Elwanda Effie Hill Poling

She was born Sunday, May 18, 1924, in Belington, West Virginia, daughter of Harry MClinic Hill and Lucy May Cross.

She was married May 3, 1945, at the United Brethren Church in Belington, West Virginia, to Ralph Wayne Poling, who preceded her in death Sept. 28, 2007.

Surviving are three sons, Richard Wayne Poling and wife, Janet, Dr. Jeffery Lee Poling and wife, Margaret, and Jerry Bruce Poling and wife, Denise; one daughter, Peggy Jo Poling; grandchildren, Ryan Scott Poling, Christopher Roth Poling, Megan Elanore Singleton, Colleen Ruth Kuhn, Elizabeth Jade Bontos, Rodney Aaron Trent, Laramie Shane Trent and Erica Ann Wilkinson; and several great-grandchildren.

Elwanda lived a life full of life and energy. She loved her family. Elwanda’s family was always in loving and safe hands. No one ever went hungry. Her skills at cooking were unforgettable. Whether it be for a small gathering or for dozens at a reunion, all enjoyed wondrous meals made deliciously from scratch. Somehow, she was able to prepare the food without the need for a written recipe. Her love for her husband, Ralph, was unceasing. Although she outlived Ralph by 23 years, she never allowed her thoughts to stray from her memory or her devotion for him to diminish. She was quick to emphasize her pride in Ralph’s service and sacrifice as a POW to his country in WWII.

Elwanda was a wonderful Christian woman who loved her church. As long as she was able, she attended every single service the church offered. Elwanda could be depended upon to provide unselfish help with teaching, sewing, visiting, baking, decorating, and volunteering. She sprang to action at Church camp and vacation bible school where she demonstrated boundless energy. Her faith was unshakable. She believed solidly in the goodness of God and family.

Elwanda loved her community. Her bookshelves are full of books, placards, historical documents disclosing the beauty of West Virginia and especially Barbour County, including the Barbour County Covered bridge, and one of her favorite albums being photographs of outhouses in West Virginia. She was so respected in the community that she was given the honor of being the Parade Marshall for the Barbour County fair.

Animals were special to Elwanda. She loved all of god’s creatures. The lucky pets that came under her care were regarded as special gifts that brought her a sense of belonging and happiness. To her It was part of god’s greater purpose and plan. When she passed, she was holding her last 2 favorite animals Tigger and Homer2 whom gave her great comfort in her last days.

Memories of Elwanda would necessarily include her diverse artistic talents. She was able to sew clothing for her children, decorate wedding cakes, grow a garden of colorful flowers, can countless fruits and vegetables and create unique Christmas decorations. In later years she crafted wonderful flower decorations that people all over Barbour County lovingly placed on relative’s graves.

Elwanda did not always have an easy life. She was often faced with scarcity, long hours, drudgery and shortages of time and help. Yet she made life work for herself and her family. She never complained. She would rather revel in the good things’ life gave her. Ralph’s Country Store where she worked with her husband was often arduous. Nonetheless she was able to make it thrive. Elwanda was forever proud that she and Ralph supported four children through college with very limited resources.

Elwanda had a good life of boundless spirit. A person of unceasing kindness and compassion. A person of exemplary zest for life. She served God, her family and her community well.

She will be greatly missed by her family and all the patrons who visited her at Poor Ralph’s Country Store.

As to Elwanda’s request, there will be no funeral or grave site service as she was laid to rest with her husband, Ralph, at the National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia, on Oct. 27, 2023.

In lieu of flowers and cards that those who desire to donate a gift to do so in the form of a donation to the Animal Friends Of Barbour County. animalfriendsweb@yahoo.com.