Virginia Octavia Hively Propst, 102, of Moyers departed this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept.1, 2025, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
Born on Feb. 12, 1923, in Malta, Montana, she was the fourth child of the late Loy Eston Hively and Wilhelmina Sibert Hively of the South Fork.
In December 1928 at the age of five, she and her family moved back to South Fork to care for her Grandma Pitsenbarger, Loy Hively’s foster mother.
Mrs. Propst 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 Dec. 28, 1940, at the age of 17, she married Dillon Stanley Propst. They were married by the late Rev. S. Kullman at the St. John Lutheran Church parsonage in Moyers. She 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. Her 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.
From 1947 to 1948, she and her husband 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, the couple temporarily sought work in Cleveland, Ohio. She worked at a woolen mill and her husband 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, Ohio, she had worked at a shirt factory making military uniforms for World War II in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Unknown to most, she waitressed for a short period of time at the Star Motel Restaurant in Franklin after returning from Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
She served as an emergency medical technican 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.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family
The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1990, before her husband 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.
The couple was the proud parents of Ruth Propst Craig and Eston Wayne Propst (married to Judy), all of Moyers, and who have all preceded her in death.
She and her husband 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.
In addition to her three grandchildren, she is survived by three great-grandchildren, Noah Lynn Nelson (Jenny), Jarod Michael Nelson and Katelyn LeAnn Propst Frank (Patrick); two great-great-grandchildren, Liam and Lainey Simmons; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, all who loved her dearly and were very special to her; and many friends in the church and community.
She was also preceded in death by her seven siblings, Louise, Tillman, Luther, Earl, Elaine, Norman and Mary Mae; and a fourth great-grandchild, Adrian Alan Simmons.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday 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.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
