Maitlan Terese (Fink) Cale

Maitlan Terese (Fink) Cale, 83, of Reedsville, West Virginia died peacefully at 1:35 a.m. on Saturday June 15, 2024 in the WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins with her grandson by her side.

One of four children, she was born on April 9, 1941 in Arthurdale to the late Peter John and Teressia Lula (Beehler) Fink – both of whom were first generation Americans.

Maitlan, affectionately known as “Grandma” by many, was a 1959 graduate of Valley High School in Masontown. From a young age, her parents instilled in her the value of hard work, integrity and fiscal responsibility as she assisted in the day-to-day operations of Fink’s Store. Upon graduation, she attended Flight Attendant School in St. Louis, MO and later worked at Sterling Faucet in Morgantown.

Grandma, a self-made entrepreneur, then went on to attend the Wheeling Barber College to become a duly licensed barber in the state of West Virginia. She successfully owned and operated Haircuts for Men, formerly Malcolm’s Barbershop, on Pleasant Street in Morgantown for two decades working alongside her friend whom she considered a brother, Ray Plum.

Never one to let the grass grow under her feet, Grandma then went on to attend auctioneer school in Nashville, TN and established Sunny Auction Company in Reedsville which was locally and regionally known for its’ Friday night antique sales and Saturday night “junk” sales. She also owned and operated several smaller businesses including The Treasure Chest, a variety store, in Masontown; Sonny’s Plants every Spring along Route 92 in Reedsville; and Cale Rentals. In the twilight of her years, she worked part-time as co-owner and operator of Luke Massey Pet Cremation Service (now known as Almost Heaven Pet Cremations) – a joint business venture with her beloved and devoted grandson, Luke Massey, who survives, of Reedsville.

Grandma was an avid animal lover and was known for her kindness and generosity to everyone, animals and people alike. She was equally known for her moxie and her matter-of-fact, tell-it-like-it-is personality. Her wit, wisdom and motherly and grandmotherly presence will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her grandson, she is survived by a daughter, Sonya Fultz and Joe of Buckhannon; and two feline companions, Beauregard and Kish Kat and many friends who loved her dearly.

Grandma was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Ralph “Sonny” Cale and was the last surviving member of her immediate family - having been preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Peter John, Jr., Regis Stephen and David Lucas Fink.

Friends and family may call at the Dering-Henson Funeral Home, 156 Foundry Street, Morgantown, from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday June 20, 2024. Grandma’s wishes for cremation will then be honored and a private graveside service with Catholic Rites will be held at the Arthurdale Cemetery where she will be inurned and laid to rest next to her parents and her younger brother, David.

Luke and the family would like to express sincerest thanks to Dr. Wei and the 6th floor nursing and clinical staff at Mon Health Medical Center for their impeccable medical expertise, the Mon Health Medical Center Environmental Services Housekeeping Department for their support, the Henson and Reel families for their friendship, Debbie and Cheryl Cummings for assisting in Grandma’s care at home and lifelong family friend, Malene Davis and the incredible staff at the WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins for their compassionate, professional and attentive care during Grandma’s brief, but courageous struggle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WV Caring at P.O. Box 760 Arthurdale, WV  26520 or the Preston County Animal Shelter at 278 Poor Farm Road Kingwood, WV 26537.

Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home. 

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