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

RECENT Stories

Ruth Louise Smith

Ruth Louise Smith, 77, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired history teacher and longtime Methodist active with Boy Scout Troop 100, died November 27, 2025; she is survived by two sons, a grandson, siblings and extended family.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: December 2, 2025

The Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will meet December 2, 2025; this article publishes the meeting agenda.

Local photographers featured in state’s free wildflower calendar

Several Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club members were honored with inclusion in the state’s annual wildflower calendar, which is now available to order for free.

Upshur County Commission asks state attorney general to probe high gas prices

Upshur County commissioners voted to send a letter to West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey seeking an explanation for why local gas prices are higher than in neighboring counties. Officials hope an official response will clarify whether market forces are to blame.

Trumps Salon angel tree helps high school students in Buckhannon have Christmas

Trumps Salon is seeking to help 22 high school students on its Angel Tree with requested items to make their holidays brighter. Gifts and donations can be dropped off at the salon on Main Street by December 12.

Upshur County businesses eligible for federal disaster loans after fall drought

Small businesses and nonprofits in Upshur County can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans after drought conditions this fall caused economic losses. The loans cover working capital needs even without physical damage.

Mary Lucille Brady

Mary Lucille Brady Tenney of Hall, WV, mother and grandmother, who with former husband Virgil White owned a Buckhannon furniture store and later worked as an executive secretary, died; she will be cremated with a private family service planned.

Carl Blaine Norman

Carl Blaine Norman, 84, a Buckhannon native, Army veteran and former coal miner who enjoyed reading and tinkering on cars, died November 25, 2025, and is survived by children, siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 14: The annual “Things I’m not thankful for” column

Local sports columnist Duane Carpenter lists his top three 2025 sports grievances—Rich Rodriguez at WVU, Darian and Tucker DeVries’ departures, and clickbait sports algorithms—then recaps weekly picks and high school football matchups.

Wesleyan announces Mike Kellar as new head football coach

West Virginia Wesleyan College hired veteran coach Mike Kellar, a former MEC quarterback and coach with an 87-63 record, to rebuild a program mired in a 34-game losing streak.

WVU expert offers tips for navigating Thanksgiving family tensions

Forget the turkey and stuffing. The real Thanksgiving tradition is family conflict: A West Virginia University professor says holiday gatherings can resurrect childhood roles and dormant tensions. She offers strategies to keep the focus on gratitude rather than conflict.

WVWC’s new columbarium provides perpetual home among the hills

West Virginia Wesleyan College has installed a new columbarium in the West Meditation Chapel, made possible through a donation by alumnus Rev. Dewayne Lowther ’57.