Dolly Mae Withrow

Dolly Withrow of Kenna left this life on June 22, 2024, and now is with the Lord and her beloved husband Bill. She was an accomplished author and writer and formerly taught English at WV State College.

She was born on September 14, 1931 to the late Esther Cassinet and Paul Wood. She is survived by her daughter Risa Mellert (Don) and her son Jeff (Pam) both of Kenna and formerly of Nitro. Dolly adored her three grandchildren Matt Mellert (Ashley) of Winfield, Andy Mellert (Cassie) of Ripley and Wes Withrow of Bridgeport who all refer to her as “Grammar” and her three great grandchildren (Reagan, Elliott and Bentley). She is also survived by her feral cat Vincent who misses her terribly but has a good home and a kind family.

Dolly graduated from Stonewall Jackson in 1949. She learned to write and study in deep detail and had an unusual passion to learn at an early age. These early years served as a foundation to teach others the history of the English language and how it should be used (proper grammar). In her middle life Dolly decided to go back to college where she earned her master’s degree in Linguistics. She was offered a job at WV State College soon after graduating where she then taught English for twenty years and wrote From the Grove to the Stars (the History of WV State College). She met many students who continue to follow her writing and call her a friend. Dolly wrote several books including More than Penny Candy (2001) and Beyond the Apple Orchard (2003), short stories about growing up in West Virginia.

Dolly loved her pets, animals, the country wildlife, and her birds. As time passed, she became less interested in writing but more interested in her animal friends. Every morning she would feed the deer corn, ready the birdfeeders with seed and mix the proper solution for her hummingbirds. Vincent her cat followed her every step.

Dolly always looked forward to her weekly SCRABBLE matches with her friends on Thursday. She would laugh and say her background in English and grammar served her well in many of these games.

Dolly’s life was a fairy tale. She loved life and made others laugh. She loved to teach and was a great storyteller. Even at 92 she could be the center of attention in any room. But she never got over the loss of her husband Bill in 2015. As in Judy Collins song “Both Sides Now” there were so many things Dolly still would have done. Moon and Junes and Ferris Wheels, every fairy tale came true until she lost her beloved husband Bill. Dolly has now passed over the clouds and is again holding Bills hand.

A memorial service celebrating Dolly’s extraordinary life will be held at Fisher Memorial Church in Goldtown (exit 119) on Saturday June 29th at noon with visitation time at 11 am. Pastor Aaron Finney will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dolly Withrow and sent to ARF (an animal rescue organization) at PO Box 264 Ripley WV 25271.