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

Linda Lou (Ware) Rowan

It is with a great deal of love and sadness that we would like to announce the passing of the sweetest soul, Linda Lou (Ware) Rowan, on July 28, 2024. She was born May 18th, 1949, to the late Lloyd Ware and Hazel Dogman, and we can’t forget to mention her loving stepmother, Viva Ware.

She will be laid to rest with her spouse and father of her children, Henry Nathan Cole and be able to carry on her legacy in the skies with both him and her late companion, Dewey McCauley.

Now, dry your tears, and perk up, because before you get upset and sad, please know that Linda would not want to be remembered by a sad time. She would want everyone to remember her for her joyous laughter, her beautiful smile, gentle soul, and her goofy sense of humor.

She was a strong and independent woman than would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. But don’t get me wrong, she’d kick your butt if you tried to hurt her kids or grand babies, as they were her entire world. Plus, we can’t forget her spoiled and beloved wiener dog, Buddy.

In her younger days, Linda was a private caregiver for years, and made sure to take care of everyone else before herself. She took pride in maintaining a calm attitude, and quite literally could make anyone giggle with her orneriness.

Linda had a huge family both full, step, and half family! Having a blended family meant nothing more than extra people to love and cherish!

She is proceeded in death by several brothers and sister: Floyd, Einie, Arnold, Louise, Tressie, Edith, Virgie, Donald, Sunny, and Clifton.

She is survived by siblings: Irene, Martha, Carolyn, Vada, Kenneth, Sharon, David, Ruby, Wilma, and Russell.

Linda has 3 sons: Clarence Rowan and spouse Beverly Beckner of Buckhannon, Henry Cole Jr. of Buckhannon, and a deceased son Ricky Rowan. She is also survived by her granddaughter MicKayla Myers and husband Mitchell Myers of Buckhannon, and their kids, 5 great-grand babies: Oaklee, Grayson, Gideon, Ryker, and Millie. As well as several other great-grandchildren and grandchildren including Thelma, Helen, Candy, Brianna, JJ, and many many more!

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Crestview Manor of Jane Lew for their amazing and kind hospitality they gave Linda the past 3 years. May you all know just how much it means to us that she was in a safe, happy, place with people who truly enjoyed being in her presence!

Linda’s funeral services will be held at Poling St. Clair Funeral Home on Sunday, August 4, 11am – 2pm with burial services to immediately follow at Kesling Mill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

B-U ladies to host second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday

Top-ranked, defending state champion Buckhannon-Upshur will host the second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday, featuring 26 teams and many of the state’s top female wrestlers despite the host’s seven-wrestler roster.

Centers Against Violence representatives discuss impact of human trafficking, stalking in Upshur County

Centers Against Violence urged Upshur County leaders to take stalking and human trafficking seriously as the commission proclaimed Stalking Prevention Month and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Madelyn Tucker and Jerin Westfall

The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice expected to cause ‘widespread and significant impacts’ this weekend

Upshur County is under a winter storm watch as heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten major travel and infrastructure impacts from Saturday through Monday.

School bus crashes on Route 20 after hitting black ice; one child taken to hospital

A school bus carrying 25 students slid on black ice on Route 20 Wednesday morning and went off the road, according to Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman. All students were checked at the scene, and one child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries.

B-U swim teams finish up regular season

Buckhannon-Upshur’s girls won six events (four individual, two relays) and the boys one on Senior Night, then the girls placed fifth and boys sixth at a nine-team/ seven-team make-up before the Big 10 championships.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Frostburg State, 105-83

Frostburg State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 105–83 as Frostburg’s second-half surge and efficient shooting overcame Wesleyan’s 47.8 percent offense and 21 points from Isaiah Baker.

Wesleyan women down Frostburg State, 87-76

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Frostburg State 87-76, led by Kilah Dandridge’s season-high 25 and strong shooting and balance from Emma Witt and Sydney Baird, improving to 9-4 overall and 7-3 in MEC play.

Leadership Upshur sets three workdays to help launch new children’s museum on Main Street

Leadership Upshur is rallying volunteers and sponsors to help prepare a new children’s museum coming to Main Street in Buckhannon. The group has scheduled three workdays and is seeking donated supplies as painting and repairs get underway.

Winter storm watch issued for Upshur County as significant snow expected this weekend

A winter storm watch is in effect for Upshur County as a significant system targets the East Coast from Saturday through Monday, with Buckhannon forecast to see 6–12 inches of heavy snow.

Election Update: Latest local candidate filings as of Jan. 21

The candidate filing period is underway for West Virginia’s May 12, 2026, Primary Election. Here’s a rundown of who has filed so far for Upshur County and Buckhannon races.