Elmer Clarence Hardesty, 82, passed from this life, Thursday, October 11, 2012 at Colonial Place in Elkins where he had been a resident for the past nine months. He had been in declining health for the past three and a half years and had been a patient of Mountain Hospice for the past year. Elmer was born on Monday, August 25, 1930 at Lick Run in Preston County, WV, a son of the late Arbanes Sylvester Hardesty and Susan Blanche Summers Hardesty. On September 29, 1951, in Mt. Lake Park, MD, he married the former Ireta “Jane” Wilt who survives. They enjoyed sixty one years of marriage. Elmer is survived by his two children, Laurella Lawrence and husband Mike, Mark Hardesty and wife Dawn, all of Elkins, one sister, Myrtle Wilhelm of Kingwood, five grandchildren, Jeff Shifflett of Elkins, Heather Shifflett and fiancé Brian of Greensboro, NC, Dan Hardesty and wife Jessica of Morgantown, Kelly Roth and husband Kevin of Columbus, GA, Scott Hardesty of Elkins, two great granddaughters, Kailey Shifflett of Virginia City, NV and Amyah Harris, Greensboro, NC. Preceding him in death was one son, Larry Hardesty, six siblings, Goldie VanMeter, Pearl Titchenell, Lucille Thompson, Henry, Alva and William Hardesty. In 1988, Elmer retired as an operations supervisor for Columbia Gas. He was a dedicated employee with twenty two years of service. He enjoyed wood working and especially, camping with his wife and grandchildren. The family thanks the staff of Mountain Hospice and Colonial Place for the special loving care given to Elmer. Elmer’s request for cremation will be honored. There will be a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Kingwood on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions in Elmer Hardesty’s memory may be made to Mountain Hospice, 1600 Crim Avenue, Belington, WV 26250 or a charity of your choice. Cards with special thoughts or memories can be mailed to Mrs. Jane Hardesty at 109 Easy Street, Elkins, WV 26241. The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for Elmer Clarence Hardesty.
