Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 11, surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly.
Born on April 26, 1954, Denise was a lifelong resident of Buckhannon, a place she loved and served with her whole heart. She was raised by two remarkable parents, Maxwell Conard St. Clair and Irma Roberson St. Clair, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her two infant daughters, Brooke and Marie Straight — whom she now gets to hold for the first time.
She graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School and went on to earn her Master’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, devoting her life to teaching and nurturing others.
On May 29, 1976, Denise married Stephen Straight, the love of her life and her partner for 49 years. Together they supported one another through the good times and the hard ones, always as a team. Denise was the light of Steve’s life, and their marriage was built on devotion, laughter, and quiet strength.
When Denise and Steve began their family, she stepped away from the classroom for a time to stay home and raise their children, a role she cherished, before returning to teaching and finishing her career as a kindergarten teacher at Tennerton Elementary School. There, she found her true calling. Her students absolutely adored her, and she adored them right back — continuing to support many of them with encouragement, gifts, and attendance at important events well into their adulthood.
Denise had a gift for making people laugh without ever trying. Her humor was effortless — often delivered with perfect timing, a dry remark, or a look that said everything. It was just another way she made people feel at ease and cared for. She was generosity personified.
Denise loved baking for others, helping animals and people alike, and showing up wherever she was needed. Just weeks before her passing, she baked more than 30 pies for Thanksgiving at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. To Denise, love often arrived in a casserole dish, a Hallmark card, or a pie placed quietly on a table.
Denise is survived and will be sorely missed by her loving husband, Steve Straight of Buckhannon; her son, Doug Straight of El Dorado Hills, California; her daughter, Risë Hanifan and husband Shawn of Hinkleville, West Virginia; her granddaughter, Brooklyn Straight of El Dorado Hills, California; and her grandson, Callan Hanifan of Hinkleville, West Virginia.
She is also survived by her sister, Risë Segur; her brother, Jeff St. Clair and wife Kathy; six beloved nieces, a nephew, and many great-nieces and nephews.
Above all else, Denise poured herself into the people around her—loving deeply, showing up consistently, and making everyone feel seen and cared for. No words can fully capture who she was — but if love had a shape, it would look a lot like her.
Friends will be received Monday, December 22, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. On Tuesday, she will lie-in-state from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in Irons Chapel at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow with Rev. Dr. Paul Rebelo officiating. Burial will take place in Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon at the conclusion of the service.
Denise had a deep love for flowers and was passionate about supporting local flower shops, so floral tributes are warmly welcomed. For those who feel moved to give further, donations to Chapel Hill would be a meaningful way to honor her giving heart. Donations to the church may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Ministries, 88 S. Kanawha Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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