ALTMEYER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director Apprentice
Alishah (Beckett) Hardway joined Altmeyer Funeral Homes as a Funeral Director Apprentice in November 2021. She came to the firm after fifteen (15) years in the Healthcare Industry. Alishah is a graduate of Marshall University and West Liberty University with degrees in Business Leadership and Administration.
She is a resident of Wheeling, WV with her husband, Rev. Kenny Hardway and their two children, Noah and Jonah. Alishah is a member of the St. Clairsville Rotary where she serves on the Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, a Board of Directors member for International Disciples Women Ministry Board and an active member of the First Christian Church in Wheeling where she serves as an Elder. In her off time, Alishah, enjoys camping and hiking with her family and their best K-9 pal, Jack.
Job Titles:
- Pre - Arrangement Specialist
Ashley joined the Altmeyer Funeral Homes Family in December 2022 as the pre-need specialist for Ohio County. She holds her insurance license in West Virginia and Ohio. She has been a resident of the valley since 2016 after being born and raised in Nicholas County WV. She graduated from Richwood High School and attended WVU Institute of Technology. She attends East Richland Friends Church and enjoys her days with her husband, two children and three dogs supporting the Cleveland baseball team and Cincinnati Bengals and Live Music.
Bill Holt has been honored to serve the families of the Ohio Valley for the last 20 years.
He is a Board member of Central Catholic High School and the Teamsters Federal Credit Union. He is a member of St. Alphonus Catholic Church in Wheeling, the Cave Club, and the IOLA Club.
Bill joined Altmeyer in the fall of 2020, bringing his handyman skills to us. He assists with keeping the facilities in good repair and with funeral services, primarily on weekends. During the week you will find him teaching middle school at The Linsly School. He lives in Wheeling with his wife Stephanie and their four loving pets. You may see him fly fishing in the local streams with his loyal dog, Scout, nearby.
David Yoho was born and raised in West Virginia, the son of Dr. David and Betty Jane Yoho.
He is a U.S. Navy Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He is a graduate of George Mason University and a retired employee of Bayer AG after 32 years of service.
David now enjoys his part-time position with Altmeyer Funeral Home and is an active member of the American Legion.
He is married to Susan Stiles Yoho. David has two sons, Richard and Randall Yoho, and four grandchildren.
He is an avid sports fan, enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and watching his grandchildren compete in college athletics and golf.
Since 2019 Don Stenger has appreciated the opportunity to serve as a funeral assistant with the caring and professional team at Altmeyer Funeral Home. Don and wife Nancy are members of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Wheeling.
Don is a graduate of West Liberty State College (1970), and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Prior to joining the Altmeyer team, he worked as an Internal Auditor with Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) and was the President/General Manager of Becker's Hardware and Feed Store in Wheeling.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director Apprentice
As an accomplished writer and former educator, Dr. Jessie Janeshek brings her unique perspective, creativity, and attention to detail to funeral service. A native of Weirton, WV, Jessie holds an MFA in Poetry from Emerson College in Boston, a PhD in English from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and, most recently, an Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College. Prior to joining the Altmeyer team, she served as Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Writing Program at Bethany College for more than 10 years.
Jessie has been drawn to funeral homes and cemeteries since childhood and grew up in a family with multigenerational ties to the deathcare industry: her great-aunt was the daughter of a funeral home owner; her great-grandmother sold caskets; and her mom and her friends drove a hearse around town for fun in the 1970s. She is excited to use her knowledge and innovation to assist families in choosing themes, readings, and music to personalize services for their loved ones.
Jessie has written four full-length poetry collections, six poetry chapbooks, and one co-edited literary anthology, and she has also had many individual poems, reviews, and articles published in print and online journals. She loves music-particularly singer-songwriter, indie rock and pop, and indie country-and plays guitar, piano, and bass. She's a big fan of TV (especially The Sopranos and Seinfeld) and film (pre-code Hollywood, film noir, and horror), and she also enjoys sleeping, swimming, and spending time with family, friends, and her two cats, Villette and Jim.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director With the Altmeyer Funeral Home
- Member of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church
Drew R. Seabright is a Funeral Director with the Altmeyer Funeral Home. Drew attended West Liberty State College and graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1979, and holds dual licenses with West Virginia and Ohio.
Drew was born and raised in Wheeling, WV, son of Wilbur "Bud" and Leanna Richard Seabright. Following in his father's footsteps as a Funeral Director with the McCoy Funeral Home, Drew was affiliated with W. Gibson McCoy for 18 years and worked at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home in Bellaire, from 1991 until 2011, when he returned to Wheeling to work at the Altmeyer Funeral Home.
Drew is a member of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church. Drew resides in Wheeling with his wife Karen Langmyer Seabright and has 2 daughters, Claire Bermudez and her husband Caleb, Anne Swank and her husband Ben, 4 granddaughters; Lydia and Elena Bermudez, Esther and Callie Swank and a grandson, Aslan Bermudez.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Vice President - General Manager
Gene serves as Regional Vice-President and General Manager of the Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory of West Virginia and Ohio.
After attending West Virginia University and receiving his Bachelor's degree from West Liberty State College, Gene continued his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. A Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, he began working with Altmeyer in 1984.
Frank E. Gonchoff resides in Moundsville with his wife, Tonia Sue Standiford Gonchoff, and their two sons Drew and Devin. He graduated in 1988 from John Marshall High School where he played football and was a member of the Ski Club. Frank attended West Virginia University where he studied Psychology and Behavior Science. While at W.V.U. he belonged to the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Frank served as a Specialist in the 463rd Engineering Battalion of the United States Army Reserves. In 1995 Frank graduated, with honors, from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Having served an apprenticeship at Grisell Funeral Home in Moundsville, Frank was licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1995. Frank worked for 3 years in Beckley, WV for a corporate funeral home where he served as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, O.S.H.A. Compliance Specialist, Crematory Manager and Pre-Need Counselor. In 1998 Frank returned to Marshall County and began working for Kepner Funeral Homes in Wheeling, WV. Frank served as Embalmer, O.S.H.A. Compliance Supervisor and Crematory Manager for almost 10 years. Frank proudly serves the communities of Marshall and Ohio County as a Funeral Director & Embalmer. Frank was the Assistant Coach for McNinch Elementary Lions football team for 5 years and Cameron Young Dragons tackle football team for 3 years. He is a member of the Moundsville Lions Club.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Executive Team
- President
Chairman of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, resides in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the son of the late John D. Altmeyer and Evelyn Keeley of Wheeling. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, and from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1961. After serving as a Major in the United States Army, Jim resigned in 1972 and returned to the Ohio Valley.
For over 20 years Jim served as President of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, serving families in Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. He is an active member of many civic organizations, including the board of directors of Wesbanco, Wheeling Hospital, and the American Legion Home Corporation. Other memberships include the VFW, Rotary Club, and the Serra Club. Jim currently serves on the Consol Energy Inc. Board of Directors, and as a civil service commissioner for the Wheeling Fire Department. He is a past president of both the Fraternal Order of Police Associates and the Oglebay Institute. From 1974 through 1976 Jim served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He was also the first president of the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Commission.
Jim is married to the former Edith Stoney, and they have four children: James E. Altmeyer, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA; Joanne Altmeyer High of Charlottesville, VA; Cameron Altmeyer Walsh of Washington, DC; and Charlotte Anne Altmeyer of New York, NY.
President of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1989 he graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science. Jim and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have two sons, Simon Cameron and James Elijah and a daughter, Justine Virginia.
Jim says, "Being a part of the Altmeyer Funeral Home organization is a great experience. This is because of the excellent group of individuals who make up our team. These people strive to give the same service they would expect for their own family. This is why we believe our standard of service is so high."
James Martin is a graduate of Wheeling High School and served in the United States Marine Corp. He is a Vietnam Veteran, known to have crossed the equator on the USS Tripoli, achieving the honored tradition of the "Order of Neptune." One could refer to him as a slimy Pollywog transformed to a trusty Shellback. He is married with three children and twelve grandchildren. He was employed for 40 years with the Wheeling Postal Service, and 30 years of that as a Letter Carrier until retirement. Currently, he is a part-time employee of the "premier" Altmeyer Funeral Home and Crematory in Wheeling, WV.
Job Titles:
- Pre - Arrangement Specialist
Jessica joined the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes Family in 2019 part time as a licensed crematory technician. Jessica came on full time in 2021 at Altmeyer Funeral Homes as the pre-need specialist for Ohio County. She holds her insurance license in West Virginia and Ohio. She graduated from St. Clairsville High School and attended Belmont College. She is a member of the Cremation Association of North America, Elm Grove Eagles, Wheeling Hospital Auxiliary & co holds the communication chair for The Wheeling Junior League. She enjoys her days with her beloved German Shepherd and Doberman. You can always find her traveling whenever possible.
Larry Santee is a Follonsbee High School graduate. He retired from PPG Chemical after 30 years. Larry belongs to the Wheeling Elks and Elm Grove Civics and enjoys playing music with the Wheeling Victoria Theater.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist / Funeral Assistant
Linda Bero joined Altmeyer Funeral Homes in 2011. Her duties include being a part-time Attendant and a part-time Receptionist specifically at the 14th Street Chapel in Wheeling, WV.
After 32 years of employment, working in several departments, Linda retired from Verizon Telephone in 2001.
In Glen Dale, WV, Linda is an active member of the St. Jude Catholic Church.
Linda was born in Logan County, Southern, WV. She married Wayne Bero and moved Glen Dale in April 1967. They are the parents of one daughter, Kimberly Bero Rennick, who resides in Alexandria, VA, with their son-in-law Alexander, and granddaughters Phoebe and Sydney.
Margaret Koontz is a lifelong resident of Moundsville where she and her husband, Wayne, have been married for 62 years. Margaret and Wayne have 2 sons, 4 grandsons and 6 great-grandchildren. Margaret worked at Jozabeth's in Moundsville for 20 years. She volunteered at Reynolds Memorial Hospital and drove Meals on Wheels for many years. Margaret is a TOPS leader and was a youth bowling instructor for 33 years.
Margaret joined the Altmeyer Funeral Home team 8 years ago as a funeral assistant and enjoys helping the families that choose us.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Pre - Arrangement Specialist
- Services Counselor for the Altmeyer Funeral Home
Mary Ellen Rich serves as Family Services Counselor for the Altmeyer Funeral Home in Moundsville and McMechen, WV. A life-long resident of the Moundsville area, she is the daughter of Jack and Mary McKee. She graduated from John Marshall High School and West Liberty State College. She stays very active as the mother of three children, as well as serving others in her church and community.
"It is my privilege to assist families with difficult decisions," she says. "It gives me great pleasure to help people plan ahead and relieve their loved ones of the emotional burden of arranging a funeral during what would be a highly stressful time."
Rich served as a substitute teacher in the Marshall County School System before beginning her career with the Altmeyer Funeral Home in 1994. She joined the Family Services Division in 1996. Jim Altmeyer says, "I am so pleased that Mary Ellen has joined our Family Services Division. For the past four years she has helped so many of the area families in a compassionate and empathetic manner."
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mary Magdalene Mitevski is a compassionate and dedicated professional in the funeral service industry, originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. As a first-generation American and daughter of Vera Mitevski, she takes pride in her multicultural background.
Mary graduated in 2021 with a cosmetology license from the Elite Academy of Cosmetology. She then went on to receive an Associate's degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2023, graduating with high honors and recognition in sciences. She is certified as a Life Celebrant, an advocate of Parting Stone, an Insight Certified Life Celebrant, and a member of the Green Burial Council.
Since joining Altmeyer Funeral Homes in April 2021, Mary has provided personalized funeral services, demonstrating gentleness and empathy. She resides in Bethlehem and enjoys spending time with her emotional support dog, Kevin, as well as pursuing hobbies such as reading mystery books, crafting jewelry, and collecting trinkets.
Mickey Massey has been a greeter for the Altmeyer Funeral Homes since 2007. Prior to that, she taught school for the Marshall County School System for 34 years.
She graduated from Bishop Donahue High School, West Liberty University, and West Virginia University with a master's degree in Elementary Education.
Mickey belongs to St. Jude Catholic Church in Glen Dale, WV where she is a member of the Leadership team and secretary of their Women's Guild. Her organizations are the Moundsville Women's Club, Alpha Delta Kappa International Teachers' sorority, Marshall Co. Association of Retired School Employees, and the Friends of Wheeling.
Nancy Stenger joined Altmeyer Funeral Homes as a Funeral Assistant in 2020. Prior to joining Altmeyers, Nancy graduated from Belmont Technical College and was a nurse for 44 years. Nancy has experience in many fields of nursing, most recently in hospice care. She has also worked as a private care giver.
A life long resident of Wheeling, Nancy has two children (a son and a daughter) and two grandsons living in Pittsburgh. Nancy is married to Donald Stenger and is an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wheeling.
Nancy is a animal lover and is currently a horse owner.
Nancy is thankful for the opportunity to express compassion to families at a difficult time as part of the Altmeyer team.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Assistant
- Member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
Pat Belby has been providing caring service with Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory since 2009.
Pat is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War; and honor graduate of the U.S. Army Engineer School, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia; and a retired manager with Verizon. He most recently owned and operated an electrical contracting company in Elm Grove.
Pat is a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church; the Wheeling Elks Lodge #28; the Cave Club; and the Elm Grove Eagles, Aerie #1891.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Service Manager / Funeral Director
- Member of the Junior League of Wheeling
Randelle Rennecker grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She graduated from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO in 2011 with an Associates of Applied Science in Mortuary Science. In 2013 she moved to Wilmington, NC and began working with Wilmington Funeral and Cremation until October of 2014 when she moved to West Virginia. Randelle obtained her funeral directing and embalming license in 2016 and became a certified Life Celebrant in 2022.
Randelle is an active member of The Junior League of Wheeling and the Moundsville Rotary Club. In addition she is also a member of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
She currently resides in Moundsville with her dog and two cats. Randelle plays competitive roller derby and enjoys outdoor activities, running, swimming and traveling with friends and family.
Ray Kinser and his wife, Jan L (Robbins) of 40 years reside in Elm Grove. Ray worked for AEP for almost 40 years as a senior turbine mechanic. He is an Elder at First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ and a member of the Elm Grove Eagles. Ray and Jan have one son and daughter-in-law and one granddaughter. In his free time, Ray works on rebuilding an old truck and taking care of church property.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director With the Altmeyer Funeral Homes
Robert (Bob) Rose is a Funeral Director with the Altmeyer Funeral Homes. Bob attended West Virginia Northern and graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and holds dual licenses in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Bob started his funeral career in 1976 working at McCoy Funeral Homes, Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Kepner Funeral Homes all of Wheeling and before coming back to Altmeyers, he was with William G. Neal Funeral Home in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Bob is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wheeling; past president with Ohio County Rotary; past president of West Virginia Northern District Funeral Directors; a member of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association; a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and a councilman for the city of Benwood.
Bob resides in Benwood with his wife Karen (Sengewalt) Rose and they have two adult daughters, Brandi Rose and Brittany Guzzi and her husband Corey along with two grandsons, Chase and Luca Guzzi.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Funeral Director and Purchasing Agent for the Altmeyer Funeral Homes
- Funeral Assistant / Purchasing Agent
Bob Dierkes is an Assistant Funeral Director and Purchasing Agent for the Altmeyer Funeral Homes in Ohio and Marshall Counties. He graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School and attended West Liberty State College.
Bob is a member of the Iola Club, Cave Club, and Our Lady of Peace Church. He is also a season ticket holder for the Wheeling Nailers Hockey Team and a Veteran of the US Army Reserves.
Bob is a lifelong resident of Wheeling, residing in the Mt. Olivet area with his wife, Nancy. He enjoys bowling and spending time with his 3 grandchildren.
"It has been a privilege for me to serve my friends, neighbors, and community through the Altmeyer Funeral Home & Crematory for 38 years."
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director Apprentice
Altmeyer Funeral Homes is pleased to welcome Ronald A. Witt, Jr. to our team of funeral professionals. Ron has been an active member of the Ohio Valley community and brings his many years of experiences and connections to the Altmeyer Funeral Home family.
Ron is a graduate of West Liberty University and holds an MBA from West Virginia University. Ron has an extensive background in sales, hospitality and tourism dating back to 1991 when he began working for Oglebay Resort in various capacities. Ron worked for the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation and was the first manager of the Wheeling Artisan Center. He also worked as the Executive Director, Alumni Affairs at WLU for 24 years, supporting his alma mater and being active in the Ohio Valley community. In addition, Ron has been a licensed Realtor in West Virginia with Kennen & Kennen Realtors since 2012.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Assistant
- Member of the Wheeling Elks Lodge
Rosalie and her husband Martin have two children and one grandson. Their son Don lives in Seattle, Washington and their daughter Sheila Renee and grandson Zachary Christian live in Dallas, Texas.
Rosalie is a member of the Wheeling Elks Lodge where she serves as Chaplain; she is also involved with the Veterans program and volunteers at the Wheeling Soup Kitchen. Rosalie is also a member of the Wheeling Women's Club.
She enjoys spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Sandra Slivka is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in West Virginia and Ohio.
A 2017 graduate of Brooke High School, she attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and in 2019 received her Funeral Directing and Embalming Diploma, as well as her Associates Degree. Sandra then attended Mid America College of Funeral Service where she graduated Salutatorian and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service Management. She also earned the Certificate of Thanatology for End of Life Professionals and Certificate of Green Burial Council.
Sandra is a member of Community of Christ - Wellsburg, WV, the Wellsburg Women's League, the Wellsburg Fourth of July Committee, and the Vice President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association District 12.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Director for Altmeyer Funeral Homes
- Outreach Director / Life Celebrant
Sarah Barickman is the outreach director for Altmeyer Funeral Homes in WV & Belmont County, OH. Sarah creates and coordinates community outreach opportunities that increase awareness and support for Altmeyer Funeral Home's mission and services. Through her many years of volunteer work and event coordinating, she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity of helping others. Sarah is also a certified Life Celebrant. Life Celebrants are trained to design a service that is personal, incorporating unique stories, songs, and experiences based on shared reflections with family and friends. Celebrants can provide either secular or religious ceremonies. A celebrant funeral is generally more focused on the wishes of the family and the deceased rather than following a particular religious practice.
Sarah has been a part of the Ohio Valley for over 20 years with her husband, Mike & their 2 children, Lilly & Haden. Sarah is an active member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, as well as many other community organizations. She leads a healthy, active lifestyle and enjoys local travel with family and friends.
Siggie Little is a retired school secretary for Bishop Donahue Memorial High School after 42 years of service.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Office Manager
- Member of Our Lady of Peace Parish
- Office Manager for the Wheeling Chapel
Stacy Rohmann is the office manager for the Wheeling Chapel. She has worked for Altmeyer Funeral Homes in various capacities since 2005.
She is a 1989 graduate of Wheeling Park High School and attended West Liberty State College. Stacy previously worked as a Dental Assistant.
Stacy is a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish. She is a lifelong resident of Wheeling and resides in Bethlehem with her husband Brian. She has two sons - Gabe and his wife Reva, of Wheeling and Luke, stationed in Wyoming serving with the United States Air Force.
Stacy enjoys playing pickleball, working out and is a Junior League member.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Cluster Vice President / Funeral Director
- Member of St. Michael Parish
Steve is a Funeral Service Manager and Director for the Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory of West Virginia. A 1994 graduate of Brooke High School, he attended West Liberty State College, and in 1999, received his diploma from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He began his career in funeral service at the age of 17, at Reasner Funeral Home, in his hometown of Wellsburg, W.Va. He joined the Altmeyer Funeral Home and Crematory family in 2000, and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in West Virginia.
Steve is a member of St. Michael Parish, Wheeling; a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Carroll Council #504, Wheeling; and member of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He is also a life member of the National Rifle Association and enjoys hunting, fishing, exercise and spending time with his family.
Steve resides in Elm Grove with his wife, Rosslynne (Julio), and their children, Paige & Parker.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Office Manager