Trending
Frances Elane Smith Wolfe, age 95, of the King Knob Community near Smithville, WV, departed this life on Monday, November 2, 2026, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV, following an extended illness.
Frances was born on May 17, 1931, in Harrisville, WV, a daughter of the late Troy C. and Juanita Dell Waller Smith.
Frances was a graduate of the former Harrisville High School and a member of the King Knob Church. She devoted many years of service to the Ritchie County Board of Education, where she served as both secretary and cook at Smithville Elementary School. Through her years of dedication, Frances became a familiar and cherished part of the school community, touching the lives of countless students, families, and fellow employees. She was also a member of several organizations, including Harrisville Chapter #29 Order of the Eastern Star, Ann-Royal NSDAR, Ritchie County Retired Service Employees, Smithville Community Association, King Knob Cemetery Association, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
In her leisure time, Frances found enjoyment in sewing, needlework, and genealogical research. She took pleasure in preserving family history and the traditions of generations past, reflecting her appreciation for family and the connections that bind generations together.
Frances is survived by two sons, Brent Craig Wolfe (Gail) of Montpelier, VA, and William “Bill” Fred Wolfe (Suzann) of Harrisville, WV; one daughter, Phyllis Lee Wolfe of Smithville, WV; one son-in-law, Roger May; two sisters, Annetta Whippen of Harrisville, WV and Karen Stanley (Kendell) of Smithville, WV; twelve grandchildren: Laura Frymier, Kristie Wolfe, Brent Craig Wolfe II, Sam Wolfe, Scott Wolfe, Christy Breeland, Rod May, Katie Wolfe, Daniel Wolfe, Beckie Wolfe, Jenny Wolfe and Tammy Harrison; thirteen great-grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as "Granny Franny," a name given with love and held close to her heart: Jessi Wolfe Hutto, Jacob and Jamie Frymier, Jared Wolfe, Jana Rutter, Logan Wolfe, Brantley and Addison Breeland, Keegan, Payton and Tripp May, Corbin and Lilly Wolfe, and Oaklan and Paisley Wolfe; two great-great-grandchildren, Freya Wolfe and Gabriel Harrison; several nieces and nephews, cousins and countless treasured friends. Frances maintained special friendships with Bobbie and Roger Amos and her loyal caregivers, Sarah Worley and Vickie Leggett.
In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Denzil Cline Wolfe, one daughter Peggy Ann May, her brother-in-law Bill Whippen; and her lovingly referred to “sister, brother cousins”: Gene Zilineik, Dave Lawrence and Jane Wolfe.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at King Knob Church Cemetery near Smithville, WV, with Pastor Sarah Worley officiating. Friends may call for visitation at Raiguel Funeral Home in Harrisville, WV, on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mcculloughraiguel.com.