Ruth McClintic Morgan

Ruth McClintic Morgan, of Marlinton, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015, in Charlottesville, Va. She was born December 6, 1915 in Frankford, W.Va., the daughter of the late John Homer and Florence Carson McClintic. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 66 years, Benjamin F. Morgan in 2003; her two brothers, Roy Carson McClintic and John William McClintic; her nephew, John William McCintic, Jr.; and her son-in-law, James K. Roche, M.D. She grew up in Frankford, W.Va., where her parents owned and operated a country general store known as J.H. McClintic’s Store. She was a graduate of Greenbrier College in Lewisburg, W.Va. In 1936, she married her husband whom she met shortly after his arrival in Greenbrier County as the new assistant county agricultural agent. They lived several years in Ritchie County before settling in Marlinton, W.Va. Mrs. Morgan dedicated her life and her talents to her family, her church, the schools, and community. She was an elder in the Marlinton Presbyterian Church. Among many areas in which she served the church, in the late 1940’s she organized and directed the Youth Choir at Marlinton Presbyterian Church, and developed life-long relationships with these young people many of whom touched base with her on their return to the area. As a member of the Marlinton Women’s Club, she initiated the first career day for students at Marlinton High School as well as an art show for school students to showcase their talents. She worked on the project of acquiring and restoring the Pearl S. Buck home in Hillsboro by the West Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs, and directed a program honoring Pearl Buck at the Pocahontas County Historical Museum. In the mid 1950’s Mrs. Morgan worked with two historians, Dr. G.D. McNeill and W. E. Blackhurst, to write, produce, and direct the historically authentic outdoor pageant, The Saga of Pocahontas, the story of the history of Pocahontas County. This evolved into a county wide production with hundreds of volunteers as cast, set builders, and behind the scenes workers. She spent days and weeks driving the County seeking period clothes, props and volunteers. It culminated in a successful production at the Pocahontas County Fair in 1956 and 1957. It was instrumental in bringing people together from all over the county. Subsequently, this endeavor evolved into a style show called the “Mementos of the Rolling Years”, using many period clothes that had been shared by county residents. It was eventually taken on the road to The Greenbrier for the state convention of the West Virginia Federation of Women’s Club. Mrs. Morgan has been a director of the Pocahontas County Historical Society and was active in the establishment of the County Historical Museum in 1963. Later her talents, along with her husband, were focused on the restoration of the old train depot in the center of Marlinton. It was carefully restored and became a tourist attraction and a gift shop - Chessie Crafts - featuring WV arts and crafts until the Depot was flooded during the historic flood of 1985. After being restored the second time, it was the home of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitor Center until it burned in 2010. A new generation of volunteers is working to obtain funding and complete the renovation of the interior of the building. Mrs. Morgan worked for the creation of the Pocahontas County Landmarks Commission of which she was the President for many years. Under her leadership they acquired and restored the old Opera House in Marlinton which involved hundreds of volunteers and donations. It is now a center of activity for live arts and community activities. The Commission also acquired and moved the McLaughlin log house which is thought to be the oldest house in Marlinton. The Landmarks Commission has worked to identify historical properties throughout the county and have them placed on the State and National Historic Registry. In 2004, Mrs. Morgan received the Governor’s Service Award for Lifetime Achievement for her years of exceptional community service. This is the premier award for volunteers in West Virginia. Ruth Morgan gave us the gift of history and the gift of community that working together we can do significant things with surprising benefits. She is survived by her daughters, Stephany Morgan of Staunton, Va., and Nancy Morgan Roche of Charlottesville, Va.; grandchildren, James Morgan Roche of Ambler, Pa., and Caroline Roche West and husband, Robert, of Nashville, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Jamie and John Roche and Lillian Ruth West; and her nephews, Stephen C. McClintic, Sr. of Roanoke, Va. and Gregory Morgan, Morgantown, WV. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Wed. June 24, at Marlinton Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tues. June 23, at the Pocahontas County Opera House. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation, PO Box 282, Marlinton, WV 24954 or to the Marlinton Railroad Depot Inc., PO Box 63, Marlinton, WV 24954.