North Marion High graduate and former Monongah Middle School student Taylor Thompson has become the first female firefighter at McConnell Air Force Base since 1997, according to a post on the Monongah Fire Department Facebook page.

The post:

“Today is a special day for one of our own. Taylor N. Thompson is working her first shift as an Air Force firefighter. She is the first female firefighter at McConnell Air Force Base since 1997. Congrats kid! You earned it.”

Taylor is a great-granddaughter of the late Mary Jean “Mickey” Walker Aldridge, Monongah’s town clerk for 30 years.

Chris Thompson, nephew of Larry Danny Eates, works at Marion County Homeland Security & Emergency Management and lives in Worthington. He once resided in Hundred. I found Chris and Taylor in a family gathering photo.

Danny Thompson, Class of 1975, and wife Letha, daughter of the late Betty Morris Gorbey, live in Monongah.

Dene Saban Thompson, Alabama coach Nick Saban’s sister, is a teacher in Monongah. She is married to former Monongah High football player Leroy Thompson, Class of 1964, who played under legendary coach Jim Feltz in the early 1960s. George Leroy Thompson attended the 2014 Monongah High Alumni reunion with Jerry Thompson, Joann Thompson and Sam Thompson. Joann and Sam also attended the 2018 MHS Alumni Reunion.

Leroy and Jerry both worked at Four States Mine #20, whose survivors hold reunions. Leroy also headed up the reunion of former Hutchinson School students that drew 63 in 2015.

Joann Davis Thompson, Class of 1962, is married to Don Thompson. Joann's sister is Marlene Davis Christopher, also Class of 1962. Joann lives in Fairmont after her WVU graduation. She retired after 43 years at Pleasant Acres Christian Haven since 1972. Joann is the widow of Don Thompson.

Sandy Thompson Barton, Class of 1967, lives in Fairmont.

Violet Irene Satterfield Thompson, Class of 1942, lives in Worthington. Her brother is Steven “Bucky” Satterfield, Class of 1949, of St. Albans, part of the faceitiously named Gang That Terrorized Marion County that I ran around with as a teenager. Bucky is a retired West Virginia State Police Officer. He went from being chased by the police to being a policeman.

I haven’t been able to definitely connect any of the Thompsons mentioned except Chris to Taylor. If you know, post on the John Olesky Facebook page or email me at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com Thank you.

Patricia Lambert Fortney passes away

Patricia Lambert Fortney of Worthington passed away Friday, August 2 in the home of her mother, Mary Lambert, who is the widow of Sam A. Lambert.

Patricia Lambert Fortney

Patty was the widow of Larry Blaine Anderson.

Patty’s brother, Robert Lee Fortney, who married Fairmont East graduate Diane Mercer Fortney, is deceased.

Other siblings are Samuel R. Lambert of Bridgeport, Peggy Sue Lambert Hollabaugh of Monongah, Jean Lambert DeBarr of Monongah and Joy Lambert Curtis of Worthington

Patty’s obituary:

Patricia Anderson

February 01, 1960 - August 02, 2019

Patricia Anderson, 59, of Worthington, passed away Friday, August 02, 2019 at her mother’s home, after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was born February 01, 1960 in Fairmont, WV, daughter of Mary Fortney of Monongah and the late Sam A. Lambert.

Patricia was a member of Jewel City Church in Shinnston, and a former manager at Walmart, for 19 years.  The highlight of her life was a trip to Jerusalem and Israel, her cats, and participating in events at the Jewel City Church.

In addition to her mother, Patricia is survived by a special niece, that she raised as a daughter, Mary Jo Curtis and fiancé Kenneth Watson of Worthington, and their son Colton; a brother Samuel R. Lambert of Bridgeport; three sisters, Peggy Sue Hollabaugh of Monongah, Jean DeBarr and husband Joseph of Monongah, and Joy Curtis and husband Jack of Worthington; two nieces, Devanna Corley and husband Tony, and Brooklyn Lambert; five nephews, Sam Lambert and wife Courtney, Tony Lambert and wife Dorothy, Stephen Hollabaugh, Zach Curtis, and Joseph DeBarr; and several great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her father, Patricia is preceded in death by her husband Larry Blaine Anderson; mother and father-in-law, Hattie and Johnny Anderson; Brother, Brooks A. Lambert; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lambert; maternal grandparents, Brooks and Margaret Fortney; paternal grandparents, Paul and Lilly Lambert; and many Aunts and Uncles.

Special thanks to her mother, sisters, Hospice, Diane Fortney, and Jewel City Church for all of their help.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Ave. Fairmont, on Sunday, August 04, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be held Monday, August 05, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Robert Shingleton officiating.  Interment will follow at the WV National Cemetery in Grafton.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com  

1989 North Marion grad Jenny Sypult Shaver passed away Wednesday, July 17.

Jenny is survived by husband Ronnie Shaver. Her children are Steve Haught and Corbin Sypult.

Jenny Sypult Shaver

Her parents are Rick and Gloria Sypult. Jenny’s siblings are Hiedi and Ricky.

Ronnie’s parents are Mitzi Shaver and the late Kenneth Ray Shaver, a Monongah High graduate who was a son of Arlie Shaver and Eva Davis Shaver. Ronnie’s siblings are Carolyn Sue Shaver Fletcher of Fairmont  and James Arlie Shaver of Monongah.

 

Jenny had her own hairdresser business for more than 20 years.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Later, it spread to her liver. She was a regular at the WVU Cancer Institute.

To support Jenny and breast cancer fighters and survivors, pink flamingo statues and flamingo shirts flew up all over Monongah.

 

Jenny was honored by the Marion County Rescue Squad as a breast cancer fighter.

Recently, Jenning posted:

“My thanks to Tonia Carr Posten, Candice Fugera Norris and Mariah Carr for helping me! I swear you all have been my rock!

“And to Gloria Sypult, Heidi Sypult, Jessica Graham Sypult, Seneca Toothman, Sarah Werner. You all have never left my side! You all have been here to fight like Goliath!

“And all the texts from my friends! Wow! I have so much support! I am so lucky!

“And finally my husband and my boys, Steve Haught and Corbin Sypult. God gave me you three for a reason. I don't know what I would do without you 3! I want you three right beside me all the time! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!”

This is exactly the kind of appreciative fighting spirit that made Monongah rally around Jenny for years. She fought the good fight. She is a role model for all of us dealing with health problems and adversity in life.

When Paula and I visited New Zealand in 2013 we climbed Baldwin Street in Dunedin, then billed as the steepest residential street in the world.

I was 80 years old at the time. And the oldest person on the SmarTours bus to make the climb.

I got a standing ovation upon my return to the bus.

Akron Beacon Journal columnist Bob Dyer, my lunch partner for more than two decades when I worked at that newspaper, did a followup column to his article about steep Cadillac Hill in Akron, Ohio.

The last person mentioned among the responses is me.

Bob describes me as “the youngest old person I know.”

Nothing ventured, nothing climbed.

Doris Carpenter Rogers, Class of 1971, and Scott Rogers, Class of 1973 and known as Earl at Monongah High,  celebrated their 44^th  wedding anniversary. West Virginia Weslayan graduate Doris and Beckley College graduate Scott live in Charleston.

Doris posted:

“Happy anniversary! It has been quite a ride. I love you!”

Doris and Sue Ahouse Shrader, Class of 1971, have been friends since second grade. Sue and sister Mary Ahouse “Kitty” Morrison, Class of 1968, attended the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee wedding of the wedding of Sue and Scott’s son, Josh Rogers, to Amanda Wray.

Vernon Richards passes away

Brother of Karen Meffe, Ellen Ryan, Sharon Vincent

Vernon Joseph Richards

Vernon Joseph Richards of Monongah, widow of Joyce Thurston Richards, passed away Wednesday, July 24.

His parents were John "Buck" and Nina Martin Richards.

Joyce was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina to Woodrow and Lottie Mintz Thurston.

Their children are John David Thurston and wife Connie of Virginia, Frankie Brogdon of Florida, Vicki Lynn Richards Henderson and husband Larry of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Robert Layne Richards and wife Karen of Monongah.

Vernon’s sister, Karen Richards Meffe, Class of 1967, is the widow of Butch Meffe. Another sister, Ellen Richards Ryan, Class of 1960, lives in Fairmont. His sister, Sharon Richards Vincent, Class of 1967, lives in Monongah with husband Mark Vincent.

Vernon’s sister-in-law Ruby Richards lives on Tower Hill in Monongah.

There’s a Carol Richards, Class of 1968.

Vernon’s obituary:

Vernon Joseph Richards, 74, of Monongah, WV died Wednesday, July 24, 2019 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born June 8, 1945 in Monongah. He was the son of the late John “Buck” and Nina Martin Richards.

He is survived by a daughter, Vicki (Richards) Henderson and her husband Larry of Flat Rock, NC; a son, Robbie Richards and his wife Karen of Towerhill, Monongah, WV; his sisters, Ellen Ryan of Fairmont, Karen Meffe of Fairmont, and Sharon Vincent and her husband Mark of Monongah; a sister-in-law, Ruby Richards of Towerhill, Monongah, WV; four grandchildren, Whitney Richards Odell, A.J. Richards, Ryan Henderson, and Cadie Henderson; four great grandchildren, Meredith and Chloe Odell, and Dorothy and Carter Richards; and a very special niece, Jennifer Gooden.

He was preceded in death by his father, John “Buck” Richards, his mother, Nina Martin Richards; his wife, Joyce Richards; a sister, Julia Love Richards; a brother, Jimmy Richards; a brother, Wilford “Martin” Richards; a brother-in-law, Butch Meffe; and a brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Ryan.

He was affectionately called “Poppy” by most everyone. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved them very much. He dearly loved his wife, Joy, who had recently passed on. He missed her terribly. He loved afternoon naps in his recliner and loved animals of all kinds. He was known for bringing home any stray he found. He rescued many animals during his lifetime; horses, dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, you name it, he had it. He had a fondness for old westerns - Gunsmoke, Maverick, Cheyenne, just to name a few. He loved tinkering in his garage, and he would help anyone who drove up. He was generous to a fault.

He was also known for not being a religious man, for his lack of patience, and for being as stubborn as a mule. He was always opinionated and insisted on telling it like it was. On the other hand, he was charismatic and never met a stranger. He was amazingly strong and determined until the very end. He was loved and will be missed by many. He did accept the Lord a week before he passed away.

He was an extremely private man. He chose to be cremated, and requested we not have a funeral but for his children to spread his ashes and suggested a family/friend cookout of sorts which will be announced at a later date. The family welcomes visitors at Vernon’s home on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Chapel in Fairmont. Cards may be sent to Vernon’s address c/o Vicki or Robbie PO Box 9045 Monongah, WV 26554. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com . Cremation services have been provided by Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont.

There’s a common thread running through the mayor and the Town Council – all are Monongah High alumni or married Lions. That should help the town roar.

They are newly elected mayor JohnBoy Palmer and Town Council members Brenda Manzo, Susan Staron Sanders, Aaron Justice, Jr., Roger Huffman and Charlie Parker.

JohnBoy is Class of 1974 at Monongah High.

Aaron is Class of 1972.

Susan, Class of 1971, led the fundraising that brought 26 Christmas street lights to Monongah.

Brenda is a Fairmont East High grad who is married to Danny Manzo, Class of 1957.

Charlie Parker, a former Monongah mayor, Town Council member and Monongahfest vice president, is the widow of the late Blinda Nobel Parker,  Class of 1968.

Patty Steele McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Bill McCombs, Class of 1969, Monongah’s water expert, was unopposed for Town Recorder.