Velma Lea Chewning Riegel-1926-2016 Obituary
Obituary for Velma Lea Riegel
Velma Lea Riegel, 89 , a resident of Quiet Dell, WV, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016 at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV.
She was born November 22, 1926 in Cassidy, WV, the eldest daughter of the late Wilson and Bessie Rader Chewning.
On November 18, 1946, she was married to Paul Revere Riegel by the Rev. Charles Pugh at the Methodist parsonage in Mill Creek, WV. She provided loving and caring support to her husband and family and was married more than 62 years before Rev. Riegel’s passing in February 2009.
Velma attended public schools in Randolph County and was a homemaker. She accompanied her husband with his full-time ministry beginning in 1958 and during their 10 ministerial appointments throughout West Virginia until their retirement from the West Virginia United Methodist Church Conference in 1991. During their ministry, Velma served in various capacities as a pastor’s wife and was well received throughout their ministry.
Velma resided in Harrison County more than 43 years of her life, having resided in the Liberty Addition and Enterprise communities before retirement to Quiet Dell. She had a variety of interests and hobbies which included flowers, sewing, crossword puzzles, iPad, etc. She enjoyed RFDTV and was an avid fan and collector of bluegrass and classic country music. S
he was a member of Jerusalem United Methodist Church.
Velma is survived by three sons, Dwight Riegel and wife Linda of Buckhannon, Darris Riegel and wife Mary Ann of Mannington, and Darrell Riegel of San Antonio, Texas; three daughters, Doris Riegel and friend Joanne Feldman of Clarksburg, Denene Carder and husband Jeff of Monongah, and Marlene Riegel of Shinnston; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Geraldine Chewning and Ray and Patricia Chewning of Mill Creek, WV; other surviving family include Margie Chewning of Mill Creek, Shirley Riegel of Finksburg MD, and Elden and Lois Riegel of Mabie, WV.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her eldest son, Darcy Riegel, two infant children, one sister, Pansy Taylor and one brother, Delano Chewning.
A noteworthy achievement for the Riegels was to raise their family and graduate all seven children from Shinnston High School. Friends may call from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
On Wednesday morning, October 19th, Mrs. Riegel will be moved to the Jerusalem United Methodist Church near Mill Creek for viewing from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM the funeral hour.
Rev. Dr. Basil A. Hensley will officiate and interment will follow in the Blue Rock Cemetery near Adolph.
The family suggests that contributions may be made to the Jerusalem United Methodist Church, c/o Margie Chewning, 3065 Adolph Rd., Mill Creek, WV 26280. T
he Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Velma Lea Riegel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
Velma Lea Chewning Riegel-1926-2016 Obituary
