Obituary of Betty Ellen Laughlin

Betty Ellen Prendergast Laughlin, 91, of Fairmont, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving and caring family, at the Fairmont Regional Medical Center. She was born September 7, 1924 in Fairmont, WV a daughter of the late Elihu Leo and Flossie A. “Conaway” Prendergast. On April 21, 1988, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Charles G. Laughlin Mrs. Laughlin was a lifetime member of the Highland Avenue United Methodist Church. She was a 1942 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School. She retired in 1985 as office manager for CSX Railroad with over 30 years of service. Betty was a former member of the Quota Club, Fairmont Field Club, Ladies Auxillary of the Fairmont Elks Club. She was a member of the Mary Circle and Highland Avenue United Methodist Church and participated in Bible study. She enjoyed her crossword puzzles, playing bridge with friends, and watching both WVU football and basketball. Betty loved spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband had created a beautiful rose garden which she personally maintained until recent years. Survivors include her son, Dr. C. David and his wife Nancy Laughlin of Fairmont; daughter, Susan and her husband David Belford of Carmel, IN, a daughter-in-law, Claudia Laughlin of Arlington, VA; seven grandchildren: Matthew and his wife Kelly Laughlin of Arlington, VA, Cara and her husband Terrence Kee of Arlington, VA, Dr. Gevony and her husband Chris Williams of Asheville, NC, Mannon and her husband Liam Gilroy of Staten Island, NY, Conn Laughlin of Fairmont, Jamie Bennett of Lexington,KY, and Sarah Bennett of Hanover, NH; 5 great-grandchildren: Pierce and Shane Laughlin, McKenna and Ronan Kee, and Kean Gilroy. She is also survived by her brothers: Thomas and his wife Mary Grace Prendergast of Fairmont, and Richard and his wife Patricia Prendergast of Fairmont, a sister, JoAnn Harman of Laguna Hills, CA, and her sister-in-law, Geneva Prendergast of Richwood, WV. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Laughlin was preceded in death by her son, Thomas P. Laughlin and her brother, Dr. Edmund Prendergast Betty’s family wishes to acknowledge her special friend, Judy Ryan; wonderful caretakers, Shirley Brown, Roberta Watton, and Jessica Marks; and her attentive neighbors Sharon and George Ramsey. They are grateful for the care Betty received on numerous occasions during recent years from the nurses and staff of Fairmont Regional Medical Center. Memorial donations may be made to Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, 204 Highland Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends and family may visit at the Ford Funeral Home, R.C. Jones Chapel, 1410 Country Club Road, Fairmont on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 1PM until 6PM and on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 10AM until 11AM. The funeral will be held in the funeral home on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11AM with Reverend Micah Banks officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Fairmont, WV. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.