We are a family-owned funeral home that has served the communities of Ohio and West Virginia for over 100 years. Our goal is to provide all of the families we serve a respectful and dignified service at a fair price. Whether a traditional service or more contemporary-style service, we try to meet all the needs of the individuals and families we serve.
Doris J. Adams Smithberger, 88, of Belpre passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2019, at Arcadia Nursing Home in Coolville, OH. She was born November 12, 1930, in Marietta a daughter of I. Dayton and Helen Perdue Sayres.
Doris was a graduate of Marietta High School in 1949 and she always enjoyed getting together with her classmates. She had worked for Home Health Care, Marietta Times, Remington Rand, Montgomery Ward and Dr. Turner. She was a member of Cutler Chapel Church.
Doris’ first husband Richard F. Adams whom she married on December 24, 1950, passed away May 25, 1964. She later married Clyde W. Smithberger who preceded her in death on December 23, 1981.
She is survived by her children: Cheryl (Charles) Warner of Marietta, Teresa Edwards (Pat Batten) of Little Hocking, Richard (Valorie) Adams of Cutler; grandchildren: Alicia Warner, Chad Warner, Erica Counts (Joe Greenwalt), Shaya (Gary) Sealey, Josh (Lauren) Edwards, Richard (Kaitlin) Adams, Adrienne (Jerrod) Branham, Abigail (Derek) Bartmess, Allison Adams (Dakotah Wells); great grandchildren: Brayden Longfellow, Colin Longfellow, Joseph Greenwalt, Jace Greenwalt, Alexandra Counts (Drew Bentley), Victoria Sealey, Gage Sealey, Caroline Adams, Richard Jeremiah Adams, Brooke Branham, Oakley Branham, Aubree Bartmess, Hudson Bartmess and great-great granddaughter Azlynn Bentley. She is also survived by her sister Elma (Darrell) George and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Doris was preceded in death by her sister Ethel Marie Sayers.
Patricia S. Nicholson, 80, of Marietta passed away at 11:30 pm on Friday, October 18, 2019, at Harmar Place.
She was born January 5, 1939, in Dallison, WV, a daughter of Frank and Margaret Wharton McVey. She was a homemaker.
On May 21, 1960, she married Clayton Nicholson who survives with 2 sons, Gregory (Pamela) Nicholson and Scott (special friend Tammy Britton) Nicholson all of Marietta; 2 granddaughters, Amy Aultman and Amanda Fletcher and sister Anna Bauerbach of Beverly.
Lou Ann Baker, 52, of Lowell passed away at her home on October 13, 2019. She was born February 28, 1967 in Marietta to Louis and Doisha (Whiting) Baker. Lou Ann was a graduate of Marietta High School.
In addition to her parents, Lou Ann is survived by her daughters Breanna Taccia of Nichols Hills, OK and Kayla Lockwood of Jacksonville, FL, her grandchildren Amelia and Evelyn Taccia and Ava Lockwood. Also surviving is her long time partner Kevin Bauerbach and his family Shiana, Jarred, Dylan, Ayden and Luka. Brothers Bob and Howard Baker and sister Chris Garceau and aunt and uncle Mike and Fran Stephens also survive.
Nina L. Orders Smith, 91, of Marietta passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Harmar Place. She was born December 19, 1927, in Alger, Ohio, a daughter of Gladys and Fred Kirts.
Nina retired from J. C. Penney in Marietta. She loved music, singing and was active at Christ United Methodist Church for many years. She was a great mom and friend and was always there to lend an ear or just be there when needed. She will be greatly missed.
Gary Thomas Perdew, 82, of Marietta passed away Friday, October 11, 2019, at Windsor Medical Center in North Canton, Ohio after battling a long illness. He was born on March 24, 1937 in Marietta a son of Willard and Anna Riffle Perdew.
Gary was employed as an electrician for Norfolk & Southern Railroads until his retirement. He was a member of Loyal Order of Moose, Elks Club, American Legion Post #64, VFW 5108 and enjoyed collecting, building and racing cars. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army.
Mary E. Ruble, 72, of Waterford passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Marietta Memorial Hospital.
She was born November 30, 1946 in Marietta to William “Jack” and Katherine “Katie” (Schultheis) Hartshorn. Mary was a graduate of Marietta High School, Class of 1964 and was a homemaker. She loved to spend time with her grandkids, and great grand kids and was a big Elvis fan.
On April 24, 1965, she married Marvin Ruble who preceded her in death on September 7, 2000.
Mary is survived by a son Marvin “Jake” Ruble, and daughters: Melissa (Ray Wright) Ruble, Jodi (Gary) Metheney and Linda (Jerry) Bauerbach, and “adopted son” Davey Erb; grandchildren: R. J. Science, Miranda Science, Andrea Robinson, Sara Metheney, Brittany Ruble, Steven Kidd Ruble, Olivia Ruble, Chelsey Ruble, Bryson Ruble, James Ruble, Jacob Ruble; 3 great grandchildren: Kaylyn Science, Braxton Lowery, Emberly Helman and her dog “Max.”
Zella Jo (Jody) Cunningham, 69, of Williamstown, WV, passed away peacefully at Marietta Memorial Hospital on October 8, 2019 with family by her side after a Brief but fearless fight with pancreatic cancer.
Jody was born in New Martinsville, WV on September 30, 1950 to Joseph Carl Bucher and Dora Angeline (Brown) Bucher. The middle of five children, Jody enjoyed all the perks that came with the title of “Mom’s favorite”. Jody and her younger brother Carl Bucher shared a unique bond that has endured throughout their lives.
Jody graduated in 1968 from Valley High School in Pine Grove, WV. She then went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Fairmont State College in 1971, then in 1976 earned a Master of Arts degree in Biology from West Virginia University, and continued her pursuit of knowledge completing more than 40 hours of post-graduate training. She taught for nearly 40 years in both Pleasants and Wood Counties at the junior high and high school levels, until finally retiring in 2011 as an AP Biology and Anatomy teacher at Parkersburg High School. She achieved National Board certification in 2004, a prestigious marker of excellence in education, from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Later, she became a part of the team who were instrumental in developing several texts and general science requirements for this certification. She served as president of the West Virginia Science Teachers Association and as a Science Mentor Teacher with the West Virginia State Science Department. Being the amazing woman she was, Jody was selected West Virginia Biology Teacher of the Year in 1987 and received the WVSTA Distinguished Fellow Award for outstanding contributions to science education in West Virginia.
Jody was active for 43 years in the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs (GFWC) since joining as a Williamstown Juniors in 1976. She twice served as the president of the Williamstown Woman’s Club as well as holding all other board positions. At the state level she served on the Junior Board and Council from 1984-1992 and was statewide Director of Junior Clubs from 1990-1992. Her leadership skills led her to roles as Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Second Vice President, First Vice President, and finally President of GFWC West Virginia in 2014-2016. She was awarded Lifetime Membership status after completing her term as President.
Among her contributions to the community was the restoration and protection of the Williamstown Wetlands and the construction of walking paths and seating areas around them. Jody’s commitment to serving others was recognized through an official Proclamation from the Mayor of Williamstown declaring May 4, 2014 as Jody Cunningham Day for her outstanding contributions to the local community.
Jody was bestowed with the loving nickname of “Diddy” by her oldest granddaughter Mackenzie. This pleased her no end and was later adopted by her close friends and family. Jody had a great love for life and spending time with her grandkids. Whatever they were doing and wherever they were was of the utmost importance to her. Jody loved her family with everything she had and more.
