Ethel May Coby, age 85 of Moorefield, WV, passed away Saturday evening, October 18, 2025, at her daughter’s residence with her family. Born on April 9, 1940, in Davis, WV, she was the daughter of the late Charles Andrew Snyder and Velma Catherine Hinkle Snyder. Her husband, William Wayne Coby preceded her in death in May 2011. A sister, Edna Marie Dotson also preceded her in death.
She was a member of the 1958 Class of Moorefield High School, Moorefield, WV. Ethel spent many years as a beloved bank teller at South Branch Valley National Bank/Summit Bank before taking on various roles that showcased her nurturing heart. Whether it was working at the Hardy County Childcare Center or her time at Grant County Bank, Ethel’s warmth and kindness made a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Whether through church, her days as an Avon Lady, or through her loving family, everyone was welcome at the table. She was not only dedicated to her job and family, but also to her community. She was a dedicated member of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, often volunteering to help with meals. She was also a 4-H Leader and enjoyed many days working with the Helping Hands food pantry.
Beyond her work, Ethel was a creative soul. She often spent her spare time crocheting beautiful pieces and eagerly attended craft shows to inspire her next creation. She also spent many hours creating dozens of prayer quilts for others in the community. Her talent for gardening was unmatched, and she loved sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. As the family’s enthusiastic genealogist, Ethel looked forward to family reunions, where she would connect with relatives and create lasting memories.
Surviving are three sons, Charles W. (Karen) Coby of Fisher, WV; Donald W. Coby of Moorefield, WV; Michael O. (Chantell) Coby of Fisher, WV and a daughter, Karen Coby Malcolm of Moorefield, WV; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and two nieces, Tammy Radford and Julie Gorman, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In celebrating Ethel’s extraordinary life, we invite family and friends to join us for her funeral services, which will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Michael Funkhouser officiating. Following the service, we will lay Ethel to rest at Olivet Cemetery. The family will welcome visitors from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home to share stories and memories in honor of Ethel.
We encourage everyone to visit Ethel’s Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com to share condolences, photos, and celebrate a truly remarkable woman who touched the hearts of so many. Let’s come together to honor her life and the love she shared with all of us. Ethel will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and her endless dedication to her family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hardy County 4-H Camp Association, 144 Emergency Lane, Moorefield, WV, or to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, c/o Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 937 Ogden Farm Road, Moorefield, WV 26836.
