Viola Cathern (Kesner) McGinley

Viola Cathern (Kesner) McGinley, age 87 of Petersburg, WV passed from this life to her heavenly home on Monday, June 26, 2023 at her home. 

Cathern was born at her parent’s home on June 28, 1935 in Dorcas, WV and was the daughter of the late Herman Loy Kesner and Elva Arbella (Sites) Kesner Borror. 

In addition to her parents, Cathern was preceded in death by first husband Robert Russell Cripe, Sr. in 2003; her second husband Joseph Patrick McGinley in 2021; and one son, Michael Richard Cripe in 2006; an infant sister, Irene Ruth Kesner and an infant brother, Eston William Kesner.

Cathern retired from the General Electric Company in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Cathern was very family-oriented her entire life.  She was the happiest when surrounded by family members.  Cathern’s children and grandchildren were her life. She was a very loving and giving woman that always worried about others and would graciously help when needed. She was a member of the North Mill Creek Baptist Church. 

Cathern is survived by her children, Kathy Ellen (Cripe) Crone (Darrell) of Fort Wayne, IN., Robert Russell Cripe, Jr., of Virginia Beach, VA. and Deborah Sue Cripe  (Melanie) of Stafford, VA; five grandchildren, Angela K. (Crone) Lechleidner, Darrell L. Crone, Jr., Jessica (Cripe) Fisher (Joe), Colton Cripe and Sheyene Cripe; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bonnie Kesner Schilling (Winfried), Marlene Alexander and Darlene Rohrbaugh; four brothers, Herman L. Kesner, Jr., (Linda), Jesse L. Kesner, Richard (Dick) L. Borror (Sharon) and Robert (Bob) M. Borror and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Friday, June 30, 2023 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg. 

Funeral service will be Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. at North Mill Creek Baptist Church, Dorcas, WV with Pastor John Vetter officiating.

Burial will follow in North Mill Creek Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090.                                                    

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