All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Dorthy Ann Courtney

Dorthy Ann Courtney, 65, of Buckhannon, passed away in the comfort of her home and surrounded by loving family on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

She was born in Philippi on July 2, 1957, a daughter of the late Clarence David Wolfe and Irene Lucille Moore Wolfe. In addition to her parents, Dorthy was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by one great-grandchild, Adelynn; and one brother, Aaron.

Forever cherishing their memories of Dorthy are her life partner of over 13 years, Steven Roy Messer; three children: Sandra and Chuck Wells of Buckhannon, Virginia Dean of Clarksburg, and Jessie Heater of Buckhannon; Eleven grandchildren: Elizabeth and Zach, Tyler and Erica, Loni, Jaden, Bella, James, Dierick, Peyton, Emily, Tyson, and Adam; two grand-pups; one great-grandchildren, Ellie; eight siblings: Pearl, Edith, Ellis, Wilma, William, Clarence, Jeffery, Darryl, and Doug; several nieces and nephews; one aunt, Pearl Montgomery; and close friends: Judy and Keith Carr.

Dorthy was the most crafty and creative person you could meet. She was always creating something even if all she had was a milk jug. Over 150 windchimes hung on her porch that Dorthy created herself, and she leaves behind countless one-of-a-kind handmade keepsakes for her loved ones to treasure for a lifetime. She also had the most generous heart and was always helping others by cooking and donating the food to those in need. Above all, Dorthy adored her family and every moment they shared together.

Dorthy’s request for donation to WVU Human Gift Registry has been honored.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Dorthy Ann Courtney. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.

Buckhannon Waste Board Agenda: July 3, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Waste Collection Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 3, 2025.

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.