Mary Lee Fridley

Mary Lee Fridley, 101, of Philippi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, surrounded by family at the Mountain Living Community in Belington. Mary Lee was born in 1924, in Philippi, West Virginia. She was the only daughter of the late Nestor Carl (Tobe) Hardin and Mary Etta (Wolfe) Hardin. On March 15, 1947, she married Robert “Bob” Fridley, who proceeded her in death on August 7, 2009. Also proceeding her in death was her only son, Robert “Rob” Fridley II, grandchildren Rochelle Lee Fridley and Toby Fridley, brothers N.C Hardin, Toby Brown Hardin, George Dallas Hardin, Oliver Wolfe Hardin and his twin, Andrew Stalnaker Hardin, who died in infancy, one step sister, Ladonna June Stemple, stepmother, Opal Ludwick, and daughter in law Kathryn Waugh Fridley. She is survived by two granddaughters, Robin Fridley Stuart and husband Randy of Philippi, Sarah Fridley of Wilsonburg, and one grandson, Jacob Fridley of Fairmont; grandchildren Rachel Stuart Ray and Chris of Philippi, Bailey Stuart and Alyssa Smithwick of Cape Coral, FL, Clay Stuart and fiancé Rachel Gaspar of Kernersville, N.C., Shelby Bennett and Kyle Baxter of Nutter Fort, Johnathon and Michelle Bennett of South Sioux City, NE, Allison Bennett of Nutter Fort and Toby Fridley of Middleboro, MA; greatgrandchildren Laramie Ray, Addalyn, Selena, and Olivia Bennett, and Lukka Baxter. She also had two bonus granddaughters, Erin Waugh Daugherty and Tim of Jane Lew, and Erin Jenkins of Gainesville, FL. and several bonus great grandchildren; Jenna Waugh, Quentin, Maia, and Timothy Daugherty of Jane Lew and Ensley Ray of Philippi. After graduating from Philippi High School, Mary Lee attended college at Alderson Broaddus before transferring to Fairmont State College where she obtained her teaching degree. She taught for several years in local one room schoolhouses in the area before she began working at Philippi Elementary School, where she continued to work until she retired. She was an amazing teacher and her love of learning impacted many students throughout her career. Outside of the classroom, Mary Lee enjoyed reading, completing crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the Elk City Methodist Church and the Retired Teachers Association. Family and friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory 220 N. Walnut Street, Philippi, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5 pm – 8 pm, and then on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 pm with Rev. Mike Wanstreet officiating.