Lucy "Elaine" (Raines) Vandevender

Lucy “Elaine” (Raines) Vandevender, age 81, of the Forks of Water community in Highland County, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at her home.

She was born October 3, 1944 on Snowy Mountain, in Pendleton County, W.Va., a daughter of Harry and Mildred Lee (Brown) Raines. On June 21, 1974 she married Delmar Darrell Vandevender.

A 1962 graduate of Circleville High School, Elaine had worked at Hanover Shoe Company, ultimately retiring after decades of service. Soon thereafter, Elaine along with husband, Delmar, owned and operated Hi-Land Video in Monterey for 15 years. Over those years they added to their video rentals, produce sales, fishing and hunting supplies, as well as Christmas trees. Above her chosen vocations in life, Elaine’s true passion was acting as a caregiver, and the lives she touched as a caregiver are too numerous to mention. Above all else, she will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Wayne Raines; and step-brother, Harry Everly Raines.

Surviving family members include her husband of 52 years, Delmar of Forks of Water; four sons, Richard Raines and wife, Laurie of Franklin, W.Va., Nathan Dove Jr. of Riverton, W.Va., and Jeffrey and Darren Vandevender, both of Forks of Water; grandchildren, Brett Raines, Logan Raines, Mary Dove, Kristin Wheeler, and Landon Vandevender; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry S. Raines and wife, Mary of Seneca Rocks, W.Va., and Dennis Lee Raines of Circleville, W.Va.; special brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Vandevender of Fishersville; sister-in-law, Helen Raines of Franklin, W.Va.; as well as several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Jeremy Raines and wife, Amanda.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Monica, Ashley, and Penny, as well as the entire staff at ACG Hospice, especially her nurse, Sarah McCarty.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with Rev. Andre Crummett officiating.

The family will receive friends during a meal of fellowship following the service at the property of Ronnie and Julie Helmick, 1793 The Pines Road, Monterey. The family would like to extend their thanks for everything Ronnie and Julie have done to help.

Memorial contributions may be made to ACG Hospice, 427 Lee Jackson Highway, Suite A3, Staunton, VA 24401.