Elk Funeral & Cremation Service

02/25/2026

Jutta Irene Flowers, 91, of Campbells Creek, West Virginia, passed away on February 22, 2026. Jutta was born in Landshut, Germany, to the late Martin and Linda Hillderbrand on October 6, 1934.

Along with her parents, Jutta is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Flowers Jr.; son, Richard Flowers; daughter, Linda Stewart; and sister, Loni Luginger.

Jutta is survived by her sons, Billy (Brenda) Flowers and Robert Flowers; brother, Peter Hillderbrand; grandchildren, Jessica (Josh) Cook, Joshua Flowers, and Christopher (Robin) Flowers; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jutta was a committed member of the Springfork Missionary Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 2 pm, with a visitation beginning the hour prior at Elk Funeral & Cremation Service, 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia 25302. Following will be a burial at Grandview Memorial Park, 1313 Hillview Dr, Dunbar, West Virginia 25064.

Jutta's family is requesting that anyone who is able to please consider donating towards Jutta's funeral expenses. There is a link to be able to make a donation attached to Jutta's obituary on elkfuneralservice.com

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to assist Jutta's family.
https://www.elkfuneralservice.com/obituaries/jutta-flowers

View Jutta Irene Flowers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/25/2026

Peter Mathew Stuck of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 65. Pete was a man who was most at peace outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. You could often find him at his favorite spot, fishing on the Elk River in Queen Shoals. He didn't need much, just some fresh air, good company, and a chance to make someone smile.

Pete was known for helping others, without drawing attention to himself, whether it was fixing something that was broken or even just sitting and talking to someone who needed it. He never stopped trying to make people smile. This was simply who he was, and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

When at home, Pete enjoyed the simpler things. He loved old action movies and would light up every time as if it were his first time watching the action scenes. He could watch the Andy Griffith Show for hours without ever growing tired of it. These are some of the memories held onto the closest.

Pete will be remembered not for his grand gestures but for his unwavering kindness, his smile, and his quiet way of caring for people. While being in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and even listening to Dr. Hook may have been where he appeared to be the happiest, his family, especially his wife, was the center of his world.

Pete is survived by his wife of 23 years, Evette Stuck, and his children, Brittany (Alicia) Kennedy, Hannah (Eric) Hornsby, Ashley Moffitt, Adam (Kayla) McClung, and Mark McClung. Four grandchildren, Olivia Williamson, Violet, August Moffitt, and Raven Mullins. His brothers, Tom (Brenda) Stuck and Henry Stuck, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins, all loved him dearly.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Molly Stuck, and his two brothers, Jack and Kenny.

A celebration of life will be held at Elk Funeral & Cremation Service, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, WV 25302, on Friday, February 27, from 10 AM to 12 PM, with a short service to follow.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital. Your unwavering dedication to his care brought comfort to all of us during this time.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Pete's family.

View Peter Stuck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/13/2026

Phyllis Jean Fisher, 93, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on February 12, 2026. Phyllis was born on October 27, 1932, to the late Ruth (Harmon) Phillips and Ted Phillips.

Along with her parents, Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Luther Kendall Fisher, and son-in-law Chuck Cobb.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen (Larry) Williams, Janet Cobb, Ron Fisher, and Rick Fisher; brother, Jerry Phillips; grandchildren, Brian Cobb, Jeff Fisher, Jeremy Fisher, Zachary Fisher, Ricki Lewis, and Veronica Fisher; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Linda Lawson.

Phyllis was the secretary for Sugar Creek Elementary School, Woodlawn Elementary School, J.E. Robbins Elementary School, and Montrose Elementary School, was a member of the Goldtown Community Church, a charter member of the Lioness Club, a member of the Sugar Creek Lions Club, and served as treasurer for many years of the Charleston West Lions Club.

The family wishes to say a special thank you to the CAMC Memorial MICU staff, the staff at Hubbard Hospice, and Dr. Jack Kinder.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1 pm with Reverend Al Mendez officiating, with a gathering of family and friends from 12 pm - 1 pm at Elk Funeral & Cremation Service, 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302. Followed by a burial at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313.

In lieu of flowers, Phyllis's family requests donations be made in her honor to Kanawha Hospice Care. Donations can be made directly to Kanawha Hospice Care or by using the donation spot under Phyllis's obituary.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Phyllis's family.

View Phyllis Fisher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

Mona Jackson, 90, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on February 5, 2026, at The Marmet Center. Mona was born on February 5, 1936, in Davy, West Virginia, to the late Ted Bearre and Evelyn Bruner Bearre.

Along with her parents, Mona is preceded in death by her loving husband.

She is survived by her brother Ted Bearre Jr. of Stanley, North Carolina.

Mona was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse.

At this time, no services are planned.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be serving Mona’s family.

View Mona Jackson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/04/2026

Betty Gean Robinson, 88, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away at CAMC Memorial Hospital on February 3, 2026. Betty was born in Clay, West Virginia, on September 7, 1937, to the late William and Rosa Eagle Butler.

Along with her parents, Betty is also preceded in death by her son, Ronald Richard Ranson Jr., grandchildren Gabrielle Faith Ranson and Midnight Rose, and siblings, Essie Truman, Hubert Butler, Nathan Butler, Dora Metheney, Euna “Una” Metheney, Woodrow Butler, Violet Butler, M. Joan Klingensmith, Millie Butler, Mary Maxine Anderson, Marion Butler and Rosie Emeline Shaw.

Betty is survived by her Husband James Robinson, children Robin Ranson, Beverly Rollins, Kevin (Becky) Ranson, and Taletha (Steve) Walls; grandchildren, Rhonda, Lincoln, Sierra, Alyssa, Tiphanie, and Kameron ”Cody”; and 13 great grandchildren.

A funeral service for Betty will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM with a gathering of family and friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Shining Light Celebration Church, 1800 5th Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia 25387, with Pastor Gene L. Herdman Officiating.

Burial will be at the Moore Fork Cemetery in Ossia, Clay County, West Virginia.

Family requests that anyone who can donate, please do so, to help with the funeral cost, which can be found under her obituary on Elkfuneralservice.com.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Betty’s family.
https://www.elkfuneralservice.com/obituaries/betty-robinson

View Betty Robinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

James Burton “Buzzy” Whittington Jr., 75, of Gauley Bridge, passed away January 24th, 2026, after a short heroic battle to recover from extensive injuries from an automobile accident, James lost his battle and succumbed to his injuries. He will be greatly missed. He was born in Smithers on January 14th, 1951, to the late James Burten Sr. and Lorraine Elizabeth Whittington.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Laura L. “Sissy” Whittington.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Lee Whittington; sons, James Burton Whittington III, Edward Michael Whittington, and David Lee Whittington; daughters, Leah Jean Staunton and her husband, Jarrod, and Rebecca Perry and her husband, Justin; grandchildren, Kyndall Perry and River Monroe Staunton, and sisters, Drena Graves, Rosie Derakhshandeh, Elizabeth Smith and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

James “Buzzy” Whittington was a proud mountaineer and lifelong resident of WV, born and raised in Boomer, Cannelton, and residing in Gauley Bridge.

He was a lifelong Christian, Pastor, and Community Leader.

He was a Vietnam veteran, having enlisted and fighting at age 19, he served a single tour as a sharpshooter, commando, and LRRP, and later as a Sergeant in the WVNG. During his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, various merits, and the Purple Heart, due to extensive injuries received in active combat.

James “Buzzy” Whittington attended Heavy Machinery School, earning his certifications and several proficiency awards while doing so. He attended WV Tech for Mine Engineering, followed by a lifetime of working as a heavy machinery operator with local surface mines, and finally retiring. A proud 50-year UMWA member and Mine School Teacher/Owner, after retirement, focusing his time on properly training future miners in WV.

Graveside Services will be 2 PM Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, West Virginia.

We ask that all funeral questions or inquiries be directed to Elk Funeral & Cremation Service.

In celebration of his life and family, we ask that all donations be directed to local homeless shelters or social service providers.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to serve James's family at this time.

View James "Buzzy" Whittington, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Nannett Branham, 74, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on January 24, 2026. Nannett was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, on March 10, 1951, to the late Ray Branham and Mary Perry.

Along with her parents, Nannett is preceded in death by her sister Brenda Howard and brother Gary Branham.

Nannett is survived by her children, Jason Allan Branham (Samantha Feazelle), Joseph Robert (Kelly Howard), and Jackie Ray Branham (Kimberly Branham), 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

There are no services planned at this time.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Nannett's family.

View Nannett Branham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Keith Bell, 52, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on December 16, 2025. Keith was born on March 31, 1973, in Banbridge, Georgia, to the late Kenny Bell Sr. and Mary Barber.

Keith is survived by his siblings Jennifer Bell, Debra Bell, Lisa Bell, Kenny Bell Jr, Terry Bell, and Tito Bell.

Per Keith's wishes, he was cremated, and a celebration of his life will be held in Georgia on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Keith's family.

View Keith Bell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/23/2026

Fun Funeral Fact Friday!!

Finishing up our learning about what it takes to become a funeral director and/or embalmer in other states, here are the last 10 on the list!

South Dakota: Funeral Director: 90 credit hours by an accredited institution of higher learning, AND obtained a degree or certificate from an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

Tennessee: Funeral Director: Completion of a funeral service education program of not less than 30 hours accredited by ABFSE, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Embalmer: ABFSE graduate, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

Texas: Funeral Director: Certificate in funeral service OR associate’s degree in applied science, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Embalmer/ Dual Licensing: ABFSE graduate; Associate’s
Degree in Applied Science, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. All 3 options must get a state and federal background check.

Utah: Funeral Service Intern: High School Diploma/GED, complete the LRR exam, and requires association with a funeral establishment and supervision by an FSD. Funeral Service Director: Associate’s Degree, or equivalent, in Mortuary Science, complete the LRR exam, and serve a minimum of 2,000 hours in an apprenticeship at any time.

Vermont: Funeral Director or Embalmer: ABFSE graduate, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

Virginia: Funeral Director: ABFSE graduate OR equivalent of 60 credit hours with completion of Board-approved funeral directing program, complete the LRR, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Embalmer: ABFSE graduate OR Board- approved program, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Dual Licensing: ABFSE graduate, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

Washington: Funeral Director: Associate degree in Mortuary Science—alternative education requirements accepted, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Embalmer: Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time. Both options must do a self-reported background check.

West Virginia: Funeral Director: bachelor’s degree, complete the LRR exam, and serve a 2-year apprenticeship at any time. Dual Licensing: 60 hours in undergraduate studies, minimum 1-year mortuary school, ABFSE graduate, complete the LRR exam, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

Wisconsin: Dual Licensing: ABFSE graduate, complete the LRR exam, serve an apprenticeship at any time, and get a state background check.

Wyoming: Dual Licensing: Completed 60 hours from an accredited college, and separately obtained an Associate’s in FS or MS from an accredited program, or received a Bachelor’s Degree in FS or MS, and serve an apprenticeship at any time.

01/22/2026

Hey everyone,
We wanted to tell you about a service we recently got in contact with and are hoping to work with. It is the Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley. Here is their website https://www.faithinactiongkv.com/. They informed us they can take gently used walkers, wheelchairs, and portable toilets.

So, if anyone has a loved one who passes away who had any of these items and is not sure what to do with them after their passing, you can either call the Faith in Action number on their website to donate them, or you can bring them here, and we will get in contact with them to make sure it is donated.

The Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley offers rides and support for individuals 60 and older who need to be taken to their doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, help with home repairs, and more. They are a non-profit and rely on volunteers to help make their program work.

Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley is a volunteer program providing free services to our older neighbors, aged 60 and up, in Kanawha and Putnam counties. These include transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping assistance, weekly reassurance calls, and minor home repairs.

01/22/2026

Linda Faye Saunders, 76, of Saint Albans, West Virginia, passed away January 14, 2026. Linda was born in Charleston, West Virginia August 24, 1949, to the late Shirley and Lucille Phillips Clendenin.

Linda is also preceded in death by her brothers Gene and Larry Clendenin and her sister Patricia Jones.

Linda is survived by her brothers, Roger and Dennis Clendenin, sisters Treasa Tofi, Carolyn (Robert) Hyson, and Angie Clendenin, her daughter, Michell Lipps (Chet Jenkins), son Michael Nester, and grandchildren, Shawn, Mathew, Nicholas, and Christopher Lipps.

There are no services planned at this time.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Linda’s Family.

View Linda Saunders's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Laura Lorraine “Sissy” Whittington, 74, of Cannelton, West Virginia, passed away on January 12, 2026, at Cabell Huntington Hospital. She was born in Cannelton, WV, on January 12, 1952, to the late James Burten and Lorraine Elizabeth Whittington.

Laura was a veteran of the US Army.

She is survived by her brother, James B. Whittington, Jr. (Kathy); sisters, Drena Graves, Rosie Derakhshandeh, Elizabeth Smith, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service with military honors will be at 2 PM Friday, January 30, 2026, at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be serving the Whittington family.

View Laura "Sissy" Whittington's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.