Retha “Imogene” Howes, of the Heaston Ridge community, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her home after a long battle with dementia. She was born October 28, 1952, to the late Reta Lee and Harley Hunt in Gaines, WV, at her grandfather’s house.
In addition to her parents, she was preceeded in death by her brothers Dale (Carolyn) and Cecil (Cynthia) Hunt.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years Harold, who has been her primary caregiver for the last 10 years. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Also surviving are children, Jason Howes and wife Sarah Beth, Sarah Wood and husband Nick and Donna Howes; grandchildren, Keelin and Atlee Howes, Xander and Lydia Wood, Grace, Jacob, Jude, Keri, and Mary Kate Snider; many special nieces and nephews and additional loved ones include members of “The Hole Family”- Richard Mauller, Jimmy Loudin, Ben Grogg and Rex Snider.
A 1973 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, Imogene dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren. She was a Christian by faith and a member of the Heaston Ridge UMC. Imogene was proud to have completed discipleship classes and was a devoted member of the women’s prayer group. She found great joy in life; homemaking, gardening, playing games, camping, and traveling.
The family would like to extend gratitude and appreciation to WV Hospice, Shawna Pignanelli, Jimmy Fallon, Lois Howell, Daisy Hunt, Shirley Mauller, Melinda Smith and numerous other family and friends who helped support us through her illness.
Friends will be received for a celebration of life 3 PM Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Heaston Ridge Christian Fellowship; with friend and Pastor Jay Ketterman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heaston Ridge Christian Fellowship Church, The Refinery Church-WV, or Celebrate Recovery Buckhannon.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
