Monna Griest

Monna J. Griest, 93, of Ripley passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 23, 2026

Monna was born October 15, 1932 at Alum Creek, WV a daughter of the late Dennis and Caroline (Blake) Pauley.

Monna was a woman of many talents; she enjoyed gardening and canning as well as reading. She also made many beautiful quilts that she gifted to all her grandchildren as they were preparing to leave for college. She was a Christian by faith and a dedicated and faithful member of the Ripley Baptist Temple. Serving as a former Sunday School teacher for elementary age children.

Monna is survived by her children Rick (Candy) Griest, Carolyn Motes, Judy (Bruce) Gossett and Mitsy (Luke) Hunter; grandchildren Joe (Paige) Gossett, Jessica (Nick) Sexton, Christina Gossett, Sarah (Josh) Kyer, Ryan Hunter, Thomas (Lauren) Motes, Kaylee and Kodie Griest; great grandchildren Isabella Gossett, Liam Gossett, Asa Gossett, Rylann Hunter, Clara Kyer, Lacey Hunter and Hadley Kyer; brothers Elmer and Lowell Pauley; sisters Eula Pauley and Betty Ann Pauley.

Monna was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond H. Griest; sisters Mary Alice Hess, Amy Griffith and Ruth Duvall; grandson Michael Motes; great-grandson Colby Kyer and son-in-law Ted Motes.

A service to celebrate Monna’s life will take place inside the Mausoleum Chapel at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston on Saturday, February 14th at 1 p.m. with Gene Pauley officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to amazing caregivers Cheryl, Liz and Dee for making it possible for Monna to stay at home. Also, thank you to Kanawha Hospice team and Lori and Brittany for their care and compassion showed in Monna's final days. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Monna's memory to Ripley Baptist Temple Missions Fund. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.