https://www.facebook.com/857784577570567/

Roush Funeral Home, 205 S Ritchie Avenue, Ravenswood, WV (2025)

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/).

12/11/2025

Roush Funeral Home's 31st annual Christmas Memorial Tree is now in place at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood. The tree offers residents the opportunity to bring in an engraved or painted ornament in memory of a loved one. Ornaments will be displayed on the tree during the holiday season each year. Joe Roush began the tradition in 1994 and it has continued each Christmas season since. Also, the Almanac Calendars are now available at the funeral home.

12/11/2025

Ronnie Gene Belue Service

12/08/2025

Ronnie Gene Belue, 83, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on December 1, 2025 at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Belpre, OH.

He was born on May 31, 1942 in Florence, Alabama, son of the late Elmer Hanson and Beulah Haddock Belue.

Ronnie graduated in 1960 from Ravenswood High School. Ronnie served in the United States Marine Corps and retired from Century Aluminum in Ravenswood in Reduction. He was a member of the St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ravenswood.

He is survived by his son, Patrick Belue; daughters, Roxanne Belue and Teresa Solter of Florida; grandchildren, Jacklyn Belue, John Belue, Ryan Belue, Kayley Young, Jessica Mominee, Natalie Adams, and Katelyn Carte; sister, Diane Ray of Ravenswood; brother, Doug Belue of Tennessee; great grandchildren, Ben Carte, Grace Wines, Kayden Harmon and Drew Harmon. Also surviving is his partner of 14 years, Elizabeth Sook.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen (Enos) Belue; his son, Christopher Belue; and his brother, Gary Belue.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Officiating will be Father Roy.

Burial of Ronnie’s ashes will be at Ravenswood Cemetery with full military graveside rites provided by CPL. WALTER L. MANN DETACHMENT 1065, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE.

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

12/08/2025

Merrell Wayne Howard, 85, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on December 5, 2025 at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, WV.

He was born on May 3, 1940 in Kentucky, son of the late Addie Frances Howard. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ravenswood. He had been employed at General Motors, Norwood Division, as a crib attendant.

Merrell is survived by his 3 children, Kathy Hughes (Michael), Matt Howard (Kathy), and Mark C. Howard (Bessie); grandchildren, Patrick, Lindsay, Merrell, Drew, Andria, Mark, Vince, Patrick, Tara, Michael, Ryan, and Megan; many great grandchildren; and 1 brother, Gerald Howard.

He was preceded in death by his mother; wife, Patricia; sons, Kenneth Gerald Howard and Thomas Michael Howard; brother, Kenneth; and sisters, Lois and Alice.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood with Father Roy officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday. Burial will follow in Jackson County Memory Gardens in Cottageville, WV.

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

12/07/2025

Janet Corrine Noble, 90, of Ravenswood, WV was lifted into the arms of Jesus on the evening of Thursday, December 4, 2025 surrounded by her seven loving children and one of her eight grandchildren. Janet was born on April 2, 1935 in Huntington, WV and was the daughter of the late Earl and Opal Marie Taylor. Janet is survived by her sister, JoAnn Frye, and seven children, David (Elaine) Noble of Ona, WV; Karen Corrigan of Ravenswood, WV; Angela Noble of Ravenswood, WV; Joel (Sherri) Noble of Frederick, MD; Amy Noble of Ravenswood, WV; Leah (Burt) Whisman of Abingdon, VA; and Megan Noble of Ravenswood, WV. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Joshua (Annabel) Stone, Alison (Jessie) Teter, Mary Noble, Benjamin Noble, Lucas (Leah) Noble, Brody Noble, Noah Whisman, and Ryan Whisman along with two great grandchildren, Owen Noble and Emmitt Noble. Janet is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Roger Noble, her parents Earl and Opal Taylor, her brother Charles Taylor, and sisters Sue Benedicto and Earlene Adkins.

Janet’s first act as a young woman was with Island Creek Coal Company, where she held a job that was previously reserved only for male executives. She didn’t just do the job, she was proud to hold that job and excelled at it. She earned a level of responsibility and respect that was extraordinarily rare for a woman, making her a true trailblazer.

Janet’s second act was as a loving wife and mother to her seven children. She was active in church as a Sunday school and VBS teacher, enjoyed canning, sewing, tending her flowers, and spending as much time outside playing with her children as possible. She was a good athlete and could challenge her family in a game of basketball or baseball. In addition to caring for her family, Janet was also a fierce advocate for special needs education (none existed at the time) in Jackson County, WV. As a parent advocate, she was involved in providing firsthand input as West Virginia developed its early laws on special education. She was also very active in the Jackson County Special Olympics.

As her husband of 51 years was moving toward retirement, Janet entered her third act. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and became one of the first pre-school teachers in the Jackson County School system. She had a heart for education and loved teaching her students for more than two decades, retiring in 2020 at 85 years old! She was an active teacher, and loved to watch her little ones grow in their learning, often sitting on the floor with them to teach, and that was evident by how much she was beloved by her students and parents alike. Janet believed that every student carried immense potential, and approached the classroom with patience, creativity, and unwavering compassion. Whether through a kind word after class, a moment of quiet encouragement, or the joyful energy she brought to every lesson, Janet made each student feel seen and valued; and generations of learners found confidence, inspiration, and purpose because of her gentle guidance. She modeled kindness in every interaction, proving that teaching is as much about the heart as the mind. Janet will be deeply missed by all that know her.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ravenswood, 215 Ann St, Ravenswood, WV, 26164 on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Visitation will be from 11am – 1pm, with services following at 1pm. Burial will be at Ravenswood Cemetery directly following the services.

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

12/02/2025

Dallas Dewayne Jarrell was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 to Otto and Estella Jarrell in Boone County West Virginia and departed this earthly life on Sunday, November 30, 2025 to walk in the glory of God Eternally.

Dallas is survived by his children, Josie (Michael) Russell, Dallas Montana Jarrell, and Shyla Jarrell, Grandchildren, Annabella, Adeline, and Alexa Russell, Zayden Tolliver and Libby Yonker. Also surviving are a brother Otto (Judy) Jarrell and two sisters Gertie Tackett and Brenda Beddoes, and brother-in-laws Kenny (Marty) Rose and Greg (Paige) Winebrenner and sister in law Krystal Winebrenner as well as a couple hundred dearly loved nieces and nephews. He also left behind an innumerable amount of friends whom he loved and was so very thankful for their friendship and love.

In addition to his parents, Otto and Stella, Dallas was preceded in death by two brothers Debre (Betty) Jarrell and Archie Jarrell and six sisters Anna Belle (Chester) Elkins, Helen Jean, Ruth Rose, Linda Jarrell, Dolores (Fred) Browning, Elaine (George) Ball. Brother in-laws, Herb Tackett, Ron Beddoes and Kelly Winebrenner as well as his children’s mother, Kimberly Davis.

Dallas served in the US Navy from 1969 to 1971. He was a retired carpenter of Carpenter Local #650. Dallas loved to serve God and others. He was a member of North Bend Church and was involved in many community organizations including Prayer Task Force, Youth Mentor Program Celebrate Recovery. He was also a member the Christian Motorcycle Association, Racine Gun Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles #2171 and the Meigs County Bikers.

Dallas was a devoted father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by those whose lives were forever impressioned by his life and love.

The funeral service and military rites will be Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 am at Handley Funeral Home; there will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Caldwell Cemetery in Danville, West Virginia. Friends may visit the family at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood, West Virginia on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Pastors Aaron Young, Jason Simpkins, and Dennis Moore officiating.

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

Roush Funeral Home

12/27/2025

12/23/2025

12/22/2025

12/19/2025

12/18/2025

12/12/2025

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

12/07/2025

12/02/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category