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Robin Ames
37, of Bruceton Mills, WV, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2020. He was killed by a distracted driver while cycling near his home. Ames was born in Tanner, WV. He was a student in the Statler College of Engineering where he studied mechanical engineering from 2001-2007, having graduated with honors and earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Upon graduating in 2007, Ames went on to work for the Department of Defense in Lexington Park, MD, and later for the Department of Energy at the National Energy and Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, WV. Ames is survived by his wife Karrah and his two daughters Charlotte and Elliette, as well as his parents Frank and Kathy Ames, sister Emily Mallon and family and brother Morgan Ames. His family created the Robin Ames Foundation to honor his life and legacy while also raising awareness of the consequences of distracted driving. More information about the Robin Ames Foundation can be found at www.ramesfoundation.org. -
Charles Chandler
90, of Pickens and Morgantown, passed away on March 26, 2022. A veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Afterwards, he received a degree in mechanical engineering from WVU. Chandler worked in and owned multiple machine shops that serviced regional coal mining companies. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte H. Chandler; children, Ann, Chuck, Fred and John Chandler; stepdaughter, Teresa Juristy; and several grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. -
John R. Craynon
61, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, April 16. A Kentucky native, he had a passion for mining engineering and taught at West Virginia University and his alma mater Virginia Tech. Craynon is survived by his four children: Johanna O’Hara, Megan Craynon, Sarah “Colleen” Etherton, and Robert Craynon, six grandchildren and his siblings Mary “Eddie” Craynon and Brian Craynon. -
John Loth
88, of Morgantown, passed away on May 13, 2022. Loth received his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto. In 1967, he joined WVU and rose to professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Loth’s research included many groundbreaking discoveries and inventions, including the first foam-based solar panel, which has been installed at the top of the WVU engineering building, the first circulation-controlled flight demonstrator and the first wind turbine with a centrifugal overspeed control. He received seven awards at WVU and was an inaugural member of the College of Engineering Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Motivated by his love for teaching and advising students, Loth continued as a professor until the age of 80. -
Yi Luo
64, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 13, 2022. Born in rural Xixiang County in Shaanxi, China, to a family of educators. Through his brilliance and hard work, he moved to America in 1983 to pursue higher education. In 1985, Luo moved to Morgantown to obtain his PhD in mining engineering at WVU and fell in love with the town and university. He would remain here for the rest of his life, working as a professor at his alma mater. Luo is survived by his children, Kevin and Ruth; siblings, Hui and Kai; and many nieces and nephews.
A scholarship fund has been established by WVU alumni to support students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. The group also raised money for a memorial bench that will be placed in WVU’s Core Arboretum. -
Betty Miller
95, of Morgantown, passed away on Feb. 16, 2022. After being the only woman who graduated with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering in 1947, she accepted a position in the laboratories of Celanese Corporation of America in Cumberland, MD. She was later transferred to Rock Hill, SC, where the company was opening a new plant. During the eight years with Celanese, she was promoted to supervisor of the chemical testing laboratory and finally to general supervisor of all laboratories.
In 1956, Miller returned to WVU to earn a master’s degree in mathematics. After one year as a graduate teaching assistant, she was appointed as an instructor in the Department of Mathematics. In 1970, Miller was promoted to assistant professor. In 1976, she was promoted to assistant professor. In 1992, she retired as associate professor emeritus.
In 1994, Miller received the University’s highest recognition for service to WVU when she was elected to the WVU Order of Vandalia as well as being inducted into the Academy of Chemical Engineers. Miller is survived by many nieces and nephews.
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Bernard Francis Stricker
86, from Charleston, WV, passed away on October 24, 2022.At the time of his death, he was residing in Fredericksburg, VA. Stricker was a graduate of West Virginia University, Chemical Engineering in 1959 His career brought him and his family around the world. He had many accomplishments such as being a guest speaker at Oxford University. Stricker enjoyed telling stories about his travels, gardening, wood working, and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Sue Maroney Stricker and his 4 brothers, William, Vincent, Jerry, and Thomas Stricker. “Bernie” is survived by his 4 daughters Jane Kulpeksa, Patricia Crawford, Kathryn Stricker, and Kimberly Stricker. He has 4 grandchildren, Monica Pratt, Christopher Stricker, Stephanie Rosa, and Anna Crawford. He has 6 great-grandchildren, Madison, Jose, Crystal, Marley, Aaron, and Apollo.