WINFIELD, W.Va. — Wednesday was a sad day around the Putnam County courthouse as news spread of the passing of longtime Circuit Clerk Ronnie Matthews.
“Ronnie was always optimistic and had a funny story to tell,” said Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Sorsaia. “He was a people person.”
Matthews died Tuesday of complications stemming from by-pass surgery. Sorsaia recalled speaking to Matthews earlier this week ahead of his surgery in an attempt to reassure him it was a very common procedure and would probably make him feel better.
“But he didn’t need any cheering up,” said Sorsaia. “He was laughing and joking and just being Ronnie.”
Matthews was first elected to the Circuit Clerk position in 2008. He was also very active with the James E. Marshall American Legion Post in Winfield.
“He was the life of the party, he really was,” said Sorsaia. “We’re going to miss him. I went and talked to his staff today and they were broken hearted.”
Chief Circuit Judge Joe Reeder has 30 days to name an interim replacement for Matthews.