a day, at Family Traditions Restaurant. Her radiant beams of pure joy, humor, and selflessness lit up the restaurant almost as bright as the glitter on her face did. Customers and employees’ faces would light up at the sight of her John Deere side-by-side zooming up on the curb out the front window. Every day, she’d have on a different HAT and outfit and of course, a new story to tell. In just a few years, she became family to every employee in Family Traditions. Customers quickly began to love her, and talk with her until a friendship blossomed. Groups of customers would welcome her every day; there wasn’t ever a seat at any table where she wasn’t welcomed. The walls of the restaurant will never recover from her loss. The sadness that hovers over the building will soon turn into stories of her memory. Her humor was like no other, the kind that brightened every single room. The word ‘stranger’ was never in her vocabulary, a blessing to so many. This woman spent all of her time putting on a show for everyone else, yet somehow still found time to stay true to herself in the midst of it all. To call her an inspiration would be an understatement. As for every employee at Family Traditions, she will always be referred to as an icon, a legend of Petersburg. Her legacy will forever live on in the walls of Family Traditions. The only way to describe her is to say she was a literal ray of everything good in this world. A walking beam of pure love, laughter, and happiness. This woman spent many of her years making sure everyone in Petersburg had someone to represent holidays, and just days in general. Every day to her was a blessing, a reason to celebrate. An ordinary day for most people, Donnalie would view as a reason to celebrate. A beautiful mindset that will forever be the sweetest part of her memory.”

In honoring Donnalie’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a celebration “party” will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Riders Post 78, P.O. Box 537, Petersburg, WV 26847 or charity of the donor’s choice. (10-8-24)

Doris Jean (Kimble) Whetzel, 82, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at her home.

Born Aug. 31, 1942, in Smoke Hole, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Jesse Job Kimble and Wilda Jane (Shirk) Kimble. 

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Olin Whetzel Sr. in 2021; one granddaughter, Shannon Whetzel; two sisters, Betty Kimble and infant Lois Kimble; and  two brothers, Norman Olin Kimble and Loy William Kimble.

Doris is survived by four sons, Walter Whetzel Jr. of Augusta, W.Va., Richard (Linda) Whetzel of Petersburg, Eric (Kelsey) Whetzel of Old Fields, W.Va., and JosephLee Whetzel of Petersburg; one daughter, Julie (Dave) Alexander of Moorefield, W.Va.; three grandchildren, Eric Whetzel, Jeremy Whetzel and Marissa Whetzel; one great-grandson, Daniel Youngblood; one brother, Ronnel V. “Sonny” Kimble (Cathy) of Linville, Va; one sister, Annie Mae Hinkle of Petersburg; sister-in-law, Johnnie Sue Kimble of Petersburg; and  numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was a homemaker and loved to crochet and work in her garden and flowers. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was employed at Windsor Knit Sewing Factory in Petersburg for several years. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Petersburg.

Honoring Doris’s wishes, her body has been cremated. Services were private.

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

(10-8-24)

Linda Kay (Reed) Ours, 68, of Cabins, W.Va., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at CAMC Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia.

Born June 1, 1956, in Lahmansville, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Edgar Parker Reed and Ruth Mae (Heavener) Reed.  

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by two sisters, Josephine (Reed) Rohrbaugh and an infant sister, Eva June Reed and one brother, Paul Jones Reed and half brother, Robert Reed.

Linda is survived by her husband of 50 years, Mickey R. Ours; two sons, Lonnie Ray Ours of Huntington, W.Va., and Jason P. (Sunshine) Ours of Grafton W.Va.; one daughter, Lindsay (Bill) Ours of Buckhannon, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Lukas Angland, LeKaylynne Haggerty, Caleb Haggerty, Gracelyn Haggerty and Asher Haggerty; three sisters, Mary Powell of Frederick, Md., Margie (Wendell) Saville of Rio, W.Va., and June Huffman of Seneca Rocks, W.Va.; five sisters-in-law, Darlene (Jimmy) Casto, Naomi (Dick) Pennington, Erma Koontz, Sharon (Cecil) Kimble and Phyllis Dolly; three brothers-in-law, Alonzo (Barbara) Ours, Neil  (Marlene) Ours and Danny Ours and numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda attended Petersburg High School. She was a faithful member of the Cornerstone Family Fellowship and formerly of Cabins Assembly of God where she was active in children’s ministry. She had worked at Grant County Commission on Aging for several years. She loved cooking meals for large families and community gatherings. She loved crafting and gardening. Linda was known as a giver and caretaker and never met a stranger.

Funeral services were Wednesday morning at the Cornerstone Family Fellowship, with Pastor P.J. Landis and Phyllis M. Dolly officiating.

Interment followed in Lahmansville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Joy House, 105 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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

(10-8-24)

Elizabeth “Liz” Irene Harman, 78, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at Hospice First in Kearneysville, W.Va., Jefferson County.

She is survived by her three children, Kimberly (Steven) Rudy of Charles Town, W.Va., James (Christine) Watson of Culpeper, Va., and Charles “Chuck” (Colleen) Watson of Franklin, N.C.; stepson, Darrell Harman (Jamie) Bland of Petersburg; seven grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; seven great-grandchildren; niece Karen Williams of Franklin, Rosanna Piper of Charles Town; and nephew, Russell and Sandra Williams of Culpeper.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Harman; grandparents, Luis and Maude Webb; parents, Delis Holland and Nancy B. Webb-Baber; five siblings, Katrina Holland, Terry Holland, Jerry Holland, Sylvia Ann Cross, and Nancy Hall; and one great-grandson, Calab Watson.

Liz went to school in Catharpin, Va.  She loved gardening, cooking and spending time with neighbors.  She was a member of Petersburg Memorial Church (Memorial Covenant Brethren Church), Petersburg.

Liz worked for Acme/Super Saver grocery store in Manassas, Va., until they closed.  She then moved to Franklin, where she worked in manufacturing and various stores. She moved to Charles Town, and worked for the Loudoun County school system. She and her husband then moved to Petersburg, where she lived until her death. 

Liz believed in donating to St. Jude’s Hospital and she liked conversing with her neighbors and people in her community.  Liz never met a stranger and would help anyone in need.  She will be missed. Rest in peace.                 (10-8-24)

Ernest Edwin Bergdoll, 86, of Waldorf, Md., formerly of Petersburg, died  Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Waldorf.  

Born Jan. 25, 1938, in Upper Tract, he was the son of the late Arlie Edwin and Ina M. (Lough) Bergdoll. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Crystal Dawn Bergdoll; and one nephew.

Mr. Bergdoll was a 1956 graduate of Petersburg High School, attended West Virginia University, and was a member of the Hedrick Chapel Church in Rough Run. He had previously worked for the Heron Window and Door Company in Mclean, Va., and after 38 years of service, retired from Safeway Foods as a forklift operator.

He is survived by his wife, Frances K. (Bland) Bergdoll, of Waldorf; one sister, Catherine Werstein of Petersburg; one brother, Joseph Bergdoll of Petersburg; one nephew; and several great-nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services were Monday morning at the Basagic Funeral Home chapel, Franklin, with Pastor P.J. Landis officiating. Interment was in the North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton.  

Memorials may be made to the Hedrick’s Chapel Church, 6119 S. Mill Creek Rd. Petersburg, WV 26847. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com

              (10-8-24)

Mernie Dorcas (Bennett) VanMeter, 91, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family while under the care of hospice.

Born March 12, 1933, in Cabins, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Dale Bennett and Elva (Turner) Bennett.

In addition to her parents, Mernie was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton E. VanMeter in 1972; an infant son, Ralph VanMeter; her companion, Jesse W. Kuykendall in 2004; three brothers, Otis Bennett, Austin Bennett and David “Bull” Bennett; and son-in-law, Derwin “Bim” Kimble. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. 

Mernie is survived by two daughters, Mernie “Liz” Kimble and Barbara VanMeter, both of Petersburg; several nieces and nephews, including Gladys Hedrick, Jenny Dayton and Jim Bennett; and a special caregiver, Patsy Yokum.

Mernie was a loving mother and friend to all who knew her.  She faithfully attended the Lighthouse Community Church.

Funeral services were Friday morning in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with the Rev. Robert E. Rexrode officiating. 

Interment followed in Lahmansville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the VanMeter family, 54 Burgess Hollow Road, Petersburg, WV 26847.

Arrangements were by Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg.          (10-8-24)