Mary Franklin Knotts Van Meter, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 2, 2025. She was a devoted and deeply-loved daughter, teacher, wife, mother, Gaga and friend.
She was born on September 15, 1936 in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, daughter of the late Nancy Locke Franklin and Harold Milton Knotts.
She was also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years John G. Van Meter. They met at West Virginia University. Dad was immediately smitten. He insisted she have some money in the bank and a good winter coat before marrying. She will forever be lovingly remembered by her son John C. and wife Mary Jane Van Meter, Spraggs, PA; son Scott and wife Robin Van Meter, Beckley, WV; daughter Jennifer and husband Mark Hatala, Binghamton,NY; Gaga’s greatest joy were her grandchildren Beth and husband Jim Swords, Lori Fox, and Carly White, Waynesburg, PA; Jacob and wife Tiffany Van Meter, Madison and husband Shane Thompson, Beckley, WV, Lauren Hatala and fiancé Jarred Santoni, Boston, MA, Dr. Molly Hatala, Rochester,NY, Grace and husband Jacob Daniels, Philadelphia, PA, Samuel Hatala, Buffalo, NY, Rose Hatala , Binghamton, NY; great-grandchildren Megan Swords, Nathan and Sydney Fox all of Waynesburg, PA, Lily and Jack Thompson,Taylee and Navee Van Meter all of Beckley, WV. She was The Go To” for unconditional love, warmth and fun! Gaga was thoughtful, kind and had a special way of laughing that made us all want to join in. She was always playing games and singing around her table w her grands.
Mary Frank spent her early years in Rowlesburg where she attended elementary school. She was salutatorian of her class at The Rowlesburg High School. She once played a mean saxophone and was a majorette for The Rowlesburg River Lion Marching Band. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at West Virginia University in 1958. She taught first grade in public school system in Morgantown, WV and later taught kindergarten in Petersburg, WV. Her love for education did not stop in the classroom. Much to their dismay, she required John, Scott and Jenny to read and discuss a book and to memorize and recite a poem monthly.
Mary Frank helped establish Girls Scouts and Brownies in Petersburg. She taught Children’s Sunday School and worked on the Christmas Eve Children’s Pageants for many years. She served as Deacon, and Elder and a Shepherd at the Petersburg Presbyterian Church. She was a faithful member of her church serving on the fellowship, church school and worship committees for several years. M.F. Served on the Library’s Book Selection Committee since the library was in the basement of the Potomac Valley bank. Mary Frank was an artist painting for over 30 years. She opened the Water Street Gallery in 2001. She and John loved traveling to see many wonderful works of art in galleries from NYC to Washington, DC.
Mom was a fantastic cook. Famous for her crab cakes and Gaga’s Shrimp which were everyone’s favorites on our many Sandbridge Beach weeks. Known also for her Viking Varsity Basketball pre-game dinners, chocolate chip cookies and tutoring sessions all lovingly provided to the team.
Mary loved gardening, antiquing and bird watching. She was a loyal member of The “Bookies” her monthly book club ,“The Virgos” a special group of ladies with much more than their astrological sign in common and her beloved Pioneer Bridge Club.
We are grateful for her amazing caring team of ladies Danielle, Sue, Chris, Vanessa, Kay, Libby, Tanya and Roxanne. Thank you also to special friend Jan Hinebaugh as well as Dr. Ben Leslie & staff and Grant Memorial Hospice Care.
Mom never knew a stranger. She was outgoing friendly, treating everyone as if she had known them for a long time. She was always ready to chat and share a story. Her memory, stories and words of advice will be cherished by everyone who knew and loved her.
She often encouraged us to live our lives with “Enormous Acceptance and a Sense of Humor”.
A private burial will be held for the family at The Maple Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, March 8,2025 at the Petersburg Presbyterian Church at 12 Noon. Family will receive friends from 11 AM until the time of service at 12 Noon, followed by a luncheon in the church fellowship hall.
Memory Eternal Mrs. Eggbeater…Frank…Mom…Gaga!!
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Petersburg High School Scholarship Fund, 89 Riverview Drive, Petersburg, WV 26847 or to the Petersburg Presbyterian Church, 20 N Main Main Street, Petersburg, WV 26847
“The sun does not always shine in West Virginia, but the people always do” ~ John F. Kennedy
