Neva Mae (Cool) Bickel

Heaven welcomed a faithful servant when Neva Bickel, age 101, formerly of Gassaway, WV, passed into eternity on February 7, 2026.

Born April 4, 1924, in Diana, WV, Neva was the daughter of Earl and Gae (Fisher) Cool. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Denzil Bickel, her parents and brother, Roy Cool.

Neva was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She graduated from Webster Springs High School and attended business college in Maryland. Neva was a “Rosie the Riveter”, working in a parachute factory during WW II. She taught two years in a one-room school and was a teacher’s aide in Braxton County for many years.

Neva was an active member of the Gassaway Baptist Church for 65 years. She and Denzil moved to Gassaway in 1956 where they raised their family and Denzil operated Bickel’s Barber Shop. They both were involved in and supported activities and events in their community. One activity they both enjoyed was participating in the Square Dance Club.

Neva was the first Braxton County Senior Citizen’s Director and worked in that compacity until retirement. She also was a member of the Eastern Star, and the Gassaway Homemakers Club.

After retirement she enjoyed spending time with each of her three daughters and their families. She found special joy in attending the school and sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Neva is survived by daughters, Kay (Mike) Wentzel of Woodstock, GA, Kim (Gary) Sigman of Rock Hill, SC, Pam (Mike) Buckland of Martinsburg, WV; grandchildren, Ryan Wentzel (Stephanie) of Acworth, GA, Tyler Sigman (Kelsey) of Fort Mill, SC, Tanner Sigman of Austin, TX, Lauren Buckland of Martinsburg, WV, Jacob Buckland (Lauren) of London, UK, Joshua Buckland (Hailey) of Tyler, TX; great-grandchildren, Leland, Calvin, Trevor, and August Wentzel, Blayke, Miles, and Drew Sigman, Linden and Palmer Buckland; and many cherished nephews and nieces.

The visitation for Neva will be from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Gassaway Baptist Church.

Her funeral will be 1 P.M. Monday at the church with Pastor Mark Stump officiating.

Burial will follow in WV Memorial Gardens, Calvin, WV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name, may be made to Gassaway Baptist Church, 56 Beall Drive/ P.O. Box 128, Gassaway, WV 26624 or to Agape Care Group, 1069 Bayshore Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.