Eleanor Lucille Strait peacefully went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2026. She was born on November 11, 1925 in Shinnston, WV. She is the daughter of the late James and Edna Hardesty of Shinnston, WV. Lucille married the late Harry Laulis Strait, who was a victim of the catastrophic Consol No. 9 coal mine explosion on November 20, 1968; leaving Lucille a widow at the young age of 43. Lucille and Harry had two children. Robert “Bob” Strait, married to Sherry Starit and the late Beverly Ann West, survived by her husband Stephen West. She is survived by her five grandchildren: Lori Ann Strait, Robert “Bobby” West and spouse Yvonne “Buffy,” Christy Carver, Robert “Rob” Strait, and Shanna Cowan and spouse Bill. She is also survived by her multiple great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews. Lucille lived a legacy and guided 5 generations with love, compassion, and wisdom.
Lucille was preceded in death by her 5 siblings: James Hardesty and spouse Lydia, Ronald Hardesty and spouse Juanita; Harland “Skip” Hardesty and spouse Wilma, Mary Hayes and spouse Simon Hayes, Paul Hardesty; survived by his spouse, Wilda.
Lucille was many things to many people. Her most important role was that of a great mother and grandmother. She was the aunt to many and was always there to help those in need. A proud Christian who lived her life by the Bible, she was a member of Saltwell Road Church. She was a member of the Shinnston Women’s Club. She worked at Rockwell’s Greenhouse and loved flowers. She lived a century-long life of giving of herself in any way that she could. When she was a little girl, a great Christmas treat was getting fruit and a piece of candy in her stocking. She only got 1 pair of shoes each year as a child, just before school started; therefore, she went barefoot a lot. She continued to walk barefoot most of her days even as she grew older, unless she had to go somewhere. She was the oldest of 6 and helped raise her siblings, and she was there for each one as they passed. She cared for both of her parents until they passed. She lived through the Great Depression, which led to one of her famous quotes, “It’s not a sin to be poor but it’s a sin to be dirty.” She lived to see the US turn 150, 200 and 250 years old. She never had a driver’s license (but she did drive the back roads when she was younger). She never had a cell phone, computer, smart TV, or the Internet. She knew how to value the most important things in life: family and memories.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home, 300 Pike St., Shinnston on Thursday July 30, 2026 from 2:00-8:00PM and Friday July 31,2026 from 12:00-2:00. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 2:00PM with Pastor Arlie Parrish officiating. Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery, Enterprise.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at Harmerfuneralhome.com.
A service of Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.