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Lillian Amy "Tootsie" George Arbogast went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024, at 8:02 p.m., where she joined a host of her family.
She had been a resident of Valentine's Personal Care Home of Elkins for the past 3 1/2 years, where she was cared for lovingly and was known as "Momma Tootsie" by the staff and all those who knew her.
Tootsie was born April 18, 1931, at Norton, West Virginia, to William E. George and Gladys Ellen Powers George.
She was the last surviving of 15 children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Gene "Short" Arbogast; a special grandson, James "JB" Bialek; brothers, Ray, Hobert, Lloyd, Harold, Charles, Burton, Hartsell and Woodrow George; and sisters, Bertha George Logan, Eleanora George Woodrum, Almeda George Varchetto, Georgia George Pope, Ethel Lorraine George and Lemma Powers Flanagan.
Although her mother was killed in an auto accident at age seven, and just three months later, she was struck by car as she stepped off at school and dragged nearly 300 feet, she never failed to have a kind word or inspirational story of hope for everyone she met.
She married Luther, the love of her life, and celebrated nearly forty (40) years of marriage together.
Two children were born of this union, Karen Arbogast Bialek (Jim) of Elkins, West Virginia, and David Arbogast (Kathy) of North Versailles, Pennsylvania.
Grandchildren, Amy Bialek Parsons (John), JB Bialek, Sarah Arbogast Miller (Jesse), Ashley Bialek Flanagan (Chris), Amanda Arbogast Fazekas (Matt) & Eric Arbogast.
Great-grandchildren, Grace Parsons, Eli, Julianne and Aubrey Flanagan, Sadie, Easton & Bowen Fazekas, and Delaney, Liam & Jamison Miller.
Toots graduated from Belington High School with the Class of 1949. She was employed by many establishments throughout Elkins, including the W.T. Grant Company, Elkins Motor Lodge, Garden Fresh & IGA Supermarkets, where she mentored 100s of young workers. She attended Highland Park United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, organized Bible School and helped with the various youth groups. As all the new ministers came to the church, they always seemed to end up having supper at her house and she remained friends with them all throughout the years. Later she attended the First Baptist Church in Elkins, as she was able. She loved the visiting fellowship members that visited her at home when she was no longer able to attend services in person.
Tootsie loved to spend time gardening, canning fruits and vegetables and baking. Although she could make the absolute best homemade bread and rolls, even after 90 years, she could not make a decent biscuit. She was always a "wanna-be-beautician" and frequently cut, curled and colored all her neighbor's hair as well as her daughter's. But only once was Karen forced to go to school with "orange" hair on the day of school photos! She loved to play cards with visitors as well as work jigsaw puzzles. Somehow by some miracle, she always ended up with the last piece of the puzzle or the last ace in the deck. She could cut and sew anything without patterns and often made clothes for herself and daughter, sometimes overnight. It was not uncommon for her to stay up all night making a dress, skirt, or coat when there was a need.
Friends may call from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, from the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Brett Rinehart officiating.
Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Elkins.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Lillian Amy "Tootsie" George Arbogast.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblyn funeralhome.com.