Elsie Mae Kirtley

Elsie Mae Kirtley

     KEYSER, WV - Elsie Mae Kirtley, 99, of Keyser, died peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the Keyser Healthcare Center.

     She was born in Keyser on June 22, 1925, to the late Guy L. Kirtley and the late Christine (Warnick) Kirtley. Elsie joins her parents, brothers Robert Kirtley and Donallen Kirtley, her sister Nancye Potoski, her sisters-in-law Eleanor Kirtley and Sandra Kirtley, and her brother-in-law Robert Potoski in eternal peace.

     Surviving Elsie are niece Robyn Pochettino and her husband Michael, niece Stacye Powell and her husband William, and nephews Greg Potoski and Lance Kirtley. Elsie also had a special relationship with her great-nephews, Owen and Elliott Pochettino. She spent many happy days with them during their childhoods, and her relationship with them was more reminiscent of a grandmother.

     She was a 1943 graduate of Keyser High School and attended Potomac State College.

     Elsie led a full, long and happy life that was characterized by many passions. She worked for 43 years at the Westvaco Paper Mill in Luke as Secretary to the Chief Engineer. Elsie was accomplished in her profession and was a member of the Algonquin Chapter of the Professional Secretaries International Society.

     Besides her career, Elsie was a devoted community member, most characterized by her lifelong Keyser First United Methodist Church membership. She regularly volunteered at the Burlington United Methodist Family Services and was honored as the volunteer of the year in 2011. Elsie was also an active Golden Circle of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority member. She generously gave back to the town that was her home for a lifetime.

     In addition to being with her cherished family, Elsie enjoyed spending time with her many friends, most notably a group of friends she made in elementary school and a group of ladies from Westvaco. Her time with them included lunches, weekly bridge games, trips to her friend Margie’s summer camp in Springfield, WV with Ginna and Celene, and more far-ranging adventures touring the United States and many countries abroad. She had a passion for taking cruises and saw much of the world this way with her closest friends. Even as Elsie and her friends aged, making getting together more challenging, there were daily telephone calls to stay in touch and care for one another.

     Elsie loved games, especially cards, and painting, in which she became quite proficient. Her artwork will live on in the homes of family and friends. She also passionately followed the West Virginia Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Elsie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

     Friends will be received at the Keyser First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 am.  Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 am, with Pastor Beth Jacobson officiating.  Inurnment will be in Potomac Memorial Gardens.

    Memorials, if desired, may be directed to Keyser First United Methodist Church, 32 N. Davis St, Keyser, WV 26726.

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