Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc.

02/20/2026

We are looking to add an additional Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer to our staff. This position has the option for part-time or full-time work. Having another Director will allow Tommy & Tiffany to attend more family functions together and fill in when needed. Please inquire within for accurate salary information and hours.

Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc.

02/20/2026

Debra Elaine Morales, age 70, of Richwood, WV, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV, after a long illness.

Debra was born on March 07, 1955, in Richwood, WV, to Shirley Queen Truman and the late Menford Truman. She was a 1973 graduate of Richwood High School. She was the former Owner and Operator of The Lumberjack Restaurant for 30 years. She loved to go fishing.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Travis Morales and brother, Ricky Truman.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lewis Morales, of Richwood, WV; son, Tony Morales and wife, Autumn, of Kingsville, TX; and her mother, Shirley Truman, of Richwood, WV.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2:00PM, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Officiating will be Rev. Burial will be at Richwood Cemetery, Richwood, WV.

Arrangements made by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV.

02/18/2026

With broken hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Cassie Lee Gunter, 43, of Fenwick Mtn., WV, whose light, laughter, and vibrant spirit touched more lives than can ever be counted.

Cassie was born on April 13, 1982, in Summersville, WV, to James Edward Russell and Gloria Jean Tolley and passed away on February 12, 2026, at Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Wilburn James and Shelma Mae Dotson Russell and maternal grandfather, Raymond Randolph Tolley.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Harold Dean Gunter II, Fenwick Mtn., WV, 4 children, Korbin Charles Edward Groves, Azreah Camille Groves, Haven Kathleen Gunter and Tatum Sawyer Gunter; parents, James Edward and Gloria Jean Tolley Russell; Fenwick Mtn., WV; sister, Amber Mae and husband, Jeremy Bailey, Fenwick Mtn., WV; brother, Coy James Wilburn Russell and wife, Jessica, Fenwick, Mtn., WV; brother-in-law, Donnie Franklin Gunter and wife, Terri, Prosperity, WV; sister-in-law, Bonnie Darlene and husband, Travis Hawley, Poca, WV; maternal grandmother Henriette Annick “Ann” Sophie Andrè Levequè Tolley; father and mother-in-law, Harold Dean and Bonnie Sue Gunter, Meadow Bridge, WV; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Cassie was a creative soul in every sense of the word. Artistic, eclectic, and beautifully original, she moved through life in her own way—starting trends, expressing herself boldly. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for bringing sunshine into every room she entered. Her joy was contagious.

She was a devoted wife and mother whose children were the center of her world. Whether cheering from the sidelines at soccer, track, wrestling, or twirling events, she was always their biggest fan. She was endlessly patient, deeply loving, and fiercely proud of her family.

A 2000 graduate of Richwood High School, Cassie pursued her passion for caring for others through education. She attended New River and Alderson Broaddus before earning her master’s degree from Marshall University in 2018, becoming an APRN. Cassie deeply cared for her patients and approached her profession with both intelligence and compassion. She treated people, not charts—listening closely, advocating fiercely, and always striving to make those in her care feel seen and valued. She was committed to lifelong learning and continually sought to grow in her knowledge and skill. She was also a proud supporter of Marshall University and an enthusiastic New England Patriots fan.

Outside of her career, Cassie embraced life fully. She loved the warmth of the sun, the peace of the water, and the beauty of gardening. She found joy in cooking, rarely following a recipe the same way twice, and in painting, where her creativity flourished on canvas just as it did in life. A true fashionista, she delighted in dressing up, adored shoes, and enjoyed expressing herself through her unique style. Music of every genre filled her home and her heart. She shared a special bond with her beloved schnauzer, Gus, who brought her comfort and companionship.

Above all, Cassie will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her kindness, her creativity, and the love she poured into her family, her friends, and her patients. Her light continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00PM at Olive Branch Baptist Church, Nettie, WV, with Pastor Stuart Stover and Mr. Aaron Evans officiating. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service from 12:00PM – 2:00PM at the church. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Nettie, WV.

Cassie was known as a giving person and, even in death, her giving continues as her donation of tissues will heal as many as 75 people.

02/11/2026

Bradford Lee Garrett, 73, of Fenwick Mtn., entered the arms of his heavenly father surrounded by his family on Monday, February 9, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Dot Garrett; his sister, Freda Garrett; and his brother, Dale Cowell.

He is survived by the love of his life of 51 years, Sue Garrett; his children: Brad (Jill) Garrett, Lisa (Dave) King and Desirae (Brandon) Grose; grandchildren, Hunter (Bri), Ireland (Chandler), Savanna (Eric), Sydney (Bailey), Arielle, Amelia, Mason (Emma), and Caden; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Huxlynn, Tate and Waylon; brothers, Bill, Martin and David; 2 special nephews, Bill and Doug Garrett; 2 best friends, Bill Gumm and Terry Jack; many nieces and nephews.

Brad was an avid outdoorsman, expert turkey hunter, loved to study scripture and taught Sunday school for many years. His family and the Lord were the core of his being. Brad’s goal while on this earth was to ensure his family knew Christ as their personal savior and we rest in the assurance that he is in heaven and we will join him one day.

2 Samuel 22:33 – God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Funeral service will be Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00PM, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV, with Pastor Pete Scott officiating. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service from 11:00am-1:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Garrett Cemetery, Fenwick Mtn., WV.

Arrangements were made by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV.

02/07/2026

Karen L. Bunting Mullens passed away peacefully at her home. Born to Jennings and Kathryn Crist Bunting in Richwood, WV on June 15, 1950 and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 5, 2026.

Karen was a 1968 graduate of Richwood High School. She was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.

Karen always put others needs ahead of her own.
Generous to a fault. No one could ever say a
negative thing about Karen. She was fun, loving, and lived life to the fullest. She shared laughs all the way to her final days. She will be greatly missed but will live on in the memories of so many who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her father Jennings Bunting and her husband David Mullens.

Those left the cherish her memory are her
daughter, Cathy (Rudy) Boles,
son, Michael (Patty) Bragg,
grandchildren,
Justin (Terri) Boles, Christine Bragg, Sarah (Cody) Dye,
and Joseph (Frankie) Campbell and Xavier Bautista
great-grandchildren:
Andrew and Sadie Boles,
Emma Anderson, Odin and Ransom Dye,
mother: Kathryn Bunting,
sister Beverly (Bill) Kiser,
brother, Larry (Patricia) Bunting,
brother Randy (Melanie) Bunting,
and sister, Sandra (Chuck) Stalnaker.

Services will be Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV. Officiating will be Pastor Dewayne Walker. Friends may call Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home from 12:00 noon till 2:00 PM. Interment will be in the Richwood Cemetery, Richwood, WV.

Arrangements by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home

02/04/2026

Office hours will be limited tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4th. Please call ahead to make an appointment or if you need to speak to someone.

Thank you!

02/04/2026

Maria Deitz Faulkner, 74, departed this earthly life on Monday, February 2 following a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease. A lifelong Methodist, Maria was the embodiment of loyalty to her family, her friends, her church, her community, and her Lord.
Maria Mae Deitz was born October 21, 1951, in Richwood, the third child of Oakford and Lyda Buzzard Deitz, both educators. She attended Richwood public schools, graduating in 1969 before entering college at Marshall University. As soon as she earned her degree in Math education, she returned to her hometown to begin a 15-year career as a teacher primarily at her own alma mater where she taught alongside her mother, a French and English teacher. In 1975 she completed her Master’s degree.
Maria made a career shift in 1982 when she took over the State Farm Insurance business from her uncle, Gene Deitz. After 27 years, she returned to teaching at Nicholas County High School and Richwood High School until 2016.
Anyone who had any dealings with Maria as a teacher and/or an insurance agent knew her to be devoted, honest and professional. She went above and beyond the duties of classroom teacher sponsoring everything from yearbook to spirit club to senior classes. She tutored many children outside the classroom including her own nieces, nephews and stepchildren.
The same can be said about her community involvement. A true servant-leader, Maria was the lynchpin of the Richwood Area Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. She quietly carried out the work behind the scenes for events like the Scenic Mountain Triathlon, the Feast of the Ramson, the Cherry River Festival, the Chamber of Commerce banquet and more. She also planned every class reunion as long as she was able.
Besides her devotion to her family, Maria will be most fondly remembered as a true and loyal friend. She nourished her friendships from high school, college and beyond—always ready for a road trip or a bridge game or a visit to Dairy Queen for ice cream.
Maria is preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Dooley. She leaves behind devoted husband Holley Faulkner of Richwood, sister Cynthia Olson of Hillsboro, W.Va., and brother Stephen Deitz of Richwood; stepchildren Mary Alford of Prosperity, S.C.; Bobby Dooley of Robertsdale, Ala.; and Nancy Casto of Richwood; seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by nieces Jourdan Deitz of Richwood, Julie Marchesi of Virginia Beach, Va., and Erin Olson of Frederick, Md., as well as several cousins including three who were like brothers growing up with her in Richwood: Mac Vaughan of Canvas, W.Va.; Pete Vaughan of Bethel Park, Md.; and Jim Vaughan of Atlanta, Ga.
The family wishes to offer their appreciation to the kind and talented staff of the Webster Healthcare Center.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV, with the service Monday, February 9, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mountain View Memorial Park, Richwood, WV.

Arrangements were made by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV.

02/02/2026

Edward Keith Shaver, 68, of Richwood, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV, after a short illness.

Keith was a 1976 graduate of Richwood High School and began working for the City of Richwood at the age of 18- dedicating more than 40 years of service to the community. He was a familiar face at local Little League events and was always present to support his children and grandchildren, hardly ever missing an opportunity to cheer them on. Outgoing and kindhearted, he was known for his smile, friendly greetings, and willingness to help. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, and mowing grass, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He attended First Baptist Church in Richwood and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Paula Shaver; mother, Eula Shaver-Sloan; granddaughter, Ella Shaver; sisters, Marie Shaver and Nancy (William J.) Sloan; and brother, Homer Jennings Shaver.

He is survived by his 6 children, Eddie (Kara) Shaver, Parkersburg, WV, Elizabeth (Kelsey) Abbott, Richwood, WV, Delta (Cody) Wright, Richwood, WV, Cameron (Alexis Abarca) Dillard, Fenwick, WV, Steven (Shaylee Morrison) Dillard, Summersville, WV, and MaKendra Dillard, Richwood, WV; 9 grandchildren; sister, Betty Fisher, Richwood, WV; nephews, Billy (Victoria) Sloan, Richwood, WV, Charles (Teressa) Stowers, Craigsville, WV; niece, Jane (Ron) Collins, Richwood, WV; several additional nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00PM, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV, with visitation 2 hours prior to the service from 12:00-2:00PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mountain View Memorial Park, Richwood, WV.
Arrangements were made by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV.

01/28/2026

On January 17, 2026, Robert Michal “Mike”Little entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by his wife, two sons, and eldest grandchild. Born on April 13, 1940, in Richwood, West Virginia, to Jim and Marguerite Little, he is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 63 years, Sandra Kaye Little; his two sons, Michal Allen Little (Mary Frances) and Douglas Marlin Little (Evette); his cherished grandchildren, Alexandra “Princess,” Michal “Gus” ( (Julie), Caroline “Cupcake” (Joshua), and Christopher; and his seven beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Dial, and his nephews, Jeff and Greg.

If you knew Mike then you knew Sammie. Together, they were the epitome of commitment, understanding, friendship, and true love. Their partnership set a lasting foundation for generations of family to follow. Their personalities complemented one another beautifully, and they built a full and meaningful life together on Cranberry Ridge.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted father. Through his steady presence and direct example, he taught his sons the value of dignity and perseverance. He believed in showing up, leading with integrity, and instilling a deep respect for the world around them - lessons that shaped not only his children, but the legacy he leaves behind. Mike’s life was guided by honesty, strong morals, and a commitment to doing what was right.

A true outdoorsman, environmentalist, and mountaineer, Mike could often be found riding his bike with the Webster County Retired Raiders or tending to his property in the Monongahela National Forest right up until his last days. Throughout his life, Mike accomplished more than could ever be fully captured. Among his many achievements, he played football at Marshall University on a full scholarship, served as a proud Army Veteran, where he also played football while stationed in Germany, retired from the federal government after 20 years, and became the devoted patriarch of an incredible family alongside his wife and two sons. Tough as nails and capable of moving mountains, Mike also possessed a tender side that people close to him were lucky enough to experience whenever they were with him.

His grandchildren all lovingly referred to him as “Gampy,” and the memories of s’mores on the campfire, swims in the ice cold Cranberry River, and golf cart rides through the lush green mountain trails will live in our hearts and imaginations forever. Those same trails and property will continue to be lovingly tended to by his grandson, Gus, carrying on Gampy’s devotion.

The loss of Mike has devastated us all, but we know he’s with the Lord now. We ask that everyone keep Sammie in your thoughts and prayers, and surround her with community and grace during this time.

There will be a memorial service held at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home in Richwood, West Virginia on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Visitation will start at 11 AM and the service will start at 12 PM.

01/25/2026

‼️ Office Closure Notice ‼️
Funeral home will not be open for regular office hours Monday, January, 26th and Tuesday, January, 27th due to inclement weather and illness.

If you need immediate assistance or to schedule an appointment for a later time, please contact our answering service at 304-846-2622, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe.

01/23/2026

The Memorial Service for Franklin Summers that was scheduled for this Saturday, January 24, 2026, has been cancelled due to the impending snow storm. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

01/19/2026

Martha Sue Smith, age 90, of Hominy Falls, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Rainelle Healthcare Center, Rainelle, WV, after a long illness.

Born on March 18, 1935, to the late Tolbert Adam Myrtle Ivia Nutter Jones, she lived her entire 90 years in Hominy Falls.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Sherwood “Woody” Smith; son, Ronald Smith; infant son, Larry Smith; four brothers, George, Donald, Charles, and Roger Jones; and three sisters, Juanita Chapman, Dorothy Spencer, and Maggie Selman.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three children, Scott Smith and wife, Tiffany, of Hominy Falls; Kimberly and husband, Russell Ricks, of Hominy Falls; James Smith and wife, Jennifer, of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter-in-law, Karen Priestly-Smith, of Hominy Falls, WV; four siblings, James Jones, Oregon; Shirley Dunning, NY; Darrell Jones, Oregon; and John Jones, Texas; eight grandchildren, Amber Kalb, Tracy Groves, Andrew Haynes, Amanda Smith, Cameron Smith, James Smith, Emily Davis, and Jessica Smith; and eight great-grandchildren, Madison, Lillie, Adam, Ava, Winston, Ellie, JD and Braxley.

She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. She was a member of the Pe**le Methodist Church in Harmony Falls. She was a bus driver and a CNA, and she also worked as a demonstration associate at Walmart, handing out free samples. She loved to quilt and spend time with her children, and she was deeply loved and will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV, at 2:00 pm, with visitation two hours prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with her beloved nephew, Tim Spencer, officiating. Interment will follow at Hominy Falls Cemetery, Hominy Falls, WV.