Elizabeth “Libby” Jane Bodea (Hoclar) Gutta, 93, of Westover, entered eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 24, 2022, at Assisted Living at Evergreen following a long illness. She was born June 9, 1928, in Richard, a daughter of the late Alex Bodea Sr. and Helen Marie Kovach Bodea Hoclar, and Joseph Hoclar.
Elizabeth was a Catholic by faith and attended St. Ursula Roman Catholic Church in Pursglove and St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City, while her health permitted. She was devoted to the rosary and the sacred heart of Jesus. She encouraged others to do the same.
After graduating from University High School, Libby was employed as a bookkeeper at Gulf Oil and then Bell’s Wholesale. She attributed her success in operating Sycamore Lanes to the experience she gained at these positions. Libby and her husband, Paul, built Sycamore Lanes in Westover, an establishment which was in business for 51 years.
Libby enjoyed playing bingo and cards and watching movies. She loved talking with family and friends. As she never knew a stranger, customers and business associates soon became friends. Libby will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and ornery sense of humor. She was an animal lover and enjoyed growing flowers in her yard.
She is survived by one daughter and spouse, Rebecca Gutta Miller and her husband Kenneth Ray Miller II, of Westover; one son, Paul James Gutta Jr., of Morgantown; three sisters, Susan Marie Simons and Carolyn Josephine Pugh and her husband David Everett Pugh, both of Westover; and Joann Francis LeGette, of Granville; one brother-in-law Carmen A. Gutta Sr. and his wife Marie; and two sisters-in-law, Patricia A. Gutta, of Morgantown, and Maureen O’Neill Bodea Linden, of Miami; Tammy Linn McPherson, of Granville, who was like a daughter to her; special honorary family members, Vicky Ann Anderson, William “Mickey” Rinehart, and Carye Layne Blaney, all of Morgantown; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul James Gutta Sr.; her infant grandson, Nicholas Alexander Miller; a sister, Mary L. Bodea; and a brother, Alex Bodea Jr.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lori Rankin and her staff of Assisted Living at Evergreen for their phenomenal, compassionate care and love for Libby over the past six years, to Dr. Vicky Mays for her excellent care and to WV Caring for their exceptional end-of-life care.
Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation at McCulla Funeral Home, from 4-7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. vigil to conclude the visitation on Monday, Feb. 28. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, from 10-11 a.m. on March 1. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, with the Rev. John McDonough as celebrant. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. Face masks are recommended.
While floral tributes are welcome, donations may also be made in Elizabeth’s name to WV Caring, P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, WV 26520.
Condolences:
www.mcculla.com
