Helen Alverta Hovatter Gilmore Shafer, 85, of Parsons and most recently of Nella's Nursing Home entered into eternal life at 10:40 a.m. Monday, March 23, at Davis Memorial Hospital, Elkins.

She was born Monday, July 30, 1923, in Auviltown, a daughter of the late Gay and Grace Grandstaff Hovatter.

Helen is survived by two sons, Jim Gilmore and wife Judy of Petersburg and Joe Gilmore Jr. of Parsons; one granddaughter, Marla Hardenburgh of N.C.; and one grandson, Russell Gilmore of Idaho; four great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was employed as a librarian at the Five Rivers Library in Parsons in 1974 and was head librarian for a number of years. Helen was a devoted member of St. Johns United Methodist in Parsons, where she taught Sunday school for 25 years and was active in the Church Women's Group. She enjoyed spending her time sewing, cleaning and loved to read. She was also a member of the WV Eastern Star Chapter #91 in Parsons.

Helen's wishes for cremation were honored and a memorial service will be held Monday, April 13, at 1 p.m. at the St. Johns Methodist Church , Parsons with The Rev. John Morrison and The Rev. Eli Hostetler officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Five Rivers Public Library, 301 Walnut Street, Parsons, WV 26287.

Arrangements for Helen Alverta Gilmore Shafer have been entrusted to The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.therandolphfuneralhome.com. 

Betty Jean Hanline Rummel, 79, a resident of Parsons, departed this life Sunday afternoon, April 5, at Mansfield Place at Philippi, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Tuesday, July 30, 1929, at Parsons, a daughter of the late Earl Albert Hanline and Ada Ellen Auvil Hanline.  On July 10, 1945, at Oakland, Md., she was married to Ocle Arnett "Buck" Rummel, who preceded her in death Aug. 26, 1997.

Surviving are one son, Larry O. Rummel and wife Cathy of Belington; one daughter, Susie Gutshall and husband Tom of Parsons; one brother, Allen Hanline of Baltimore, Md.; one sister, Wanda Paugh of Thomas; and three grandchildren, Jessica E. Gutshall, Travis S. Rummel and Laura A. Gutshall, all of Morgantown.

Preceding her in death were two sons, William and Gary Rummel; one brother, Kenneth Hanline; and one sister, Bonnie Mick.

She attended the schools of Tucker County. She was an employee of the former Dorman Mills, Jim Propst Grocery and the former Parsons Footwear, retiring in 1992. She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Parsons. She was a member of the Tucker County Senior Center of which she was a member of the Quilting Ladies and the Goldenairs. She was a volunteer at Cortland Acres Nursing Home.

The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons on Wednesday April 8 from 5 until 8 p.m. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home parlor on Thursday, April 9 at 1 p.m. The Rev. J. Michael Lantz will officiate and interment will follow in the Davis Cemetery at Davis.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Quilting Ladies of the Tucker Co. Senior Center ,206 Third St., Parsons, W.Va. 26287. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.

Grace Marie Bennett Thompson, 83, a resident of Morgantown in Monongalia County, passed away April 3 at Regency Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

She was born July 1, 1925 in Red Creek in Tucker County, a daughter of the late Roy Helmick Bennett and Freddie Ellen Bonner Bennett.  Her husband, Seymour D. Thompson, preceded her in death in October 1980.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas Marshall (and Debbie) Thompson of Cleveland, Ohio, and Seymour Daniel Thompson II of Champagne, Ill.; three daughters Patricia Carol (and John) Cunningham of Beverly, Victoria Graceann (and Howard) Mullennex of Job and Marilyn Cheri Thompson of Star City; one brother Charles Roy (and Brenda) Bennett of Red Creek; one sister Sarah Jane (and Les) Speir of Red Creek; and 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Lester Wayne Thompson.

Grace graduated from Davis High School and attended WVU.  Prior to retirement , Mrs. Thompson worked as a secretary for the government during WWII.  She loved helping other people and was active as an assistant 4-H leader for many years. She was a member of the 700 Club and Methodist by faith.

Friends will be received at the Flanagan Hill United Methodist Church on Tuesday April 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday . Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8 with the Rev. Eli Hostetler officiating. Interment will follow in Flanagan Hill Cemetery.  Hinkle Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.