Della Evelyn Tolliver, 65, of Bolt, WV, passed away surrounded by her family on the afternoon of December 20, 2025. Born May 3, 1960, Della was the daughter of Paul and Evelyn McGhee. She is preceded in death by her father.

A lifelong resident of Raleigh County, WV, Della was the valedictorian of the first graduating class of Liberty High School in 1978. Della subsequently completed a Bachelor's Degree in Education at Concord University and earned a Master's Degree at Marshall University. Throughout her 25-year career as a teacher, Della was known to many Trap Hill students as "Tough Love Tolliver." A beloved teacher, Della held high expectations for her students and brought a vibrant sense of humor and deep compassion to the classroom.
On October 6, 1979, Della married Kenneth (Kenny) Tolliver and moved to the Tolliver Family Farm in Bolt, WV. Della and Kenny shared a lifetime building a home, growing their family, and sharing their love for gardening, cooking, and camping. On June 20, 1991, Della and Kenny celebrated the birth of their son, Gregory Justin, and on November 16, 1993, they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Autumn Nicole. Della instilled her love for reading, learning, family traditions, home cooking, and hiking in her children. Every Christmas, Della baked cookies and read Michael Brown's Santa Mouse with her family. Books were one of her favorite gifts to exchange, and she often sought recommendations for good stories to share.
Della imparted the importance of family bonds and enduring friendships, as evidenced by the care and support she offered and received from loved ones throughout her life. Della was a proud Stage 4 brain cancer survivor and loved sharing her story to comfort and encourage others. Following her diagnosis in 2008, Della retired and focused much of her time and energy on community service, faith, and family. Della dedicated her time to serving as a representative to the Raleigh County Board of Education, leading outreach ministries, and sharing meals with friends and family to provide comfort and nourishment during difficult times.
Della's love languages were sweet tea and food. Her children remember her in the kitchen, teaching them to love cooking and baking, and using recipes to sneakily teach them about fractions and ratios. Aside from cooking and baking, Della's hobbies included gardening, quilting, gardening, camping, hiking, and fishing. Della nurtured her family's sense of imagination by naming the animals that resided in her flower gardens, including Louis the Lizard, George-Bob the Toad, and Chip the Chipmunk. Della enjoyed quilting with her mother, Evelyn, and a close circle of friends. During summer break, Della could be found camping and hiking, reading at the lake, tending her gardens, and cooking and preserving the fruits and vegetables she grew with her family.
Della will be remembered for her courage, generosity, and lively sense of humor. She was known for her cooking and for the love and care she gave her family, friends, and neighbors. Della is survived by her husband, Kenneth Tolliver of Bolt, WV; her daughter, Autumn Tolliver of Bolt, WV; her son and son-in-law, Gregory and Cory Tolliver, of Columbus, OH; her mother, Evelyn McGhee of Eccles, WV; her brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Cindy McGhee of Beckley, WV; and her beloved aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. A private graveside committal will follow at the Richmond Family Cemetery in Bolt, WV.