THE MESSENGER

Zion Presbyterian Church, Helvetia

Pickens Presbyterian Church

FEBRUARY 2017

After all the WONDERFUL hustle and bustle ofthe

holiday season, the more restful time ofthe year is here.

Yes, many folks get up each day and go to work, and the

famersstock still needs to be fed and cared for, but things

arent quite as hurried. I guess that is why God crea ed

Winter in this areaSO that a11 1iving things can rest a

bitbut spmg always comes, eVen in Helvetia and we

look forward to a1l of the refreshing newness and activity

that it brings

Many thanks to Alice Stankus, and to Charles and Susan

Betler Reynolds for their donations to the Messenger.

Please continue to send Messenger articles to me by regular

mail or by emall. I appreciate hearing from everyone.

AIso, I have had two retumed undeliverable Messengers. If

anyone knows new addresses or infomation for Nelson

Sutton or James Conrad I can make changes on the mailing

lisrhank you so much, and may God continue to bless

each ofyou and your loved ones,

Diane Betler

898Metzner Hollow Rd

Helvetia, WV 26224

betlers3 @ frontier

ZION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Celebrating the birth ofJesus at Christmas is such a

beautiful time at Z10n Presbyterian Church in Helvetia.

The wam glow ofthe Advent candle lit each week, along

With the lights from the tree and the aroma offresh pme

make our little church even more wam and welcommg.

This year children from the area worked hard and

Perfomed a childrens Nativity progran. A special thank

you to: Haley Parsons, Damy Bond, Brilmey Bond,Brandon Bond, Jacob RICe, Deonta Davis, Hayden Stevens,

Emma McNeal, Brooklym Sanders, Sophia Lacceque,

Lucy Lacocque and Brianm Greenway for doing such a

WOnderful job putting on the program. Many, many thanks

to their families for helping wlth costumes, bringmg them

to practices and helping them leam their lines. Much

appreciation to Iris and Doug Davis for directing the play

and assisting the children. And thank you to Joe McIOy

for accompanymg the children with guitar music for the

CarOIs. It was a wonderful evenmg for all who attended.

Followmg the program there was a little reception with hot

cocoa and cookies.

Christmas Eve is particularly beautiful at Helvetia Churoh

too. We were blessed with special music by world

renowned pianist, and looal resident Jack Gibson. His

rendition of Silent Night and other muslcal works of art

Were amaZingly beautifuL Again, many thanks to Joe

McInroy for organizing the music and program. The

Candlellght service is truly beautiful.

We continue to have Sunday worship service at Zion

Presbyterian Church each week. Much appreciation to Joe

McInroy for his dedlCation and work in finding pastors to

deliver the semon each week. Services begin at

10:00 and EVERYONE is MORE THAN WELCOME!!

Please comejoin us any Sunday.

The amunl Congregational Meeting was held February l l ,

2017. Rev. Charla Koemer presided and opened the

meeting with prayer. One elders tem was up for

reelection. H. Kevin Betler was nominated to serve another

tem and was voted unanimously to serve as Elder for

three more years. Kevin then gave the Helvetia Cemetery

report. Much appreciation was expressed to the Loudin

family for their continued efforts in cemetery upkeep. The

Cemetery Board of Directors are still in place for decision

making. Joe McIney gave a State ofthe Church report.

Joe continues to flnd pastors each week to hold worship

Services. Betty Biggs expressed gratde and said that our

Church is truly blessed to have ministers from such a

WOnderful dlVerSe grOuP Who are willing to come each

Week. Joe expressed appreciation to Iris and Doug Davis

Who have started a youth group. We will also contmue to

have Sunday school twice monthly. Joe asked ifanyone

WOuld be interested in shoveling snow during the wlnter

before church each week as needed. Many thanks to Betty

Biggs, Who has volunteered to do so. Maxine Metzner

gave a financial report. The church operates from three

funds; the general fund, the building fund, and the

Messenger fund. The bullding fund is a little lower in

anount than usual. A complete financial report is always

POSted on the bulletin board in the chureh entry way. Muchappreciation to Maxine Metzner who has volunteered to

COntinue as the church treasurer. After no more discussion

the meetings was adjouned.

Aough it is a little late coming, Sincere appreciation to

the Umbright Family: Bill, Hope and Lena for their very

generous donation ofpaper products and cleaning supplies

that they delivered to the chureh early last summer. It is so

nice to have everything needed when we serve Easter

breakfast, have Sunday school, Vacation Bible school,

Youth group meeting, Christmas progran receptions and

Various events. The paper plates, CuPS, Silverware, naPkins,

Paper tOWels, toiletries, and other supplies are so much

appreeiated.

HELVETIA FAIR

The Helvetia Community Fair is celebrating its lOO year

Celebration! Lets mark the centemial with a special

Weekend! Were looking for ideas, VOlunteers, and

Participants.

The HelvetiaFair.com website has been updated with

infomation, and we will update exhibit books for printing

and dispersement at the Fair. Please

COntaCt HelvetlaFairVendors@gmail.com with any insightsOr thoughts. Wee so proud of Helvetia and the Fair and

Cant wait to see its continued growth and success! The

Helvetia Fair will be the second full weekend in

September: 09/09/17 & 09/10/17,

HELVETIA RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Helvetia Restoration and Development Org.

Currently HDRO is plaming this years celebration of

Fasnacht for Feb. 25, 2017. And the way that it is Iooking

right now as I write this in balmy January, buming Ole

Man Winter will backfire on us again this

year. Restoration has finished Phase l ofthe playgrod

PrQJeCt and we wi11 be raismg funds to start on Phase 2

which wi11 be a halfcourt basketba11 area next to the Red

HalL AIso in the area beside the library we will be adding

a low level balance beam and a checkers/chess tree stump

along with some very nice lighting that was donated to use

a few years ago. There are also two pressing prqieCtS tO be

accomplished at the Museum. The two Iog si=s have to be

replaced and the shake roofneeds replacing also. We do

have much ofthe funds necessary for those

Prqjects. HDRO still holds the First Saturday ofthe

Month Square Dances. During Daylight Savings time

they are 8 to 11 at the Community Ha11 and when we fall

back to Standard time the dances move to the Red Ha11

with the times being 7 to lO PM. Meetings are held the 2nd

Tuesday ofthe month at 2 pm in the Helvetia Library. We

do welcome new members and visitors.

Woody Higginbotham - President

PICKENS ANNUAL ATV RIDE

s year the 12th Annual Pickens ATV Poker Run wi11 be

held on May 6th2017. Fun wi begin thatday night

With free live entertainment from the band Intent begiming

at 8pm-? Registration wi11 begin Saturday for the run at

9am with riders taking off at a designated time and

retuming by 5:30. Evenmg live entertairment will be

PrOVided by the Cross Town Traffic band so plan to come

and spend the entire day. Canpers are welcome and spaces

are on a first come first serve basis with no elecinc, nO

Water, nO Shower house, and no sewer available (POrta

POtties wi11 be available throughout camping area). Food

Vendors and local organizations will be selling food and

drinks. Cost ofregistration is $10 per rider. For more

infomation go.

to wWWPICkensSquareSPaCe.COm Or Pickenspokerrun@

hotmail.com.

Submitted by: Jaime Bragg

HELVETIA FARM WOMEN

The Helvetia Fam Women have been busy the last few

months, but with all we have been invoIved with, We have

enjoyed ourselves and had a great time.

On October l, We hosted our second intemational dimer.

We didnt have as big a tumout as last year. Everyone

enjoyed tasting the different dishes and it was a nice

relaxing evemng.

October 28 brought us to the Halloween party, jointly

SPOnSOred by the Fam Women and the Pickens American

Legion. It was held at the Helvetia Community Ha11 this

year. Decorations were done by Doug and Iris Davis. Wehad lots ofkids and adultsjoming in the fun and games,

Our neighbors from AdoIph love coming and bringmg their

Children because they know it is a safe envirorment for all.

We send out a special thank you to Doug and Iris for all

their time and lal)Or and ideas. You helped make the

evemng a big success. Thank you so much! !

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time for the community.

We had a `11 houseand lots ofdelicious food. Everyone

enjoyed the evening and most ofus left stuifed. Many of

us Iook forward to spending this special holiday with

family, friends and nelghbors. Thanks to all who came and

helped make it a wonderful day for a11.

Next came the feast ofSt. Nickolas on December 3. We

PrePared a craft and games for all the young people,

SuPervised everything, and helped all the young ones in

making their Gnttibanz. There was a covered dlSh dinner

in the evenmg which we helped with and cleaned up

afterwards. We even had a visit from Santa Claus in the

aftemoon. He passed out treats to all the young ones.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped.

We waited until January 14 to have our Fam Women

Christmas get together. We met at the Hutte and, had a

delicious meal, eXChanged gifts, found out who our Secret

Sister was, and had a fun aftemoon.

Now we are taking a break and relaxing until the ramp

SuPPer in April.

Submitted by: Cecilia Smith

PICKENS SCHOOL ARCHERY TEAM

The Pickens SchooI Arehery Team has come a long way m

the last six years and wereeXCited to be starting our

6th year as a Teanere are 13 sfudents on the team this

year and the Coaches arestillTonia TiIer andBeki

PaOnS.

Each year the Team attends school toumaments at Elkview

Middle School, Shady Spring Middle School, and

Pocahontas County High School. These toumaments are a

great way for our archers to shoot against other archers in

the State and to make new friends andexperiences. On

January 27th, Pickens SchooI Archery Team hosted their

first amunl Archery Toumament. Due to our size, We Only

invited Hacker Va11ey Elementary School and Upshur

County HomeschooI Arche Association. Hacker Valley

Just Started in NASP this year and thelr COaCh is Kemetha

Howes and Upshur County Homeschoo=s coached byMike Shaw. The toumament was a great success and the

Team plans on trying to have it each year. There were

abOut 35 archers shooting and there were concessions and a

Silent auction. We would like to thank all the parents and

COmmunlty members who donated items and, mOSt

importantly, their time.

Pickens SchooI Archery Team wi11 host a Virtualarent-

Areher Shoot on Monday, February 20th and submit scores

Civic Center. From there, We are hopeful to have

Archers qualify at the State Toumament so we can take our

amual trip to Louisve, KY for the National Archery

Toumamentto be held on May l l - 13, 2017.

To raise money for attending tournamentSand for

equlPment&supplies, the Team has a Tupperware

Fundraiser each yearand a bake sale and 3-D Archery

Shoot at the Maple Syrup FestivaL We would like to thank

the parents, COmmunity, and alumni throughout the

COuntry for supporting our team! We couldnt do it without

everyones help.

Submitted by: Beki Parsons

OBITUARIES

HARRY HULL KRAMER. 86, a resident ofDailey and

more recently of Valentine Personal Care Home in Elkius,

PaSSed away peacefully on Monday, September 26, 2016under Hospice care. He was bom Tuesday, June lO, 1930,

at home on a fam in Highland County, VA. He was the son

Ofthe late Pearly Jake Kramer and Lila May Wilmo

Kramer. On October 2, 1953, he was married to Helen

Francis Vogel, Who survives. Both were children of

Original Homestead families to settle in East Dailey during

The Great Depression. They attended Homestead School

and later Tygarts Va11ey High School together, gradunting

in 1948. During high school, he played basketball with

SOme OfTygarts Valleys most talented players ofthe late

1940s. Coach William Weber gave him the nickname`uck as he is known to many. Itwas thereat he

developed a great love ofsports which he shared with his

SOnS eVen tO his final days as they commented on the play-

by-Play ofthe latest games most evenings" He always

roted for the underdog. As a father, Harry was role model

and hero to his family. He was always wi11ing to help

someone expecting no reward, Ifyou needed someone to

rebound your shots, Pitch ba1g PraCtice or throw passes,

fish a night and give great advice, he was always there

selflessly. He had unending patience as a grandfather,

Whether findingjust the right tooI or trinket needed from

his co11ection in the shed, making the most delicious

applesauce for Sunday supper from the backyard tree, Or

Silently dumpmg five-gaon buckets of green tomatoes

Picked by his helpers. He was the handyman, the

PrOVider, and a devoted husband. He served 20 years in theUnited States Air Force, SerVing overseas during the

Korean War and Vietnam War. He was then employed by

Harry B. Moore Electric and later worked for General

Service Administration at the Forestry Building in Elkius

until his retirement in 1993. He was a lifelong member of

e Va11ey Bend Presbyterian Church located on the hi in

East Dailey, Where he served as groundskeeper for many

years. Also survivmg are three sons, Harry Alan and wifeDenise of Glermore, Randa11 Lane ofEast Dailey, and

Steven Brian of Elkius, four grandchildren, Kadra

Casseday and husband Adam, Karly Wallace and husband

JC, Curtis Kramer, and Kary Kramer, and two great-

grandsous, Vemon Roy Casseday and Noman WesleyCasseday. Harry was the last surviving member ofhis

lmmediate family. Preceding him in death besides his

ParentS Were his brothers, Fred Kramer, Dale Kramer, andSterl Kramer and sisters, Nina Smith and Mary Lee

Moseley as we11 as his daughter-in-1aw, Michelle `Shelley

Kramer, The family would like to extend their sincere

appreciation to the ladies ofValentine Personal Care Home

for their care given over the past three years, In honoring

Harrys wishes, Services will be private and a memorial

service will be held at a later date.

BERTHA MARIE MOORE RILEY KELLEY, 86, Of

Adrian, WV, PasSed away Tuesday, October l l , 2016 in

the St. Josephs Hospital following short illness. Bom May

24, 1930 at Pickens, WV, She is the daughter ofthe late

Arthur and Etha Peck More. Bertha was a homemaker,

Christian, loving mother, grandmother, and erj oyed

helping others. She is preceded in death by her husbands,

Ralph J. Kelley and first husband, Rease L. Riley; SOn,

Rease Moore; grandson, James Egbert Keey. Survivors

include her daughter, Eva Hager and husband, Henry of

Boone County, WV; Six sons, Keith Moore, Glem Moore

and wife, Mary both of Rock Cave, WV, Clifford Moore of

Adrian, WV, David L. Keney and wife, Kavrina of

Buckhamon, WV, John J. Kelley ofBuckhamon, WV, and

Damy Ke11ey of Wildcat, WV; seVeral grandchildren and

great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the

Tomblyn-Clutter Funeral & Cremation on Sunday, October

16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Wease Day ociating.

Intement foowed in the Bemett Cemetery at Kanawha

Head,

MARK ALAN PROUDFOOT. 58, OfOakland died on

Friday, October 14, 2016, at GanRegional Medical

Center. Bom on January 14, 1958 in Oakland, he was the

SOn Of the late Robert E" and Alice Marie (Amett)

Proudfoot. He was a 1981 graduate ofWest Virginia

University having obtained a bachelor of science in

computer engineering. He wocked for Ma1eWS

Intemational as Director of Business Transfomration and

had traveled world-Wide exteusively throughout his career.

He was a member ofthe Elks Lodge #2481 in Oakland and

the Mountaineer Athletic Club. In addition to spending

time with his family, Mark loved fishing, SPending time at

the cal)in in Moorefield, driving his Camaro and

Mountaineer footba11. He will be fondly remembered for

his sense ofhunor and love of family. He is survived by

his Ioving wife ofmore than 33 years, Pemy Rae

(Drummond) Proudftrot; tWO sonS, Drew A. Proudfoot and

Wife Elizal)eth of Morgantown, WV and Brandon M.

Proudfoot of Oakland; One Sister, Marie Rublee and

husband Dan of Harrisonburg, VA; three brothers, Milton

Proudfoot of Oakland, Michael Proudfoot and wife Mayliza

Of Hedgesville, WV and Mason Proudfoot of Charleston,

WV; his mother in law, Frieda DmmOnd of Oakland; an

uncle, Joe Amett and wife Rosea ofNew Mexico; an aunt,

Joretta Allwine of Pennsylvania; and a number of nieces

and nephews. A funeral service was held with Lance

Rhodes ociating on October 17, 2016.

CHARLES OTTO DULANEY. 89, a resident ofPickens,

PaSSed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 20 16, at his home.He was bom July 10, 1927, at Pickeus, a SOn Ofthe late

Cil and EIsie Betler Dulaney. On July 5, 1951, in Elkius,

he married Rosa Lea Sutton Dulaney, Who survives at

Pickens. AIso survlVmg are three sons, Charles Dulaney

and wife, Diane, Of Czar, Mark Dulaney and wife, Pam, Of

Concord, N.C., and Henry Dulaney ofPickeus; and three

daughters, Ida Cecchini and husband, Les, Of Burgettstown,

Pa., Phyllis Grith and husband, Leonard, OfValley Bend

and Sue Waugh and husband, Brian, OfDailey. One

brother, Ed Dulaney and Sue of FIorida; tWO Sisters, Ruth

May Shears ofFairmont and Frieda Marie Drummond of

Oakland, Md.; a Sister-in-1aw, Mrs. William (Sandy)

Dulaney ofOhio; 10 grandchildren; and six great-

grandchildren also survive. Also preceding him in death

Were tWO brothers, Cil Claude Dulaney and Willian

Dulaney; and one sister, Margaret Am Haught. Mr.

Dulaney attended the schooIs of RandoIph County and was

a veteran ofthe United States Amy serving in the 1538th

Engineers in Austria. He was awarded the World War II

Victory Medal and the Amy ofOccupation Medal. He was

employed by J.M. Huber Coxp, having retired as

SuPerintendent of the Beh Mountain Railroad. He

attended Pickeus Presbyterian Church, WaS a member of

American Legion Post 200 and was a Roberts-Cunningham

Museunm volunteer. A funeral service was held at the

funeral home with the Rev. James Morley ociating.

Intement followed in Pickens Cemetery where military

honors were accorded at the gravesite.

JAMES JOSEPH ilJIMli SUESLI. age 62 years, a

resident ofHanbleton, WV, departed this life early

Wednesday moming, November 2, 2016 at Ruby Memorial

Hospital at Morgantown, WV" Death was unexpected and

attributed to a stroke. He was bom Tuesday, December l ,

1 953 at Upshur County, a SOn Ofthe late Eugene WilliamGeneand Olive Gillispie Suesli. On July 20, 1974 at

Mathias, WV, he was married to the fomer Debra Kay

Swearingen, Who survives. Also survIVmg are twO SOnS,

Dustin Suesli and wife April ofParsous and Jesse Suesli of

Hambleton; One daughter, Shana Wratchford and husband

Adan ofHambleton; One brother, Auen Wayne Suesli and

Wife Darlene of Gassaway;ree grandsons, Jayden

Eugene, Maynard Lynk and Mylas Layne. He was a

gradunte of the Mathias twelve-year SChooI with the classOf 1971. He attended Potomac State College and was a

graduate ofWest Virginia Tech with a degree inMechanical Engineering. He was an empIoyee ofthe Mt.

Stom power plant, WOrking for thirtyreight years.

He attended the United Methodist Church at Hambleton

and was a member of the Pythagoras Lodge #128, A.F.&

A.M. ofParsous, Where he was a 32-degree Mason and a

member ofthe Osiris Temple ofWheeling. His hobbies

included hunting, being outdoors and he loved working

Final rites were conducted at Lohr & Barb Funeral home on

Sunday, November 6, 2016 at l:30 PM. Pastor Sue Metzner

Ociated and intement foowed at the Parsous City

Cemetery at Parsous, WV., Where the Pythngoras Lodge

28 A.F" & A.M. conducted masonic graveside rites.

GORDON MAILLOUX, former Guam Senator, died

Nov. 5 at his home. He was 96. While serving in the Gunm

Legislature, he was known ase Early Bird senator.

Mailloux worked for the U.S. Department ofJustis

Border Patrol in 1942 and a year later, joined the Amy,

Where he worked as an intelligence ocer throughout the

South Pacific during World War II, acCOrding to a news

release. Maioux came to Guam in 1947 as an undercover

agent, Sent by President Harry S. Truman to look into the

COSt Ofthe construction ofAndersen Air Force Base, Which

WaS 400 pereent over budget, the news release stated, and

ended up staying A news release stated that following his

assigrment Mai11oux chose to make Guam his pemanent

home and changed his name to Johmy Guem.He

Organizede Little Theater group, Which later became the

Gm Theater Guild, the news release stated, and he

Perfomed in more than 50 productions. Mai11oux was also

Very invoIved in cormunity organizatious, SuCh as the

Navy League of Gm, the American Legion, the

Phppine Scouts of Gm, the Gm Public Library and

Guam Rotary Club, He also served as the commander of

the Veteraus ofForeign Wars, Family and friends

remember the Gems by Gordon jewelry shop owner for his

many conbutions to various civic organizations, his Iove

for acting, and promoting Guam as a visitor destination. He

SPent decades serving the community in various capacities

teaching at George Washington High School, Serving as an

elected member of the Guam Board of Education, Chairing

the KGTF public television board and serving as a senator

in the 20th and 21st Gm Legislature from 1988-1992,

He served in the 20th and 21st Guam Legislatures from

1988 to 1992. A State Funeral was held November 2l,,

2016.

ORESTE LEOMBRUNO, age 91 years, a resident of

Chenoweth Creek Road, Elkius, PaSSed away Saturday,

December 3, 2016 at his home. He was bom December 29,

1924 at Coalton, a SOn Ofthe late Concezio and Agata

Petrella Leombrmo. He was twice married, first on

February 14, 1953 at Coalton; he was married to Betty Joan

Hicks who preceded him in death June 12, 1982. They had

been married for twenty nine years and had four children,

Then on August 9, 2002 at Elkius, he was married to

Wilma Fas who survives. He is also survived by his

Children, Michael A. Leombruno and Libby of

Morgantown, Oreste Spike Leombrmo, Jr., and wife

Comie ofMorgantown, James A. Lmbrmo and wife

Kathy of Elkius and Theresa Leombrmo Tumer and

husband Michael of Morgantown and one sister, Libretta

Leombrmo Howe11 ofElkius. AIso surviving are his

grandchildren, Nicole Bennetta and husband Amadeo,

Cortney Sisler and husband Nathan, Anthony Leombrmo,

Eve Leombrmo, Nicholas Lmbruno and wife Janeth,

Mikayla Lmbruno, Zachary Leombrmo, Griffen

Leombruno and Ross Tumer. Great grandchildren, Evalee

and Aliyah Sisler and Leila Bemetta and several nieces and

nephews also survive. AIso preceding him in death was one

broer, Eugene Lcombrmo and one sister, Jeanette

Lcombruno Dunire. Oreste attended Coalton High School

and had worked for sixty five years in coal and construction

reclanation. He retired at the age of 83 from Polino

Contracting where he worked as a supervisor, He eIoyed

Playing the accordion, gardening and keeping a well-

groomed lawn. He loved speaking and cooking Italian and

enjoyed traveling back to his native town ofBagnaturo,

Italy and visiting relatives. He was a member of Saint

Brendan Catholic Chunh and the Knights of Columbus. He

dearly loved his family and his most precious times were

cooking his spaghetti sauce for the large family gatherings.

At St. Brendan Catholic Chureh in Elkius, a Wake Servi

WaS reCited at 7:00 PM Tuesday withe Very Rev. Mark

T. Gallipeau, VF.The Mass of Christian Burial was

lebrated at l l :00 AM Wednesday Dec 7, With the Very

Rev. Mark T. Ga11ipeau, VF as the Celebrant. Intement

followed in the St. Brendan Cemetery in Elkius.

PATRTCIAPAT" A. NEEHOUSE CRUMM, 58, Of

Moundsvi11e, WV, PaSSed away Tuesday, Dec13, 2016 at

Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV. She was

bom March 9, 1958 in Glen Dale, WV.

She is preceded in death by her father, FloydDeanNeehouse and her grandmother.

Pat was a Methodist by faith, She loved to travel, gO tO the

beach, garden, and plant flowers. She was a fomer oce

manager for Berry Supply, former owner of Grandya Johns

in Helvetia, WV, fomer manager of Senior Houslng

forUnited Chureh Homes, former cook for Green, and

RandoIph County SchooI Systems, and worked with the

Girl Scouts ofAmenca and the Boy Scouts ofAmerica.

Pat lS Survived by her husband, MartyCrummof

Moundsvl11e;mOther,Silvia(Toler) Neehouse of

Moundsville, Children Tonia(Mike) Tifmer of Pickens, WV

and Marty Jr.(Jessica) Crumm of Shadyside, OH; Sister

Pemie(Bi11) OBrien of Culpepper, Va; Six grandchildren.

Kasi, Chad, Shama, Noah, Gracie and Mason and several

Other family members.

CHARLES WILLIAM MCIE. age 7l, OfSelbyville,

Went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 18,

2016, athlShome. HewasbomonMay 12, 1945, in

Webster County, a SOn Ofthe late Bessie McIe. On Apri1

23, 1965, he was united m marriage to Linda Collius McIe,

Who survives. AIso survivmg are four sons: Charles McIe

and wife Vicki of Charleston, Melvin McIe and wife Sherry

OfSelbyville, Damy McIe and fianc6e Betty Jo Bender of

Gassaway, and Harold Cogar of Charleston; tWO

granddaughters: Ashley and husband Raymond Pemington

and Amanda and husband Anthony Holley; four great

grandchildren: Chase, Alayna, Alaura, and Carter; tWObrothers: Jim and Robert Brownmg; and three sisters: EIsie

Sayre, Roberta Hunan, and Sharon Freeman. In addition

to his mother, he was also preceded in death by two

grandchildren: Melvm McIe and Maranda Bosley.

DR.ARTHUR B. HOLMES JR" age 80 of Buckhamon,

died January 8, 2017. He was bom February 2l, 1936 in

Huntsville, Ala, the son of Arthur and Wilma Holmes. In

1965he married Jolanda Stuber who survives. AIso

Survivmg are two sisters, Rebecca Knight and Cynthia

Holmes; tWO nieces, tWO nePhews, and his extended family

in Switzerland. Dr. Holmes was the Dean ofthe Chapel at

West Virginla Wesleyan College. He was a professor and

Ordalned minister. His memorial service was held January

12, 2017 ofWVWC Wesley Chapel. Dr. Holmes served as

a supply pastor many tlmeS at ZIOn Presbyterian Church in

Helvetia.

WARREN SMITH age 77, OfBuckhannon, WV and a

fomer resident of Cleveland, Ohio for thirtyve years,

died after a long battle with cancer on Saturday, January

14, 2017, at his home under the care ofhis family and WV

Hospice. He was bom in RandoIph County, On June 23,

1939, a SOn Ofthe late Frank and Femie Cutright Smith. He

WaS united in mamage on July 7, 1960, tO Rachel M.

Golden Smith, Who survives. In addition to his wife, he is

Survived by two daughters: Terry Smith McGuire

(Kemy)(deceased) of Parma, OH and Lisa Smith Dotson

(Rob) of Brmswick, OH; four grandchildren: SarallMcGuire of Pama, OH, Ashley Ressler (Matt) of Weston,

WV, Ryan and Nikki Dotson both ofBrmswick, OH; four

great grandchildren: Alex, Danielle, Charlie and Esme; tWObrothers: Dean q)attie) ofBuckhamon, WV and Wilbert

(Sandy) ofMill Creek, WV and several nieces andnephews. Mr. Smith was an avid outdoorsman who Ioved

to fish and hunt. He also Ioved to go bowling and enjoyed

SPending time with his family. He attended the Mt Hope

United Methodist Church. Friends were received at the

Heavner and Cutright Feral Chapel on Tuesday January

17th, 2017 Following visitation at 7:00 PM funeral

SerVICeS Were held with Rev. Robert Anderson and Rev.

Robert Heavner ociating. The body was cremated and a

PnVate family burial will be held at a later time.

BERNICE GWENDOLENE MORGAN age 96, OfPort

Orange, FL, died Monday, January 16, 2017, in Port

Orange. She was bom on September 26, 1920, at Weaver,

RandoIph County, WV, a daughter of the late Walter W.

and Ethel Corder Jones. She was united in maage to

Stephen M. Morgan, Who preceded her in death on

September 2l, 2014. She is survived by one son Michael

Stephen Morgan of Port Orange; three granddaughters:

Jennifer Coffey, Erin Teuton, and Heather Daniel; SeVen

great grandchildren; and one sister Mary Jane Shreeves.Mrs. Morgan was employed as a Beamg Inspector for the

Timken Roller Bearing Company for 40 years and 3

months. In retirement, She eOyed volunteering for Habitat

for Humanity. A graveside service was held , On Sarday,

January 28, 2017, at the Pine Grove Cemetery at Czar, WV,

With Pastor Rufus Hofelt ociating.

REV. PUL DONALD MARSDEN, 93, Of Roamg

Spring. PA and Fredencksburg passed from this life on

January 29, 2017 at Mal Washington Hospita.

SurvlVOrS lnClude his wife of70 years, Mar11yn Matheny

Marsden; his four children, Paul Dewey and wife, Dianna

OfFredericksburg David and wlfe Mary Beth of

Stevensv=le, MD, Elizabeth RIChter and husband Michael

OfPICkens West VA, and Susan Gi= and husband, John, Jr.

(Jack) of Spotsylvania, VA; five grandchildren, Aaron

Marsden and wife Wendy ofRaleigh, NC, Enc Marsden

and wlfe Kate of RIChmOnd, Scott Marsden and wife

Joanna ofStafford, Jaclyn Glll RulZ and husband Michael

OfPhiladelphia, and Kylle Marsden ofStevensvl=e, MD.

He also leaves four great-grandchlldren, Christian and

Mathew Marsden ofRalelgh, Mason Marsden ofStafford,

and Aurora Ruiz of Ph11adelphla; along wlth nephews, John

Ray and John Tom Marsden, and a niece, Mary Jo.He was

PreCeded m death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond

Marsden and wlfe Hazel, ThomaS Marsden and wife Janet;

hlS SISter Josephme Hamm and husband Harvey; nePhew

James Hamm; a great-granddaughter, Kaley Marie

Marsden. and a neCe, Ruth Fegley. Mr. Marsden

graduated from Roarlng Spring High School, Class of 194

He attended High Polnt Co11ege, NC and enteled the U.S.

Navy in 1943. He attended the University of South

Carolina before gomg On tO the Great Lakes Naval Trainmg

Center in I11inois. Rev, Marsden served a five-year

PaStOrate for two Presbyterlan COngregatlOnS in Helvetia

and PICkens. WV, and was the last pastor to reside in the

Helvetia church manse A memorial service for Rev.

Marsdenwas held at 1230pm on Feb. 11, atTrmlty

United MethodisI Church m Roag Spling. PA.

JESSIE VIRGINIA POTTS SANDERS MARSH, age

89, OfBuckhamon, died Tuesday, February 7, 2017, ln

UnlOntOWn, PA. She was bom Aug1St 2, 1927, ln Rock

Cave, the daughter ofthe late Sanford Roy and Pearl

Gertrude Eskew Potts. She was umted in malrlage On June

20, 1980, tO Benzil R. MalSh, Who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded ln death by her first husband, Hilton

Ienry Sanders. SurvlVmg are three sons: John RIChal.d

Sanders and wife Ramona ofCarmel, Indiana, Michael

Lorentz Sanders and wife Sarah of Rock Cave, and Randa=

Hllton Sanders ofBrownsvi=e, PA; foul. grandchildren:

Ashlyn Sanders LeBlanc and husband ChrlStOPher,

Michelle SandeIS Bailey and husband MIChael, Tracey

Sanders Comgan and husband Eric, and MIChalla Sanders

KrlSS and husband Jonathan; five great grandchildren:

Brandon and Nathamel Bailey and Abigail, Matthew, and

Alex Comgan; three step-grandchildren Kathryn Jo Goff, ,

Carl GoffIII, and Angela Collins; and, five step-great

glandchildren. Funeral services wele held on Saturday,

Februal-y l l, 2017

MARY LOU LEHMANN PAFFORD passed away

January 28, 2017. She was bom February 25, 1944, the

daughter of Louis A Lehmann and Matilda Oshmam

Lehmann. She is survived by her husband, Raymond

Pafford. AIso survivmg are a SOn, Ray Pafford and his wife

Tara. She is also survived by a daughter, Sherry and her

husband Thomas Brown.AIso survivmg are three

grandchildren Connor and Alexandria Brown and KatePafford. Mary Lou lS also survived by her sister Kathleen

Bohnam and two cIose cousins Shirley Bruno and Gus

Oshmann. A memorial service was held January 31, 2017

With Dr. Gary Brady officiating. Intement was at Antioch

Church Cemetery.

FROM OUR FRIENDS

FAMILY MILESTONE: A local family reaches a

milestone that not many families can claim these days.

John Ross Sassi and Ada JaneLenore Armentrout were

married in 1926 and had four children. All four children

including parents have all celebrated 50 years of mamage.

It all started with John and Ada when they married in 1926.

ey celebrated their 50th amiversary in Parkersburg, WV

in 1 976 at the Wilmar Restaurant with friends and falnily.

Following them, their first daughter Virginia ``JemieRose

Sie

Parkersburg, WV at the Holiday Inn in 1995 with friends

and family. John and Adas next daughter, Mary ``Edie

h,1?,nViema, WV at their home on the Ohio River with friends

and family in 2003. Their son Henry ``Tootie Dale Sassl,

married Helen May Kelley in 1959. They had three

children and celebrated their 50th amiversary at the Viema

Community Building in Viema, WV with friends and

family. John and Adas last daughter, Sue Am Sassi,

married Gary Lee Miller in 1966. They had two children.

ey celebrated their 50th anmversary this last October

2016, in Buckhamon, WV at Austins with friends and

family. With each amiversary each family received a

F

good times as well as bad times but their love for one

another has lasted over a total of250 years.

Congratulations to the Sassi family for the milestone this

family has accomplished. Notjust the parents celebrated

50 years, but all four oftheir children.

Submitted by: Helen Sassi

lst SGT.RUSSELL A. MORGAN of Helvetia retired from

the military after 42 years ofservice. Russe11 was bom to

the late Archie and Audrey(Langdon) Morgan of Palace

Valley, Upshur Co. After graduation from Buckhamon

Upshur in 1974 hejoined the Navy and did his training

in FIorida, Califomia and Mississippi. In 1977 he retumed

home andjoined the WV National Guard. During his

Kingwood, 1 092nd in Parkersburg, Joint Force

Headqunrters in Charleston and Buckhannon, 1 1 1th Det. in

Eleanor, the l 15th DeIn Clarksburg and 197th in

Kingwood. He has served his country overseas in

Honduras, Egypt and Ahanistan. In 1993 he took the

POSition ofmaterials handler at the USPFO for WV inBuckhamon. He worked his way up the ranks and at his

time of reement was serving as warehouse supervisor for

the USPFO which included 3 warehouses within the

State. Warehouse duties mVOIved supplying all WV

National Guard soldiers their supplies for training and

depIoyment and receivmg supplies from goverrment

SOurCeS for those soldiers. Russell is proud to have served

his country but is eroying home life and spending time

With kids and his six grandchildren. His son, Shane has

fo11owed in his fathers footsteps and has taken the position

Ofwarehouse supervisor since Russe=s retirement. Shane

has served in the WV National Guard for 15 years.

Submitted by: Thrayron Morgan

KEYSTONE AERIAL has surveyed and photographed

West Virginia, reCently flown over Helvetla and the looal

area, and has ties to one ofour own. Keystone Aerial

Surveys, Inc. specializes in providing quality aerial

SurveyS. Since 1963, Keystone has flown mi11ions ofsurvey

miles throughout the United States on prQjects with varied

SPeCcations. With four locations; Philadelphia, PA

eadquarters), Tyler, TX, Tucson, AZ and Los Angeles,

CA, the fllght department has considerable experience

CO11ecting airbome imagery at high and low altitudes in

SeVeral fomats including digital, film and LiDAR.

Keystone also collects and processes both Airbome GPS

(ABGPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data. ItshlStOry Of success unlquely qualifies Keystone to fly large

StateWide, and multiple county pects in one season.

Keystone is expert in the execution ofprqjects in all types

ofterrain and weather conditions as wel as in restricted

alrSPaCe. On the Federal level, Keystone has worked for the

USDA (NRI, WRP and NAIP, Forests), USGS, BLM,

FEMA, Corp of Engineers and NOAA.

Keystones President, John Schmitt who has 30 years

experience says, This business is fascinating. We operate

SOme Of the most advanced, State-Ofthe-art

equipment available in the geospatial industry. The

technoIogy is changing as such a rapid pace,

Keystone operates one ofthe largest private fleets of

aircraft (21), metric film camera systems (8), large

fomat Ultracam digital sensors (7), Urmamed Aerial

Systems (7 Drones) and multiple Optech LiDAR systems

(2); emPIoys flight crews consisting ofpilots, Camera

OPeratOrS, full time licensed aircraft mechanics and a fully

equipped and staffed photo lab and IT Department for

extensive post processmg SuPPOrt.

John, Schmitt is the son ofSusie Schneider Schmitt. Susie

is the niece ofAed and Margaret Koemer, and lived with

them while growing up and attending school in Helvetia

and Pickens. She was a 1958 graduate ofPickens School.

Susie has lived in the Philadelphia area since graduating

high school. She worked as a Loss Prevention Ocer for

Neiman Marcus and other stores before retiring. John and

his wife Lorraine and their children Emily and Jonathan

reside in the Philadelphia area.

Submitted by: Diane Betler

JESSE WILLIAM BURKY and RACHEL FRANCES

AUSTIN were married on Friday, December 301h 2016 by

Father Steven Parks in Altamonte Springs, FIorida at the

beautiful Amunciation Church on Montgomery Road.

Jesse is the son ofFreddy Jake Burky and Janet Geiger

Burky. Rachel is the daughter ofColette DCruz Austin

and the late Sergeant Mor Gary Austin, Rachel was

escorted by her brother, MOr Daniel Austin, Who lives in

San Diego, Califomia. The wedding party was fi11ed with

family and life-1ong friends. The best man was Jesses

brother Travis Burky. Rachels maid ofhonor was her

COuSin Stephanie DCruz. Her matron ofhonor was her

COuSin Vanessa Skimer. The groomsmen included Bre

Buky, Danny Austin, Mike Cumming and Matt Cumming.

The bride maids were Joanne DCruz, Sara DCruz and

Stephanie Hubsch. The stuming flower girls were nieces

JessICa and Ava Burky, daughters ofBrett Burky and his

wife Natalia Milorodova. The rehearsal dimer was held at

the Altamonte Springs Seasons 52 the previous night, The

guests were treated to a video chronicling Jesses and

Rachels life from birth to present. Music entertainment

WaS PrOVided by Fred, Brett, Travis Burky and Damy

Austin. Big brothers Brett and Damy both gave speeches

On grOWing up with Jesse and Rachel. It was heart felt and

funny. The reception was held at the stuming rotunda of

the Orlando History Museum. A wonderful toast was given

by the Best Man as well as the Mald and Matron ofHonor

and Damy Austin. The final two songs ofthe evening

Were ``Almost Heaven West Virginiaand Jesses Girl,

Everyone gathered in a large circle, locking ams in song.

It was a wonderful ending to a beautiful wedding.

Submitted by: Sandy Burky

2016 SUTTON FAMIIJy REUNTON On August 6, 2016

descendants of Bill Sutton, Dave Sutton and guests met at

the home ofJames and Linda Sunmerfield in Rawlings,

MD for their amunl family reunion, A picnic dimer was

Served at noon fonowed by a silent auction, gameS,

SWimming and an aftemoon ofreminiscing. A handmade

family name quilt was raed off and won by Jeff and Mary

SuO

Present were: Janie and Linda Sunmerfield, Julie

Summerfield and friend Sid, Andrew Sunmerfield , Kayla

Fisher, Robin and Paula Sunmereld, Max Sunmerfield,

Moss Sunmerfield and Jessie Sunmerfield from the

Rawlings, MD area; Leri Haison, Kemet Square, PA;

Joe and Hamah Sutton, LaDoma and Dave Manley, Joy

and Gary Musgrave, Missy Simons and Mahew Simons

frome Clarksburg, WV area; Jeame Wi111iams, East

Dailey, WV Bob and DoIores Williams, White Post, VA,

Peggy and Dee Thomas, Brad Thomas, Jules Stakem,

Marty Thomas, Marei Dare, and Wyatt Dare from the

Frostoung, MD area; Cimarron Thomas and Adara Thomas,

Lock Haven, PA; Comie Shaw and Comor Shaw, Silver

Spring, MD; Evelyn Overton, Westhampton, NY; Lois

Marsh and Jeannie Zickefoose, Buckhamon, WV; Kelley

and Ryan Heilman, and Alex Heilman, Uana, MD;

Terry Hammond, Bobby Hammond, Tina Krupa,

Shadyside, OH; Rosie Dulaney and Henry Dulaney,

Pickens, WV; Ida Cecchini, BurgeStOWn, PA; Phyis and

Leonard Grith and Lea Ame Grith, Valley Bend, WV

Mike and Tracy Sutton, Tiffany and Brian Bemett, Jordan

Sutton, Makema Bemett, Hudson Bemett, Jeff and Mary

Sutton from the Columbus, OH area; Doma Jean and Don

Lauthers, Rebecca Stamer and friend, BucymS,OH; GIoria

and Ray Schlosser, Becky and Bill Klipstin, Zack Klipstin,

Romie and Darlene Summerfield, Rawlings, MD area.

JEANNE SUTTON muLIAMS was honored with a

90th birthday party at her home on Jamlary 14, 2017. It was

a memorable day with cards, Ca11s, gifts Facebook wishes

and sharing the day in person, eSPeCially her 92 year old

brother, Joe SuOn and 80+ yearsold sisters, Jessie

Sunmerfield and Rosa Dulaney. Her younger brother,

Lconard, WaS unable to be there due to being hospitalized

(but he is doing better now). It was a terrific day and her

heart is still over flowing with all the good wishes and

happy bhdays, Thanks to everyone that shared it with her

and may God bless each and every one. Jeame is the

daughter of late William and Ameda Sutton and was

married to the late Oliver Red- Wans" The party was

given by her children, Bob Williams, (who was absent dueto illness) Steve Williams, Peggy Thomas, and Comie

Shaw.

CONNOR GAIN was bom December 15, 2016. He is the

son ofBeiamin Gain and Mackenzie Miller. Comor

Weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces. Comors patemal

grandparents are Leroy and Nancy Daetwyler Gain of

Helvetia. His matemal grandmother is Brenda Mi11er.

Comorjoins his little brother Chance who isree years

old.

Around Christmas time, rePOrter Beth Christian Broschart

Ofthe Inter Mountain went to the CoIonial Place in Elkins.

She asked some of the residents to share Christmas stories

Ofdays gone by. Remembering when the world was a

much different place.

Aunt NORMA DAETWYLER MOORE STALNAKER

Who tumed 91 on January 5, 2017 said she could

remember growmg uP in Helvetia and her families special

Christmas tree.

``My mother had two bachelor great uncles who lived on

the hill above our house. My uncles used to come to our

home every Christmas because they loved our tree

Stalnaker said she remembers how beautiful the tree

SParkled each year.We lived on a big fam and my dad

WOuld go out and cut down a fresh tree and bring it into the

house. We had real candles. We put in little things that

Clipped on the tree and we would bum the candes.

My great uncles really eOyed seeing that tree so much.

This is one ofmy favorite Christmas memories.

Stalnakers parents were Paul and Ama Zumbach

Daetwyler. Her great uncles were Gotlieb and Christian

Zumbach, She was the salutatorian ofthe Pickens SchooI

Class of 1944 and graduated from Davis and Elkins

College in 1948.My first teaching job was at Pickens High School four

years after I graduated. I taught at the Elkins Junior Highom 1961 to 1967.

Submitted by FIora Ke11ey.

A letter from KATHLEEN BONHAM:

Dear Faithful Messengers, Thank you for your devotion in

getting the Helvetia/Pickens news out to all ofus scattered

about the untry. I know every reader loves the

Helvetia/Pickens area, including those West Virginia hills

just as much as I do. Everything I leamed in West Virginiaand from Zion Presbyterian Church is planted in my heart

fo rever.

I am sad to report to you that my sister Mary Lou

(Lehmam)Pafford has passed away after a long battle with

Canr. She was truly a servant of God in her community

and we are relieved that she no Ionger has to suffer. She

WaS a SChool teacher by profession. She also served as the

President ofthe Pink Ladies Society in her area of Georgia.

When we were teenagers taking tums being Sunday schooI

SeCretary at Zion Presbyterian, Mary Lou took her tum to

heart and became the church sretary for her chureh,

Antioch United Methodist in Adel, Georgia. She was laid

to rest beside the church she so faithfully served. She will

be sorely missed by her community and her family.

Mary Lou and I grew up on our grandfathers farm in

Helvetia. It is now Garland Ke11eys fam. Please notify

the dear hearts ofHelvetia and place her obituary in your

next Messenger.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fasnacht Celebration-February 25

Alumni Basketba11 Game -March l l. 7PM

Maple SynlP Festival--March 18 & 19

Pickeus Ramp Dimer April 1 5

Helvetia Ramp Dimer --Apri1 29

Pickens ATV Ride-----------May 6

Pickens SchooI Senior/Alumni Banquet--May 1 3

Helvetia Cemetery Decoration----- June l l

Pickens Cemetery Deration---------June 1 8

Follow Your Bliss Music Festival-June 23 & 24

Helvetia Fair Weekend--Sept. 9 & 10