Eleanor Herndon

Eleanor M. Herndon, 91, affectionately known as "Toshie," passed from this life at 10:35pm Wednesday, July 25, 2007, in Westmoreland Place. She had been a resident of Gauley Bridge, WV, for more than 65 years before entering Westmoreland in May 2003. Toshie was born September 14, 1915, in Crumpler, WV, to the late Rueben A. and Mary S. (Bradner) Tosh. A graduate of North Fork High School in McDowell Co., WV, she received a Standard Normal degree from Concord College in Athens, WV, in 1935. On November 7, 1936, she married Robert B. Herndon, who preceded her in death on December 14, 1982. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law Sue and Don Rockhold, Chillicothe; grandchildren Jill (Matthew) Haller, Chillicothe; Matt Rockhold, Austin, TX; and great-grandchildren Meryl and Vincent Haller, Chillicothe. Additional survivors include a sister-in-law, Mildred Herndon, of Fayetteville, WV; brother-in-law Milton (Jane) Herndon, of Huntington, WV; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A first-grade school teacher for 10 years, she taught at the Rolfe Grade School in McDowell Co., WV and the Falls View Elementary School in Falls View, WV. After her short teaching career, she spent many years as a volunteer at the Gauley Bridge United Methodist Church where she served in numerous capacities. One of her great pleasures was playing the piano for church services. She was also a Girl Scout leader and trainer with the former Fayette Co. Girl Scout Council. She was a charter member of the Kanuga Club in Gauley Bridge. With her radiant smile, caring spirit, generous nature and organizational skills, she was an inspiration to many. She was "a lady!" She played melodic music on the piano, grew beautiful flowers in her garden and prepared delicious food. She also enjoyed playing golf with her husband and the ladies at the Hawks Nest Golf Club. Friends may call from 2-4pm Sunday at Haller Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm Monday, July 30, at the Gauley Bridge United Methodist Church, Gauley Bridge, WV. Additional calling hours will be at the Gauley Bridge UM Church from Noon until the time of the service. Entombment will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gauley Bridge United Methodist Church, PO Box 329, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085.