Lois Rounion

Bluefield, WV- Lois Karnes Rounion , a grand Lady, was tried , tested and found not wanting! She was born to Robert A. Karnes and Mary Elizabeth Douthat Karnes June 9, 1912. Following the untimely death of her father, and at the age of two, she moved with her remaining family to Bluefield. Her mother's five brothers, all railroaders, gave assistance and support to the widowed family and helped them establish a residence at 113 Fourth Street. Lois and her older sister Mildred were straight A students at Ramsey Junior and Beaver High School. Among their teenage treasures were many music and writing awards. There were also boyfriends, one of whom was remembered strumming his mandolin and singing from the window of a boarding house across the street. Lois recollected he was handsome, had a beautiful voice, and knew all the songs of the day. This romance led to marriage and three children. Her husband William Wilbur Rounion was skilled in communications technology. Following the lean years of the 1930's and the beginning of World War II he volunteered for employment with the Navy Department. Bill was stationed in the Pacific Theatre and early in 1945 a telegram from the War Department informed Lois her husband had died and would be buried in Honolulu, Hawaii. Faced with the task of raising three children, Lois, with the financial help of her sister Mildred K. Fortune, attended Business College and worked at the same time for the rationing board. Most reading this will not remember price and other government controls over shoes, gasoline, tires, meat, sugar and other necessities of life, but during WW II there was a total national commitment to share the burden and win the war-Big Government? Her next job was with the Appalachian Power Company as secretary to several district managers for more than 35 years. She was always involved in civic and church activities. Lois was locally recognized as Secretary of the Yea r. She was president of the International Secretaries Association and received state wide honors for her service. She held various offices in the Community Concert Association, Town and Gown, YWCA and state level AARP. Lois and her family grew up as members of Bland Street Church. She sang in the choir, played piano for Sunday School classes, took dictation, kept records for Church Board meetings and published the monthly news letter. Yes, Lois was a grand lady with more than a touch of class. She will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Joyce R Flanagan of Clarksburg, WV, and sister Mildred K. Fortune. Left to cherish her memory are her sons William A. Rounion and wife Marilyn of Yorktown, VA and Robert L. Rounion and wife Nancy of Bluefield, VA. Her grandchildren are David and Biff Rounion of Hampton, VA, Terri Rounion Davies of Kernersville, NC, Gene Riley of Charleston, WV, Ivey Ferguson of Huntington, WV and Bryan Ferguson of Clarksburg, WV. Great grandchildren are too numerous to list; however, they will all fondly remember Mama Lois. Funeral services will be held at Mercer Funeral Home Tuesday at 2:00 PM Her life will be celebrated with the help of Pastors Ken Price and Warren Faulknier . Viewing will be prior to the service at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Maple Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers , remembrances should be sent to the Bland Street United Methodist Church Music Fund, 2620 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV 24701. Mrs. Rounion received wonderful care from Dr. Barker and the staff on 4-West, and the good folks at Glenwood Park Assisted Living. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Lois Karnes Rounion.

Lois Rounion

June 9, 1912 - March 15, 2013