Myrtle May (Karicofe) Hoover

Myrtle May (Karicofe) Hoover, age 94, of Sugar Grove, WV, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA.

She was born April 29, 1931 in Doe Hill, VA, a daughter of the late Jesse Booker and Viola Roxie (Botkin) Karicofe. Myrtle called Doe Hill her “hometown” during her youth.

A lifelong Methodist, Myrtle was well grounded in her faith. And, later in life, was inspired by the sermons of John and Matthew Hagee of San Antonio, Texas, which she watched faithfully every Sunday morning.

Myrtle graduated from the former McDowell High School in the same year it was completely demolished by fire. She, along with the other students in grades 1 - 12 would finish the school year in area churches. From there she would attend and graduate from Madison College, now James Madison University, in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Myrtle taught in both Augusta County Public Schools and Staunton City Schools for 35 years.

Myrtle married Gernon Hoover on July 7, 1956, and together made their lives in Staunton during their working years. Following her retirement in 1989, they moved to the mountains of West Virginia where they built their “dream home.” There, she planned and landscaped the yard around her new home – she truly enjoyed every minute of that hard work.

Myrtle had many interests during her life. She enjoyed reading, listening to music, completing puzzles (such as word searches), camping, traveling, boating, cooking, and, her favorite: baking. Her specialty was her hummingbird cake, which was delicious. Myrtle also enjoyed the magic of nature.

Additionally, Myrtle collected and compiled a book of quotes. Her favorite quote was, “Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade but the memories last forever.” (unknown)

Always a giving person, Myrtle was a generous donor to many charities, including Smile Train, Mercy Ships, Boys Town, St. Labre Indian School of Montana, St. Joseph’s Indian School of South Dakota, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics, as well as many others.

The last member of her immediate family, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dorothy McCray and Laura Stuart; a brother, Gilbert Botkin; beloved niece, Deborah Miller; and nephews, Phillip Stuart, Alfred McCray and William Stuart.

In addition to her husband of 68 years, she is survived by many nieces and nephews to cherish her memory, including Matthew and Kellee Miller, Jesse Miller, Rachael and Matthew Cooper, Robert and Mary McCray, Linda and Keith Moubray, Shirley and Larry Alt, Wayne McCray, Michael and Lynn McCray, Elizabeth Alt, Gary Alt, James and Cindy Stuart, Nick Stuart, Tim Stuart, Laura Miller, Raelynn Cooper, Isabella Miller, Joseph Miller, Mason Miller and Callan Cooper; as well as additional nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2025 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with Pastor Paul Schafer officiating. Burial will follow in Doe Hill Cemetery with her nephews serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doe Hill Cemetery, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433; or any of the previously mentioned charities dear to Myrtle.