Obituaries

Ruben “Eli” Friend

Ruben “Eli” Friend, 86, of Rock Cave, died January 26, 2026; he is survived by four sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, with visitation Jan. 30 and graveside services to follow.

Richard Lee Young, II

Richard Lee Young II of Buckhannon, born October 28, 1956, died unexpectedly January 23, 2026, and is survived by his sons Richard III and Colin, granddaughters Kylie and Keira, sisters Ann and Marian, and other family members.

Faye Cutright

Faye Cutright, 88, a longtime Buckhannon office manager and Methodist, died Jan. 24, 2026; she is survived by siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family, and the family requests memorial rose plantings in lieu of flowers.

Elenar Lee Morris

Elenar Lee Morris, 78, of Buckhannon, WV, a homemaker and longtime craft store owner, died January 25, 2026, and is survived by children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives; she will be cremated.

Sandra Kay Bowman

Sandra Kay Bowman, 66, of Weston, WV, who cared for others as a CNA and Upshur County 911 operator and cherished her family, animals and faith, died January 22, 2026, after a long illness.

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

Annette Reel

Annette Reel, 67, of Hurricane, WV, an FBI analyst and Christian Fellowship Church member, died January 18, 2026; she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated with a later celebration of life.

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney, 99, a former West Buckhannon Methodist Church choir member and longtime resident of the Buckhannon area, died January 18, 2026, leaving three sons, multiple descendants, and a large extended family.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Charles James Poundstone Jr.

Charles James Poundstone Jr., 68, of Buckhannon, WV, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, storyteller and outdoorsman, passed away January 12, 2026, and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity and love of family.

Karen Gail Eubanks Oxford

Karen Gail Eubanks Oxford, 79, a former Lubbock greenhouse manager and avid card player who lived in Texas, Florida and West Virginia, died January 11, 2026, and is survived by three children, siblings and eight grandchildren.

Diana Lynn Tenney

Diana Lynn Tenney, 74, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired mail carrier, died January 12, 2026; she is survived by her son Douglas Tenney, granddaughter Julia Lawrence, sister Carol Waybright, and other family members.