Virginia Sue Kelly

Virginia Lahoda Kelly 86, of St. Albans, WV passed away October 10, 2023. Virginia was born in Oak Hill, WV on February 26, 1937 to Frank and Faye Lahoda. She was the oldest of 5 children in the household. They moved as a family to St. Albans, WV where she graduated from St. Albans High School. After high school she married and had first a son, Michael Wayne and later a daughter, Deborah Jo. Her journey took her to Hurricane, WV where she lived for 13 years and raised her children. It was there that her children became involved in sports and she was always sitting in the stands watching every sporting event her children were involved in. She never missed a game. Once an empty nester she then moved back to St. Albans where she lived for the last 40 years of her life. As her children married, her family began to expand to her great pleasure. When she became a grandmother in 1980 her true spirit in life became apparent. She was a very devoted mother and grandmother. She eventually had more grandchildren and step-grandchildren to spoil. She lived by the rule you could never have too much family in the room. When she thought her heart couldn't get any fuller then came the great-grandchildren in 2008. Her heart was full with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all in one life. Her greatest pride and joy. Virginia was active in the senior community teaching line dancing for many years. She had a passion for dance which shined. She took her troops to nursing homes and senior centers which gave her great joy. She loved family vacations together or day trips as well as going out to a restaurant. It was always the little things with her. Her absence will be a painful void in the family but the memories will bring great joy. She was one of a kind and very cherished. She will be greatly missed. She survived her parents, Frank and Faye Lahoda; brother, Steven Jack Lahoda; and a stepson David Michael Staats. She is survived by her children: Michael Wayne Staats (Toni), Deborah Jo Ferguson (Lane), Kenneth Wayne Staats (Sue); grandchildren: Jessica Lee Porta (Nic), Kristen Sue Hively (Josh), Cory Michael Staats, Jillian Lee Bauman (Aaron), Brooke Staats; great-grandchildren: Baylee Nicole Carpenter, Austin Lane Porta, Karli Lynn Hively, Cooper Lee Porta, Cora James Bauman; sisters: Barbara Ramey, Linda Davis (William); brother, Donald Lahoda (Anna) and many nieces and nephews and extended family. In lieu of flowers donations to Hubbard Hospice House West would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the nurses and staff that cared for Virginia for their loving care and compassion during her difficult illness. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory or condolence may do so by visiting Virginia’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane WV 25526 is honored to serve the Kelly family.

Virginia Sue Kelly

February 26, 1937 - October 10, 2023