Rita Lynn Pelfrey

Rita Lynn Webb Pelfrey, 72, of Huntington, West Virginia died Friday, March 8, 2024.

Rita was born May 17, 1951, the oldest daughter of Robert Webb and Gladys Robertson Webb. She grew up on Paddle Creek in Fort Gay West Virginia , and she graduated from Fort Gay High School in 1969, and then moved to Huntington. She married John Pelfrey on October 17, 1970.

She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Marshall University and was a teacher in the Cabell County School system for many years. She first taught special education classes at Huntington East High School, then fifth grade at Spring Hill Elementary. She then taught fourth grade for many years at Cammack Elementary until its closing, finishing her career at Miller Elementary. She valued education and loved her students. She was always happy when former students kept in touch with her and let her know how they were doing. Even in her final days on earth, she was keeping her family up to date on her former students!

Anyone who knew Rita knew that her family was her greatest love and treasure. She loved hosting dinners, parties, and get-togethers for them. Only a week ago she was thrilled to host a 21st birthday celebration for her granddaughter. She enjoyed cooking meals and delivering them to her family. She was an encourager and could often be seen cheering on her granddaughter and other relatives at their performances and sporting events. Her only granddaughter, Rebekah, was the light of her life and her pride and joy. She rarely missed a single one of her performances, frequently traveling to wherever Rebekah was performing. Even after Rebekah moved out of state for college, Rita would travel to Lexington, KY for every play and choir concert, proudly sitting in the front row.

Rita loved her family and loved life. Throughout her life she enjoyed attending church, traveling, beach trips, going to estate sales, and cheering on the Herd at Marshall football and basketball games. She was an active member of the Fort Gay High School Alumni Association. She was a devout christian and a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church for nearly 40 years. She was a true example of shining your light for Christ, and the world is a little dimmer now that she is gone.

Rita was preceded in death by her father, Robert Webb, sister Lois Witt, and nephew Robert Cox. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of more than 53 years, John Pelfrey, her mother Gladys Webb of Huntington, her daughter Amy and her husband Stephen New of Beckley, granddaughter Rebekah New, sister Connie (Terry) Thompson, brother Jack (Karen) Webb, sister-in-law Donna (Tom) Flavell, nieces Carrie (John) Spillman, Corissa (Jeremy) Owens, Lisa (Josh) Webb, Lora (Mike) Hess, Lynn (John) Kearns, Anne (Ted) McGregor, nephews Larry (Teresa) Pelfrey, Randy (Leah) Pelfrey, Steve (Shannon) Flavell, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She derived so much joy from visiting with and receiving videos from two of her youngest great- great newhews, Kash and Karson Little. She also leaves behind numerous cousins and friends. Her best friend of more than 60 years, Teresa Carter, will especially miss her.

While flowers are appreciated, the family suggests making donations to the Fort Gay High School Alumni Association, which was an organization close to Rita’s heart, Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, or the Big Green Scholarship Foundation.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Reger Funeral Home, 1242 Adams Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia. Visitation will be from 12:00 - 2:00pm with funeral service to follow. The service will also be live streamed on the funeral home website www.regerfh.com. and archived for 45 days. Burial will follow in Robertson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Blake Prince, Colbie Prince, JD Steele, Andrew Ratcliffe, Adam Scaggs, and Nathan Cox. Reger Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.