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

Pauline “Polly” Gooden

Obituary Polly Gooden

Pauline “Polly” Gooden, 101, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Serenity Care Home in Buckhannon.

She was born March 18, 1918, in Upshur County, W.Va., a daughter of the late Ralph and Virgie Reeder Hinkle. On May 1, 1941, she married Paul R. Gooden who preceded her in death on August 30, 1970.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one sister, Norene Zickefoose and four brothers, Law, Ralph A., Don L. and Charles Hinkle.

She is survived by one daughter, Carolyn Tenney of Buckhannon; two grandsons, Timothy Dean Tenney and wife Regina and Preston Don Tenney, II all of Buckhannon; one granddaughter, Mindy Bennett and husband Tim of Buckhannon; one great-grandson, Joshua Dean Tenney and wife Taylor of Buckhannon; three great-granddaughters, Stacey Ashcraft and husband Cory of French Creek, W.Va., Tabitha Kuckuck and husband Greg of Bridgeport, W.Va. and Stephanie Thompkins and husband Leskie of Elkins, W.Va.; one great-great-granddaughter, Iris Thompkins of Elkins; three great-great-grandsons, Mason and Colt Ashcraft both of French Creek and Connor Kuckuck of Bridgeport and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Gooden was the Store Owner of Polly’s Store in Queens, W.Va. She was a member of the Tennerton United Methodist Church in Buckhannon.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at the Lanham Cemetery in Queens with Pastor Bob Anderson officiating.

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

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.

Leadership Upshur selects Appalachian Impact’s new interactive children’s museum on Main Street for its volunteer service project

Leadership Upshur is dedicating its volunteer service project to Appalachian Impact, helping prepare the group’s new Main Street children’s museum. The team plans to provide hands-on labor, raise funds for supplies and recruit business sponsors for interactive exhibits.

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.