1. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Bobby Gene Ratliff, 80, of Short Pole near Panther, WV, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at his residence."Bobby was born August 27, 1945 in Krolitz, WV a son of the late Adam and Margaret Matney Ratliff. Bobby was a retired coal miner and loved the outdoors; he enjoyed digging ginseng and yellow root.
"In addition to his parents Bobby was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Blevins Ratliff; and a host of brothers and sisters.
"Survivors include a niece, Sara Lester and companion Marty Matney of Panther; two sisters, Linda and Violet; three brothers, Larry, Dean and Otis; his best friend, Roy Lee and Miranda Riffe of Panther, WV; and his fur babies, Shorty and Smokey.
"Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3 o’clock with Elder Fred Bailey officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger. Burial will follow in the Ratliff Cemetery on Short Pole near Panther. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.
"Friends may visit with the family at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 1 o’clock until the time of service.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 8 Apr 1930, Page 192B, Family #111.
Listed as Ray Elkins, age 13, born in WV, in household of father, Luther Elkins.
2. 1940 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Oceana District; E.D. 55-9; taken on 29 Apr 1940; Page 230?B;
Image 28 of 97; Household #191.
Listed as Ray Elkins; age 23; born in WV; single; 9th grade education; lived in same house
on 1 Apr 1935; surveyor for mining company; in household of father, Luther L. Elkins.
3. Wyoming Co, WV Marriage Records; Vol #__(1941); Page 171; WV Archives Website.
Roy Newman Elkins; age 24; born in Wyoming Co, WV; single; living at Oceana, WV; son of Luther
and Allie Elkins; married on 19 Jul 1941 at Oceana, WV; Blanche Marie McCormick; age 21; born
in Boone Co, WVl single; living at Oceana, WV; daughter of Babe and Faye McCormick.
4. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1951); Page 98; WV Archives Website.
Roy Newman Elkins; age 34; born and living in Oceana, WV; divorced; son of Luther and Allie Elkins;
married on 26 Jan 1951 at Glen Fork, WV; Zelda Virginia Price (maiden name Jones); age 27; born
in Pemberton, WV; widow; living at Oceana, WV; daughter of Ross and Cora Jones.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1951); Page 98; WV Archives Website.
Roy Newman Elkins; age 34; born and living in Oceana, WV; divorced; son of Luther and Allie Elkins;
married on 26 Jan 1951 at Glen Fork, WV; Zelda Virginia Price (maiden name Jones); age 27; born
in Pemberton, WV; widow; living at Oceana, WV; daughter of Ross and Cora Jones.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1951); Page 98; WV Archives Website.
Roy Newman Elkins; age 34; born and living in Oceana, WV; divorced; son of Luther and Allie Elkins;
married on 26 Jan 1951 at Glen Fork, WV; Zelda Virginia Price (maiden name Jones); age 27; born
in Pemberton, WV; widow; living at Oceana, WV; daughter of Ross and Cora Jones.
1. Stafford Funeral Home, Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Rev. Jeffrey Elkins, 71, entered the gates of heaven on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Bowers Hospice House after a long-fought battle with cancer. "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 5:8 Born in Welch, WV to the late Rev. Roy and Zelda “Kitty” Elkins, Jeffrey was a devout Christian and avid gardener. He never missed a chance to remind you that Christ loved you — and so did he. Throughout his life, Jeffrey served in many roles within his churches: Sunday School teacher, piano player, deacon, and Pastor of Black Eagle Baptist Church. He was also a proud member of the UMWA. He loved watching the Cincinnati Reds and WVU football and basketball. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Lundy Elkins, Fred Elkins, Kenneth “Butch” Price, and David Price Sr. Those left to cherish his memory and carry his legacy forward include his wife of 52 years, Delores Elkins daughter April Elkins Badtke and son-in-law Joey son Jeff “JR” Elkins and daughter-in-law Desirae. He was the proud grandfather of Emiley “Squirrelly” (Noah) Stover, Bella Trent, Lilly, and Catalina “Caddy” Elkins. He is also survived by his brother Larry Elkins of Bolt and his special cousin-brother Steve Cox. Jeffrey leaves behind his beloved church family at Black Eagle, a host of garden buddies, and many friends and family who will miss his jokes, gardening wisdom, and porch coffee chats. Services will be held on Wednesday, September 24, at noon at Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, with his dear friends , Revs. Ron Harvey and Scottie Lusk officiating. Burial will follow at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Stafford Family Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements. Nephews and special friends will serve as pallbearers. Brother Larry Elkins and Cousin Steve Cox will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bowers Hospice House and his hospice nurses, especially Dena Spence, as well as his care team: Dr. El-Harake at CAMC Cancer Center, Dr. Karam, and Jeff Prichard. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made in Jeffrey’s honor to Black Eagle Church, Bowers Hospice House."
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1963); Page 309; WV Archives Website.
Larry Hatfield; age 21; born in Simon, WV; single; living at Oceana, WV; son of Fred and Rena
Hatfield; married on 25 Dec 1963 in Oceana, WV; Betty Phelps; age 18; born in Rockview, WV;
single; daughterof Cecil and Lenora Phelps.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1963); Page 309; WV Archives Website.
Larry Hatfield; age 21; born in Simon, WV; single; living at Oceana, WV; son of Fred and Rena
Hatfield; married on 25 Dec 1963 in Oceana, WV; Betty Phelps; age 18; born in Rockview, WV;
single; daughterof Cecil and Lenora Phelps.