01/23/2025
We are going to miss this sweet woman. Her and Dean built Ravenswood Adopt A Family to what it is today. So honored that she entrusted Katy and I to keep the program moving forward. Prayers for her and her wonderful family.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sally Louella Carter, 90, of Ravenswood, a beloved wife, mother, friend and inspiration to many. She departed this life and entered her Heavenly home on January 19, 2025.
Sally was born on November 10, 1934 in Wileyville, WV to the late Austin Thomas and Leo Williams Cain. Sally graduated from Moundsville High School in 1953. She worked in the printing business throughout her career starting at the Moundsville Echo in Moundsville, WV, The Alexandria Journal and The Fairfax Journal in Virginia, and The Ravenswood News/Star Printing and Publishing and its successors for 34 years in Ravenswood.
She met her late husband of nearly 58 years, (Frederick) Dean, at The Alexandria Journal. They married in 1960 and moved to Ravenswood in 1963 where they made their home.
A lifelong volunteer, Sally was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, love, and support for her family and community. A member of the First United Methodist Church for over 54 years, Sally served on numerous committees and taught bible school. She also attended Beech Grove Church in Medina. Sally found her place in the community through her 60 years of volunteer work in the Ravenswood Civic Club. The club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, opened many doors of service through a variety of projects in Ravenswood, Jackson County, and beyond. Sally served as Club President for 10 years over her membership, she also held offices and appointed positions in the District, State, and Region levels of GFWC. She is perhaps best known in Ravenswood for her 47 years as coordinator (aka Mrs. Claus) for the Adopt-A-Family program. Her impact on both volunteers and the families who received gifts and meals through the program is immeasurable. She also served several years on the Ohio River Festival Committee, the Ravenswood Pool Renovation Committee, and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity. Always a giving heart, she ensured that her Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and wrapped silverware for the church dinner for the Senior High Rise were completed after suffering a stroke.
Sally was honored to receive recognition for her volunteer service. In 2014, she was honored with the highest honor from GFWC, being named one of 8 national Jennie Award winners. The Jennie Award is named in honor of GFWC’s founder, Jane Cunningham Croly, who wrote for national newspapers under the fictitious name “Jennie June.” The award highlights extraordinary clubwomen who exemplify her spirit of independence, courage, and persistence in purpose through their roles as volunteers within their clubs, elsewhere in the community, and as members of a family or extended family. She was most recently honored with the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Community Service Award in 2018.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by infant daughter, Stephanie, and son, Gregory, brother Rex E. Cain, sisters Evelyn Cain and Helen Cain Coss.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughters, Michele (Gordon) Clark of West Columbia, WV, and Lori (Matt) Rocker of Haymarket, VA; daughter-in-law, Christine Carter of Parkersburg, WV; sister-in-law Connie Carter of Blue Jay, WV; grandchildren, Christopher Carter, Megan (Michael) Speece, and Bradley Carter of Ravenswood, WV, and Larry Rocker of Haymarket, VA; step-grandchildren, Lori (Mike) Parker of Dover, FL, Rusty (Andrea) Clark of Centerville, OH, and Laura (Bob) Zubreski of Vienna, WV; four great-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 1:00 at the First United Methodist Church, 719 Flinn Street, Ravenswood, with Reverend Michael Ludle and Reverend Karin Ritchie officiating. Burial will follow at Ravenswood Cemetery.
The family will receive visitors in celebration of Sally's life on Friday, January 31, from 4 - 8 p.m. at Roush Funeral Home, Ravenswood and an hour before the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ravenswood Adopt-a-Family (PO Box 13, Ravenswood, WV 26164) or the First United Methodist Church (719 Flinn St, Ravenswood, WV 26164).
Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood is in charge of her arrangements.
