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

Madeline Russell

Madeline Russell, age 95, of Ellamore, WV, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, WV.

She was born November 8, 1927, in Century, WV, a daughter of the late Fred and Audra Green Wood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Garnet Russell who died on Feb. 10, 2019; five brothers, Robert, Jim, Butch, Dick and Max Wood; three sisters, Ruby Simons, Mary Shock and Faye Wood and her beloved rooster, Fred.

She is survived by one son, Ralph Russell of Ellamore; one sister, Judy Heavner and George of FL; one brother, Barry Wood and Jennifer of Shepherdstown, WV; several nieces and nephews; her cat, Waldo and caregivers, Jerry Rowan, Linda Elza and Paulette Shipman.

Mrs. Russell was a homemaker and a Pentecostal by faith. She attended many churches throughout Buckhannon, with the most recent being Faith Tabernacle. She was a true caregiver and enjoyed volunteering with her church families to do youth ministry work all throughout West Virginia. In her free time, she enjoyed watching Jimmy Swaggart on tv and completing puzzles with Jerry. She missed her buddy Leona Wood who called her every day.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to Harold, the nurse who provided loving care; the Poling and Lemons families for the thoughtful gifts and food; the Ellamore Fire Department for the quick response and help in times of need and Nays Chapel for all their help and support.

Friends will be received Sunday, January 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Guy Ware officiating. Burial will follow in the Ten Mile Baptist Cemetery in Ten Mile, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

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

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

Football Bucs fall to Robert C. Byrd, 34-0; but still projected to make playoff field at No. 16

Buckhannon-Upshur was shut out 34-0 by Robert C. Byrd after gaining just 117 yards and struggling in the rain, yet remained projected at No. 16 in the WVSSAC playoff field.
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats win marathon outing against Glenville State, 3-2

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Lady Bobcats rallied to defeat Glenville State 3–2 in a five-set marathon, led by Bhrooke Axe’s 24 kills and Lacey Guthrie’s 31 assists to improve to 17–8 (9–4 MEC).

Wesleyan grad named West Virginia High School Art Teacher of the Year by WVAEA

Elaina DePetro, a 2018 West Virginia Wesleyan graduate and John Marshall High School art teacher, was named West Virginia Art Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Art Education Association.

A new chapter begins in Buckhannon as Volume Bookshop & Studio brings books and tea to Main Street

From new and used books to British teas and shortbread, Volume Bookshop & Studio will hold its grand opening Monday in downtown Buckhannon. The new indie spot from Nicki Bentley-Colthart and Spike Nesmith also features a podcast studio, kids’ books, puzzles, vinyl and more.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: November 13, 2025

The Buckhannon Water Board will meet November 13, 2025, and this notice provides the meeting agenda.

Football Bucs to visit RCB Friday with playoff berths on the line for both teams

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-7) visits Robert C. Byrd (4-5) Friday with both teams fighting for playoff spots, as Bucs quarterback Dawson Tenney aims for 1,000 rushing yards after last week’s 60-57 thriller.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 11: B-U marches towards a playoff spot

Buckhannon-Upshur sits 16th in Class AAAA SSAC and looks likely for a playoff spot as the Bucs head into a winnable Week 11 game, while local picks contest standings and college matchups draw heated fan reactions.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to sponsor Free Family Bowling Night on Nov. 19

Mountain CAP Family Support Center will host a free Family Bowling Night with games and shoe rental on November 19 from 5–10 p.m. at Woody’s Bowling Center.

Apply now: Upshur County CEOS seek 2026 Junior Belle

Upshur County CEOS seek third- or fourth-grade 4-H applicants for the 2026 Junior Belle, who will represent the county and attend the WV State Folk Festival, with applications due Jan. 5, 2026.

Soccer ‘Cats end year with 2-1 victory over Davis & Elkins

West Virginia Wesleyan closed its 2025 season with a 2–1 win over Davis & Elkins, keyed by goals from Chris Gonzalez and Blair Sinclair and crucial saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani.

Wesleyan women upset by Senators 1-0 in regular-season finale; knocked out of MEC Tournament

Wesleyan’s women were eliminated from the MEC Tournament after falling 1–0 to Davis & Elkins in the regular-season finale despite outshooting the Senators and pressuring late.

Sikara Sokel’s solo exhibition ‘Luminescence’ opens Nov. 7 with opening reception at CAC Gallery in Buckhannon

The Colonial Arts Center’s CAC Gallery will host “Luminescence,” a solo exhibition of painter Sikara Sokel from Nov. 7 to Dec. 13, 2025, with a free opening reception and artist talk on Nov. 7.