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.
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.
Elizabeth Maude Davie (Wallace) Joseph, 82, of Marietta died at Heartland of Marietta on Monday, October 7, 2019.
She was born March 23, 1937, in Glasgow, Scotland to Evelyn (Mitchell) and Bruce Wallace. She grew up in Dundee, Scotland and graduated from The Harris Academy in Dundee.
She married Carter Joseph on September 9, 1960, in Boston Massachusetts. Together they had 3 daughters: Melissa, Marsha and Evelyn Mae. She worked at J. C. Penney in downtown Marietta for many years. Elizabeth was known for her wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude. While born in Scotland and being a proud Scot, one of her proudest moments was when she became an American Citizen. She valued the privilege of voting and took this right very seriously.
Survivors include her daughter Melissa (Joseph) Morris and her 4 grandchildren: Hannah Elizabeth Morris, Terrence Marshall Morris, Jr., Matthew Saunders Morris and Emma Bryson Morris. She encouraged them to have a sense of humor, always set you goals high, travel whenever the opportunity arises, take care of nature and to always be kind to yourself and others.
Dale David Goddard, Jr., went peacefully asleep in the Lord, October 4, at Marietta Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He was born October 8, 1965 in Marietta, Ohio to Dale D. Goddard, Sr., and Brenda Gray Goddard.
He was owner of ASAP General Construction up until his illness. He was a 1984 graduate of Marietta High School and an athletic standout. He was a sports enthusiast and sponsored many Men’s Softball Teams; a two time National Runner up and seven time State Team Championship. He was a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Shirley J. McPherson, 76, of Williamstown passed away, Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Worthington Health Care Center. She was born on November 14, 1942, in Lodi, Ohio, a daughter of Herman H. and Edna I. Yannyon Buxton.
Shirley owned and operated, along with her husband, The American Shoe Shop in Marietta and was a member of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption.
Joretta June Payne Wheaton-Reynolds, 88, of Marietta went to be with her Lord and Savior at 11:55 am, Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born April 10, 1931 in Lower Salem to George and Fern Whetstone Payne.
Joretta graduated from Lawrence High School in 1949. She was an active member of the Moss Run Community Church where she served as treasurer for 40 years and also served 29 years as secretary and treasurer of their women’s fellowship. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher. She was a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.
Earl Leroy Kuhn, 81, of Marietta passed away at 4:48 pm on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was born November 28, 1937, in Marietta to Lorena Beatrice Cameron Kuhn and Earl Pershing Kuhn.
Leroy had been employed by Ohio Power Company, Marietta Wholesale Grocery, Marietta City Schools and retired from Selby General Hospital. He attended Canton and Marietta Schools and was a member of the Ohio National Guards for 9 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 64 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #2382.
Denver Earl Hesson, 77, of Marietta passed away on Friday, September 20, 2019, at his home. He was born May 28, 1942, in Elba, OH, to James and Mary “Judy” Schott Hesson.
Denver was a graduate of Salem Liberty High School and Riggs LaMar Barber College in Akron, OH. He was a barber for 58 years. He also was a fiddle player for square dances around in the area for many years. He was a Mason in American Union Lodge #1 and the Loyal Order of Moose #1823 and Legion of the Moose #192.
