With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Della Y. Leake, age 82, who passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Sarasota Memorial Hospital.  Born on March 17, 1943, at McAndrews, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Frona (Smith) McCown.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Ronald (Ron) Leake and her brother & sister-in-law Jimmy (Ada) McCown; nephew, Anderson “Andy” McCown. Della worked for many ...

Barry “BJ” McClanahan Jr., only 33 years old and gone way too soon, passed away in the early morning hours of February 22nd, 2026, at Phelps, Kentucky.  BJ was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, on January 9th, 1993, to his parents, Barry Wayne McClanahan & Moneka Blankenship. BJ, as everyone fondly knew him by, was a kind person who would do anything for anyone, always smiling and bringing light to those around him.  Our family never expected to get the phone call that ...

Ruby Jean (Honaker) Kennedy, age 82, resident of Majestic, Kentucky passed away peacefully at her residence on February 18th, 2026.  She was born on January 23rd, 1944, at South Williamson, KY, the daughter of the late Phillip & Ocie (Stiltner) Honaker. In addition to her parents, Ruby was also preceded by her siblings, Bernard, Willis, Ermal, and Jim Honaker, Emma Lou Blankenship and Carolyn Honaker. Ruby was a proud homemaker who found joy in working around her home.  She ...

Buford “Pete” Wolford, 74, of Majestic, Kentucky, passed away at 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his home following a brief illness. He was born on June 20, 1951, at Stopover, Kentucky, the son of the late J.C. and Olga (Sansom) Wolford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by ten siblings. A graduate of Phelps High School, Pete was valedictorian of the Class of 1971. He went on to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in musical ...

Richard Keith Daniels, age 65, resident of Edgarton, W.V. transitioned to his heavenly home on February 13th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, at the Pikeville Medical Center.  Richard was born in South Williamson, Kentucky on June 15th, 1960, the adored son of the late John Henry & Hazel (O’Quinn) Daniels.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Jackie Wayne Daniels. Richard was a disabled coal miner and of the Pentecostal ...

Mollie Lester, age 87, lifetime resident of Phelps, Kentucky, went to be with her Savior that she faithfully served for 60 plus years on February 5th, 2026, from her home.  Mollie was born on October 15th, 1938, in Phelps, Kentucky the loving daughter of the late Henry & Anise (Justice) Bowling.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded by her cherished husband of 54 years, Roosevelt Lester; two daughters, Kathy Norman, and Peggy Lester; a grandchild, Sabrina Renee ...

Douglas Gene Tibbs, 73, resident of Matewan, W.V., passed away on February 1st, 2026, at the Pikeville Medical Center.  He was born on July 8th, 1952, and he was the son of the late Denver & Meretta (Scott) Tibbs.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by one brother, James Tibbs; a sister, Elmo DuBois; brothers-in-law, Donald Gregory, Joe Smith and Roger Smith who he loved as his very own brother; he was very dear to his heart.  Douglas was a roof bolter for ...

Samuel Ray Dotson, age 69 of Carlisle, Kentucky, passed away on January 27th, 2026, at Pikeville Medical Center.  Samuel was born on July 22nd, 1956, the beloved son of the late Elec & Tennessee (Dotson) Stiltner.  In addition to his biological parents, he was also preceded by his adopted parents, Bud & Margie Dotson, and two brothers, Bob and Tom Dotson.  Samuel was a former mining mechanic for Joy.  He was an avid pool player, and his opponents knew him by ...

With profound sadness and a broken heart, we announce the passing of Susan “SueKatt” Lester, age 66, a prominent and proud resident of “Hornetville” in Phelps, KY.  Susan passed away on January 28th, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY.  Susan was born on November 1st, 1959, in Pikeville, KY, the beloved daughter of the late Earl & Lucille (Mounts) Dotson.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death ...

Elva Louise Howard, 79, passed away on January 15th, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Nursing & Rehabilitation at Phelps, Kentucky.  Elva was born on April 26th, 1946, in Harlan, Kentucky.  Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Howard. Elva had an outspoken personality and liked to be called Louise.  She enjoyed the simple things like her pudding cups and her teddy bear who never left her side.  Elva was passionate about her sweaters and jewelry.  She had a ...