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

Ronda Kay Phillips

Obituary Ronda Phillips

Ronda Kay Phillips, 62, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at her home.

She was born January 2, 1959 in Lewis County, W.Va., a daughter of the late Cecil Ray and Lottie Mae Conrad Straley. On May 17, 1995, she married Howard Rex Phillips who preceded her in death on July 23, 2014.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one sister, Rebecca McClain and one brother, Clinton Straley.

She is survived by three brothers, Kenneth Straley and wife Machael of Mich., Joseph Straley and wife Carletta and Steven Straley all of Pricetown, W.Va.; one sister, Carla Lowther and husband Charles of Weston, W.Va.; one brother in law, Gary Phillips and wife Rosie of French Creek, W.Va.; two sisters in law, Barbara Coombs of Buckhannon and Loretta Davidson and husband Nick of French Creek; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great nieces and great-great-nephews; beloved dog Cocoa; cats Booger and Myrtle; special dear friend and neighbor, Ruby Vest of Buckhannon and special family, Dolly Coleman of Buckhannon.

Mrs. Phillips was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church. She enjoyed crafts, plastic canvas, and cross stitching. She also loved looking through photographs and sending cards with handwritten notes to friends and family on their birthdays and holidays. Mrs. Phillips was an avid reader who loved to read all books.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Salem Ridge Church Cemetery in Gaines, W.Va. with Pastor John Burns officiating. 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

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).

Buckhannon honors 99-year-old Rosie the Riveter with key to the city

Buckhannon honored 99-year-old Neva Lee Reed Snyder, a WWII Rosie the Riveter who helped keep American aircraft flying, with the city’s highest honor: the key to the city. Unable to attend, family accepted as Mayor Robbie Skinner praised her courage, patriotism and legacy.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette

Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.

Upshur County recovers $300,000 in taxes as delinquent property owners beat deadline

Upshur County officials say most delinquent 2024 property tax accounts were paid before the Nov. 1 deadline. Chief Tax Deputy Heather Sparks outlined what was redeemed and how taxpayers can still reclaim property through the State Auditor’s Office.

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.