Jean Ruth (West) Grubb, who was born on January 20, 1925 to James Samael North West and Ruth Elenore (Cline) West in Mannington, WV passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020. She was their only child, but because of the large extended family that all lived close, Jean grew up with a multiple of close-knit cousins, aunts and uncles. The family was direct descendants of Morgan Morgan.
While she was going to Mannington High School, she met Harry Edward Grubb, a wounded WWII veteran. After a one-week whirlwind courtship, they were married on July 22, 1944. They traveled to Bluefield, WV to enroll and graduate from the Little French Beauty Academy. There, their only child, Dora Kay Grubb, was born on May 13, 1947. Shortly after Dora’s birth, Jean and Harry returned to Fairmont pursuing different careers. Jean went on to be a full-time mother and Harry to become a life-time career with the Rivesville Power Station.
When they bought their home, it became the neighborhood home where all of the children flocked. In the winter, there was hot chocolate and homemade cookies after sled riding, and then badminton and croquet in the summer. Jean became a girl-scout leader. While Dora went to school, Jean enrolled in the Fairmont Business College where she graduated with honors. She went on to work with Fairmont Kitchen Center. She later became the Traffic Controller for the Electronic Control Center from where she retired when the company was sold.
Jean and Harry were involved with “pass it on” before the term became popular. They helped many people along the way whether it was to give them a place to live or help them financially and never accepted any reimbursement. They always said “just help someone else”. After being a member of the Marion County Historical Society, Inc., Jean and Betty Kootz started the Marion County Museum in 1986. She volunteered every day for 20 years and still found time to volunteer for the Marion County Library and also be an active member in the Quota Club, the Woman’s Club, the First Methodist Church and then Central United Methodist Church. She was also a lifetime member of the West Augusta Historical Society in Mannington. She was a loving and caring woman who never said an unkind word to anyone. She and her husband were married for over 68 years and were still very much in love at his death in 2016.
In lieu of flowers and any donations of food, please make memorial contributions to the Central United Methodist Church, the Marion County Humane Society, or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Visitation will be at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 10:00am to 1:00pm with funeral services beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at the Rymer Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com or the funeral home facebook page.
Condolences
She was the best! Having known her for 60+ years, even I learned a lot...that I had forgotten. Excellent summary of a very busy and productive life.
Dora, I am sorry you have lost your mother, but I think you lost her long ago. She was a beautiful woman and always sweet to those around her. Now she has found peace. And peace to you as well. Masters Funeral Home is just down the street from me, but I am a little scared to go. I did go to your father’s service.
Dora, it was a privilege to know both your mother Jean, and her mother Ruth, who used to write beautiful poems that were printed in the Fairmont Times. You have a rich legacy. My husband and I send our condolences. Marcia Hillberry, Rachel WV
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
I am so sorry. I read about her and know you were close with her. Apparently she was quite a talented and caring person. Anything I can do for you, just let me know.
I'm so happy to have known this beautiful soul, and will always remember her inspirational kindness and charming demeanor. The world is a better place for her having been in it.