Myrtle May (Karicofe) Hoover, 94, of Sugar Grove passed away May 3, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia.
She was born April 29, 1931, in Doe Hill, Virginia, a daughter of the late Jesse Booker and Viola Roxie (Botkin) Karicofe.
Mrs. Hoover called Doe Hill, Virginia, her “hometown” during her youth.
A lifelong Methodist, she was well grounded in her faith. And, later in life, was inspired by the sermons of John and Matthew Hagee of San Antonio, Texas, which she watched faithfully every Sunday morning.
She graduated from the former McDowell High School in the same year it was completely demolished by fire. She, along with the other students in grades 1 – 12 would finish the school year in area churches. From there, she would attend and graduate in 1954 from Madison College, now James Madison University, with a bachelor of science in education. She taught in both Augusta County Public Schools and Staunton City Schools for 35 years.
Following her retirement in 1989, she and her husband moved to the mountains of West Virginia where they built their “dream home.” There, she planned and landscaped the yard around her new home – she truly enjoyed every minute of that hard work.
She had many interests during her life. She enjoyed reading, listening to music, completing puzzles (such as word searches), camping, traveling, boating, cooking, and, her favorite: baking. Her specialty was her hummingbird cake, which was delicious. She also enjoyed the magic of nature.
Additionally, she collected and compiled a book of quotes. Her favorite quote was “Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade but the memories last forever.” (unknown)
Always a giving person, she was a generous donor to many charities, including Smile Train, Mercy Ships, Boys Town, St. Labre Indian School of Montana, St. Joseph’s Indian School of South Dakota, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics, as well as many others.
She was the last member of her immediate family, On July 7, 1956, she married Gernon Hoover, and together they made their lives in Staunton, Virginia, during their working years.
In addition to her husband of 68 years, she is survived by many nieces and nephews to cherish her memory, including Matthew and Kellee Miller, Jesse Miller, Rachael and Matthew Cooper, Robert and Mary McCray, Wayne McCray, Michael and Lynn McCray, James and Cindy Stuart, Nick Stuart, Tim Stuart, Laura Miller, Raelynn Cooper, Isabella Miller, Joseph Miller, Mason Miller, Callan Cooper and additional nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was also preceded by her sisters, Dorothy McCray and Laura Stuart; a brother, Gilbert Botkin; beloved niece, Deborah Miller; and nephews, Phillip Stuart, Alfred McCray and William Stuart.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, Virginia, with Pastor Paul Schafer officiating. Burial will follow in Doe Hill Cemetery with her nephews serving as active pallbearers.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doe Hill Cemetery, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433; or any of the previously mentioned charities dear to her.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.
