http://www.ellysonmortuary.com/

Ellyson Mortuary Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV (2026)

06/13/2026

Today we gather to celebrate the life of Sharon Anderson, 75, of Glenville, WV—a devoted educator, researcher, mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life’s work was dedicated to helping others learn, grow, and succeed.

She was born June 3, 1951 in Charleston, WV; daughter of the late James Crites and Doletta (Lemon) Smith. Sharon grew up in rural West Virginia, where she developed the strong work ethic, determination, and compassion that would guide her throughout her life. After graduating from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia, she pursued her passion for education at Glenville State College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Education.

Her commitment to learning did not stop there. Sharon continued her studies at West Virginia University, where she earned a master’s degree in Education and pursued doctoral-level research. She believed that education was not simply a profession but a lifelong calling.

Throughout her career, Sharon taught students at every level—from kindergarten classrooms to college lecture halls. For many years, she served the students and families of Gilmer County through the Gilmer County School System, including her time teaching at Gilmer County High School. She became known not only as an exceptional educator but also as a passionate advocate for children who faced learning challenges.

One of Sharon’s greatest contributions was her work with students who struggled with reading and learning disabilities. She developed innovative reading clinics and intervention programs designed to help children overcome obstacles and achieve academic success. Following her retirement from public education, she continued this mission through the Anderson Reading Clinics in Glenville and Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Through years of research, observation, and direct work with students, Sharon developed methodologies that helped remediate a wide range of learning disabilities. The knowledge gained from these clinics, along with the many success stories of the students she helped, became the foundation of her doctoral research and dissertation work at West Virginia University.

Beyond her accomplishments as an educator and researcher, Sharon’s greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted wife to Norman Anderson, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and dedication to family. Together they built a home centered on education, hard work, kindness, and service to others.

She was a loving mother to her sons, Shawn Anderson and Shannon Anderson. She encouraged them to pursue their goals, supported them through life’s challenges, and instilled in them the values that guided her own life.

Sharon was also a proud grandmother. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Trudy Anderson, and her beloved grandchildren, Emily Anderson and Ezra Anderson. Her family brought her immense joy, and she treasured every opportunity to share in their lives and accomplishments.

The impact of Sharon’s work lives on in the countless students whose lives she changed, the families she helped, the educators she inspired, and the community she served so faithfully. Her personal legacy lives on through her family, who will continue to carry forward the lessons, values, and love she shared throughout her life.

While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life filled with purpose, service, compassion, and achievement. Sharon Anderson leaves behind a legacy of learning, perseverance, and hope that will continue to influence future generations.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, forever cherished, and her request for cremation has been honored.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is humbled to assist the family of Sharon Anderson with cremation arrangements.

Please visit the website in honor of Sharon at Roseofsharon.me

06/11/2026

Gregory C. “Greg” James, 71, of Glenville, WV departed this earthly life to be reunited with his loving parents (Clark and Helen) on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his residence following a sudden illness.
He was born October 19, 1954, son of the late Clark R. and Helen R. (Radcliff) James.
Greg is a graduate of Gilmer County High School, Class of 1972, and Glenville State University, Class of 1976. After graduating with a degree in music education, Greg began a prolific career as a band director of the Lumberjack Express for Richwood High School marching band in Nicholas County, WV.
For more than 50 years, Greg dedicated himself to Richwood High School & the Lumberjack Express, inspiring generations of students through his leadership, encouragement, and unwavering support. Under his tutelage, the Lumberjack Express became a nationally recognized marching band having played at venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Gator Bowl, Walt Disney World, the Indianapolis 500, and the Kentucky Derby to name a few. Although not driven by personal accolades, Greg received numerous awards including West Virginia Outstanding Teacher award, recognition by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of the “50 Directors who make a difference”, the Erma Boyce Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Pharis Reader Award for Outstanding Community Service. In 2015 he was inducted into the West Virginia Band Directors Hall of Fame.
Greg’s true legacy comes not from his personal accomplishments, but from his students and his relentless belief in those students. His refusal to let any barrier stand in their way was a cornerstone of who Greg was. The life lessons he taught through music and band carries on through the students he touched over a long and lustrous career. While he influenced so many lives, those who knew him best remember him most for his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for others. Greg wasn't just respected—he was deeply loved. His legacy will continue to live on in the countless people he encouraged, the community he helped shape, and the memories shared by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Greg is the last of his immediate family having been preceded in death by his parents (Clark and Helen), and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.
Left to cherish his memory are extended family members, friends, and many students and faculty he has worked with over his life and career.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to the Richwood High School Band Boosters, 100 Lumberjack Loop, Richwood, WV; 26261.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 11:00 AM; Tuesday, June 16, 2026 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Meadow Lane Cemetery in Glenville. Friends will be received from 4:00 – 8:00 PM; Monday evening at the mortuary in Glenville.
Following services in Gilmer County, a memorial service in honor of Greg will be conducted at the Richwood High School, 100 Lumberjack Loop, Richwood, WV; 26261 on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 am.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family and friends of Gregory C. “Greg” James with traditional burial arrangements.

06/08/2026

Raymond "Leon" Ellyson, 88, of Cox's Mills, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 2, 1938, in Cox's Mills, he was the son of the late Raymond Clyde and Nina Goldie Spiers Ellyson. A family man, accomplished farmer, and dedicated community servant, Leon touched countless lives throughout his remarkable journey.
A proud graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1956, Leon built a career as a well tender for Equitable Gas, serving for more than thirty years. His commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He was a 58-year member of the Freemasons, a US Army Reserve Veteran, served on the Gilmer County Board of Education for over twenty years, was an active member of the Cox’s Mills Community Association Board, Gilmer County Farm Bureau, the Farm Service Agency, and Cox’s Mills United Methodist Church. Among his many honors, Leon was a recipient of the prestigious American Farmer's Degree for FFA, a testament to his agricultural excellence and dedication. Following retirement, Leon devoted himself wholeheartedly to farming and his family. His greatest joy was helping his children and grandchildren with their 4-H livestock projects each year. A familiar face at the Weston Livestock Market on Saturdays, he also traveled across the state shearing sheep, sharing his expertise and passion with fellow farmers, and he was a longtime fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Leon is survived by his wife, Penny Ellyson; son Steve Ellyson of Cox’s Mills and companion Patty Lowther; and daughter Mary Jo Roberts of Glenville and companion Greg Somerville. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie Haney (Luke), Amanda Ellyson (fiancé Eric), Brittany Ellyson, Whitney McCallister (Chris), Bryce Roberts, and Payton Roberts; and his great-grandchildren, Gunner, Delaynie, Duke, Ellyson, Cainen, Everleigh, and Tucker. Additional survivors include special family friend Billy Rose, who was like a son to him; niece Cheryl Spurgeon; and nephews Gary Ellyson and Kevin Spurgeon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Kathy Jo Alfred, whose loss he mourned deeply and whose memory he carried with him always; his siblings, Ralph Clyde Ellyson and Boneva Virginia Spurgeon; his nephews, Terry and Edwin “Ed” Ellyson; and his close friend and neighbor, Manley Zinn.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his end-of-life caretakers, Christina Rose and Ayla Meadows, and to WV Caring Hospice for their compassionate care, which allowed Leon to spend his final days in the comfort of his beloved home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cox’s Mills Community Building, 8667 WV Hwy 47 W, Cox's Mills, WV 26342. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
A funeral service will be conducted at Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 11:00 AM; Friday, June 12, 2026 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Horn Creek Cemetery in Cox’s Mills. Friends will be received from 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Thursday evening at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Uncle Leon with traditional burial arrangements.

05/29/2026

Marlece Layne Sprouse, 70, of Normantown, WV; departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV; following injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
She was born October 4, 1955 in Gassaway, WV; daughter of the late Clarence and Mary (Means) McCauley.
Marlece is a graduate of Braxton County High School, class of 1975. She retired from Panther Primitives tent manufacturing as the head of shipping. In her spare time, Marlece enjoyed caring for her family, gardening, tending to her flowers, and she loved being a mother and grandmother.
Marlece is also a Baptist by faith and member of the Upper Steer Run Baptist Church.
On February 16, 1985 Marlece was united in marriage to Stephen W. Sprouse, who survives at their Normantown home.
Surviving is a son, Brandon Sprouse and wife Hannah of Normantown, 2 grandsons, Barrett and Owen Sprouse, and 4 siblings, (twin sister) Malora Moss and husband David of Cedarville, WV; Sawahana Cox of Kearneysville, WV; Shawn McCauley and wife Penny of Orlando, WV; and Mark McCauley of Point Pleasant, WV.
Also surviving are is a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with her parents (Clarence and Mary), Marlece is preceded in death by a brother, David McCauley.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 2:00 PM; Monday, June 1, 2026 with Pastor Roger Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Upper Steer Run Cemetery near Normantown. Friends will be received from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Monday at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Marlece Layne Sprouse with traditional burial arrangements.

05/26/2026

Emma Pauline Greenlief, 89 of Glenville, WV; departed this earthly life in the morning hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the WVU United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV; following an extended illness.
She was born December 12, 1936 in Normantown, WV; daughter of the late Evert and Rhoda (Phillips) Turner.
Emma is a graduate of Normantown High School, class of 1955. She worked as a machine operator for Seaway Bolt and Specials Corp., having retired in the late 1990’s. In her spare time, Emma enjoyed spending time with family and friends, Gardening, tending to her yard, quilting, crocheting, feeding the hummingbirds, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible, and she was a Baptist by faith.
On July 25, 1955 Emma was united in marriage to Paul Junior Greenlief, who preceded her in death on March 21, 2022.
Surviving are 2 children, Philip Greenlief and wife Sherri of Tanner, WV; and Pam Moss and husband David of Glenville, 5 grandchildren, John D. Moss (Brandy), Tracy Arden (Mark), Chris Tatman (Tammy), Michael Moss (Colleen), and Paul A. Greenlief, 9 great- grandchildren, Zakk Moss, Justin Moss, Luke Arden, Logan Arden, Madison Moss, Eli Moss, Isaiah Moss, Kaylee Tatman, and Marlee Tatman, 1 great-great grandchild, Oaklynn Emma Arden, and her loving dog, Tucker.
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with her parents (Evert and Rhoda) and husband (Paul), Emma is preceded in death by 4 siblings, Ralph, Ray, and Robert Turner, and Pearl Gaston, and a nephew, Jeffery Turner.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 1:00 PM; Saturday, May 30, 2026 with Pastor Chris Tatman officiating. Burial will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery near Glenville. Friends will be received from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Saturday at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Emma Pauline Greenlief with traditional burial arrangements.

05/12/2026

Guy Daniel Cantley, 53, of Auburn, WV; departed this earthly life suddenly on the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2026 at his residence in Auburn.
A celebration of his life will be conducted on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Coxs Mills Community Building from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM with Farley Blankenship officiating. Friends are encouraged to attend and share a funny story about Guy.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Guy Daniel Cantley with cremation arrangements.

05/05/2026

Bonnie E. Luzader, 78 of Glenville, WV; formerly of Morgantown, WV; departed this earthly life in the late evening hours of Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the residence of her son Michael, following an extended illness.
She was born November 28, 1947 in Kentucky, daughter of the late Earl and Bonnie Honeycutt.
Bonnie held several jobs over her life, having worked as a sales clerk in food service and a custodian at the Mon General Health Care Center. She loved caring for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would do anything to make sure their needs were met. In her spare time, Bonnie enjoyed traveling around the United States, cooking, camping with her kids, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible.
In 1964 Bonnie was united in marriage to Arthur Luzader, who preceded her in death on June 2, 1999.
Surviving are 6 children, Arthur Luzader (Christine) of Morgantown, Bonnie Saltsman of Morgantown, Michael Luzader (Sandra) of Glenville, James Luzader (Shirley) of Morgantown, Jason Luzader of Morgantown, and Jeremiah Luzader of Morgantown, 29 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are 5 siblings, Lois Honeycutt, Ella Poet, Norman Honeycutt (Robin), Lorene Honeycutt, and Ester Chapman (Stanley) all of Michigan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with her husband (Arthur) and parents (Earl and Bonnie), Bonnie is preceded in death by 6 siblings, Blanch Richards, June Honeycutt, Henry Honeycutt, Earl Honeycutt, Bernice Honeycutt, and Michael Honeycutt.
Bonnie’s request for cremation has been honored and a celebration of her life will be conducted at a later date.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Bonnie E. Luzader with cremation arrangements.

05/04/2026

Nelson D. Riffle, 83, of Rosedale, WV; (Shock community) departed this earthly life in the morning hours of Thursday, April 30 2026 at his residence, with his loving family by his side.
He was born February 27, 1943 in Monongalia County, WV; son of the late Charles and Pearl (Tucker) Riffle.
Those who were blessed to know Duane do not need to be told what kind of man he was, but it bears repeating. He was honest without sacrificing kindness, consistent without rigidity. He was smart, both in wisdom and in the wit that shined through his stories. He lived on this earth for 32,568 days, and throughout them all he carried himself with integrity. He spent his final days at his home, nestled in the hills he loved, surrounded by the people he loved, cared for by his son.
Nelson is a graduate of Normantown High School, class of 1961. He retired from General Motors in 1993, having been a part of the Human Resources Departments. In his spare time, Nelson enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR, and enjoying the quiet life in West Virginia.
Nelson is a Baptist by faith and member of the Rosedale Baptist Church, and he was the church treasurer for many years.
On October 27, 1962 Nelson was united in marriage to Jeanette (Stewart) Riffle, who survives at their Rosedale home.
Surviving is a loving son, Myron D. Riffle of Taylor, MI; a granddaughter, Shelby Riffle also of Taylor, MI; 3 sisters, Faye Moore, Cheryl Wolfe (Bill), and Linda Ramsey (Tony) and a brother-in-law Gary Moore, all of Shock.
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with his parents (Charles and Pearl), Nelson is preceded in death by 4 siblings, Donnie Shock, Charles Riffle, David Riffle, and Gerry Sarah Moore, and his adoptive parents, Susie and Ralph Perrine.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Rosedale Baptist Church in Rosedale, WV; at 2:00 PM; Thursday, May 7, 2026 with Pastor Stewart B. Fitzwater officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosedale Baptist Church Cemetery also in Rosedale. Friends will be received from 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM; Thursday at the church in Rosedale.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Nelson D. Riffle with traditional burial arrangements.

04/26/2026

Guy Daniel Cantley, 53, of Auburn, WV; departed this earthly life suddenly on the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2026 at his residence in Auburn.
He was born February 24, 1973 in Beckley, WV; son of the late Danny and Jackie (Bailey) Cantley.
Guy is a graduate of Gilmer County High School, class of 1991. He spent most of his working life as a mechanic and in his spare time enjoyed, riding side by sides, fishing, socializing with is friends, living the quiet life in the hills of WV; and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving is his brother Paul D. Cantley and companion Tanya May of Pullman, WV; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, many other wonderful family and friends, and his loving dog, Stella Rose.
Guy’s request for cremation has been honored and a celebration of his life will be conducted later in May of 2026.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Guy Daniel Cantley with cremation arrangements.

04/25/2026

Paul Timothy (“Tim”) Swiger., 67, of Sand Fork, WV; departed this earthly life in the morning hours of Friday, April 24, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
He was born June 15, 1958 in Clarksburg, WV: son of the late Paul and Esther (Stump) Swiger.

Tim retired from the auto part industry in 2025. After retirement, he enjoyed living the quiet life in West Virginia, mowing grass down to the dirt, tinkering in his garage, gardening, and spending time with his family. Tim is a Pentecostal by faith.

In June of 1981, Tim was united in marriage to Kathie (Allman) Swiger, who survives at their Glenville home. Surviving are 3 children, Amber Marie Swiger and fiancée Gaspar Montoya of Columbus, OH; Stacey Summers and “bonus son” Gary Summers of Sissonville, WV; and Tim Swiger and fiancée Kristen Medved of Glenville, WV.

Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Anthony Montoya, Aaron and Kayla Summers, and Colton Swiger, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other wonderful family and friends.

Along with his parents (Paul and Esther), Tim is preceded in death by his son, Jason Paul Swiger, brother Donald Swiger and Sister Janet Pritt.

Tim’s request for a direct burial has been honored and a private celebration of his life will be conducted later in 2026.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Paul Timothy Swiger with burial arrangements.

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