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Worth Miller, age 75, of Cabins, W.Va., passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at his home.

Born December 15, 1950 in Seneca Rocks, W.Va., he was a son of the late Denton Miller and Chloe B. (Lough) Miller. In addition to his parents, Worth was preceded in death by fi ve sisters, infant JoAnn Miller, Mae Sites, Joy Rao, Pauline Phares and Sweetie Vance; four brothers, Gene Miller, Dewey Miller, Roosevelt Miller and Johnie Denton Miller; two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

Worth is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patty Sue (White) Miller; one son, Shaylon W. Miller (Robin) of Cabins; one daughter, Chlorenda M. Booth (Brian) of Petersburg, W.Va.; two grandchildren, Caleb Arbaugh and Kaitlin Booth; one stepgranddaughter, Michelle Wolfe; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Danica Wolfe and Delanie Wolfe; two sisters, Josie Champ (Dayton) of Lahmansville, W.Va. and Velma Bland of Seneca Rocks; one brother, Truman Miller (Connie) of Seneca Rocks; three sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Miller, Nouvelle Helmick and Wyoma Orebaugh; four brothers-in-law, Earl Sites, Golden Helmick, Carlton White and Larry White; and several nieces and nephews.

Worth was an employee for Greer Limestone Company for 33 years and also worked on the late Doan Harman farm for 13 years.

Funeral services will be today, Tuesday, January 13, 11 a.m. at Schaeffer Funeral Home chapel, Petersburg, with Pastor Lynn Durbin offi ciating. Interment will be private at the Miller Family Cemetery, Seneca Rocks. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, c/o Patty S. Miller, 175 Miller Lane, Cabins, WV 26855. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-13-26)

James Alan Roby, age 82, of Fredericksburg, Va., died peacefully December 29, 2025, in Fredericksburg.

Born October 6, 1943, in Petersburg, W.Va., at the King Clinic on Virginia Avenue, he was the son of the late Benjamin Grant Roby who died November 28, 1965 and the late Jeanne Lorraine Dyher Roby who died January 1, 2015. He was also preceded in death by two infant brothers.

Mr. Roby grew up in Petersburg and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1961 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from The Huntington Barber College in Huntington, W.Va. and worked in Washington, D.C. cutting hair for several years. He then held several administrative positions.

He met the love of his life, Diane, and they were married in August 1967 at The Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, Va. Upon their return from honeymooning in the Poconos, he received his draft orders from the United States Army. He served at Fort Bragg in North Carolina from 1967-1969. Following his discharge, he continued to work during the day while taking college classes at night. He was able to fi nish his college education, graduating from George Mason University in 1971 with a B.A. in Business and Public Administration. He also began graduate studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

He served as Personnel Director at Bank of Virginia 1972-1975 and was President and Co-Owner of Libra Engineering, a government contracting and construction fi rm and President and Owner of Strandex, an electrical services fi rm, both in Alexandria, Va.

In 1980, he and Diane sought a less hectic lifestyle than the one they led in Northern Virginia. They bought the Hermitage Inn in Petersburg, and moved their young family to Mr. Roby’s hometown. The property had just 17 rooms, a craft shop and three employees at the time, but grew to 37 rooms and a restaurant during their 31-year tenure. During that time, Mr. Roby was also a part-time real estate agent.

When he wasn’t playing golf or skiing with his many friends, he kept busy as a member of the Potomac Highlands Travel Council, Grant County Industrial Authority, Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Petersburg Presbyterian Church and Kiwanis. Mr. Roby and his wife lived in Statesville, N.C. for 12 years where he worked for Manheim delivering vehicles for auction in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. They later moved to Fredericksburg, Va. to be closer to their daughter and her family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Diane Strauss Roby, of Fredericksburg; one daughter, Candis Roby Wenger (Mark) of Fredericksburg; two grandchildren, Eve Lorraine Wenger and Cameron Jude Wenger; two brothers, Benjamin Grant Roby (Deborah) of Washington Court House, Ohio and Richard S. Roby (Shirley) of Georgetown, Texas; one sister, Ann Roby Cunningham (Jay) of Bonita Springs, Fla.; brother-in law, Donald Choate Strauss (Jane) of Statesville, N.C.; four nephews, Gary Ket Strauss (Ronda), Benjamin Grant Roby (Holly), Geoffrey Ross Cunningham (Karen), and Jason Grant Cunningham (Christy); four nieces, Shayna Strauss (David), Crystal Pope Troutman (Jamie), Erin Roby Buerk (Phillip), and Shannon Roby Gonzalez (Rene). He is also survived by three great-nephews and six great-nieces.

According to his wishes, Mr. Roby was cremated. A memorial service will be held in Petersburg in the spring. In lieu of fl owers, memorials may be sent to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 10601 Courthouse Road, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-13-26)

Curtis Junior Harman, age 82, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, W.Va.

Born May 31, 1943, in Rough Run, W.Va., he was a son of the late Curtis T. Harman and Violet L. (Kimble) Harman. In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Bessie Ann Harman; one brother, Richard Harman; and two sisters, Doris Jean Parsons and JoAnn Simmons.

Buck, as he was known to all, was a 1962 graduate of Petersburg High School and was an award winning 4-H member. He served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. He retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways and later worked at Wolford’s Well & Pump services and 7-11. He was a member of Hedrick Chapel Church. He married Shirley F. Thorne and had three children, Bessie Ann, Crystal Gail and Curtis Glenn Harman.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Shirley Bays of Keyser, W.Va.; one sister, Donna F. Snider of Martinsburg; one daughter, Crystal Friend and husband Dennis VanMeter of New Creek, W.Va; one son, Curtis Glenn Harman of Petersburg; his “other daughter” Linda Kimble; nine grandchildren, Michael Haggerty and Melissa, Destiny Winebrenner and Joe, Harlee Mayhew and Jacob, Austin Harman, Jacob Friend, Malina Price, Madison Long, Carlie Long and Aiden Harman; six great-grandchildren, Caiden Nelson, Axel Haggerty, Annabella Haggerty, Joel Winebrenner, Roman Winebrenner and Kinnsely Racey. Also several nieces and nephews that were a big part of his life.

A few that he spent a lot of time with were Jim and Bev Tompkins, Terri and Denny Woods, James and Jeanie Dove and Ed and Wendy Thorne. Pap, Uncle Buck, Buster or Daddy or Mayor of Rough Run – He wore a lot of hats in his family and community and will be missed greatly by all.

Buck’s wishes were to be cremated and later have a memorial “get together” at the family camp. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-13-26)

Harold Tongen, age 75, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on January 6, 2026.

Born October 9, 1950, to Sherwood and Helen Tongen, he raised on the family potato farm near Walhalla, N.D. Harold was the family entertainer; his talent for mimicking animals and people brought constant laughter to his six siblings and subsequently to all who came to know him. After attending Valley City State College and NDSU, he farmed alongside his father for six years. Infl uenced by three professors while studying at Jamestown College—two of whom were Presbyterian ministers—he developed a deep interest in seminary education, which eventually led him to Princeton Theological Seminary.

In 1982 he married and adopted Anthony and Andrea, cherished children who brought him many blessings. Harold’s true vocation fl ourished after earning his Master of Divinity. He was ordained in October of 1985 and served his fi rst call in Stoneboro, Pa. at the Amity and Irwin Presbyterian churches. Harold became known for sermons that blended humor with the powerful message of the Gospel. He eventually specialized as an interim pastor, using his rare gift of confl ict resolution to guide congregations in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and West Virginia until his retirement in December of 2019.

In his retirement years, Harold took great pleasure in golfi ng and serving as emcee for the annual golf banquet. When the time came to step away from the game, he discovered renewed purpose and profound joy through dedicated volunteering at Petersburg Elementary School, where his warmth and humor touched countless young lives, much as he had encouraged his family and congregations.

Harold is survived by his son, Anthony (Megan) of Harrisonburg, Va. and daughter, Andrea (Steve) Wolfe of Grove City, Pa., and grandchildren, Micah, Paul, Samuel, Estrella, Ana and Milagros Tongen, and Jack and Mark Wolfe. He is also survived by siblings Jean (Don) Paulson, Robert (Nona), Dan (Koreen), John, and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, George, in Vietnam in 1968.

Harold’s legacy of faith, humor, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Harold’s extraordinary life, visit his tribute wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome. com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fraley Funeral Home, Moorefi eld, W.Va. (1-13-26)

Emily Virginia (Dolly) Weatherholtz, age 85, of Lahmansville, W.Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 1, 2026, at Devlin Manor in Cumberland, Md.

Born January 12, 1940, in Dollytown, Pendleton County, W.Va. She said her Grandma Rebecca Dolly delivered her. She was the daughter of the late Henson Dolly and Rhoda (Moyers) Dolly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester “Bud” Weatherholtz who passed away January 12, 2017. They had been married for 59 years. Emily was also preceded in death by her brothers, Emory and Elvin Dolly, sisters Esta and Brenda Dolly; and her granddaughter, Jacquelyn Weatherholtz. She is survived by her fi ve children, Letha Long (John), Luther Weatherholtz (Dianna), Loretta Berg (Vence), Laura Trichel (Bobby) and Lester “Leroy” Weatherholtz (Tracey); her sister Elsie Mauzy (Edward); 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She also leaves behind a host of friends, including her best friend, Josie Champ.

Emily was a member of the Lahmansville United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for several years. She was involved with the Ladies Aide Charge and was a homemaker. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and she loved her family. Her smile was infectious. She was known for her homemade bread, which she shared at the church and with family and friends. Emily was proud of her fl owers, gardens and her ability to grow just about anything. She loved sewing and made several quilts for her family.

Funeral services are today, Tuesday, January 6, 11 a.m., at the Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, with Pastor Mark Sprouse offi ciating. Burial will be in the Weatherholtz Family Cemetery, Lahmansville, W.Va. Memorials may be made to the Lahmansville United Methodist Church. c/o Beth Mallow, 346 Appalachia Ridge, Petersburg, WV 26847. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-6-26)

Marie Myrtle Kile, age 80, of Cabins, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the home of her sister, Mary Rohrbaugh.

Born December 18, 1945, in Cabins, she was a daughter of the late Forrest E. Kile and Kathleen M. (Groves) Kile. In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by one sister, Sarah May Kile and one brother, James E. Kile.

Marie attended Petersburg High School and was a lifelong farmer. She also worked at Windsor Knit Sewing Factory and attended Corner United Methodist Church.

She is survived by one sister, Mary E. Rohrbaugh and husband Billy Ray Rohrbaugh of Cabins; two nephews, Joey Rohrbaugh and Jason Rohrbaugh; and several cousins.

In honoring Marie’s request, a private burial will be in the Smith Family Cemetery and Marie will be laid to rest beside her parents. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements were by Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-6-26)

Virginia Lee Phillips, 93, of Petersburg, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg.

Born July 27, 1932, in Petersburg, she was the daughter of the late Homer Lee and Anna Laura Ardelia (Mongold) Swick. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Pete Phillips; three brothers, Jack, Jim and Vernon “Bob” Swick; and fi ve sisters, Janet Williams, Rose Turner, Lucy Martin, Kathlene Romsburg and Helen Hartman.

Virginia graduated from Petersburg High School and was a homemaker.

She is survived by three daughters, Brenda Harlow of Petersburg, Karen Lee Green of Gainesville, Va. and Deborah Eskridge of Petersburg; one son, Gregory Phillips of Nevada; two brothers, Roger Swick of Petersburg and John Swick of Moorefi eld; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In honoring Virginia’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home. (1-6-26)

John Doyle Layton, age 68, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Born July 15, 1957, in Keyser, W.Va., he was a son of the late David Franklin Layton and Elma Gail (Carr) Layton.

John is survived by two sons, Casey D. Layton and wife Jessica of Fairmont, W.Va. and Cody K. Layton of Fairmont, W.Va.; two grandchildren, Carter and Elowen Layton; three sisters, Celia Jean Constable, Tammy Lynn Biddle and Cynthia Marie Morton; two brothers, David W. “Bill” Layton and Robert Layton and several nieces and nephews.

John was a graduate of Keyser High School. He was a truck driver for years traveling over a million miles covering nearly every state in America. He was a lover of animals and enjoyed farming and taking care of his livestock. His passion was spending time on Cave Mountain where he could always be found.

Funeral services were Sunday afternoon, January 4, at the Schaeffer Funeral Home chapel, Petersburg, with Pastor Calvin Redman offi ciating. Interment was in the Lahmansville Cemetery, Lahmansville, W.Va. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-6-26)

Mary Mae Alexander, 87, of Keyser, W.Va., formerly of Grant County, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Keyser Healthcare Center while under the care of Mountain Hospice.

Born January 8, 1938, in Rough Run, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Curry David “Doc” Thorne and Bertha Mae (Hinkle) Thorne. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Alexander; her brothers, Andrew and Richard Thorne; and her sisters, Pauline Ketterman and Betty Courtney.

She is survived by her devoted children, Beverly Mae Poling and husband, Andrew of Keyser, and Doug Alexander and wife, Dorothy of Petersburg, W.Va. She was blessed with numerous grandchildren, including Greg Murphy, Brittney Poling and signifi cant other Bryan Amtower, Kayla Poling and signifi cant other Shane Sanders, Austin Alexander and wife Ashley, and Trista Williams and husband Mike. She also had a host of great-grandchildren, Kaleb Rice, Ashton Murphy, Raelyn Green, Brayden Amtower, Paislee and River Fox, Kolson Sanders, Jaxson Moreland, Aurora and Milani Alexander, and Aaron and Adessa Williams.

A dedicated homemaker, mother and grandmother, Mary was known for her caring disposition, ever-present smile, and uplifting words. She was a born-again Christian and an active member of the Keyser Church of God, where she faithfully participated in the prayer chain. Her contagious laughter and love for spending time with her family, particularly helping to raise her grandchildren, will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service was conducted Saturday, January 3 at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, with Pastor Larry Idleman offi ciating. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Mountain Hospice and especially to Darla Swiger for their excellent care in Mary’s fi nal days.

Mary’s legacy of love, faith, and family will endure through the many lives she touched. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends, and her memory will forever echo in the laughter and joy of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be profoundly missed and eternally remembered. (1-6-26)

Dollene Kay (Eskridge) Wilson, age 77, of Petersburg, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at E.A. Hawse Healthcare Center in Baker, W.Va.

Born February 24, 1948, in Petersburg, she was the daughter of the late Paul Franklin Eskridge and Mable Virginia (Sites) Eskridge.

Dollene is survived by one daughter, Dorene K. Wilson VanMeter and husband Randy of Cabins, W.Va.; two sons, Daniel B. Wilson and wife Patricia of Woodstock, Va. and Derick E. Wilson and wife Heather Bergdall of Moorefi eld, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle, Nicholas and Christian; four stepgrandchildren, Kerigan, Micah, Trevor and Travis; fi ve great-grandchildren, Emma, Winter, Alice, Ava and Hudson; two stepgreatgrandchildren, Jasmyn and Jayden; one stepgreatgreat-grandson, Atlas; two brothers, Donald K. Eskridge and wife Pamela of Petersburg and David K. Eskridge and wife Carolyn of Hinton, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews.

Dollene was a 1966 graduate of Petersburg High School. She attended Catherman’s Business College in Cumberland, Md. and was an assistant manager at her family’s business, Sites Restaurant, until closing. She worked at the Shining Star Bookstore in Petersburg until the 1985 fl ood. Dollene was manager for High’s/7-11 both in Petersburg and Moorefi eld and retired after 33 years.

Dollene’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 7, from 6–8 p.m. at Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg. A funeral service will be Thursday, January 8, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Rick Bergdoll offi ciating. Interment will be in South Branch Valley Memorial Gardens, Petersburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chainbreakers Recovery Group, 102 Nature Lane, Maysville, WV 26833. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (1-6-26)

Petersburg, WV

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