Gretna B. Michels

Gretna Burns Michels 96, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Scott Depot, West Virginia. Born July 2nd, 1929, in Hurricane, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Frederick Douglas Burns and Sallie Elizabeth (Boggess) Burns. Gretna was the youngest and final surviving member of the ten Burns children, marking the closure of a remarkable generation of the Burns family of Hurricane. Her life began with resilience. At just two years old, Gretna survived a house fire that destroyed her family’s home on their farm outside of Hurricane, WV. She spent her childhood growing up on that same farmland. The Burns family farm where she grew up later became the site of Interstate 64, Valley Park, and part of the Hurricane Wave Pool Park – all places now familiar to many in the community. In 1963, Gretna began working as a receptionist at Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company in Charleston, where she remained until the plant closed in 1980. It was during her time there that she met George Thomas “Tom” Michels, who also worked at the plant. Their shared years at Libbey-Owens-Ford brought them together and began a relationship that would later lead to 31 years of marriage. The couple married on April 8, 1988, and remained devoted partners until Tom’s passing in 2019. Following the plant’s closure, Gretna began working as secretary to the West Virginia State Beer Commission in 1981, where she served until her retirement in the 1990s. Gretna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose strength and independence shaped the generations that followed. She raised her daughter, Ann Frances Dodrill, as a single mother in Charleston with dedication and a deep commitment to family. She also had a lifelong love for animals and a special affection for cats. In recent years, she especially enjoyed spending time with her late daughter Ann’s beloved Pomeranian, Lulu, often laughing and sneaking treats with her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, George Thomas “Tom” Michels; her daughter, Ann Frances Dodrill; her stepson, Thomas W. Michels; her stepdaughter, Anne Wince; and her nine siblings: Agnes, Irene, Opal, Frances, Robert, Russell, Ray, Randall, and Richard. Gretna is survived by her two grandsons: Brandon R. Dodrill and Dylan R. (Makenzie) Dodrill; and her great-granddaughters: Myla and Kylie Dodrill. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dennis R. Dodrill, and several beloved nieces and nephews. With Gretna’s passing, the final chapter of the Burns children of Hurricane comes to a close, closing a generation whose roots trace back to the early farmland days of the Hurricane community she always called home. She was dearly loved by her family, and her grandsons, Brandon and Dylan, who will miss their “Grandmaw” deeply, and forever cherish the memories they shared with her. Gretna’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of English Meadows Assisted Living of Teays Valley, where she spent her final year. Their kindness, compassion, and care brought comfort and support during her final months. Funeral Service for Gretna will be 12:00 pm Monday March 16, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV. Entombment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane, WV. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Anyone wishing to leave a memory may do so by visiting her tribute page located at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the family.

Gretna B. Michels

July 2, 1929 - March 8, 2026