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

Wanda Laverne (Pickens) Bickel

Wanda Laverne (Pickens) Bickel, age 98, of Grafton, WV died Sunday, October 2, 2022, at her home.

She was born on November 15, 1923, in Wildcat, WV, the second child of the late Leland and Lois Dorthia (Gould) Pickens. On May 14, 1944, she married Joyce Maynard “JM” Bickel, who preceded her in death on April 27, 2007.

She is survived by four children, Douglas Bickel of Grafton, WV, Jerald Bickel and wife, LeAnna of Elkins, WV; one daughter, Julia Robbins and husband Dr. Donald H. Robbins Jr. of Marlette, MI and Darrel Bickel of Grafton, WV; four grandchildren, James Bickel of Elkins, WV, Heather Wells and husband Travis of Pensacola, FL, Angela Stage and husband Chad of Mocksville, NC and Andrew Robbins of Marlette, MI; Four great-grandchildren, Logan Bickel of Elkins, Ella Stage of Mocksville, Brynnly Stage of Mocksville and Charlotte Wells of Pensacola; one brother, James Pickens of Fairmont, WV; one brother-in-law, Perry Bickel and wife Fran of Canton, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Loy and William Pickens and three sisters, Oleta Swisher, Maxine Steel and Bertha Burnside and two grandsons, Steven Douglas Bickel and Donald H. Robbins III.

Mrs. Bickel was a Methodist by faith and Wanda was a true “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII when she traveled to Akron, Ohio to work in the military factory making parts for aircraft. After the war, Wanda worked as a schoolteacher in a one room country school before she switched to working in the Laboratory at the Hospital in Webster Springs. Mrs. Bickel had a long lifetime career as a Medical Technologist working at hospitals in Webster, Randolph, Upshur, Berkeley and Marion counties. 

At the age of 65, Wanda decided to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree and was named the “Student of the Year” at Fairmont State University. Wanda was a very creative and intelligent person who would tackle any sewing, upholstery or home-improvement project with enthusiasm.

She was truly a “Grand Lady” who was a very caring and loving person who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Friends will be received Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 12 (noon) to 1:00 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home with Pastor David Jesse officiating. Burial will follow in the McCutchen Chapel Cemetery at Ireland, WV.

Online condolences can 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

Subscribe Today  ›

RECENT Stories

West Virginia Supreme Court hears challenge over proposed $56 million Weston hospital

The West Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Mon Health’s planned $56 million Stonewall hospital requires a certificate of need — a dispute that could strip WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital of critical federal funding.

WVWC prepares to welcome alumni home for aloha-themed Homecoming 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College will welcome alumni to an aloha-themed Homecoming Sept. 25-28 celebrating its 135th anniversary with reunions, concerts, athletic events, lectures, a block party and campus tours.

X-C Lady Bucs run fifth at Doddridge County Invitational

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Lady Buc cross-country team placed fifth of eight with 110 points at the Doddridge County Invitational, led by Gwendolyn Rogosky’s 12th-place finish as University won the meet.
WVWC Golf

WVWC golf teams compete at UC Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan men’s and women’s golf teams competed at the University of Charleston Invitational Sept. 8–9, with the men finishing 19th (+101) and the women 15th (+185); Robin Heidenreich and Sydney Baird led.
BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Soccer Bucs can’t get it going in 3-1 loss to Robert C. Byrd

Robert C. Byrd beat Buckhannon-Upshur 3-1, capitalizing on second-half goals by Carson Bennett and Orion Rohrbaugh as the Eagles dominated shots and corners while Coby Smith scored B-U’s lone goal.

SSAC releases first set of playoff ratings; B-U is 15th in Class AAAA

The WVSSAC released its first playoff ratings after three weeks of the regular season, with Buckhannon‑Upshur ranked 15th in Class AAAA despite a 0‑3 record due to strength-of-schedule bonus points.

Upshur County FFA hosts tailgate party with Philip Barbour FFA

Upshur County FFA hosted a pregame tailgate that doubled as its September meeting, bringing members and administrators from Philip Barbour County together to celebrate school spirit, games, food, and the new officer team’s leadership.

Buckhannon woman arrested for allegedly sending money from grandfather’s card via Cash App

A Buckhannon woman was arrested after allegedly using her grandfather’s bank card to send herself about $9,690 via Cash App over 22 transactions.

Patricia Gayle “Patty” Boone

Patricia Gayle Boone, 52, of Buckhannon, died Sept. 14, 2025, after a three-year cancer battle; she is survived by her children, grandchildren, companion and stepfather and worked as a receptionist at Spectacle Family Eyecare.

Delores Ann Smith

Delores Ann Smith, 62, of Mabie, West Virginia, died September 15, 2025; a nurses aide who loved gospel music, she is survived by her mother, a sister, nieces and nephews.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: September 18, 2025

Upshur County Commission’s agenda for its September 18, 2025 meeting, posted September 16, lists items commissioners will consider.

Five athletes, one team inducted into B-UHS Athletic Hall of Fame in Saturday ceremony

Five athletes — Brian Bergstrom, Terry Brake, Lauren Cvechko, Mackenzie Leigh and J.R. Tenney — and the 1958 Buccaneer baseball team were inducted into the Buckhannon-Upshur Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday.