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

Buckhannon River

Buckhannon River Watershed Association among recipients of state infrastructure grants

The Buckhannon River Watershed Association will receive a $5,000 Stream Partners Program grant as part of more than $15.4 million announced for water, sewer and conservation projects statewide. The funding supports river and watershed protection work.

Southern Upshur Business Association returns Fiddler’s Mill to Upshur County Commission

The Southern Upshur Business Association says it can no longer maintain Fiddler’s Mill because of limited funds and volunteers. SUBA will officially relinquish operations Dec. 31, 2025, and the property will revert to the Upshur County Commission.

St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes the first baby of 2026

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital rang in the new year with the birth of Charlotte Renea Mitchell at 4 a.m. Jan. 1.

Sandra Kay Currence

Sandra Kay Currence, 78, a longtime Buckhannon educator and former Tennerton Elementary teacher and principal, died December 31, 2025, and is survived by her husband Kenneth Currence, two sons, and four grandchildren.

Carpenter Crunch Time: That’s a wrap!

After a brief break, local sports columnist Duane Carpenter wraps up the 2025 football season, highlights surprising high school and college outcomes, criticizes excess bowl games, and announces contest winners and plans for 2026 coverage.

Joshua Bowers joins Buckhannon Fire Department as new paid firefighter

Joshua Bowers was sworn in as Buckhannon Fire Department’s newest paid firefighter at the Dec. 18 city council meeting, with Mayor Robbie Skinner administering the oath and his wife Grace pinning his badge.

First Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raises nearly $8,500 for animal rescue organizations

The first Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raised nearly $8,500 for local animal rescue groups and the Buckhannon Dog Park.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr., 83, of Buckhannon, a 2006 Sago Mine Disaster survivor and former coal mine fire boss, died December 29, 2025; he is survived by his wife Helen, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County sports schedule runs Dec. 29–Jan. 4 with multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball games in winter classics and out-of-state tournaments, wrestling entries in Powerade and regional meets, and a Mohawk Invitational swim.

WVWC’s Witt named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan senior Emma Witt and Concord’s Alexis Frazee were named co–MEC Women’s Basketball Players of the Week after Witt’s 30-point double-double and Frazee’s 20.5-point weekly average.

Driver cited after triggering three-vehicle crash on Main Street that damaged police car, hit Buckhannon bank

A Beverly woman allegedly ran a stop sign on Main Street in Buckhannon, causing a Dec. 27 crash that involved three vehicles and struck the First Community Bank building, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department’s wreck report.

Woman extricated after Route 33 crash near Huddle House; truck driver cited

A Salem woman was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated after a two-vehicle crash on Route 33 north of the Huddle House. Police say a truck driver attempting to cross lanes to turn left was cited for failing to yield.