Mildred LaRue Keener

Mildred “LaRue” (Neal) Keener, age 88, a resident of Philippi, passed away Saturday April 9, 2022 in the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. LaRue was born March 14, 1934 in Punxsutawney, PA a daughter of the late Woodrow Turney and Willovene Bea (Bussard) Neal. LaRue was united in marriage on June 2, 1956 to Frank V. Keener who preceded her in death on March 31, 2006. Surviving are two daughters, Betty Miller and husband Paul of Valley Furnace, Bobbie Jo “Lady” Sturm of Philippi, two sons, Frankie Keener and companion Jamie Burner, and Tony Keener all of Philippi, son-in-law Charles Nuzum of Philippi, sister-in-law, Donna Neal of Philippi, grandchildren, Valerie Welch, John Paul Miller, Trinity Keener, Jacob Keener, Charles “Eric” Keener, Justin and Tiffany Black, Kalya Jo Sturm, Amber Keener, great grandchildren, Collin and Hannah Welch, Caitlin and Preslea Miller, Kaylee, Chloe, and Justin Black, Alex and Amelia Lapana, Ezmie, Karlie, and Franklin. LaRue was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Charles Keener, daughter, Marie Nuzum, son-in-law Leonard Sturm, granddaughter Paula Ann Miller, LaRue was the last surviving member of her immediate family having also been preceded in death by brothers, Woodrow “Sonny” Neal, Stanley Neal, Robert “Bobby” Neal. She retired from Broaddus Hospital after 25 years of services working in the dietary department. LaRue was a member of the Grafton VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #3081, she loved playing bingo, scratch lottery tickets, and playing the daily 3. LaRue loved her family and always had a Sunday family dinners where she cooked spaghetti. She was a graduate of Philippi High School class of 1952.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Wednesday April 13, from 5-8 pm and on Thursday April 14, from 8 am- 2 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm with Pastor Bryan Headley officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery.