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Leona Ruth McGee McElwain, 79, a resident of Kerens, passed from this life Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at Tygart Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Belington.
Leona was born on Monday, Aug. 4, 1947, in Valley Bend, a daughter of the late Michael McGee ad Orpha Cleo Martin McGee.
On Oct. 30, 1967, in Mill Creek, she was married to Charles Reese McElwain, who survives. They were about to celebrate 59 years of marriage.
Also left to cherish Leona's memory are three children, Christina Lambert and husband, Leonard, of Valley Bend, Michael McElwain and wife, Linda, of Kerens, and Brenna Youtzy and husband, David, of Valley Bend; one brother, Jerry McGee and wife, Carolyn, of Valley Bend; seven grandchildren, Brandie Lambert, Nicole Lambert, Amber Lambert, Michael McElwain, Christopher McElwain, Dezaray Youtzy and Dorothy Youtzy; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Leona in death besides her parents were five siblings, Michael McGee, Ercil Martin, Junior McGee, Jim McGee and Gary McGee.
Leona attended the schools of Randolph County and had obtained her GED. In 1969, she began her cooking career with Memorial General Hospital and Elkins Regional Convalescent Center, where she would become the kitchen supervisor with 27 years of service. She enjoyed cooking and watching people find delight in the food she prepared.
Leona had attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She had been a member of H.W. Daniels Post 29, American Legion Auxiliary and the WV Highlanders Ladies Auxiliary.
Christmas and Thanksgiving were two of her favorite times of year in which Leona could cook for her family and enjoy gathering around in her home as they did every year. She was a bingo player and could be found watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in the evenings.
The was the "clan chief" who didn't hesitate to give advice but would also take time to listen. Her family knew that taking her advice was best unless they wanted to hear "I told you so" or "you should have listened". She would never say anything about you that she wouldn't say to you directly. She was also known as the "phone cookbook" where family could call and ask about recipes or ingredients any time. Her ability to manage limited funds was a great asset in the early years as her family was getting started.
Leona's request for cremation will be honored.
A celebration of her life will be held at Randolph Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.
The Randolph Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Leona Ruth McGee McElwain.
Send online condolences to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.