Elizabeth Marie Van Meter died Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her home in Petersburg, W.Va. 

She was born July 3, 1947, to the late Edwin H. “Ted” Van Meter and Edith (Georg) Van Meter of Petersburg, W.Va. 

Marie graduated from Petersburg High School in 1965 as class valedictorian and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Virginia.  

After returning to Petersburg, she worked for a number of years at the Grant County Bank. Later, she taught courses in mathematics and computer usage at several area schools. She was also active in church and volunteer work, especially the Grant County Arts Council. 

She enjoyed playing piano and organ and served as an organist for several local churches over the years. She was also interested in genealogical research and local history and wrote several articles on these subjects.

Marie is survived by her sister, Roberta F. Van Meter, niece Elizabeth Silver (Matt), and grand-nephew Matthew Silver Jr., all residents of Kennesaw, Ga., as well as numerous cousins.

In honoring Marie’s wishes, her cremated remains will be privately buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Petersburg beside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Moomau-Grant Public Library, 18 Mt. View Street, Petersburg, WV 26847.

Arrangements were by Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com         (11-19-24)

Louella Virginia DeHaven, 79, of Petersburg, W.Va. and formerly of Moorefield, W.Va., passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 5, 2024, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg. 

Born August 7, 1945, in Frederick County, Va., she was a daughter of the late Melvin Ray DeHaven and Agnes Virginia Kerns DeHaven. She was the last member of her immediate family.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning at the Fraley Funeral Home chapel, Moorefield, with Pastor Donna Leatherman officiant. 

Interment followed in the Olivet Cemetery, Moorefield.

To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Louella’s extraordinary life, visit her tribute wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact she made on all those around her.                     (11-19-24)

Norma Macie (Alt) Tuthill, of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away November 5, 2024.  

Born in Arrow- smith, Ill., on March 14, 1932, she was the daughter of Pauline (Stump) Alt and George Alt.

After graduating from Keyser High School and Potomac State College in Keyser, W.Va., she began her 25-year career as an executive medical secretary at Central Medical Center in Baltimore, Md.  This is where she met her future husband and world-traveling companion, Dallas B. Tuthill, M.D.

Shortly after their marriage, they relocated to Saudi Arabia for six years, where Dallas practiced medicine, and they had many adventures. Before repatriating to the U.S., Norma and Dallas made a whirlwind tour of most of the major countries of the world.

Settling in Sun City Center, they quickly became contributing members of the community.  Norma especially enjoyed her time volunteering at the library.

Norma is survived by her devoted sisters,  Betty Jean Henning of Maryland, Judy Thomas (Rick) of North Carolina and Kathleen Mills (Richard) of West Virginia, as well as her special stepchildren  Barbara Irby (Jim) of Massachusetts, Gary Tuthill (Lucy Flint) of Massachusetts, and Ken Tuthill (Julie) of Tennessee.  She is also survived by a niece, Paula Henning of Maryland, and a nephew, John K. Geoghegan (Ginnyann) of Georgia.   

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Dallas, on June 1, 2023.

Planning is underway for inurnment of Norma and Dallas at Arlington National Cemetery.

(11-19-24)

Jason Daniel Bergdoll, 37, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home. 

Born February 9, 1987, in Petersburg, he was a son of Joseph David Bergdoll and Shirley Katherine (Moyers) Bergdoll of Petersburg. 

In addition to his parents, Joe and Shirley Bergdoll, Jason is survived by his wife of 15 years, Natasha A. (Kee) Bergdoll; two daughters, Addison LeeNell Bergdoll and Evey Elizabeth Bergdoll; five aunts, Catherine Werstein, Treva (Larry) Black and Shelby (Rick) Borror all of Petersburg, and  aunt Frances Bergdoll of Waldorf, Md.; one uncle, John R. (Erma) Moyers of Maysville, W.Va.; three nieces, Sidney Y. Pezzanite, Krena M. Pezzanite and Eden K. Pezzanite; one nephew, Joshua D. Pezzanite; and several cousins.

Jason was preceded in death by his brother, Joshua David Bergdoll; paternal grandparents, Arlie and Ina Bergdoll; maternal grandparents, James Oliver and Martha Moyers; two uncles, Roger Werstein and Ernest Bergdoll; and one cousin, Crystal Dawn Bergdoll.

Jason was a 2005 graduate of Petersburg High School. He worked for American Woodmark and later for Pilgrim’s Pride livehaul. His jeep was his favorite vehicle and you’d see him with family and his dogs. He enjoyed the outdoors - hiking and fishing were his favorites.  Mushroom hunting was a favorite with his daughter Addison.

Funeral services were Friday afternoon in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor P.J. Landis officiating. 

Interment followed in the Lahmansville Cemetery, Lahmansville, W.Va.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bergdoll family, c/o Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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

(11-12-24)

Mary Etta Helmick, 75, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her home. 

Born May 18, 1949, in Petersburg, she was a daughter of the late Lester George and Laura Etta (Kile) George.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley K. Helmick Sr. in March 2013; son Stanley Keith Helmick Jr.; five brothers, Casper, Stanley, Andy, Gladen and Foster George; five sisters, Minnie Borror, Nora Belle VanMeter, Ethel Davis, Catherine Kesner and Rebecca Kile.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Martie Helmick of Petersburg; sons, Bradley Helmick and wife Tina of Yorktown, Va. and Gregory Helmick and wife Barbara of Nokesville, Va.; 11 grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Kile of Franklin, W.Va. and Joy Marie Lantz of Upper Tract, W.Va.; two brothers, Charlie George and wife Tammy, and Raymond George, all of Upper Tract; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Mary was a 1967 graduate from Franklin High School. She worked at Hanover Shoes for several years and retired in 2019 from Grant County Nursing Home in Petersburg.  Mary was a member of Rough Run Church of the Brethren. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to Amanda Mongold, Bonnie Bland and Grant Memorial Hospice. 

Funeral services were Saturday morning in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor Lynn Rohrbaugh officiating. 

Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Petersburg.

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

(11-12-24)

James Joshua Adkins Sr., 83, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  

Born April 13, 1941, in St. Albans, W.Va., he was a son of the late Cloyd Eugene Adkins and Marie (Byrd) Adkins.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Hubert Adkins, Calvin Adkins and Bill Adkins; and one sister, Barbara (Adkins) Lacy. James was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy C. (Hutchens) Adkins; one son, James J. Adkins Jr. and wife Meredith of Petersburg; two daughters, Kathryn Augustine and husband Michael of Petersburg, and Denise Duncan and husband Aaron of Nokesville, Va.; eight grandchildren; one great- grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

James began working with the Fairfax County Wastewater Treatment Plant in Fairfax, Va. and retired in 1988 after serving 30 years. Also he owned and operated Adkins Tree Service in Virginia.  James and his family moved to Petersburg in 1991. He bought a farm and raised Angus cows, bought and operated the Arthur General Store and purchased a real estate office Adkins Properties. 

He was a faithful member of the Cabins Assembly of God Church and served as deacon. He was a member of the Bass Masters in Alexandria, Va. and also was a champion Golden Glove boxer in St. Albans.  His passions were hunting, bass fishing and farming. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan and New York Yankees fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

His family will receive family and friends on Saturday, November 16, from 11 a.m.  -  1 p.m. at Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.

Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Landis officiating.

Interment will be in Lahmansville Cemetery, Lahmansville, W.Va. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to missionaries Mike and Cindy Edson, 2622 Thurloe Drive, Richmond, VA 23235.

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

(11-12-24)

Mary Mae (Alt) VanMeter, 89, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg. 

Born September 4, 1935, in Pansy, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late John William Alt and Ottie Catherine (Wilfong) Alt.  

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Henry C. VanMeter Jr. on November 4, 2005; one daughter, Brenda J. VanMeter; one son, Gerald E. VanMeter; one sister, Louise Westfall;  one half sister, Martha Blizzard; one brother, Ernest Alt; and one half brother, John William Alt III. Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Crites and husband Robert of Petersburg, and Virginia “Jenny” Dayton and husband Tim of Maysville, W.Va.; one daughter-in-law, Shirley R. VanMeter of Petersburg; three sons, Ronnie L. VanMeter and wife Sharon B. of Moorefield, W.Va., Henry Charles VanMeter of Lahmansville, W.Va. and Bobby W. VanMeter of Petersburg; 17 grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; several stepgreat-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary’s long and fulfilling life was marked by her dedication to her family and the simple joys that she found in everyday tasks. Mary was a woman whose hands were rarely still.  She found great satisfaction in sewing and preserving food for her family. She was always ready to offer her time and heart to babysitting. 

Mary’s spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the memories of her will forever be etched in the hearts of those she loved. 

Mary’s family will receive family and friends on Thursday, November 14, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Schaeffer Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bishop Stephen Noel officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Arthur, W.Va.

Memorial donations may be made to the VanMeter family, c/o Amanda A. VanMeter, 2561 Patterson Creek Road, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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

                     (11-12-24) 

 Dylan Scott Reed, 27, of Maysville, died at his home, Thursday, June 20. 

Born Dec. 28, 1996, in Petersburg, he was the son of Billy Joe Reed of Maysville and Tammy Dawn Mongold of Chippewa Falls, Wisc., but was raised by Charles “Chuck” Reed of Maysville.

In 2015, he graduated from Petersburg High School and attended Elkhorn Chapel, Dorcas. He was currently working as a home health aide and faithfully attended 3D Recovery in Moorefield.

He is survived by his wife, Amber Nicole Reed; one daughter, Katherine Reed of Parsons; one son, Braxton Pritt-Reed of Parsons; two sisters, Felicia Reed and Brittany Reed, both of Petersburg; one niece; and two nephews.

The family will receive friends today (Tuesday) 12-2 p.m., at the Basagic Funeral Home, Petersburg. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Glenn Vance Jr. officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family c/o the Basagic Funeral Home P.O. Box 400, Petersburg, WV 26847. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.

(6-25-24)