Mary Ruth McNeeley

Mary Ruth (Coffman) McNeeley, age 80, of Saint Albans, WV, passed peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following a short illness. She spent her final weeks surrounded by family telling stories, reminiscing of the past, listening to music, sharing a lollipop with a great-grandson, enjoying a nibble of wedding cake and praying. Mary formerly lived in Oak Hill, WV, and Fredericksburg, VA. She was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic in Saint Albans, WV.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Benny; her eldest daughter, Myra; a beloved cat, Joy; parents, William and Ruth Coffman; and one brother, John "Bucky" Coffman.

Mary left behind a large family who loved her, respected her and appreciated the sacrifices she made for them.

Mary is survived by four children, Jill (Rob) Pettit, Rita (David) Witmer, Judy (Junior) Smith, and Benny (Misty) McNeeley Jr.; seven-grandchildren, Sarah (Charlie) Gaquerel, Amanda (Ray) Reynolds, Amy Stover, David Witmer V, Liberty Moore, and Ryleigh and Brynnlee McNeeley; eight great-grandchildren, Ray-Ray and Savannah Reynolds, Kaylie, Lacey and Casey Gaquerel, Lilly and Carleigh Stover and Coleson Parker, and one great-great-grandson, Weston Reynolds.

Mary is also survived by a large extended family who will celebrate her life across the country. We cannot fail to mention her long time friend, Scottie Thomas of Fredericksburg VA. He was always a reason for her to smile.
Mary was the eldest of five children of William and Ruth Coffman, of Gatewood Road, Oak Hill, WV. She is survived by three of her siblings, James (Barbara) Coffman in Virginia, Sharon (Stanley) Wriston in West Virginia, and Paul (Tammy) Coffman of Alabama.

Mary lived her life for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mary dedicated herself to help raise her grandchildren, in various ways. She spent her life cooking at home, in restaurants, colleges and daycares.

Mary had a love for cigarettes and cats. She had passion for books which most would never understand. After her retirement, she averaged reading more than a book a week.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of the following deserving organizations:
The Hubbard House, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387, or visit hospicecarewv.org. Hubbard House West, in Charleston, is staffed by a compassionate and caring group that provided the most loving care to Mary in her final days.
The Jim McDonough Scholarship Fund, associated with St. Francis of Assisi School, 525 Holley Street, St. Albans, WV 25177. Mary loved her church, and the school her granddaughter, Liberty, had attended.

Mary did not wish for a public celebration of life. The family will have a graveside service, to be scheduled at a future date, in Fredericksburg, VA. Mary will be laid to rest next to her lifelong love, Benny.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.