Amelia Patricia Shenasky Zentz, the
grande dame of Monongah, passed away Friday, September 22 at her home on
Shenasky Avenue.
Amelia was the blonde behind the counter of her parents’ P.P.
Shenasky Grocery when I was growing up in Monongah. Amelia and Nell, her
mother, handed out free candy to the children of the parents who shopped at the
store.
Amelia was a fantastic dancer and was invited to compete in
ballroom dancing in New York City at 19, at the famous Cotton Club.
Her partner, the late Walt DeWitt, was her dancing partner for
years, including in West Virginia. They were the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
of Monongah.
Joining Amelia behind the Shenasky counter was Bruce Zentz, her
husband. In 1968 George Shaw built their Dairy Kone on property that once
housed Joe Hanus’ garage. It was across
U.S. 19 where children played baseball in the 1940s and where brothers Angelo
and Alec Catania built the Sinclair service station that covered part
of the baseball field where children played before the Catania
family -- father, the brothers and two sisters – moved to Covina,
California.
After 18 years, Bruce and Amelia – married
for 55 years -- sold the Dairy Kone to Chris Martin, Monongah’s #1
photographer, who had worked for the Zentz couple for a few years.
Later owners were Patty McCombs, Milton
Hurley, Larry and Donna Anderson, Gary and Diane Masters and Lloyd and Sandra
Parrish.
I visited Amelia every time I toured
Monongah. She always said, “There’s my boyfriend.”
A tribute I cherished.
Pete and Nell bought the Shenasky building
from Mr. Martin in 1921. Pete, who
passed away at the age of 69, sold the building to John Boggess, son of Evelyn Kasper Boggess, Class of
1953, and retired coal miner Okey Boggess, who still owns the building today.
Amelia and Bruce also accumulated a roomful of bowling trophies.
This woman could do anything, including play a wicked around of golf that brought
her more trophies.
But, most of all, she could make the children of Monongah smile
with a few pieces of free candy and a “welcome!” greeting.
Bruce passed away years ago from Lou Gehrig's
Disease (ALS, amyotropic lateral sclerosis), after 55 years of marriage to
Amelia. Her brother, dentist Dr. John Henry Shenasky, also passed away.
Amelia had a fantastic memory. You mention a name from
Monongah’s past and Amelia was an encyclopedia of their life events.
When I phoned Amelia once, and said, “This is John Jr. Olesky,” she
responded: “Johnny and Lena’s boy, on Church Street. I remember you and your
sister, Jackie,” Olesky Straight, Class of 1955, who lives in Rivesville.
Bon voyage, Amelia. Be sure to give St.
Peter some of your amazing candy corn. Tell him your "boyfriend" told you to do it.
Amelia’s obituary:
Amelia Patricia Zentz, 102, of Monongah
passed away Friday morning September 2, 2022 at her residence. She was born in
Tucker County on January 11, 1920 daughter of the late Peter Paul and Nellie M.
Shenasky.
She previously worked at Westinghouse and Consolidated Air Craft
in the payroll departments. Amelia also worked at her family’s store in
Monongah the P.P. Shenasky’s General Store.
Amelia enjoyed bowling, golf, was a professional dancer and a good
athlete. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah. She
was great supporter of Monongah and WVU athletics.
She is survived by her nephew Dr. John H. Shenasky, II of
Salisbury, Maryland. She also had numerous God children.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her
husband Bruce Zentz in 1997 and her brother Dr. John H. Shenasky in 2008.
Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue
Fairmont on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 5-7:00 p.m. The Catholic Funeral
Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic
Church with Fr. Romeo Bacalso, S.V.D. as celebrant. Interment will follow at
Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Holy Spirit Catholic
Church, Fairmont Marion County Food Pantry, American Cancer Society or a
charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.rossfh.com.
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