All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Ava Merl Shaffer

Ava Merl Shaffer, age 85, of Volga WV gained her angel wings Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Braxton Healthcare Center in Sutton, WV.

She was born May 22, 1939, in Buckhannon, WV the daughter of the late Charles and Emily Shaver. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward “ Bub” Shaffer; second husband, Harold “Hike” Shaffer; one son, Timothy “ Porky” Shaffer; two brothers, Charles and Alpha “ Bud” Shaver; one sister, Molly Shaver, and son-in-law, Robert Coleman.

Left behind to cherish the memories are two sons, Richard “Muddobber” and companion Cheryl and Dale “Gus” Shaffer all of Volga; two daughters, Diana Shaffer Coleman and companion Rod of Volga and Donna Shaffer Champ and husband Ben of Belington, WV; four granddaughters, Missy Linger of PA, Ashley Hoffman of PA, Savannah Durnal of MO, and Rebecca Shaffer of WV; three great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; one step great-grandson; one brother, Joe Shaver of Buckhannon; one sister, Ann Mae Zirkle of Buckhannon; one sister-in-law, Alta Shaver of Barberton, OH and several nieces and nephews.

Ava was employed as a cook at various restaurants, convenience stores and schools and worked at sewing factories throughout the years until she retired; at which time, she stayed and worked on the family farm. She enjoyed cooking for her family, sewing, raising gardens, crocheting, watching tv, and taking care of her beloved dogs. Ava will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2 PM at Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery in Phillipi, WV.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Wesleyan men and women both draw Fairmont State in opening round of MEC Tennis Tournament

Both the West Virginia Wesleyan men’s and women’s tennis teams will face Fairmont State in the semifinals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament this weekend.
WVWC Tennis

Wesleyan tennis teams sweep West Virginia State

West Virginia Wesleyan’s men’s and women’s tennis teams wrapped up their regular seasons with victories over West Virginia State, winning 4-2 and 4-3 respectively on Sunday.

Baseball Bobcats manage just one run as they get swept by Pioneers in doubleheader

Glenville State swept West Virginia Wesleyan in a doubleheader, winning 2-0 behind Grant Landis’s shutout and 8-1 in the second game, as Wesleyan managed only one run on limited hitting.

Lady Buc netters gain wins over Robert C. Byrd and Liberty

Despite missing two starters, the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs tennis team finished their regular season with a 2-1 week, earning victories over Robert C. Byrd and Liberty and closing with a 9-8 record.

Tennis Bucs pick up wins against Grafton and Liberty

The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis team ended its regular season with conference wins over Grafton and Liberty after a narrow loss to Robert C. Byrd, finishing 7-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big 10.

Lacrosse Bucs win thriller over Wheeling Park, 10-9, for fourth straight victory

Braylon Oldaker scored four goals and an assist as the Buckhannon-Upshur lacrosse team edged Wheeling Park 10-9, earning their fourth consecutive win and improving their season record to 6-3.

Delmar Light

Delmar Light, a 97-year-old World War II Navy veteran, farmer, businessman, and devoted family man, passed away April 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, entrepreneurship, and faith.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: Week of April 28, 2025

The City of Buckhannon announced a Reger Avenue paving project, arts events including the Vandalia Arts Journal Exhibition and Alice in Wonderland, upcoming council meetings, and street closures for WVWC graduation, while reminding residents of online services and reporting tools.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: May 1, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming May 1, 2025 meeting.

Fred Brooks Garden Club plants trees at Harley Brown Rotary Park to honor late members

The Fred Brooks Garden Club, joined by city representatives and family members, planted two trees at the Harley Brown Rotary Park on Arbor Day to honor recently deceased members Sue Wilfong and Betty Weimer.

French Creek man accused of buying game consoles, electronics with another person’s bank info

A French Creek man was arrested and charged with two counts of fraudulent use of an access device after allegedly using another man’s bank information to buy electronics from Walmart through its app.

Upshur County Commission honors 911 telecommunicators with official proclamation

The Upshur County Commission officially declared April 13-19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to recognize and honor the essential role 911 telecommunicators play in ensuring community safety.