Virginia Octavia Propst

Virginia Octavia Hively Propst, 102 years old of Moyers, WV, departed this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV.

She was the fourth child of the late Loy Eston Hively and Wilhelmina Sibert Hively of South Fork, born on February 12, 1923, in Malta, Montana.

In December 1928 at the age of five, Virginia and her family moved back to South Fork to care for her Grandma Pitsenbarger, Loy's foster mother.

Virginia was a 1941 graduate of Franklin High School, followed by two generations at that high school and another two generations at the current Pendleton County High School constructed on the original site.

On December 28, 1940, at the age of seventeen, she married Dillon Stanley Propst. They were married by the late Rev. S. Kullman at the St. John Lutheran Church parsonage in Moyers. Virginia was a member of that congregation for nearly 85 years; and what is now the Mountain Lutheran Parish for nearly 97 years. Prior to this, in 1928 she was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Virginia's faith has always been of utmost importance to her, central to her life and values, and she has been a mentor and valuable example for many.

Virginia and Dillon were the proud parents of Ruth Propst Craig and Eston Wayne Propst (married to Judy), all of Moyers, and all who have preceded her in death.

From 1947 to 1948, Virginia and Dillon began and completed construction of their family home and what would become Sinnett Lane Grocery. The store opened in 1948 and has been a hub to the community for many years, remaining open to this day.

In 1953, Virginia and Dillon temporarily sought work in Cleveland, Ohio. Virginia worked at a woolen mill and Dillon at an automobile plant for General Motors. Newlyweds, Mary Mae and Charles Linaburg, tended the store in their absence until they returned in 1955. Prior to going to Cleveland, Virginia had worked at a shirt factory making military uniforms for WWII in Harrisonburg, VA. Unknown to most, Virginia waitressed for a short period of time at the Star Motel Restaurant in Franklin, WV after returning from Cleveland. She raised her family, tended the store, worked on the family farm, cared for many family members, and served the church and community. She was an avid gardener, had a green thumb, saving seed and starting many of her garden plants, and her cellar was always full of yummy canned goods. She was an amazing cook and baker, especially of the old-time recipes and foods, and made cruellers for her family and the church for many years.

Virginia and Dillon became proud grandparents of their first grandchild, Kathy Ann Propst Nelson (Lynn) in late 1960. They were blessed with two additional grandchildren, Melissa Lynn Propst Harrison (Gary) in 1969 and Daniel Wayne Propst (Debbie) in 1970. Family has always been a priority to Virginia, keeping close contact with her relatives and greatly enjoying family reunions and get togethers.

Virginia served as an EMT for the South Fork Volunteer Rescue Squad for 11 years from 1980 to 1991. She has served the St. John Lutheran Church in many capacities and was a valued member of the congregation. She was a member of the WELCA, and sang in the church choir, visiting the local skilled facility monthly for many years to share fellowship in song and visitation. These are only a few of the many valuable contributions to her community in her long lifetime.

Dillon and Virginia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1990, before Dillon went home to be with the Lord in November 1991. In September 1994, she experienced a serious fall down the cement stairs of the store and sustained a traumatic head injury. By the grace of God, she recovered fully after an extensive stay in a rehabilitation center and remarkably remained active and sharp throughout her lifetime.

In addition to her three grandchildren, Kathy Ann Propst Nelson (Lynn), Melissa Lynn Propst Harrison (Gary) and Daniel Wayne Propst (Debbie), she is survived by three great-grandchildren: Noah Lynn Nelson (Jenny), Jarod Michael Nelson and Katelyn LeAnn Propst Frank (Patrick); five great-great-grandchildren, Liam and Lainey Simmons, Riley, Bailey and Tanner Rodgers; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, all who loved her dearly and were very special to her, as well as many friends in the church and community.

Virginia was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by her seven siblings: Louise, Tillman, Luther, Earl, Elaine, Norman and Mary Mae. Her fourth great-grandchild, Adrian Alan Simmons, also predeceased her.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday, September 6 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 7 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastors Angela Lambert, Paul Shafer and Jay Linaburg officiating.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 26 Black Thorn Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815.

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