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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Nitro High School-Viet Nam-Some Gave All

I visited the Traveling Viet Nam War Memorial Wall, Oakes Field, South Charleston, on May 25 and did these 2 pencil rubbings....Both were excellent young men and classmates.






Monday, June 04, 2012

Nitro High School WV, Obituaries and News, Memories and Photos

Bob Robert Layton, NHS 68
Mr. Robert Lee "Butch" Layton, 67, of St. Albans, formerly of Nitro, left this earth to go to his eternal home on March 28, 2017. Mr. Layton retired from Dotson Pest Control and was a former employee of FMC. Butch had a spiritual musical gift from God and played in Spyce rock band. His brothers were the musicians. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Louise Layton. He is survived by his loving wife Dee Layton; children Scott Layton, Gary Layton, Sierra Layton and Bryan Machowicz; sister Helena Reed and grandson Bodhi. Butch was also adopted and loved by Dee's side of the family. A tribute to the life of Butch will be noon, Saturday, April 1, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Richard Neal officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com. Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Poca, is serving the Layton family.- See more at: gazettemail.com/Obituaries#sthash.tWN80ip2.dpuf


Ruth Santrock was a resident of Nitro for more than 70 years. She leaves a legacy of caring and support to her family, church and school. She was born October 11, 1921, in Kanawha City, and died in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on August 25, 2012. She became a member of the First Baptist Church of Nitro in 1938 and in the last several years had been its oldest member. For many decades Ruth was a soloist in the choir, singing not only in the choir each Sunday but also for numerous weddings and funerals. She also was an Elsie Kittlitz circle member and a deaconess at the church. She began working as the secretary at Nitro High School in 1944 and retired in 1975 when her husband, John, became superintendant of Kanawha County schools. She is fondly remembered by many people in the Nitro community, including parents and students, for her wide range of contributions to the school. For almost two decades, during summers Ruth also handled the managerial duties for the Pro Shop at the Charleston Tennis Club. In the late 1980s she and her husband, John, began living in Davie, Fla., during the winter months, where their daughter, Shauna, lives, and visiting their son, John, in Plano, Texas, every October, where she enjoyed celebrating her birthday, often with her relatives coming to join her in Texas. Ruth Santrock was a loving wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by two children, John W. Santrock (wife, Mary Jo) of Plano, Texas, and Shauna Hampshire (husband, Don) of Davie, Fla.; three grandchildren, Tracy Santrock of Cary, N.C., Jennifer Santrock of San Antonio, Texas, and Stephanie Hampshire of Rockville, Md.; and three great-grandchildren, Jordan Bowles of Dallas, Texas, and Alex and Luke Bellucci of San Antonio, Texas. William Gene Rhodes Sr., 69, of Cross Lanes, passed away at Hubbard Hospice House West on August 12, 2012. He was born in Charleston on March 21, 1943, a son of the late Matt Clair and Maggie Alice Fields Rhodes. He was a former employee of FMC Corp., where he was employed as a fabricator. Mr. Rhodes was a member of the Baptist church, the Moose Lodge and loved to build and race drag cars. He set many world racing records and was a member of the National Hot Rod Association. He is survived by a son and his wife, William "Bill" and Kim Rhodes Jr. of Cross Lanes; brother, Johnny Otmer Rhodes of Cross Lanes; sister, Frances Norene Rhodes of Cross Lanes; and his faithful companion, Thor "Pee Wee," his beloved dog. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Clyde Maford Rhodes and Matt Clair Rhodes Jr.; sister, Irene Rhodes; and nephew, Richard W. Rhodes. Junior Adam Withrow, 88, of Nitro, was called home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2012, after an extended illness. He was a born-again Christian and was a member of West Virginia Home Mission Church, Nitro. After his conversion at age 61, he liked to play bluegrass gospel music at local churches and nursing homes as long as he was able. Junior served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked at the Ohio Apex chemical plant in Nitro, which later became FMC, and retired from there in 1983. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 55 years, Alma Jean Withrow, in 2004. He is survived by son and his wife, Richard Withrow "Ric" and Arleen Withrow; grandson, Jeffery Jividen; nephews, Carroll Withrow, Gary Withrow, Ronald Withrow, James Withrow, Lowell Withrow and Paul Withrow; niece, Bea Asbury; nephews, James Humphreys and Greg Haverty; niece, Ann Smithson; and his sister-in-law, Freda Haverty.

Linda Lee Plumley, 60, of Cross Lanes, was called to her eternal home on July 12, 2012. She was born in Charleston, a daughter of the late William R. and Irene Wallace. She was a 1970 graduate of South Charleston High School and retired from St. Francis Hospital in 1991. Linda was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was extremely proud of her only granddaughter, Samantha Leigh. Linda's life revolved around her family, pets and friends, who cherished her deeply. She was a member of Roxalana Gospel Tabernacle of Dunbar. Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Tom Plumley; her loving daughter, Shannon Wallace and her companion, Randy Fisher, of Given; cherished granddaughter, Samantha Leigh of Given; sisters and their husbands, Diana and Greg Brown of South Charleston and Phyllis and Roy Wolfe of Dunbar; brother, Dick Wallace of Charlotte, N.C.; her pet "babies," Precious, Daisy Mae and Callie; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who mourn her passing.

Juanita Ruth Williams, 89, of Nitro passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012, at her home.
She was born in Whitesville and was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; sister; and daughter, Deborah Sue Williams Casto. Juanita is survived by her husband, Charles Edward "Eddie" Williams. They would have celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary August 2, 2012. She is also survived by grandsons, Rusty Casto and wife, Bobbie, of Liberty, and Joey Casto and wife, Amber, of Cross Lanes; great-grandsons, Joshua, Dakota, Isaac and Elijah; and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Slater Miller was born October 16, 1924. On June 27, 2012, she went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was reunited with her beloved husband, Dick; her parents, Bob and Rosie Slater; her baby boy, Willard; and brothers, Sam and Darrel Slater. She is survived by her sons, Olden and Carolyn of Elkview and Kenny and Janet of Nitro; daughters, Linda and Bob Fields of Nitro and Gail and Jerry Bailey of Medina; grandchildren, Greg Miller, Jeanette Mikael, Todd Miller, Chris Miller, Jason Hicks, Josh Bailey and Jeremiah Bailey; and great-grandchildren, Dustan Miller, Chelsie Mikael, Cody Miller, Ivy Miller, Bratch Bailey and Trent Bailey.

Robert "Bob" Louis Dawson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Bob was affectionately known as "Bear" to family, friends and all who loved him. When not wearing his handyman hat for family and friends to fix cars, boats or other projects, Bob enjoyed hunting and woodworking with his son, Mark, and mutual friends. At the end of the day, spending time with family was his most cherished pastime. Bob was born June 10, 1928, in Canton, Ill., to the late Arthur D. Dawson and Edith M. Dawson. He was educated in Beaumont, Texas and Toledo, Ohio, before joining and serving in the Merchant Marines from 1945-1946. Service being important to Bob led him to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1946-1949. After serving his country, Bob moved to Nitro and spent 37 years working for Monsanto Chemical. Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Dolly G. Dawson; children, Debra D. Debbie Dawson Houser and husband, Doug, of Scott Depot, Vicki Dawson D.D. Kiner and husband, Clarke, of Galena, Ohio, and Mark J. Dawson and wife, Pamella, of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Brandon Houser, Sierra and Jamison Kiner; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia and Josiah; sisters, Natalie Mitchell of Michigan, and Sally Tittle of Ohio; and brother, Jerry Dawson of Alabama.

Mr. Timothy R. Boothe, 45, of Cross Lanes passed away on May 31, 2012, after a tragic accident at work.
He was born October 10, 1966, and was a 1984 graduate of Nitro High School. He was employed by WVDOH. He loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends on many hunting trips in Pocahontas County during deer season. He was excellent archer and had recently started a small business "Natures Voice Game Calls," making turkey calls which have been sold and used successfully by hunters in many states across the U.S. and in professional turkey calling contests. Tim is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Mary Neal and Carl "Chip" and Blanche Boothe; and father and mother-in-law, Dallas and Alice Smith. He is survived by his "high school sweetheart" and wife of 25 years, Beverly Smith Boothe of Cross Lanes; daughter, Jessica Boothe and soon to be husband, Justin Boyd, of Nitro; son, Justin Boothe and Brittany Layton of Cross lanes; parents, Carl and Beverly Boothe of Cross Lanes; sister, Angie and husband, Jody Moore, of Abington, Va.; brother, Mike and wife, Rachael Boothe, of Cross Lanes; grandsons, Jordan and Josiah Boyd of Nitro, and Carter Boothe of Cross Lanes; granddaughter, Jaylynn Boyd of Nitro; a grandson due in June; and a grandbaby due in November. He is also survived by nieces, Kayla Moore, and Kaci Boothe; nephew, Trevor Boothe; plus many aunts, uncles and cousins whom he dearly loved.

Samuel Mike Holleron Sr., 92, of Nitro passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West in South Charleston. Mike was born in Jackson County on Cavin Fork on August 3, 1919, and was the son of the late Ebert and Elizabeth Craig Holleron. He was retired from American Viscose in Nitro with 36 years of service, was a Navy Veteran of World War II, and a member of Nitro Church of Christ. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Holleron, on March 20, 2011; and by eight brothers and sisters. Mike is survived by his daughter, Linda Holleron of Nitro; sons, Richard Holleron, Robert Holleron, and Samuel Holleron Jr., all of Nitro; granddaughters, Nancy Holleron Massey and Kristin Holleron Booth; grandson, Rich Holleron; and great-grandson, Michael Massey.

William "Bill" Henry Lanham, 77, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House. Originally a West Virginia native and graduate of Nitro High School, Bill spent 38 years in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., working for Pan American World Airways at Kennedy Space Center as an air conditioner and heating mechanic. After retiring, he relocated back to West Virginia, where he was a resident for the last 15 years. Bill was married to Lois Lanham, his "bride" of 55 years. He was a proud father of his son, French (Janet) Lanham of Florida; and daughters, Barbara (Marson) Kay of Clendenin, Delinda Funk and Greg Roboniwitz of Florida and Billie (Larry) Hall of Pennsylvania. He was a proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, and proud great-grandfather of 11 great-grandchildren. Bill was a devoted Christian, a layman whose life centered around serving God, his church and his community. He fought a good fight, he finished the course and he kept the faith, and he has now received his crown of righteousness.

Mr. James Jimmie W. Dye, 57, of Bancroft passed away May 17, 2012, at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. Jim was a retired chemical operator from DuPont; a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church; and a member of the Road Riders for Jesus. He was also a former volunteer for Bancroft Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Flora May Dye; and brother, Ronnie Dye. Jim is survived by his girlfriend, Janice Gumm of Winfield; daughters, Kristen Bailey and husband, Kenneth, of Poca, Bethany Adkins and husband, David, of Milton and Melody Bailey and husband, Derek, of Nitro, and their mother, Tena Dye; brothers, Larry Dye and wife, Sharron, of Nitro and David Dye and wife, Cindy, of Dunbar; sister, Sue Dye Belcher and husband, Charlie, of Orlando, Fla.; and a host of nieces and nephews.


Mildred Marie Bockway, 93, of South Charleston passed away Sunday morning, May 6, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. She was born May 23, 1918, the daughter of Noah and Fairy Miller of Turtle Creek, Boone County. She was a retired teacher from West Virginia public schools, having taught for 24 years, most of it at Nitro High School. Mildred was educated in Boone County public schools and held a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Marshall University. Upon graduating from college she was a home economist for Appalachian Power Company in the early 1940s.
She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of South Charleston, its J.O.Y. Sunday school class, and the American Baptist Women Ministries. Her hobbies and joys included traveling, bowling, crossword puzzles, and participating in the water aerobics class at the South Charleston Recreation Center for over 20 years until her health no longer permitted it. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, William "Bill" Bockway; son, Paul; brother, Shelby Miller; sisters, Elta Abel, Lavely Cook, and Ersie West; and nieces, Patsy Cook McCarty and Carolyn West Lyons.

The late Rose Ellen Ramsey (NHS 66 and sister of deceased Richard Butch Ramsey NHS 68) Cline's husband passed on. James W. "Bill" Cline, 73, of Charleston died on April 23, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. James was self-employed, and was usually found tinkering around in the garage when he wasn't out visiting his buddies. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ellen Ramsey; parents, Jesse O. Cline and Mollie Bell Schoonover Cline; and brother, Henry Cline.

April 17, 2012
Nitro Council meets roller girls by Mary Childress, For the Daily Mail
http://dailymail.com/News/201204170249
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Heart of Appalachia is rolling into Nitro.
Nitro City Council members were introduced to the Heart of Appalachia roller derby team during a meeting Tuesday. The women will compete in the rink starting at 7 p.m. April 28, at the Nitro Community Center. They will have a flat track, not a banked one, but promised to get rough and tumble during the games. The team will play at the community center for several Saturday nights in a row. Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door on competition nights.

Howard R. Cook, 82, of Nitro passed away at home Thursday, April 12, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Nitro; a graduate of Nitro High School; former employee of American Viscose; former employee of Teague and Sons; a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War; and attended Nitro Church of the Nazarene. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Lena Mae Fowler Cook; his wife, Virginia Angell Cook; son, James Cook; brother, Harold Cook; and sisters, Betty Cook Sizemore and Dorothy Cook Buckenheimer. Howard is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Cook Martin and husband, Dana, Debbie Cook Rollyson and husband, Mark, Amy Cook Estep and Kim Cook Miller and husband, Kent; sons, Robert Cook and wife, Lucy, and John Cook and wife, Becky; sister, Viola Long and husband, Jay; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.