Obituary of Eileen Ruth Been

Eileen Ruth Been, of Pickens , WV , passed away surrounded by her family on December 25. She was born in Pickens to Hannah Wasmer Sypolt and Everett Sypolt.  Eileen, affectionately known as "Sis"  spent the majority of her 87 years living and working in Pickens. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Bert Been, daughter Kimberly Been and sister Donna Day. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Beth Been and son-in-law , Dr. Robert Garvin of Lancaster, PA, and her beloved grandchildren, Dr. Carly Garvin, East Lansing MI,  Grant Garvin, Philadelphia PA  and Emily Garvin, Washington DC, as well as many close friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Eileen graduated from Pickens High School and owned and operated Been's General Store along with her husband, Bert from 1968 until 1998. She thrived on seeing her friends and neighbors on a daily basis and developed a strong connection to the community. 

Throughout her life Eileen served the community of Pickens in many ways. She was one of the founding members of the Pickens Improvement and Historic Society which completed innumerable projects in town, including the building of the Pickens play ground and the restoration of historic buildings. She was instrumental in creating and publishing Haven in the Hardwood, an in-depth historic account of the local area and its people. She was a key member of the group who envisioned and created the annual Pickens Maple Syrup Festival. She also served as a member and held offices in the America Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Pythian Sisters, Pickens School PTA , Pickens Alumni Association and the local 4-H Club. 

Eileen loved sewing, cooking, and crafting, but most of all she loved people and sharing her time and talents with others. She leaves us having enjoyed a beautiful Christmas morning watching her grown grandchildren open the gifts she insisted on buying them. She faced many challenges in her life, especially over the past few years. She stood up to these with grace and strength. And as she told us many times "there is no use feeling sorry for yourself".  Her absence will be felt for many years by all who were close to her.

A visitation will be held at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in Buckhannon, WV, Friday, January 3 from 4:00-8:00 pm.  Interment will be at Pickens Cemetery Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eileen's memory to Pickens Historic Society. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.