Sarah Kerby Booth

Sarah Kerby Booth, beloved mother, wife, friend died on Friday, July 15, 2005 at The Summit at Hidden Valley in Oak Hill, WV after an extended illness. Sarah was born on September 6, 1924, one of two children born to the late Francis and Dora Kerby. She was a devout Catholic of the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, Oak Hill her entire life and graduated from Collins High School in Oak Hill. She married the late William Hobart Booth, Jr. in 1943 and together they were members of the "Greatest Generation"; he having served as a WWII flying ace then became a WV Legislator and she raised their seven children while faithfully serving her church and community. Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, William Hobart Booth, Jr.; two sons, William Hobart "Jocko" Booth III and Philip K. "Pork Chop" Booth; and a brother, Frederick A. Kerby. Sarah is survived by five remaining children; Frances Allport and husband, Eugene of Lexington, KY, James Rodney Booth and wife, Karen of Coral Springs, FL, Cynthia "Sam" Booth of Moorehead, MN, Carol Booth Gonzalez and husband, Paul of Fayetteville, Tom Booth and wife, Jeanay of Oak Hill; extended family Susan and John Woods and Jean Wallace, all of Oak Hill; thirteen grandchildren; Chris Allport and wife, Kathleen, Brook Hunt and husband, Rick, Blair Booth, Sarah Stafford and husband, Ben, Jared Allport, Taryn Pack and husband, Dave, Katie Booth, Mac Booth, Kerby Booth, Makenzie Gonzalez, Lauren Booth, Thomas Booth and Ryan Booth; two great granddaughters, Jewelya Pack and Netta Allport; other surving relatives are: sister-in-law and best friend, Mary Kerby; brother-in-law, Elton Booth; sister-in-laws, Geraldine Booth and Eleanor Wooten. She spent her life centered around her family and church community. She was a member of SS Peter and Paul Ladies Guild, Altar Society and Bible Study Group. She was an active member of Oak Hill Alumni Association. Sarah enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting and ceramics but her greatest joy was spending time with family and grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her many, many friends. Friends may call Sunday from 6 until 8 PM at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church with a rosary and prayer service at 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11:00 A. M. at SS Peter and Paul Church with Father John P. McDonough officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim Booth, Tom Booth, Chris Allport, Jared Allport, Mac Booth, John Woods, Paul Gonzalez and Elton Booth. In lieu of flowers Sarah requested that donations be made in her name to: SS Peter and Paul Parish/ School, 129 Elmore St. Oak Hill, WV 25901 or Hospice of Southern West Virginia, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.