Ethel Helen Smith Oldham, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. She was born Monday, September 6, 1914, in Smithfield, PA, daughter of D. Stanley Smith and Ernestine Powell Smith. She was married to Paul Edward Oldham on December 21, 1933. They loved fishing, camping and raising beautiful gardens. Ethel’s interests included family, reading, sewing and gardening. Ethel was known for her beautiful flowers, particularly her iris garden.
They came to WV in 1946, and lived in Lost Creek, WV until moving to Phoenix, Arizona for her husband’s health. They lived there ten years before Ethel moved back to WV to live in the Elkins Manor for twenty years. Throughout her life, Ethel was a very compassionate lady. She cared for terminally ill patients while residing in Lost Creek and during her time in Arizona.
She is survived by her only daughter, Carole Lee Oldham Hyre, married to Edward Clifton Hyre; a grandson, Craig Clifton Hyre, married to Shelley Fincham Hyre with great grandsons, Brantley Alexander Hyre and Zachary Clifton Hyre; one granddaughter, Christina Hyre Nestor, married to Michael Todd Nestor with great granddaughter, Morgan Helene Nestor. Preceding her in death are her husband, Paul Edward Oldham, one brother, Donald Smith and two sisters, Audrey Rice and Lois Staub.
Ethel was a member of the Elkins Women’s Club and First United Methodist Church. While residing at the Elkins Manor, she participated in activities where she led aerobics. She was an avid hiker well into her eighties and hiked Seneca Rocks at the age of 85.
Friends may call from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 2nd from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Barry Moll and Rev. Dr. Basil A. Hensley officiating. Cremation will follow. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Ave., Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Mrs. Oldham. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Ethel Helen Smith Oldham.
