Mr. Orus Ashby “Totter” Berkley, 83, of Pence Springs, passed away at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, in WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, following a short illness.
Born April 6, 1941, in Charleston, he was a son of the late Orus Andrew Berkley and Grace Arrietta Smith Berkley. When Ashby started walking his father started calling him “Totter” as he tottered back and forth, but did not fall over.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his partner, Anne Hovelsrud; brothers, Zernie E. Berkley, and Vernon Dean Berkley; sisters, Mary Virginia Berkley Tilley, and Rosa Lee Berkley Miller – his lifetime business partner until her death in 2010; and his nephew, Winston “Mickey” Tilley Jr.
Ashby left behind three nephews, Larry Wayne Tilley, Zernie Fielding Miller, and Kellis Dean Miller; four nieces, Cynthia Lynn Tilley, Arietta Ann Miller DuPre, Andrea Grace Berkley and Katrina Elaine Berkley Wikiera; and many other family members and friends.
Ashby graduated from Charleston High School and attended one of the most prestigious chef schools in the world – The Culinary Institute of America, doing his graduate studies in France. After graduating as a Master Chef, Ashby, along with his sister, Rosa Lee and brother, Zernie, opened Mother Hubbard’s in Lewisburg and the Pence Springs Flea Market. Next was his legacy – The Riverside Inn Restaurant, which was one of the top three hundred restaurants in the world and internationally famous. He then restored the old State Prison for Women in Pence Springs, turning it back into the original use of the facility — a Historic Hotel with unusual dining items such as the Chicken & Peanut Pie. After selling the hotel and the loss of his sister, Rosa Lee and partner Anna Hovelsrud, Ashby completed his final dream – he purchased the “Old Sweet Springs” property with the intent of restoration for the entire facility.
During his career, Ashby was the forefather to WV Tourism, co-founder of the West Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association, co-founder of the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, president of the National Innkeepers Association for 17 years, Federal Liaison for post-war countries as a Hospitality and Historic Restoration Instructor, taught hospitality and chef skills for the WV Department of Education, and more.
Ashby was a member of the Pence Springs Community Church.
A private family graveside service and burial was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, at Beard Nash Cemetery in Pence Springs, where Dr. Arietta DuPre officiated. Family members served as pallbearers.
An all day, “old fashioned” celebration of life will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 16, at the Sweet Springs Resort Park in Gap Mills. Bring a dish and please join us for a day of food, fellowship, and sharing memories.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Berkley family at www.lobbanfh.com.
Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.
His restoration of the project “Old Sweet” — Sweet Springs Resort Park will continue with all events and plans proceeding as normal.
