Class Notes

Bob Bentz (’83) was named to the Titan 100 of top Philadelphia C-Level business leaders for 2024-25. Bentz is president of marketing agency Purplegator, which was also recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. 5000, Financial Times and Philly 100. He was also the recipient of the Alexia Vanides teaching award as the outstanding online instructor in West Virginia University’s Integrated Marketing Communications program.

Lesa Null-Bostic (’83, ’85) is a graduate of Marshall’s Bachelors in Nursing Science program, and having functioned and excelled in many facets of the nursing profession fulfilled a dream of entrepreneurship when she opened Oodles, a Unique Boutique in Hurricane, West Virginia in 2013. Oodles has been awarded the achievement of “Best in the Tri-State” and has been voted Best Gift Shoppe for 11 of 11 years by The Herald-Dispatch and the Charleston Gazette-Mail readers.

Deborah Chapman (’73, ’81) was presented with the West Virginia Career Technical Education Distinguished Service Award on Sept. 4, 2024, during the Fall Career Technical Education Administrators Conference in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. This award is given to Career Technical Education professionals for their leadership, commitment and innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period of time.

Lynette Jones (’08, ’13), a culinary instructor at the Putnam Career & Technical Center, was named the 2024 West Virginia Career Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

Jones has rich industry experience and an unmatched enthusiasm for culinary arts. She primarily focuses on the ProStart Restaurant Management and Baking and Pastry programs at PCTC, but also mentors high school and post-secondary by sharing her expertise with aspiring chefs. Jones holds an Associate of Applied Science in hospitality management from Marshall Community and Technical College, a Bachelor of Business Administration in business management from Marshall University Lewis College of Business, and a Master of Science in adult and technical education from Marshall University.

Krista Duncan Black (’90, ’92) and her company, TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC, founded in West Virginia as TwoDogBlog, has been named by the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest as a finalist for the 2024 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union. The program raises awareness in marketplace ethics and honors businesses that operate with integrity.

Stephen Treacy (’71) won the 2024 New Yorker Indie Critics Award for his screenplay “Winter Bird.” He also received awards for Best Fantasy Script and Best Original Writer at Dublin Indie Screen Festival.

Maj. Ryan Wolfe (’05) commanded C Co, 2-104th Medevac during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Syria and Jordan (2020-2021). As a UH-60L Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot, he amassed over 100 combat flight hours and his unit successfully completed over 200 life saving missions throughout the deployment. He was awarded the Air Medal for his actions. This was his third Middle East deployment. He resides in Williamstown, West Virginia, with his wife, Brandi, and sons, Eli and Owen.

Dr. George Arnold (’63, ’65) professor emeritus of journalism, won the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. The award is for his novel, “The Heart Beneath the Badge,” for Best Western Romance Novel. The award, presented in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is considered one of the most prestigious in American literature and is one of the several international first-place awards Arnold has won since he began writing fiction in 2012.

 

Robert Bowman (’84) and wife Marjorie announce the birth of their first grandchild, Winslow Paige, born Feb. 1, 2024, to daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Evan Volner.

Colin Oakley (’13) and Taylor Oakley (’14) announce the birth of their first child, Marshall Oakley, on Oct. 4, 2023.

Michael McCracken (’75) announce the birth of his first grandchild, Theodore James Bacon, who was born on Nov. 20, 2022, to his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Aaron Bacon.

 

Zachary Falther (’15) recently graduated Class 54 of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Special Agent Academy. Falther is assigned to the GBI’s regional investigative office in Kingsland, Georgia.

Emily Bartram (’08) has been promoted by United Bank to market president of its Huntington market. As market president, Bartram will lead strategic efforts to drive commercial and retail production, while ensuring the profitability and sustained growth of the market. Bartram will also play a pivotal leadership role in managing public relations efforts in Huntington, while also representing United Bank in the community through active participation in civic affairs and professional organizations.

Kameron T. Miller (’04) an attorney in the Charleston office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been elevated to shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Across its U.S., Mexico and Singapore offices, the firm elevated 28 attorneys to shareholder status.

Shelley Watkins Porter (’10) has been promoted from director of engineering in Kentucky to regional director of water quality and environment for American Water, serving Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee and New Jersey.

Karen Klein (’88, ’95) has been ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church. She is enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia, in the Master of Divinity program with an anticipated commencement of May 2026. She is also co-chair of the Washington Theological Consortium Student Board, Co-International Student Proctor at VTS, and is serving as a seminarian at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria. In January, she will travel with five other VTS students and a faculty member to San Jose, Costa Rica, for a two-week immersive cross-cultural education program.

Alex Peach (’10) has been named vice president of accounting for Service Wire Company. Peach received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Marshall University, and went on to earn his CPA licensure. In 2016, Peach joined Service Wire as accounting manager and promoted to controller in 2018.

Jerry Thorne (‘76) has retired after a 48-year career in advertising sales and management with the Marietta Times, the Parkersburg News & Sentinel and most recently EzToUse.com.

Rick Wilton (’83) retired from Retina Consultants PLLC in Charleston after 28 years as executive director. He previously had positions with Johnson Controls and United Technologies/Carrier. He is currently working on a faith-based book and devotional for cancer patients.

William E. Bane (’85) was promoted to vice president of internal audit and compliance at ABNB Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, in August 2023. Also, he completed the examination and earned his certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner in September 2023.

Dr. Kim Capehart (’97) was promoted to associate dean for academic affairs and advanced education at The Dental College of Georgia.

Robert Miller (’83) serves as president of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.

Malinda Thornton (’96, ’99) was hired by Marshall’s Autism Training Center at Marshall University as the director of campus-based services for the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Peter M. Wallace (’76) has retired after 22 years as president, producer, and host of the long running “Day1” radio and podcast program based in Atlanta. In February, he began serving as vicar of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor. His latest book of meditations, “A Generous Beckoning,” was published last year by Forward Movement.

Bionka Patterson (’11) accepted a new role on May 8, 2023, as laboratory evening and night shift unit supervisor of Charleston Area Medical Center – General Division.

William E. Bane (’85) completed the examination and became a certified fraud examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Josh Spence (’07) was named chief information officer with Alpha Technologies.

Sharon Kay Rife (’66) died on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. Sharon was born September 8, 1944, in Huntington, West Virginia, and was the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Dortha Kathleen (Estes) Rife. She was the wife of Harry Ernest Hoffer, Sr. Ph.D. of Huntington, and John Schook of El Paso. She was pre-deceased by her son Harry Ernest Hoffer Jr. and is survived by her daughters Kathleen Rife Hoffer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Deirdre Elaine (Hoffer) Huff, her grandson Rowan Gray Huff and son-in-law Brett Norman Huff of Denver, Colorado. She was pre-deceased by her brother William Benjamin Rife of Huntington and is survived by her sister-in-law Nannette (Chapman) Rife of Huntington, and nieces Teena Michelle (Rife) Dagliere of Homosassa Springs, Florida, and Mary Elizabeth (Rife) O’Dell of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Sharon graduated from Barboursville High School in 1962 where in her junior year she won an essay contest and was awarded the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. and become a congressional aide to U.S. House of Representative Kenneth Heckler and was also the president of the Speech Club. She graduated from Marshall University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Teachers College and received Honorable Mention from the National Future Teachers of America in her first teaching position. She obtained her Master of Arts degree from The Ohio State University while simultaneously completing a prelaw program with Oxford University in London, England, as a study abroad program with The Ohio State University. Sharon obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sharon was a high school teacher at Enslow High School in Huntington, Teays Valley High School, in Ashville, Ohio, Seaford High School in Seaford, Delaware, where she was awarded Teacher of the Year, Salisbury Christian School in Salisbury, Maryland, and Lake Worth High School in Lake Worth, Florida, where she taught AP History.

Sharon was was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, Florida. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Jamestowne Society, United Daughters of the Confederacy and National Society of Colonial Dames XVIIC. She loved horseback riding and rode at the Rocky Fork Hunt Club in Gahanna, Ohio.

Jeanne Pitt Jones (’60) passed peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Jack Hunter Jones; her son, James Jones; her sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Richard Knox; and her stepdaughter, Virginia Patton. She is survived by her sons, Jack Jones, Jr. (Suzanne) and Jon Jones (Jenny); her daughter, Judith Jones; her sister, Linda Larson (John); two grandsons, Nicholas Jones (Purnima) and Jared Jones; two granddaughters, Anna Jones and Jaelyn Jones; and many loved nieces and nephews. Jeanne grew up in the west end of Richmond and graduated from Douglas Freeman High School and Marshall University, class of 1960. She began her career teaching with Richmond Public Schools in the early 1960s. In 1971, she co-founded The Bon View Nursery School, known today as the Bon View School, with Mary Pettey. Both were passionate about the educational and the developmental needs of young children. As the school grew, Jones took over as director, managed the school through national accreditations and was instrumental in the success, which she defined as gifting each child a love for learning. Jeanne always retained a thirst for knowledge in the field and received her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in early childhood education at the age of 60. Her knowledge helped her manage the school into a new era in early childhood education. In 2011, after 40 years of dedication, she retired and spent her time consulting, and with her family and friends and her beloved pugs.

James Lee Johnson (’60) passed away peacefully at home in Grove City, Ohio, on June 15, 2024.

Maj. Gen. Albin G. Wheeler (’58) passed away on June 10, 2024. He was born to Harvey and Hattie Wheeler in Huntington, West Virginia, on March 16, 1935.

His father, Harvey, held dinner table conversations and would introduce topics to his sons and take the opposite view in order to debate and hone their skills on dealing with issues.

He graduated from Huntington East High School and enrolled in Marshall College. He worked his way through college and joined the West Virginia National Guard as a private. While at Marshall, Albin served as student senate president, chief justice of supreme court, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and five years in ROTC. He was named twice to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He lobbied for Marshall to become a university at the state capitol. His education includes a bachelor’s, an MBA, and graduate course work at Harvard Business School.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Marshall and a Distinguished Alumnus from Marshall.
Proctor and Gamble hired him knowing that he had a two-year ROTC commitment. After graduation he married his longtime girlfriend, Beatrice Thomas, of Huntington, in 1958 and she became his biggest ally and advocate. After two years he saw an opportunity to contribute to the nation and remain in the U.S. Army. In January 1959, he reported to Fort Lee, Virginia. He was detailed to an armored division at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and assigned as an executive officer and then to company commander. In 1962, he volunteered to go to Vietnam working with Vietnamese high command. The family moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where he worked with the Royal Thai Army and went with them to Vietnam. He transferred back to Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, then to Hawaii as special assistant to Admiral John S. McCain Jr., Commander and Chief of the Pacific. He commanded 25th Supply and Transportation Battalion then attended Pepperdine University for MBA in Hawaii and left for Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the Army War College. After a tour at the Pentagon, he went to Fort Riley, Kansas to command the 1st Infantry Division Support Command. He was assigned to Munich, Germany, and Army/Air Force Exchange in Europe, North Africa and Middle East. After commanding the 7th CORPS Support Command, he returned to Washington and was President of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces for four years. His last assignment was to the World Wide Army/Air Force Exchange Service in Dallas, Texas.

After retirement in 1993, he worked as executive director in the Washington law firm of Arent, Fox, Kittner, Plotkin and Kahn. He was selected for Who’s Who in America and a member of the Quartermaster Hall of Fame and was actively involved as a founder and board director of the Society of Yeager Scholars at Marshall University.

Awards include Defense and Army Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

James O. Ramey (’62) passed in San Diego, California, on May 26, 2024. Preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (Wagner) Ramey and survived by sons Steven and Garry Ramey, grandchildren Shane and Megan Ramey, all also of San Diego.

“Little Jimmy” was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on March 11, 1931. Growing up in a Navy family, James lived in West Virginia, California and Ohio. He attended Mercersburg Academy following high school and joined the Air Force in 1950.

He had many adventures in the Air Force including being stationed in Thule, Greenland, to monitor Soviet Union air threats early in the Cold War. James was an American Legion lifetime member.

He returned to Huntington after the service and attended Marshall College (now Marshall University) on the G.I. bill. James joined the TKE Fraternity where he made great lifelong friends, some of which he kept in contact with up until his passing.

James moved to San Francisco with friends in 1963 where he would meet his future wife. He married Marilyn in 1965 and they lived in San Francisco, New York and Sarasota, Florida, before settling in San Diego in 1969 to be closer to family and enjoy nicer weather. James worked for the County of San Diego from the early ’70s until retiring.

He enjoyed camping with his family including annual trips to Lake Powell, made from the mid-’70s through the 2010s. James and Marilyn were longtime Chargers fans with season tickets for over 40 years. They traveled to Miami to see the Chargers play in Super Bowl XXIX. James was an avid reader. James liked dogs and they had a number of great dog companions over the years.

After retiring from the County, he and Marilyn purchased a Lazy Daze motorhome and had many wonderful adventures with the Lazy Daze Caravan Club for 20 years before Marilyn’s passing.

During his retirement he took an interest in genealogy and did extensive research on his family tree. This sometimes led him to contact newfound relatives or reach out to relatives with whom he had lost touch.

James led an adventurous life, had an amazing memory, and enjoyed telling stories about those adventures. James kept his sense of humor throughout his life. He will be missed by many.

Martha Lee Danielson (’72) passed away April 13, 2024, at the Pavilion at Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms, Florida. She was surrounded by friends and family every hour in her last days.

Marty was born June 25, 1933, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, to Edward H. and Lillian M. Crane. She had two brothers, Edward E. Crane and Fred H. Crane. Marty was involved with the Girl Scouts program, enjoyed reading and cooking, as well as babysitting. A teacher from the outset, she taught her brothers reading, writing, and arithmetic when they were 4 and 5.

Marty graduated from Abington High School in 1951. She was involved with the student council, yearbook, and debate team. She attended one year at Framingham Teachers College and then went on to Gordon College in Boston and graduated with a bachelor’s in early elementary education in 1955.

While in Boston, Marty met her future husband, Gordon at the Sears & Roebuck in 1953, where they both held part-time jobs. They were married in her home church on June 9, 1955. The two recently celebrated their upcoming 69th wedding anniversary. In 1969, they moved to Westerville, Ohio, and three years later adopted their daughter, Molly. Marty was blessed with two grandsons, Weston and Everett, whom she loved dearly.

Marty first taught in Rowley, Massachusetts and in her summertime off helped lead youth groups in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Vacation Bible School in Maine and New Hampshire. In addition to her love of teaching, Marty was active in various church groups from Massachusetts to Florida, as they moved for Gordon’s pastoral duties. She taught in Sunbury, Ohio, and then worked as a graduate assistant at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and completed a master’s degree in special learning disabilities. Following her time at Marshall, she taught at three area schools in Vienna, West Virginia. A supportive Mother to Molly, from band and piano practices to cheerleading practices and dance rehearsals, she laid the foundation for academic success.

Her favorite pastime after retiring and moving to Jensen Beach, Florida, was looking for shells on the beach. Marty and Gordon lived there nine years before moving to Penney Retirement Community (PRC) in 2008. She was fortunate to take many trips with Gordon, including Alaska, Nicaragua, British Columbia, Egypt and Europe over the years. They visited Oregon nearly every year, with their last trip in August 2022. Countless spring breaks and fall trips were spent either on the Oregon or Florida Coast with the Slack Family, stacking memories high with her beloved grandsons. She was involved with countless groups at PRC, including serving meals at Penmor Place, Clown Ministry, managing and decorating the coffee shop, Penney Buddy Committee, member of the hospice team, 90th birthday celebration committee, and tai chi.

Robert Frederick Salsitz (’71) passed away on April, 3, 2024 in Powhatan, Virginia. He was surrounded by his family and two beloved Brussels griffons, Winniefleur and Sally B. He was preceded in death by his parents Murray Salsitz and Ruth Stein Salsitz Weiner.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Salsitz; daughter Julie Davi (Mike) and their daughters Ainslie and Lauren; son Ethan Salsitz (Laura Lee); brothers Richard Salsitz (Diane) and Howard Salsitz (Rhondi); and, sister-in-law Jenny Baldwin.

In 1965, Marshall University proved a pivotal destination for Bobby. There he would meet his best friend and future business partner Jack Kessick. He would go on to become president of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) and fatefully cross paths with the love of his life.

The story goes: Susan walked into the gymnasium where the ZBTs were preparing for homecoming. Atop one of the floats, she saw a young fraternity brother, whom she didn’t know, bathed in a light from above. At that very moment, she said to herself, “That’s the man I’m going to marry.” Susan was right. Four years later, the two walked down the aisle.

By 1970, Bobby was hired by the David Joseph Company, a scrap iron metal brokerage based in Cincinnati, Ohio. His first position was as a trader in Detroit, Michigan. He soon moved up the ladder, working in Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Bobby is credited with reviving and developing the company’s international business sector. His success saw him become president of the division.

When the David Joseph Company expanded into non-ferrous metals in 1991, they acquired the Frank H. Nott Company. Bobby moved to Richmond, VA, to be CEO and GM of Nott. After nine years, he left to join ProTrade Steel with his best friend Jack and served as a partner, the vice president of trading, and an executive board member.

Bobby retired from ProTrade Steel in 2015, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of honesty, integrity and business acumen in the scrap trade.

Forever curious and filled with wanderlust, Bobby traveled to 52 countries… in search of the world’s best Scotch. (Turns out it’s in Holland.) When he wasn’t trekking the globe, he was playing golf. It wasn’t unusual for Bobby to play two rounds of 18 holes in a row. And it should be noted he hit two holes in one during his life.

Hub, Dreck, The Wizard, Dad, Bubba, Golf Bobby, Gramps, Mr. Bobby Daddy Sir… Bobby was deeply adored and had many nicknames. Regardless of the endearment, each one was spoken in the spirit of love and respect. Bobby is still a bright, shining star. There is no other like him. He will be dearly and painfully missed by all.

Hardin W. (Corky) King, 91, died on March 27, 2024, in Redmond, Oregon. He was a civil rights and environmental activist, and served as a Presbyterian Minister for the Campus Christian Center at Marshall University from 1965 to 1972.

Mannie R. Griffith (’53) died at Martinsburg Health Care Facility on Feb. 3, 2024. He received his Bachelor’s of Science from Marshall College and his Master’s of Science in 1954. He served in the military for 36 years and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. He later became the director of emergency services for the State of West Virginia during the tenures of Govs. Rockefeller and Moore. Griffith also served as a board member of the Salvation Army in Martinsburg for several years.

Elizabeth Anne Staley (’05) died on Nov. 30, 2022, after a three year battle with a glioblastoma of the brain. Liz was 40 years old. She was a resident of New Market, Maryland. She was born on June 6, 1982, to Jim Staley and Mary “Peachy” Barney Staley. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister, Catherine Staley and husband David Robinson. Liz grew up in Scrabble, West Virginia, on the family farm. She was a 4-H member and all star. She graduated from Hedgesville High School in the class of 2000. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English education from Marshall University in 2005.

Liz taught language arts at Farmwell Middle School and English at Tuscarora High School in Loudoun County, Virginia. While at Tuscarora she taught yearbook production, helping her students earn many national awards for their publications. This led to a new career with Herff Jones Yearbooks as a sales representative for Northern Virginia. This was her love filled with travel, teaching teachers and creative accomplishments. She was an avid reader, football fan and photographer. Her favorite days were spent at the beach, especially Key West in the company of her best friends. Their devotion to Liz during her long illness sustained her and gave her something to anticipate with their frequent visits. A celebration of life was held on December 11, 2022.

Philip Owen (’94) passed away on Oct. 22, 2022, after spending a beautiful morning at the marsh watching the sunrise and entertaining anyone within his perimeter during their duck hunt. Phil was 52 years young.

If you ever met Phil, you knew Phil. He was an instant friend to so many. He was the very best friend of his wife of 23 years, Erin, and was her other half in every sense of the word. His children, Griffin and Frances, were his proudest achievement and nothing else mattered more to him than their happiness.

A born salesman, Phil knew something about every topic brought up in conversation. From power tools, to lawncare, to his prized flower gardens, he was happy to share all he knew. He was the life of the party or the one having heartfelt one on one conversations with you followed by a hug.

Phil was larger than life and made everyone smile. The memories will live on but there were so many more we wish we could have made.

Phil was born in Buffalo, New York, on December 25, 1969. A Christmas baby. This was appropriate. Phil moved with his family to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, when he was in second grade, so he proudly called Chagrin home. After graduating from Chagrin Falls High School in 1988, he went on to earn a degree in forestry from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. During his time at Babcock State Park in West Virginia, as a park ranger, he quickly determined that while he loved the beauty of the mountains and the New River, he missed people! This led him to a very successful career in sales. Phil started his career selling giftware with his dad, Hank, and he had so many fond memories and funny stories about this. He went on to industrial sales, which is where he spent the majority of his career. It was during a brief tenure at Bearings, Inc. that he met Erin, a moment that was truly meant to be.

Erin and Phil lived in Cleveland Heights for many years before moving to Moreland Hills in October of 2012. They love old houses and they knew the minute they pulled in the driveway that this was the one. A farmhouse built in 1894 with a few acres was Phil’s dream and Quail Hollow Farmhouse was born. He transformed it and made it his family’s absolute favorite place. Phil never missed a day to comment on how lucky he felt to wake up to ducks and geese on the pond and that the view never got old.

Phil lived life to its fullest and will be missed by everyone who had the honor to know and love him, but the memories will live on forever.

Jennifer Wheeler (’07) married Ben Newhouse on Oct. 28, 2022. Wheeler is the director of development at the Huntington Museum of Art.