Helen Virginia Shope

Helen Virginia Shope, 93, of Morgantown, passed on Wednesday, September 28th at Mon General Hospital. She was born October 7, 1922 in Wainville, WV, a daughter of the late Norva Stanley Gross, Sr. and Zela Matilda Dodrill Gross.

She was a member of the Morgantown Church of the Brethren and was a graduate of University High School. In her youth she was employed at Booth Supply and Chico Dairy. She retired from the banking industry in Baltimore, MD.

During World War II Helen moved to Baltimore, MD in order to contribute to the war effort. When jobs traditionally held by men were made available due to the loss of the male work force to the military, she became a riveter at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company where she assembled PBM seaplanes. She was a real life " Rosie the Riveter". While working at Martin's she met her future husband, John, who was her supervisor. At war's end, she and John were married and made their home in Baltimore where they raised their family. After she had lived 44 years in Baltimore, she and John moved backed to her beloved West Virginia where they enjoyed their retirement years.

She is survived by her daughter, Danita Shope Boone and husband Ed; and a brother, Blaine Gross; grandchildren, Alison Shope Seay, Cory Shope and Sommer Shope; great-grandchildren, Ian Seay, Sydney Seay, Aiden Shope and Isabella Shope. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law Wanda Sheridan, Bonnie Shope and Denise Shope.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Shope; two sons, David Shope and Donald Shope; siblings, Ruth Sams, Glenn Gross, Richard Gross, Wayne Gross, Dortha Wiley, N.S. (Stan) Gross, Jr., and Lenora Pill.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home. A private memorial service will follow at a later date.