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Roush Funeral Home, 205 S Ritchie Avenue, Ravenswood, WV (2026)

02/03/2026

Tabetha (Tabby) Lee, 51, of Ripley, WV, passed away on January 31, 2026 in her home in Ravenswood.

Tabby was born in Ripley to Vici Abshire and James Myers on July 1, 1974.

Tabby was a loving mother. She enjoyed spending time with her children and doing fun crafts. She loved to draw and color. She was a kind woman and a great mother and she always cared for others.

Tabby is preceded in death by her mother, Vici Abshire, her father, James Myers, her grandmother, Betty Ann Abshire, her grandfather, James Carney Abshire, and her brother, Jerry Garnes.

Tabby is survived by her children, Sierra Lee and Joel Lee; her brothers, Shaun Myers and his wife, Carrie Myers, Nathin Myers, and Jimmy Garnes; her sisters, Anna Clinton and Tammy White; her aunts, Karen Anderson and Teresa Abshire Miller; her uncle, James Abshire and his wife, Beth; and many cousins, nephews and nieces, who all loved her very much.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roush Funeral Home, P.O. Box 933, Ravenswood, WV 26164 to help with expenses.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/24/2026

Donald Edwin Balis
November 25, 1942- January 23, 2026

Donald Edwin Balis, 83, was born in Silverton, WV. In June 1962, Donald married the love of his life, Jean Bail of Hillsdale, Michigan. Donald was a man of deep faith, boundless friendliness, and unwavering commitment to sharing God’s love wherever life took him.
Donald honorably served his country through military service, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and compassion for others. With his wife, Jean, they followed a call into ministry by pastoring churches across several states, including West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Oklahoma. He faithfully shepherded congregations and touched countless lives through his preaching, counsel, and genuine care for people.
For many years, Donald also served as an evangelist for the Church of the Nazarene. His passion for spreading the Gospel was evident in every conversation, sermon, and encounter. Evangelism was not simply something he did; it was who he was.
In addition to his ministry, Donald owned and operated his own trucking business for many years. He saw his work on the road as another mission field, using every mile traveled and every stop made as an opportunity to witness, encourage, and share his faith. Whether at a truck stop, church, or chance meeting along the way, Donald made lasting impressions through his sincere interest in others.
Donald is preceded in death by beloved wife, Francis Jean (Bail) Balis; his parents, Luther G. and Velma C. (Ashcraft) Balis; his siblings, Emilee (DeVere) Deming, Olive Warner, and Earl Balis; his daughter-in-law, Tina (Stout) Balis; and his step-grandchild, Jonathan Thomas.
Donald is survived by his four beloved children: Timothy (Late Tina) Balis, Cheryl (Robert) Thomas, Victoria Balis, and Dawn Balis Updike. He leaves behind his brother-in-law, Guy Warner. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Caleb (Ashlee) Thomas, Cody Thomas, Erin Thomas, Audra (Matthew) Wilkinson, Benjamin (Carlye) Balis, David Balis, Sera Balis, and Lauren (Justin) Bradley. He leaves behind one step-grandchild, Robert Lee Thomas, Jr., as well as five great-grandchildren: Evan Wilkinson, Kenji Wilkinson, Jenson Wilkinson, Everlee Thomas, and Ryker Bradley, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donald’s legacy also extends to those he lovingly embraced as family: daughter of the heart, Susan Vanscoy, and grandchildren of the heart: Rachel (Nick) Pease, Elayna (Josh) Shirk, Nichol Vanscoy Adams, Tomi-Renee (Jeremy) Pullens, and their children.
Donald Balis will be remembered as a devoted servant of God, a faithful pastor and evangelist, a hardworking businessman, and a friend to everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his faith, generosity, and unwavering belief that every person mattered.
The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ravenswood Church of the Nazarene. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Ravenswood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Family Life Center at Ravenswood Church of the Nazarene.
Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/20/2026

Martha LeeAnn Reynolds, 44, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, passed away on January 19, 2026 at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

She was born on September 9, 1981 in Mason County, West Virginia, daughter of Anthony Doyle Reynolds and the late Elizabeth Ann Hodge.

Martha was a homemaker who found her greatest joy in her family. She deeply loved her daughter and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and the rest of her family. In her free time, she enjoyed dancing, singing karaoke, and being creative through wood burning arts and crafts. She also had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

She is survived by her father, Anthony “Tony” Reynolds; daughter, Seaira Bethann Casto; several grandchildren; and the love of her life, Bobby Casto.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Louise Reynolds.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated and with no formal services to be had.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roush Funeral Home, P.O. Box 933 Ravenswood, West Virginia, 26164, to help the family with expenses.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

01/05/2026

From the family of Christeena Caplinger

01/02/2026

With deep love and faith in God’s promise of eternal life, the family of Christeena Mae Caplinger shares that she went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026, at the age of 81. Christeena was born on October 21, 1944, and throughout her life she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and servant-hearted woman whose life reflected Christ’s love. She was a long-time resident of Jackson County who retired from the Jackson County Board of Education after a 25-year career.

A dedicated follower of Jesus, Christeena lived her faith quietly and sincerely—through kindness, prayer, and the way she cared for each person God placed in her life. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved without measure.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Kenneth R. Caplinger; her children Kenneth R. Caplinger Jr. (Mandy), Kimberly R. DeVaughn (Mike), and Kathryn R. Southall (Sammy); seven cherished grandchildren: Kristen Barnhart (Joseph), Sarah Moore, Matthew Caplinger, Faith Caplinger, Derek DeVaughn, Austin Knight (Angel), and Shyanne Roub; and six great-grandchildren: Nathan Moore (Kendra), Logan Moore, Keith Moore, Zoey Barnhart, Daniel Barnhart, and Arya Barnhart. She also leaves behind a great-great-granddaughter, Amelia Moore; her brother Robert Curfman (Carolyn); and her sisters Telina Boyles (Roger) and Regina Longwell.

A graveside service, everybody is welcome, honoring Christeena’s life will be held on January 3, 2026 at 2:00 pm, at Union Chapel Methodist Church, 7207 Windy Ridge Road, Sandyville, WV with Pastor Jim Catron officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend as we celebrate her life and entrust her spirit to the arms of her Savior.

The family rests in the comfort of Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The family would like to thank the staff at Elizabeth Care Center for the wonderful care they gave Christeena.

May her memory be a blessing, and her legacy of faith continue through every life she touched.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.
Kim Caplinger DeVaughn Kathryn Southall

12/29/2025

Robert Lee (Bob, Bobby, Bobby Lee) Blackhurst, Jr, 68, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away peacefully on Dec 24, 2025 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV, after a brief illness.

He was born on Sept 25, 1957 to parents Robert Lee Blackhurst, Sr and Charlotte Goodwin Blackhurst.

Bob lived most of his life in Ravenswood, graduating from Ravenswood High in 1975. He served a short time in the US Army and was a mechanic by trade, eventually owning and running the Wood Shed Quality Care in Ravenswood, first with his dad, and then sole owner after his dad became ill. He loved riding motorcycles, always owning a Harley-Davidson, and was affectionately called “Fat Bob” by his motorcycle buddies, in reference to a particular make of Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

He was an avid reader, with an interest in history, and made reading the newspaper a daily habit. He had many friends from all age groups, and was well-liked for his humor, endless jokes, and fairness as a business man. He was a big animal lover of both dogs and cats, and never turned away a stray cat needing a warm bed or meal. He was a man of faith and said he made peace with God and was ready to go when God was ready to take him.

He was preceded in death by both parents, son Joseph Ryan Blackhurst, and in-laws Carroll and Irene Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife Kim Smith Blackhurst, as he affectionately called Kimmy Dawn, sons Craig Blackhurst (Kyla), Steven Blackhurst (Lora), David Blackhurst, and daughter Megan Smith, six grandchildren Hannah (Jonathan), Levi, Reagan, Charlotte, Abigail, Nina and one great granddaughter Heidi, sister Carolyn Torris (Randy), nephew Jared, niece Kindsey (Dustin), great nephew Rust, sister-in-law Sherry Smith (Larry Nelson), aunt Sherry Montgomery, several cousins, and many many friends who visited and called up to the very end.

Bob’s stated wish was to be cremated and ashes taken to Leatherbark stream that empties into the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County, WV, a place he felt a strong connection to from going as a child through his adult years. In keeping with Bob’s wishes for simplicity, no formal service is planned.

Roush Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.

12/27/2025

Virginia “Ginny” Eloise Rees
January 7, 1935 – December 26, 2025

Virginia “Ginny” Eloise Rees, 90, of Racine, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on January 7, 1935, in Antiquity, Ohio, and lived a life filled with love, devotion, and kindness.

Ginny was the beloved wife of Jim Rees for 64 years. She was a dedicated mother to sons Jonathan (Missy) and Jay (Tina) Rees, and a proud grandmother to Macy Scott Rees, Allie (Nathan) Roush, Cyle (Megan) Rees, Katelyn (Tyler) Hendrix, and Landen (Cera) Hill. She adored her great-grandchildren: Knox and Mazie Roush, Harvey Rees, and Aubrey and Addison Hendrix. She also cherished her special family members Leigh & Jarrod Hill and Tricia McNickle. She also loved all her Nieces, Nephews & friends.

A devoted Christian, Ginny lived her life with deep faith and love for her Savior. She met Jesus with open arms, and her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of everything she did. Ginny’s love for her family was immeasurable. She was the most amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, always putting her family’s needs before her own. She never missed an event, offering her presence, love, and encouragement to those she held dear.

Ginny worked as a cashier at Ohio University until her retirement, where she formed lasting friendships with colleagues and students. She was a lifelong supporter of the University of Kentucky, enjoying many years of attending football games with her family. Her kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ellen Arnott; her sister, Kenda Brown; her father and mother-in-law, James and Alleyne Rees; and her brothers-in-law, Wynn Rees and Don Hayes.

Ginny is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jane Anne Rees, Gayle & Donna Rees, Myron and Saradelle Mack, Doug & Phyllis Rees, and Robert Brown.

Services will be held on Monday, December 29th, at Antiquity Baptist Church. Calling hours will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the funeral service following at 1:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at Letart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Shriver’s Hospice Foundation (shriverhospicefoundation.com) or to Antiquity Baptist Church.

Ginny’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.

12/23/2025

Edgel "Buck" Vernon McClure, 94, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on December 21, 2025, peacefully at his home.
He was born on August 27, 1931 in Whitesville, WV, son of Foster Frasier McClure and Carrie Grace Burns Smith.
Edgel was a 1951 graduate of Duvall High School. He loved to play sports, with his favorites being football, golf, basketball, and baseball. He loved to fish and spend summers with his family at Daytona Beach.
Edgel worked at Kaiser Aluminum for 38 years, retiring in 1996. He was a crane operator in casting.
He is survived by his daughters Sherry Hughart (Ronald), and Nolana McClure (Walter); brother Buddy McClure (Bonita); grandchildren Misti McClure (Johnny), Heather Blake, Heather Hughart Green, Cory Archibald (Orrick & Jayloni), and Courtney Archibald; great-grandchildren Mazzy Yoakum (Blake), Brody Hughart, Rune Tinsman, Jasper Tinsman, Killian Tinsman, and Kyuss Anderson. He is also survived by Sandy McClure Confer (Brent) and many other extended family members he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his loving wife Mary Jane McClure, a son Jeffery V. McClure and his wife Jan McClure, as well as 7 sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and many others he held dear to him.
The funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

12/22/2025

Matthew Lee McPherson, 57, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on December 18, 2025 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, after a long illness.

He was born on October 8, 1968 in Parkersburg, WV, son of the late Richard Carl and Barbara Lea Godfrey McPherson.

Matthew was a 1987 graduate of Ravenswood High School. He loved to hunt, fish and garden. His sympathy towards animals led him to taking in and caring for many cats over his lifetime. He was a World War II buff.

Matthew began as a “tool monkey” at McPherson and Sons Plumbing of Ravenswood and later became a master plumber and partner with the family business.

He is survived by his siblings, Terry Duelley (Ruth), Tammy McPherson, Todd McPherson (Shannon); several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Brent McPherson.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Ravenswood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Operation Fancy Free.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.

12/19/2025

Ronald Russell Fortner, 81, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on December 17, 2025 at Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, WV.

He was born on December 28, 1943, in Newport, Indiana, son of the late Wayne and Mary Russell Fortner.

Ron was a graduate of Newport High School. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at Purdue University and MBA in engineering at Ball State University. He was a Methodist by faith.

He retired in 1999 from Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp in Ravenswood, and was the State Representative for West Virginia for the National Street Rod Association. He was President of Golden Oldies Street Rod Association of Charleston, WV, and Color Commentator for the Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb.

He is survived by his wife of 49 ½ years, Sandy; children, Tamara Engevold, and Scott Fortner (Susie); grandchildren, Brad Fortner, Aleah Engevold and Madison Fortner; and a great grandchild, Lucas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Arnold and Donald; and a son, Tim Fortner.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood with Pastor Chris Skeens officiating. Friends may visit the family on Friday, December 26, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.

12/18/2025

Crystal DeVonda Johnston, 59, of Ravenswood, WV entered her rest unexpectedly on the morning of December 17, 2025.

She was born in Hampton, VA on June 15, 1966, to Rev. Frank and LaVona Adkins. Crystal graduated from Ravenswood High School in 1984 and attended Indiana Bible College. She married the love of her life, David “TJ” Johnston, on December 22, 1990. Crystal was a dedicated pastor’s wife and shared her husband’s dedication to the work of the Lord at the First United Pentecostal Church of Ravenswood, where she served her church family faithfully for 25 years. She also faithfully served as Section 3 Ladies’ representative and as the ABLE Ministries Representative, dedicating decades to the WV/Western Maryland United Pentecostal Church District and the United Pentecostal Church International. She initiated the Esther Conference Ministry for girls ages 10-15. Just a couple years ago, Crystal began “Camp Joy”, an all-inclusive church camp for campers with special needs and gave support to families. She was most recently involved in her newest ministry, Grief Share. Through Grief Share, Crystal helped people navigate loss and find a path forward. She was currently employed at the Ravenswood Grade School as a paraprofessional aide where she was a vibrant asset to her school community.

She is preceded in death by her father (Frank Adkins), mother (LaVona Adkins), brother (Chris Adkins), and nephew (Matthew Hardbarger). She is survived by her soulmate and loving husband of 35 years, Rev. David Johnston. She was a proud mother to Kinzey Johnston, Patrick Johnston (Janie), Nicholas Johnston (Kelsey), and Conner Johnston (Kayleigh). She adored her grandchildren, Layla and Tripp Johnston. She is also survived by her sister, Carrissa Hardbarger (Randy) and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Crystal was a friend to everyone who knew her. She never met a stranger. She will be deeply missed by every life she touched with her infectious energy, her joy, and her love of Jesus. Only Heaven knows the Kingdom-impact that Crystal has made.

Services will be held at the First United Pentecostal Church of Ravenswood on Saturday December 20, 2025 with Rev. David Bryan and Superintendent Greg Hurley officiating. Friends may call from 11-2 with a service to immediately follow. Burial will follow in Ravenswood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Pentecostal Church for her passion, Mother’s Memorial (https://ladiesministries.com/mothers-memorial).

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page, or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net

12/12/2025

Charles Ray Lawrence, 81, of Portland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 4, 1944 in Portland, OH, son of Leroy and Mattie Holter Lawrence.
Charles was a devoted father, brother, and friend, known for his warm heart and unforgettable sense of humor. He dedicated 25 years of service as a school bus driver for Southern Local Schools, touching the lives of countless children and families in his community. He was also a proud member of Morse Chapel, where his faith and fellowship were an important part of his life. He served in the Army National Guard.

He is survived by his children: Patty (Scott) Whited, Peggy Johnson, Tootsie (Rick) Whited, Charlie (Rebecca) Lawrence, Christle (Dean) Groves, Charles (Helen) Lawrence, Dana Lawrence, Ronnie (Michelle) Lawrence, and Dwayne (Melissa) Lawrence; his sister, Bonnie VanMeter; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Brooke Whited, Austin Whited, Raylee Whited, Ricky Whited, McKenzie Lawrence, Madison Lawrence, and Hunter Lawrence.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie and Leroy Lawrence; his granddaughter, Rachael Whited; and his brother-in-law, Roy VanMeter.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, WV. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Pastor Donnie Cremeans will be officiating. Burial will follow in Bald K**b Cemetery, Portland, OH.

“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again.”

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net (http://roushfuneralhome.net/).

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