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

Lamona “Mona” Rae Casto

Lamona “Mona” Rae Casto, 75, of Buckhannon and formerly of Burnsville, left this earthly life to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. She had a courageous three year battle with cancer and passed surrounded by loving family at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Mona was born in Burnsville on October 2, 1949, a daughter of the late Ebert C. Heater and Frankie Brown Robinson. In addition to her parents, Mona was preceded in death by her sister, Debra Elmore.

On October 25, 1989, Mona married the love of her life, Thomas Gerald Casto. She missed him dearly after his passing on March 28, 2011.

Mona will be forever remembered by her six siblings: Barbara Bragg and husband, Paul, of Burnsville, Shirley Stalnaker of Warrenton, VA, Hilda Clutter and husband, Bruce, of Good Hope, Jerry Brown and wife, Kathy, of Belle, Pam Bucklew and husband, Chuck, of Buckhannon, and Vicki Davis and husband, Jon, of Bridgeport; six nephews: Keith Bragg and wife, Beth, Greg Bragg and wife, Sandy, Jered Brown, Joe Cuppari and wife, Rachel, Brian Elmore and wife, Misti, and Christopher Tomaro; two nieces: Mary Buckhannon and Catherine Cuppari; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A beloved member of the Burnsville community, Mona was known for her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and extraordinary kindness. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Burnsville, serving as both Church Clerk and Secretary of the Woman’s Mission. A 1967 graduate of Burnsville High School, Mona continued her education at Charleston Beauty Academy. She brought joy to the community through her work in the beauty industry, owning and operating the Burnsville Beauty Shop for over 12 years, and later serving as a State Inspector for WV Cosmetology for 23 years. Her dedication to her craft was recognized through her work Salon 88 in Buckhannon and Floe’s Beauty Salon in Glenville. She was also a valued former member of the Burnsville Lions’s Club. Mona was a woman of many passions. She loved dancing, taking trips to the beach, traveling, playing her favorite card game, Phase 10 with her friends Judy, Phyllis, and Brenda, and her daily phone calls with her friend Louise. She was known for her exceptional baking skills, always delighting family and friends with her delicious treats. Above all else, what mattered most to Mona was her family. She was a beacon of strength and warmth, always putting her loved ones first.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024. Funeral Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024 in the Pat Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jennings Dancy officiating. Interment will follow at Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters.

We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Lamona “Mona” Rae Casto. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.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

Stockert Youth and Community Center eyes funding opportunities for new technology learning facility

Buckhannon residents are being asked to prioritize how a $1 million Weyerhaeuser THRIVE grant should be spent. Local leaders hope community support will steer the funds toward a new regional STEM center.

Senator Robbie Morris named chairman of Committee on Government Organization

Senate President Randy E. Smith has appointed Sen. Robbie Morris to chair the Senate Committee on Government Organization, citing its key role in overseeing agencies, regulations, and reforms for a more efficient, accountable state government.

Record-breaking year for labor and delivery at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrated a record-breaking 2025 in labor and delivery, welcoming 373 babies—the most in its history for the critical access hospital.

Buckhannon City Council approves record $50,000 for 2026 Strawberry Festival

Buckhannon City Council voted to appropriate $50,000 for the 2026 West Virginia Strawberry Festival — the city’s largest contribution yet. Festival leaders say the increase will help offset uncertain state funding and boost entertainment and overall event quality.

Evid Eugene Miller

Evid Eugene Miller, 92, a Korean War U.S. Army veteran, well tender, devoted outdoorsman and Methodist from Buckhannon, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by his children, brother, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ryan Lantz

Ryan Lantz, 51, of Lauderhill, Florida, who loved baseball, football, hunting and fishing, died May 26, 2025; a Celebration of Life will be held Jan. 17, 2026, at South Buckhannon Mission Church, with donations suggested to St. Jude’s or the church.

Nancy Ann Lantz

Nancy Ann Lantz, 79, of Buckhannon, formerly of Lauderhill, Fla., a retired educator and EMT instructor who served as a security officer and loved outdoor family time, died Jan. 1, 2026; a Celebration of Life will be Jan. 17.

Melvin Robert Perry Sr.

Melvin Robert Perry Sr., 88, a Buckhannon native, Army veteran and production manager, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives, with services at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Two Upshur County residents federally indicted on drug charges

Two Upshur County residents were federally indicted on methamphetamine-related charges, according to the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 5, 2026

Buckhannon’s city calendar for the week of Jan. 5 includes curbside recycling, the Colonial Arts Center board meeting, a Mountaineer Mile ribbon cutting at the Riverwalk, and the Water Board meeting. Bulky goods collection is Friday.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: January 8, 2026

The City of Buckhannon Water Board will hold a meeting January 8, 2026, and this article publishes the board’s agenda for that session.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local middle, high school and college basketball, wrestling and swimming games and tournaments scheduled Jan. 5–11.