Alma Madeline DeWeese Hardway, 96, passed away on November 12, 2026, at Glasgow Hills of Journey Skilled Nursing Facility.
Born July 30, 1930, in Calhoun County, West Virginia, Alma was the 14th of 17 children born to Calvin (Cal) and Grace Jarvis. Raised in a large family with deep West Virginia roots, she carried the values of family, hard work, faith, and helping others throughout her 96 years.
Alma was primarily a homemaker who found joy in the simple things that made a house a home. She loved tending to her flowers, caring for her chickens, watching the birds, and enjoying the things she cherished. She was a wonderful cook, and those who knew her knew she was also a pretty good shot with a .22 rifle. She was a woman of many talents, with a practical, independent spirit and a generous heart.
Alma loved the Lord, and her faith was an important part of her life. She was also the kind of person neighbors could depend on. When someone needed a helping hand, she was someone they knew they could call upon. Her loving nature and willingness to help others were part of who she was, and the kindness she extended to those around her will not be forgotten.
Throughout her life, she was married first to Gordon DeWeese and later to Donald Hardway, both of whom preceded her in death.
She leaves behind a loving family that spans generations. Her surviving children are Roger DeWeese (Diana) of Belle, WV; Rondella Peace (Keith) of Greenville, SC; Forrest DeWeese (June) of Given, WV; David Michael DeWeese (Joyce) of Sissonville, WV; Cindy Offutt (Greg) of Sandyville, WV; and Beverly Hughes of Belle, WV.
She was preceded in death by her son, Camden DeWeese.
Alma’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Delana DeWeese, Rodney DeWeese, Amanda Caruthers, Melissa Echols, Chris DeWeese, Melanie Aya-ay, Brian DeWeese, Johnathan DeWeese, Tina Holcomb, Lisa Bennett, Rusty Bennett, Kara Jones, Cam Bass, and Deborah Halstead; 28 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Grace Jarvis, and 15 of her siblings. Her surviving brother, Charter Jarvis of Minnora, WV, remains a connection to the large family from which she came.
At 96 years old, Alma leaves behind more than memories. She leaves a family legacy spanning five generations, rooted in Calhoun County and carried forward by the many lives that grew from hers. Her life reminds us that a legacy is not measured only in years, but in the people we love, the kindness we show, the faith we carry, and the generations that follow.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Funeral services will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 1440 Arnoldsburg Road, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Jonathan DeWeese officiating. Burial to follow at Fink Cemetery in Milo, West Virginia. Online condolences can be shared with Alma’s family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
