Samuel D. Ellifritz [Keyser]

KEYSER, W.Va. — Samuel D. Ellifritz, 55, of Keyser, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Potomac Valley Hospital, Keyser.

Born on Feb. 25, 1954, at Keyser, he was a son of the late Harry B. and Edna M. (Catlett) Ellifritz. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Harold "Pete" Ellifritz; two sisters, Judith Reynolds and Betty Couch; two half brothers, George and Junior Ellifritz; and a half sister, Violet Devilbliss.

Mr. Ellifritz was employed as an electrician with the Mineral County Board of Education with 18 years of service. He was a 1973 graduate of Keyser High School and was a member of the Antioch Church of God. He was a life member of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia A. (Miller) Ellifritz; one son, Samuel Adam Ellifritz of Augusta, Ga.; one daughter, Dawnya Lynn Ellifritz of Virginia; two stepdaughters, Shawna Marie Sanders of Keyser, and Jaime Salemi of Augusta; one stepson, Joseph R. Sanders II of Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren, Samuel Zane Ellifritz and Kaleb A. Thornton; two brothers, Robert Ellifritz of Clayton, N.C., and Frederick Ellifritz of New Creek; and six sisters, Juanita Whitaker of Petersburg, Jean Heckert of Romney, Bonnie Jenkins and Lois Rohrbaugh, both of Keyser, Mary Canan of Burlington, and Patsy High of Purgitsville. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Larry Shrout officiating.

Interment will be in the Arnold Cemetery, Junction.

Condolences and personal reflections to the family may be left after Mr. Ellifritz's obituary at smithfuneralhomes.net.