Grisell Funeral Homes & Crematory

Grisell Funeral Homes & Crematory We at Grisell Funeral Service provide a well trained, well educated and well experienced staff that Caskets were made to order in 1847. It was E. E. By 1919, E.

We often wonder if Simeon Grisell had planned on founding a six-generation family business when he began serving the folks of Rocky Run, Wetzel County as Quaker Minister and cabinetmaker. The local cabinetmaker already contracted to build the custom casket gradually assumed the role of funeral director. Simeon Grisell left West Virginia and moved to Nebraska, but his son E. Chalmer Grisell, the se

cond generation, returned to Moundsville in 1891. He graduated from Clark College of Embalming in Springfield, OH, and was only the 58th man to be licensed as a funeral director in West Virginia. Chalmer Grisell who first introduced the art of embalming to the local community. He opened his office in a small, two-story garage building on Thirteenth St., west of Lafayette Avenue. The original bill of sale for his first supplies was dated August 11, 1891. Chalmer’s first call in Moundsville was September 30, 1891. In 1894 he moved the funeral home into its second location on Lafayette Avenue. This building was torn down as a part of West Virginia State Route 2 relocation. Chalmer's son Elmer Grisell had already graduated from the Columbus College of Embalming and had joined his father in the business. After the death of E. Chalmer, Elmer moved the business to 805 Fifth St. where it remained until 1980. Elmer purchased the first automobile funeral car for the Ohio Valley. Funeral Directors from Wheeling and St. Clairsville would often borrow the vehicle. Before that time, the Horse-Drawn hearse was used, similar to the one on display and still available to those served by Grisell Funeral Home. In the 1920's and 1930's, the Fifth St. location was the home the Elmer Grisell Family. During these decades most visitations and funeral were held in the home of the deceased. However, should the family prefer to have services in the Grisell Funeral Home, the family living room was used. During the late 1930's, Elwood G. and Curtis E. Grisell graduated from the Cleveland College of Embalming. Each joined Elmer in the family business-Elwood in 1935 and Curtis in 1938. By 1940, the "Funeral Home" as we know it today was used more and more frequently for services, and the first floor of the Fifth St. location was completely remodeled into a modern funeral home. By 1950 more room was needed and the second floor apartment was converted into additional visitation rooms and coffee lounge. In 1962, the adjoining parking lot was added, and in 1964 the entire building was enlarged and redecorated. Elmer Grisell remained active in the business until his death in 1959. In 1963 Sidney E. Grisell, of the fifth generation, graduated from The Pittsburgh Institute Of Mortuary Science. He joined his father, Elwood and Uncle Curtis until their retirements in the late 1970's. Curtis Grisell passed away on May 12, 1991 and his brother Elwood G. Grisell passed away on August 11, 2002. It was Sidney who moved the business into its present location of 400 Jefferson Ave. Moundsville in 1980. Under his leadership the Grisell Family has branched into the communities of Bellaire OH, New Martinsville, WV, Clarington, OH and Sardis, OH. The venture into Bellaire, OH and into the surrounding communities of Shadyside, Neffs, St. Joe and Key Ridge began with the purchase of the former Dunaway Funeral Home located on the corner of Belmont and 37th St. Bellaire. This merger took place on May 12, 1983. Grisell's remained at this location until the building was sold to the Salvation Army in 1988. The funeral home then moved into its present location at 400 33rd St. in Bellaire. This former supermarket building was remodeled into a modern and spacious funeral home. The home offers convenient on-site parking, large visitation chapels, and lounge area, all on one floor, which make the facility easily accessible for the handicapped. The move into New Martinsville brought the family business full circle and back to its original roots in Wetzel County over one hundred and fifty years ago. The location on WV State Route 2 was purchased from Eleanor Ratcliffe in what was the Ratcliffe Funeral Home, formerly the Wharton and Ellis Funeral Home. This occurred in April of 1982. In June of 1996 the Wells Funeral Home, located on Maple Ave in New Matinsville was purchased from the retiring Joseph and Annalee Wells and their son J. Bradford Wells. This location was closed in February 2003. In the spring of 2004, we opened the doors to our new facility in New Martinsville. This new facility has a home like feel to it, with a large greeting area complete with a fireplace and sitting area. It has three spacious visitation rooms combined with a family room, allowing plenty of space for visitors and friends. There is a lounge for refreshments and relaxation, an area for children to read, color and watch T.V. The funeral home is completely handicapped accessible and is conveniently located on RT. 2 with easy access to a large parking lot. The Grisell Funeral Homes expanded into Monroe County in March of 2001 with the purchase of the Rush Funeral Homes in Clarington, OH and Sardis, OH. James Rush established the Rush Funeral Home in 1904 in Sardis, OH. Vernon B. and Sophia Rush founded the Clarington Facility in 1934. In 1967 Vernon J. "Butch" Rush joined his father in the business. Butch died in 2008. In 2012 the Grisell Family purchased the old Sisson Nisson building in Bethlehem. They began demolition and construction in February of 2013 on their sixth facility. The Grisell family will soon be serving Wheeling/Bethlehem area families in their time of need. Presently there are two active generations in the business; Sidney Grisell is the CEO of Grisell Funeral Homes, his daughter Connie E. Grisell is the President and is the first licensed woman in the Grisell family-owned business, son Elliott is the Acting Secretary.

Gerald H. “Jerry” Burkle, age 91 ofWheeling, WV passed away August 14, 2026 atWVU Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV.He was...
08/14/2026

Gerald H. “Jerry” Burkle, age 91 of
Wheeling, WV passed away August 14, 2026 at
WVU Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV.
He was born on April 9, 1935 in Wheeling,
WV the son of the late William H. and Adelaide
A. Pockl Burkle.
Gerald graduated from CCHS in 1955. He
served in the US Army as a Military Policeman.
He worked for Western Southern Life
Insurance Company for 32 years and retired as a
sales manager in 1991.
Gerald was a faithful member of Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church and belonged to The
Knights of Columbus #12195.
He was a good photographer and enjoyed
cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.
Jerry and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed dancing,
biking, fishing, and traveling to various states,
especially Florida in their RV. Wherever he
went, he knew no stranger!
Jerry and Marilyn had a special bond of love
that will continue until they are together again.
Their devotion to each other was a source of
inspiration to all who knew them.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in
death by a brother, Michael W. Burkle, two
sisters, Phyllis Jean Dye and Patricia E. Burkle.
Survivors include his loving wife, Marilyn
Burkle; a son, David J. (Judith) Burkle of
Virginia; two grandchildren, David “Jack”
Burkle and Laura Burkle of Virginia; two sisters,
Rosalie Filben of Glen Dale and Mary Margaret
Danahey; several nieces and nephews, and a
good friend, Brian Life.
The family would like to extend a thank you to
WVU Wheeling Hospital Hospice Care...

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Howard Edward Dabrawsky, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. H...
08/13/2026

Howard Edward Dabrawsky, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 15, 1947 in Glen Dale, WV.
He graduated from Union High School on June 2, 1964. He enlisted with the US Army on January 10, 1966.
Howard Dabrawsky, call sign Shaggy One Alpha, Sergeant E5 was a Crew Chief/Door Gunner with 7th Squadron 17th Air Calvary regiment, also known as the Ruthless Riders. His deployment to Vietnam was from October 9, 1967 to November 1968. He was stationed at Camp Enari, Plieku. During the Tet offensive, his unit earned a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and combat reconnaissance. During the period from November 5 to November 30, 1967, he actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory. For this he received The Air Medal and a second Air Medal for the period between December 1, 1967 to July 5, 1968. He also received an Army Commendation Medal with Valor. He was honorably discharged on January 9, 1972.
He was a coal miner, mechanic, electrician with Consol Coal Shoemaker Mine for 36 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church and UMWA.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Patricia (Kenzora) Dabrawsky of Benwood Hill; two sons, Howard E. Dabrawsky II, of Benwood Hill, Brian M. (Lisa McGlumphey) Dabrawsky of Dallas, WV; one sister, Sharon (Gaylerd) Hull of Benwood Hill; three grandchildren, Chelsea Dabrawsky of Wheeling,...

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Leland Dean Simmons, 91 of Glen Dale, WV; passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Liza’s Place. He...
08/13/2026

Leland Dean Simmons, 91 of Glen Dale, WV; passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Liza’s Place.
He was born on February 3, 1935, the son of the late Bernard and Eunice Reed Simmons. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pappap who lived his life with integrity, kindness, and humility.
Dean worked in personnel services for AEP Kammer Plant, was a member of the Glen Dale United Methodist Church, Moundsville Country Club, Marshall Co. Chamber of Commerce, president of local #468 Kammer Plant, and president of Upper Ohio Valley Personnel Association. He loved golfing, WVU Mountaineers, and St. Louis Cardinals.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years and beloved soulmate, Dixie Clevenger Simmons; one sister, Laverne Wayt; two brothers, Merlin Simmons, and Byron Simmons.
Survivors include four daughters, Susan (Garry) Lewis of Glen Dale, Carol (John) Schaefer of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Lisa Roberts of San Francisco, CA, Janette (Scott) Clements of Pittsburgh, PA; nine grandchildren, Nicole, Kara, Whitney, Lyndsey, Christian, Carson, Caen, Caroline, and Carter; seven great-grandchildren, Brayden, Arden, Brooks, Ryan, Luke, Eulalyia, and Colin.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1pm until time of service at 3pm at Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, 400 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, WV, with Rev. Jonathan Moon officiating.
Interment to follow at Riverview...

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H. Michael Huck, age 68, of Wheeling, WV passed away Monday August 10, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh,...
08/12/2026

H. Michael Huck, age 68, of Wheeling, WV passed away Monday August 10, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
He was born July 10, 1958 in Parkersburg, WV, son of the late Howard and Mary L. Murphy Huck.
He enjoyed woodworking and working with any kind of tools. He was Catholic by faith.
Survivors include, daughter Mia Huck of Wheeling, WV; three sisters, Linda Ebert of New Martinsville, WV, Laura Huck of Wheeling, WV, Teresa Burkey of Moundsville, WV; one brother Chris Huck of Wheeling, WV.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory 1 Ridgecrest Rd Wheeling/Bethlehem.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.

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Mary “Babe” Terry, 84, of Benwood, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She was born Se...
08/12/2026

Mary “Babe” Terry, 84, of Benwood, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born September 8, 1941 in Wheeling, WV; the daughter of the late Bart and Teresa Fallova Canestraro.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother; a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Benwood and the Italian American Mother’s Club; worked at Wheeling Jesuit University bookstore; graduated from Union High School; and was very involved with volunteer work in the schools.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Charles “Chuck” Terry; and one brother, Ron Canestraro.

Survivors include her daughter, Amy (Ron) Terry of Benwood; eight grandchildren, Brittany (Mike), Tyler, William, Walker, Ava, Garrett, Ashely (Dustin), Cory (Kristen); four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kiyan, Cason, and Camden; several nieces and nephews, including Joe and Victor Canestraro; and two cousins, Louise and Rita.

A special thank you to Lea, Selma, Bill, Denise, Dana, Curt; and friends of 50 years, Sandie and Jim.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, Moundsville,

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Myrna L. Holstine, 87, formerly of Wheeling, WV; died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Belmont Manor, St. Clairsville, OH. ...
08/12/2026

Myrna L. Holstine, 87, formerly of Wheeling, WV; died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Belmont Manor, St. Clairsville, OH.

She was born on January 13, 1939 in Marshall County, WV; the daughter of Randolph and Ocie Wellman Holmes.

Myrna was a retired secretary from Kennedy Hardware and a member of the Harvest Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Rhonda (Scott) Hustead; two sons, Ed Holstine and Bernard (Roxanne) Holstine; and several grandchildren.

Private arrangements are entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, Moundsville.

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Barbara Mason, 84, of Moundsville, WV, passed away peacefully in the night on August 11, 2026, at her home. She leave...
08/11/2026

Barbara Mason, 84, of Moundsville, WV, passed away peacefully in the night on August 11, 2026, at her home.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, selflessness, generosity, and countless memories that will be treasured by her family and all who have had the privilege of knowing her.
She was born June 26, 1942, in Moundsville, WV, the daughter of the late, Ivan and Hilda Wellman Blake.
Barbara was a former assembly line worker with Marx Toy Plant, was a member of the Homemakers, Robert’s Ridge Bunco Club and a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
Barbara was a quilter and homemaker, but above all else, a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and caretaker to all.
She had a heart that was always focused on others and never met a baby she didn’t want to love, and she never let a loved one leave without calling after them to “come out”—even before they had pulled out of her driveway at the end of a visit.
Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, food, laughter, and family.
She was deeply loved by her family, and she was fortunate to have them close during her final years. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Jo Mason; and three brothers, Bobby, Dicky and Gary Blake.
She is survived by her, husband of 67 years, Ronald Mason; three sons, Keith (Ruby) Mason of Proctor, Chris (Linda) Mason...

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Karen E. Aubert, age 79 of Bethlehem, WV passed away Monday August 10, 2026 at home. She was born January 19, 1947 in Gr...
08/11/2026

Karen E. Aubert, age 79 of Bethlehem, WV passed away Monday August 10, 2026 at home.
She was born January 19, 1947 in Great Falls, MT, daughter of the late Joel and Olga Strandberg Salmonson.
She attended bingo at the Marshall County Senior Center; she loved her family and friends; enjoyed sending them cards; and cooking.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Harold Raymond Aubert; her daughter Michelle Aubert, and three brothers, Karl, Bruce, and John Salmonson.
Survivors include her son Jeffrey (Chrystal Olfs) Aubert of Bethlehem; grandson, Zack Aubert of Austin, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory 1 Ridgecrest Rd Wheeling/Bethlehem.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Marshall Co Senior Center 805 5th St. Moundsville, WV 26041.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.

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Elizabeth Ann Radcliff (Barnhart) passed away unexpectedly at age 47 in her home in New Martinsville earlier this month ...
08/11/2026

Elizabeth Ann Radcliff (Barnhart) passed away unexpectedly at age 47 in her home in New Martinsville earlier this month while fighting an illness.

Elizabeth was born on November 2nd, 1978 in Parkersburg to Deborah and William H Barnhart. She had two children there that she loved very much. She later moved to New Martinsville.

Elizabeth loved crafts. Her primary focus in life was creating a comforting environment for herself and others at her home. She loved cooking and flowers. She took great care in the detail of all of her crafts, and prided herself in her beautiful penmanship. She liked to make plain spaces pretty and bring joy to people through her works.

Elizabeth’s ash spreading ceremony will be set at a later time by the family.

She is survived by her son Max, her daughter Emily, her mother Deborah, her brother William A Barnhart, William’s fiancé Brandy, their daughter Lahna, her brother Jon , and his wife Christy.

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08/11/2026

Address

400 Jefferson Avenue
Moundsville, WV
26041

Telephone

+13048450400

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