Ruben "Eli" Friend

Ruben "Eli" Friend, age 86, of Rock Cave, died at his home on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born in Upshur County on September 19, 1939, a son of the late Ruben Jackson and Melba Fern Lee Friend. He was united in marriage on March 12, 1960, to Clarabelle J. Simmons Friend, who preceded him in death on November 9, 2019. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Almetta Andrew and four brothers: William "Coy" Friend, Calvin Friend, Henry Friend, and Donald Friend.

He is survived by four sons: Luke Friend, Randy Friend, and James Friend all of Rock Cave and Matthew Friend and wife Brenda of Buckhannon; seven grandchildren: Nina Westfall, Bethany Friend, Nathaniel Friend, Brandy Caynor, Kayla Bouscher, Trina Rutherford, and Kara Bellen; three great grandchildren: K.C. Westfall, Blaine Westfall, and Isabella Friend; twelve step great grandchildren; one brother, Daniel Friend and wife Eva of Rock Cave and one sister Carol R. Friend of the Clarksburg Healthcare Center. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Ruben grew up attending the Eden Church and later became a member of the Eden Homecoming Association. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at Arlington.

Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 PM at which time the family will have a service of remembrance. Due to inclement weather, graveside services will be held at a later date at the Canaan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a church of your choice in memory of Ruben.