James “Jim” Franklin Laughter, Jr.

James “Jim” Franklin Laughter, Jr., better known as “Coach” or “Pop” Laughter, 82, died Wednesday, February 12, 2020 following a brief illness at the Elizabeth House. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elva Laughter, as well as his wife, Shirley who died in 2015.

He was a Henderson County native and lifelong educator of our community. Coach Laughter commenced his teaching career in 1959 with Hendersonville High School, moving to Hendersonville Junior High School in 1964. He coached the first integrated football, basketball, and track teams in the county’s history and was instrumental in building the strong foundation that continues today instilling the pride of being a “Bearcat.” His former players as well as colleagues felt he was a pivotal factor in breaking many racial barriers in Henderson County. In 1972, he started the Physical Education program at Bruce Drysdale Elementary, allowing all students to participate in their level of physical activity which remains intact today.

Although “Coach” officially retired from teaching in 1991, he continued mentoring the students in numerous capacities in the Henderson County School system until 2010, spanning over 51 years of positive influence on young people in Hendersonville. He took great pride in the knowledge that he was able to help former student’s children and left an everlasting mark on them as well.
“Pop” was a member of both the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame as well as the Hendersonville High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

Jim is survived by his four sons: Franklin, Jonathan, Chris and his wife, Miranda, and BJ and his wife Amy. Four grandchildren: Josh, Emma, Jordyn, and Avery; as well as two great-grandchildren: Peyton and Dylan. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph.

The memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, with the Reverend Eric Gash officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:15 prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in “Coach’s” memory be directed to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp Scholarship Fund, PO Box 6544, Hendersonville, NC 29793.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Irene Robertson

Irene Robertson of Hendersonville passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the age of 103. She was born on July 17, 1916 in Olten, Switzerland, daughter of Eugene and Mina Hildebrand. When she was seven years old her family emigrated to the United States. Irene spent her childhood and working life in New Jersey where she raised a family and was one of the first female employees of the Prudential Life Insurance Company to earn the credentials of Certified Life Underwriter.

After retirement in 1981, Irene and her husband Jim chose to move to Hendersonville. They were members of Trinity Presbyterian Church where they were youth group leaders and Irene served as a Deacon and Elder. She also volunteered as a counselor at IAM, was a member of the Carolina Mountain Club, and enjoyed playing golf at the Hendersonville Country Cluband participating in local book and bridge groups. She was an excellent skier, taught some of her grandchildren to enjoy the sport, and was an active skier past the age of 80.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James Robertson, a daughter Barbara Anne Robertson, and a son James Robertson Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Lois Fritsche of Kennett Square; PA, a brother Kurt Hildebrand of Pacific Palisades, CA; six grandchildren, James Robertson (Abby) of Hendersonville, Todd Fritsche of Phoenixville, PA, Lisa Lelito of Cary, NC, David Robertson of Mechanicsville, VA, Barbara Ward of Etowah, NC, and Kevin Robertson (Mariam) of Alexandria, VA; her great-grandchildren Valerie Harrison(Wesley) of Hendersonville, James Robertson of Candler, NC, Emalee Richman (Peter) of Hendersonville, Jessica Fritsche of Phoenixville, PA, Madelaine Fritsche of Hershey PA, Katelyn Fritsche of Columbia, SC, Hannah Lelito, of Washington, DC, Joshua Lelito of Cary, NC, Danielle Robertson of Glen Allen, VA, Katelyn Ward, currently serving with the US Army in Lithuania, McKenzie Ward and Kylei Ward of Etowah, NC; two great-great grandchildren, Viola and Karoline Harrison of Hendersonville.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, PO box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Bruce Wayne Maurer

Bruce Wayne Maurer died on September 30 at Mission Hospital in Asheville after a short illness.

Bruce was born in Munich, Germany on February 27, 1955. He grew up in Shrewsbury, New Jersey and attended high school and college in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Together Bruce and his wife, Melissa, own and operate Blue Ribbon Custom Frame Shop for 33 years.

Bruce was active in Henderson County youth sports as a referee, umpire, coach, and mentor. Over the years, he coached soccer, T-ball and baseball. He enjoyed interaction with all youth athletes and was a supporter of many Henderson County youth. He held an intense love of all sports.

As an Eagle Scout, Bruce supported scouting all his life and was Assistant and Scoutmaster of Troop 604. Bruce encouraged not only his son Elliott but many
young men from Cub Scouts to Eagle Scout.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Melissa Laney Maurer; son Elliott Brian Maurer (Meghan Noel) of Asheville; daughter Julia Maurer Anderson (Cameron) of Raleigh; and new granddaughter, Tinsley Rose Anderson. Surviving siblings, Sandra Kay, Alan, Hank (Henrietta), Stuart and Pamela, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service for family members and those who loved Bruce will be held Friday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m. at McConnell Farms, 177 Old Dana Road, Hendersonville, followed at 4:30 p.m. by a celebration of life upstairs at Sierra Nevada Taproom, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River. Please bring photos of Bruce and share your humorous Bruce stories.

Bruce loved his adopted community, had a unique sense of humor, enjoyed fun, was funny, loved young and old alike; his heart was always fair and good.

In lieu of flowers a college fund is being established for Tinsley Rose Anderson at Wells Fargo Downtown Branch, Hendersonville.

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Michael Douglas Layton, 64

Michael Douglas Layton, 64, of Horse Shoe, died Friday, September 27, 2019 at the UNC Pardee Health Care. He was born July 3, 1955 in Danville, Illinois; a son of Max and Charlotte Story Layton.

He was a Henderson County native, a 1973 graduate of Hendersonville High School as well as a proud member of the 1971-1972 Hendersonville High School’s State Champion Basketball team. He also attended two years at Western Carolina University. He and his wife co-owned several businesses together after relocating back to Hendersonville. He was an avid Indiana sports fan and enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time with his entire family and friends. He was a member of Biltmore Church. He vowed to exit the world in style, which he did.

He is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Denise; three daughters: Heather Gray and her husband, Jesse and Jordan Robinson all of Hendersonville, and Savannah Layton of Brevard. One brother, Myron Layton as well as one sister, Myrna Reesor both Hendersonville. Four grandchildren: Gunner Robinson, Abbie Sherman, Sarah Sherman, Mason Gray as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. Interment will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. His family will receive friends 12:30 until 1:45 October 2, 2019 prior to funeral at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

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Dr. Amy Fisher Pace, 85

Dr. Amy Fisher Pace, 85, died on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Pardee Hospital, UNC Health Care. She was a native of Henderson County and the daughter of the late Samuel Leander Fisher and Ada B. McCraw Fisher. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel E. Pace.

Dr. Pace was first and foremost a student herself. She loved learning and education was her passion. She was a 1952 graduate of Hendersonville High School where she was the valedictorian and editor of The Red and White. She was the first person on either side of her family to attend college, ultimately earning a doctorate in a generation that few women attained such degrees.

She attended Mars Hill College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She also took courses at a number of universities including: Columbia University, the University of California at Davis, California State University, at Chico, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Western Carolina University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

She received a number of fellowships, including a Fulbright Scholarship to study and travel in China. She was a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, the North Carolina English Teachers’ Association, the National Education Association, the State and Local Education Associations, the International Reading Association, Phi Beta Kappa, the English Honor Society, and the Harcourt Foundation Scholarship. She was inducted into the first class as a member of the local Education Hall of Fame in Henderson County.

She taught high school English in Henderson County, as well as Virginia and California. She also taught college courses in North Carolina as well as Georgia.

She and her husband, Dan, returned to Henderson County in 1979 to care for their families. Superintendent Glenn C. Marlow created a position for Amy as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She was an advocate for the arts, championing the comprehensive education that emphasized academics and the arts. “The arts were a particular commitment of mine,” she admitted warmly. She has written for several state and national publications on curriculum and English.

She retired in 1997, after 42 years in public education, with joy as well as mixed feelings. The Henderson County Superintendent at that time, Dr. Dan Lunsford, said, “Dr. Pace is known across North Carolina as a true instructional advocate and curriculum expert…. She has a great sensitivity to the needs of children, first and foremost, and of the importance of education for a successful life.”

Following retirement, she volunteered for many local organizations throughout the community. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, where she served as a past Senior Warden duly elected by the church’s vestry as well as a lay reader. She was a member of the initial Walk of Fame Committee and the Hunger Coalition. After she moved to Carolina village, she remained active serving on the Carolina Village Board for more than one term. She held many committee memberships and led the Education Committee at Carolina Village for nine years. She urged Carolina Village residents to, “Stay alive as long as you live,” which remains the slogan of the wellness program there.

She was a strong and quiet leader. She was keenly aware of the needs of both teachers and students. She advocated for all the students but particularly for those who needed extra attention and nurturing. She lived an example of service and grace in her community. Her life can only inspire others to serve.

She is survived by Benny and Ai Yen Hendrix of Rutherfordton, whom she considered her children, seven living first cousins: Ann Fisher Raines, Bessie L. Fisher, Roger Fisher, Lin Fisher, Nancy Fisher, Wanda Fisher Wehunt, and Ramona Fisher Gilbert as well as numerous friends and colleagues.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. James Episcopal Church officiated by The Reverend Dr. Carol Jablonski and the Reverend Christiana Olsen. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends immediately following the interment in the Stillwell Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in Amy’s memory be directed to the Community Foundation of Henderson County, Post Office Box 1108, Hendersonville, N.C., 28793, and designated for the Dan and Amy Fisher Pace Scholarship Fund.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos.Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Thomas Patrick Ryan, 87

Thomas Patrick Ryan, 87, of Hendersonville died peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Aloysius and Isabelle Young Ryan, and his brothers, Jack Young and Michael Ryan.
Thomas grew up in Corning, New York and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tri-State University in Indiana and then completed a Masters of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. He was a loyal employee at the Xerox Corporation in Rochester, New York for over 30 years. During that time, Tom was a dedicated runner and even completed the 1983 Boston Marathon. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the Korean Conflict. He and his wife, Dorothy, re-located to Western North Carolina in 2000. He was an avid clogger for many years and performed in New York and North Carolina. He loved to read and enjoyed listening to country music. Thomas was also an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years, Dorothy, and one sister Joan and her husband, John. Two sons: Dennis and Edward, as well as three daughters: Eileen and her husband, Scott, Patricia and her husband, Raymond, and Susan and her husband, Walter. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
A mass in the memory of Thomas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Thomas’ memory be directed to the Friends of the Henderson County Public Library – Main Branch, mailed to 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, NC 29739.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Paul Luther Hensley “Pops” 80

Paul Luther Hensley “Pops” 80, of Hendersonville, died Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Elizabeth House. He was born December 18, 1938 in Madison County, the son of the late Millard and Edna Hensley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Pauline Bowen Hensley, his wife of thirty-two years; four siblings, Geneva Rice, Christine Raidford, Sunny Hensley, and Ruby Roberts.

Paul was an attended of The First Church of the Nazarene and Zion Hill Baptist Church. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation as a road construction supervisor. He was a beloved volunteer front door greeter at KC Hair Salon, where many knew him as “Papa with the hat”. He also volunteered for numerous years at Valley Hill Fire Department, as well as belonging as a 33rd Degree Member of the Kedron Masonic Lodge #387 AF&AM. He coached the Henderson County All-star Softball Team from 1973-1983. On Saturdays he could be found at every grocery store in the county searching the best deals and sampling free coffee. He was known to be an avid mall walker at Blue Ridge Mall, rare coin collector, and loved to pass out sour candy to everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife Sue Blackwell Hensley, of twenty-four years; sisters Joe Elliot, Selma Dobbins, and Madelyn Wilson; his son Terry Hensley; and daughters: Tammy and her husband Glenn Stepp; Cindy and her husband Robert Galloway; Kim and her husband Clyde Lanning; along with special son Jimmy Hensley and special daughter Pam Cairnes; stepsons Gary Cox, Kip Cox and wife Lynn, and Jeff Cox; and stepdaughter Kitten Trantham; five grandchildren, Tabitha and her husband Brian Tate; Whitney and her husband Mark Hakala; Jordan Henderson and wife Julianna; Justin Lanning; and Lauren and her husband Jordan Davidson; three step-grandchildren, Ryan Stepp, Justin Stepp, and Heather Allen; and five great- grandchildren include Riley Hernandez, Taylor Henderson, Kolby Hakala, Cole Henderson, and soon to be Emersyn Davidson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the First Nazarene Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Joe Quinn and Rev. Blair Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Shaw’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the First Nazarene Church of Hendersonville and at other times at the homes of Sue Hensley, as well as Kim & Clyde Lanning’s residences.

In lieu of flower, the family requests that donations in Paul’s memory be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Lawrence “Larry” Hazelhurst McKay, Jr., 84

Lawrence “Larry” Hazelhurst McKay, Jr., 84, went home to his Lord on Friday, August 23, 2019, surrounded by his family at home. A Henderson county native with deep roots in the community, he was a son of the late Laurence Hazlehurst and Mary Smyth McKay, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, William McKay and Adger Smyth McKay as well as one sister, Mary McKay Williams. He was also a great- grandson of the late Captain Ellison Edgar Smyth, who established the Balfour Mills in 1923, and known as “the pioneer of the textile industry” which is currently in operation today as a Kimberly-Clark plant in Balfour.

In 1953 Larry graduated from Hendersonville High School then went on to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating from Clemson University, Larry took over his family farm and was a successful dairy farmer for many years. His specialty was caring for “Sickly” cows, improving their health and increasing their productivity. Upon leaving the dairy business, he introduced Western North Carolina to the prepaid phone card business until cell phones became predominant in the area. At this time, he served as the youngest elder of First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville and was on the steering committee to form Covenant Presbyterian Church. After serving with the Presbyterian Church, he became a Deacon with Bethany Bible Church until his recent retirement. He was a much loved Sunday school teacher and was well qualified to preach when needed. The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center in Brevard, selected him to serve on their Board of Directors, which was a great joy and honor for him. For many years, Larry also served as President of the Faith Christian School Board of Directors. Later he served as Chaplain of the local Gideon Camp. He loved his Lord first and foremost, then his family and church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane Poplin McKay; four children: Daniel L. McKay, Sr. and his wife Marcia, Dorcas McKay Hoyt and her husband Jeff, Ruth McKay Garren and Ben McKay. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rev. Russell Baun officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:45 P.M. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Larry’s memory be made to Samaritan’s Purse at Samaritanspurse.org. or to the Gideon Ministry, the evelopes are in most church vestibules or go to gideons.org.

 An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Bert Alvin Blair

Bert Alvin Blair passed away at the Self Regional Healthcare Medical Center in Greenwood, SC on July 9, 2019 from complications of old age. He was born on March 19, 1927 at Mason, OH. He was the son of Ethol and Pearl Gaskins Blair. He was a graduate of Amelia High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in music education at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati majoring in piano and minoring in viola. While in undergraduate school he served as president of the student council and president of the Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He married Dorothy Jean Denman on June 23, 1951 at Bond Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH.

While teaching instrumental music in the Middletown and Hamilton OH school systems, he served a term as president of the Southwest Ohio District of the Ohio Music Education Association. He pursued graduate studies at the Univ of Michigan and Miami Univ of OH earning his master's degree in music in 1959. In 1966 he was on of forty chosen from over four hundred applicants to study at the Institute for the Study of Advanced Music Literature at the University of Iowa. His major work in music education moved the Blair family to Lima, OH where he was Coordinator of Strings and Orchestras for the city schools for nineteen yrs. During his tenure he and wife, Dottie, played first stand viola in the Lima Symphony where he also served as assistant conductor.

After retiring from his public school teaching he began a string instrument repair business which he ran for 15 yrs. He also made arrangements for piano trios and string quartets which he and Dottie played at weddings and receptions. This proved very successful when they moved to FL in 1994 and were very much in demand to play for various occasions there. As part of his playing career he and Dottie played 1st stand viola in the Northwest Florida Symphony for ten years, and were members of the Pensacola Symphony and the Choctahatchee Symphony. In 2004 they retired to Hendersonville, NC where they ended their playing careers but continued in the orchestral scene by restructuring the music library of the Hendersonville Symphony as well as serving as music librarians for the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestras for several yrs.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean Denman and their six children: son Tom Blair (Charlene) of Corbin, KY, daughters Karen DeLong (Craig) of Reading, PA, Marty Blair (James Heffel) of McCormick, SC, Nancy Lawrence of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy Blair of Ostrander, OH and Melissa Rucker (Jared) of Apple Valley, CA. He was "grandpa" to 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.

Bert was born with a rare bleeding disorder called Hemophilia B. Some of his grandsons have also been affected. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Hemophilia Foundation at www.hemophilia.org or mail to Attn: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10001. Please indicate it is for Hemophilia B research. His other great love was the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. https://ccm.{weshareonline.org or mail to College-Conservatory of Music, Univ of Cincinnati, Attn: Development Office, PO Box 210003, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0003. Please indicate it is for Music Education Dept.

For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

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Bert Alvin Blair

Bert Alvin Blair passed away at the Self Regional Healthcare Medical Center in Greenwood, SC on July 9, 2019 from complications of old age. He was born on March 19, 1927 at Mason, OH. He was the son of Ethol and Pearl Gaskins Blair. He was a graduate of Amelia High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in music education at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati majoring in piano and minoring in viola. While in undergraduate school he served as president of the student council and president of the Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He married Dorothy Jean Denman on June 23, 1951 at Bond Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH.

While teaching instrumental music in the Middletown and Hamilton OH school systems, he served a term as president of the Southwest Ohio District of the Ohio Music Education Association. He pursued graduate studies at the Univ of Michigan and Miami Univ of OH earning his master's degree in music in 1959. In 1966 he was on of forty chosen from over four hundred applicants to study at the Institute for the Study of Advanced Music Literature at the University of Iowa. His major work in music education moved the Blair family to Lima, OH where he was Coordinator of Strings and Orchestras for the city schools for nineteen yrs. During his tenure he and wife, Dottie, played first stand viola in the Lima Symphony where he also served as assistant conductor.

After retiring from his public school teaching he began a string instrument repair business which he ran for 15 yrs. He also made arrangements for piano trios and string quartets which he and Dottie played at weddings and receptions. This proved very successful when they moved to FL in 1994 and were very much in demand to play for various occasions there. As part of his playing career he and Dottie played 1st stand viola in the Northwest Florida Symphony for ten years, and were members of the Pensacola Symphony and the Choctahatchee Symphony. In 2004 they retired to Hendersonville, NC where they ended their playing careers but continued in the orchestral scene by restructuring the music library of the Hendersonville Symphony as well as serving as music librarians for the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestras for several yrs.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean Denman and their six children: son Tom Blair (Charlene) of Corbin, KY, daughters Karen DeLong (Craig) of Reading, PA, Marty Blair (James Heffel) of McCormick, SC, Nancy Lawrence of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy Blair of Ostrander, OH and Melissa Rucker (Jared) of Apple Valley, CA. He was "grandpa" to 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.

Bert was born with a rare bleeding disorder called Hemophilia B. Some of his grandsons have also been affected. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Hemophilia Foundation at www.hemophilia.org or mail to Attn: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10001. Please indicate it is for Hemophilia B research. His other great love was the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. https://ccm.{weshareonline.org or mail to College-Conservatory of Music, Univ of Cincinnati, Attn: Development Office, PO Box 210003, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0003. Please indicate it is for Music Education Dept.

For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara Jean Hipwell, 88

Barbara Jean Hipwell, 88, of Hendersonville, died Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Elizabeth House.

Barbara was born in Floral Park, NY on June 19, 1930 to the late Luigi and Louise Pizzuto. She lived most of her life in Western New York in the Buffalo and Finger Lake Region. A graduate of Kenmore Senior High School, Barbara married the late Donald Hipwell and raised her two daughters with such love that they followed her to North Carolina. She is also preceded in death by her partner of 43 years, Jere Allen Johnson who died in 2016.

In 2006 after her oldest daughter Constance relocated to Mills River, they opened up The Conn-Artist Studio at Main & 5th Avenue above McCarter Gallery.
The next year they relocated to Atha Plaza where Publix is currently. Until 2015 Barbara was the featured artist along with her daughter. They offered Art Shows, Art Instruction & the legendary Open Studio where many local artists learned to become better painters in their warm & inspiring studio-Gallery.
Barbara had previously sold literally hundreds of paintings mostly from Harvest Mill Antique Shop in Canandaigua, NY.

Barbara first started art study with her father, Lewis who taught her the fundamentals of drawing. He provided her with invaluable lessons from Sylvia Sheridan of Orchard Park, NY.

Upon moving to NC, Barbara immediately joined the Art League of Henderson County and was named the 2007 Artist of the Year for her painting, “Under the Apple Tree.” Having artists as friends and enjoying studio time at least three days a week was a wonderful time in her life.

Barbara is survived by two loving daughters, Constance Hipwell Vlahoulis of New Baltimore, Michigan, and Catherine Ann Hipwell and her wonderful wife, Sandra Lively of Leicester, NC; son-in-law, William Vlahoulis of Mills River; a beloved brother, Alan B. Pizzuto and his wife Sandy; beloved nephews, David and Steven Pizzuto; two grandchildren, M. Cristopher Cercone and his wife Susy and David Alan Cercone and his wife Carrie all of Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Isabella Yue, Amelia Constance who was born on Barbara’s 85th birthday, and David Michael Cercone.

Her grandsons were the apple of her eye and they enjoyed countless summers together boating, fishing, and swimming at Gramma Barbs & Grandpa Jere’s in upstate New York.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 St. James Episcopal Church with Rev. Christie Olson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Barbara’s name to Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Barbara’s family wishes to thank the entire staff at Elizabeth House especially CNA Michelle and the incredible loving nurses and doctors.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Copyright 2019 Thos. Shepherd & Son All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the authors.

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Kenneth Lee Henson, 62

Kenneth Lee Henson, 62, of Zirconia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2019. He was the son of the late Richard Lee Henson and Lola Gordon Henson.

He served in the U.S. Army and enjoyed fishing and Nascar.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Jessie Henson; a granddaughter, Emma; brother, Chuck Henson and his wife Carol; a nephew, Matthew Henson and his wife Amber; a niece, Amanda Baker and her husband Jason and their children.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Laurel Mae Voigt, 76

Laurel Mae Voigt, 76, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2019 at her home. She was born in Bronx, NY on September 5, 1942, a daughter of the late Grandine and Estelle Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her only sister, Elaine Shubin.

She graduated from Trenton State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She spent most of her life in New Jersey until she and her husband, Peter relocated to Hendersonville in 1992.

She loved her family and cherished not only the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, but the memories they created. She enjoyed traveling, dining out, and finding a bargain while shopping. She enjoyed every aspect of music, from singing hymns to attending musical productions. She had a special gift of always putting others before herself, and was kind to everyone she met. She loved the Lord and felt secure in knowing that she will be going to her heavenly home. We will miss her dearly and she will be forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Peter Herman Voigt; two daughters: Jennifer Tracy and her husband Matt of Hendersonville; and Candice Houlihan and her husband James of Mills River; and one son, Eric Voigt and his wife Julie of Montgomery, AL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren that she adored: Noelle, Walker, Willow, Annie, Jacob, Emma, Bennett; one brother, Donald Robinson of Melbourne, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family celebrated her life with a private ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in Laurel’s memory be directed to the American Stroke Association, 128 South Tryon Street, Suite # 1588, Charlotte, NC, 28202.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Marie Ellen Schroer, 86

Marie Ellen Schroer, 86, passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Assisted Living on Sunday, May 5, 2019 after an extended illness. She was born on February 13, 1933, a native of Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of the late Otto and Mary Amsen Hoegger of New York. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Paul Phillip Schroer, who died on June 13, 2006; as well as a sister, Gloria Jean Hoegger.

She graduated from Charlotte Valley High School in Davenport, NY in 1950. She worked for many years as a librarian in General Electric facilities as her husband, an accountant for that firm, traveled around the country. She was affiliated with the Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville. She loved flowers and gardening and was an expert seamstress who made her own as well as her family’s clothing. In later years, she loved to play Mah Jongg.

She is survived by two daughters: Cathy Bauer and her husband Ray of Woodbine, KY and Jeanne Smalley and her husband Don of Shelton, CT; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Otto “Buzzy” Hoegger of Hendersonville; one sister, Judy Van Buren of Rapid City, SD; nieces, nephews and other relatives. She cherished numerous friends: Kathy Ziobrowski of Averill Park, NY, Ann Fritsch of Milford, OH, Helen Kelly of Advance, NC, Dorothy Schneider of Hendersonville, Vivian Bolanos and daughters, Camila and Isabella of Hendersonville as well as many others.

The gentle care and concern for Marie during her stay Sunnybrook Assisted Living as well as the care from Four Season’s Hospice was greatly appreciated. The friendship, love and care giving that Diana Bagwell and her husband Morris gave to Maria contributed greatly to her quality of life.

The memorial service was private.

Memorials may be made to Four Season’s Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC, 28731 or The Muscular Dystrophy Association, or a charity of your choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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John Dennis Mellott, 80

After a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer, John Dennis Mellott, 80, died Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Lodge at Mills River surrounded by his loving family. John was born on September 3, 1938, the youngest child of the late John and Ina Squires Mellot in Tiffin, Ohio. He was also preceded in death by three older siblings.

John graduated from Columbia High School in Tiffin Ohio in 1956; and then furthered his education at Purdue University with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1960. John married Margaret Ann West on June 3, 1960, a few days after she graduated from High School. After a number of engineering and managerial positions around the Eastern Coast in 1978, with his wife, Margaret by his side, and on a card table in their bedroom he literally created what would be known today as Storopack a major supplier of packaging materials that is not only used with confidence in the United States but with international customers as well. As the President of Storopack, USA, John’s uncanny ability and vision to assess the growing need of getting products to the consumer quickly and safely allowed him to enjoy tremendous growth and global saturation of the market. As the company grew, John had to travel a lot for business, but he always was open for a new adventure with Margaret on any mode of transportation they could find in order to explore the world.

John was a firm believer that from those to whom much has been given much is expected. After John and Margaret relocated to Hendersonville, he had much more time to immerse himself in the community. He was an eager volunteer at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Hendersonville not only tutoring and mentoring their youth but serving on their board as well.

John is survived by his wife and partner of over 58 years, Margaret, with whom he had unconditional devotion and love for. He is also survived by five children: J. Denise Francis and her husband, Mark; J. Thomas Mellott and his wife, Lisa; Kari R. Mellott and her spouse Diego Jordan, Dirk E. Mellott and his wife Jeni; and Mike Mellott. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Megan Andersen, Chelsey Heil, Andrew Francis, Claire Mellott, Grant Mellott, Della Mellott, Karen Mellott and Michael Mellott; as well as three great-grandchildren: Piper Andersen, Zoey Andersen and Gavin Heil. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will not only live on through his family and friends but through the business that he and Margaret started together.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at St. John-in-the-Wilderness in Flat Rock with the Revered William McCleery officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Parish Hall. A memorial service will also be held at the end of the month at Christ Episcopal Church in Glendale, OH, with a reception to follow as well.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in John’s memory be directed to The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Henderson County, 1304 Ashe Street, Hendersonville, NC, 28792.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Florence Pat Garrett, 85

Florence Pat Garrett, 85 of Hendersonville slipped peacefully away in her sleep Thursday May 09, 2019 at the Elizabeth House.
She was the daughter of the late Harry Marshall and Corine Dunn Marshall. She was the wife of the late Maurice E. “Red” Garrett who died in 2015.
She was preceded in death by one son, John.
Florence had lived in CA where she owned and operated a successful business before moving to NC. She was a very strong person and loved the Silver Sneakers Program. She was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church, she loved and appericated the kindness of her church family. She loved to garden and had a great passion for cooking, she would feed anyone and everyone. She was very proud to be a part of her five generation family. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include one son, Steven Garrett and his wife Rina of FL, two daughters, Melanie MacPherson and her husband Graham of Hendersonville, Sandy Holder and her husband David of Flat Rock, one sister Judy Dorr of Richardson, TX, six grandchildren, Shannon, Holly, Timothy, Meredith, Ryan and Anir, nine great grandchildren, Mark, James, Melissa, Zachary, Isabella, Aarion, Mackenzie, Logan and Sara, four great great grandchildren, William, Easton, Violet and Ivory and her precious poodle Polly. She will be greatly missed.
At her request no service will be held.
Memorials may be made to: Four Seasons Compassion for Life (Elizabeth House) 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793 .

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Dennis Tyrrell “Terry” Blythe, 64

Dennis Tyrrell “Terry” Blythe, age 64, of Hendersonville passed away at Pardee Hospital on Thursday, May 2, 2019. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence M. Blythe, who died in 2018.

Terry was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he attended Balfour Elementary School before graduating from West Henderson High School in the class of 1973. During high school, Terry was a talented musician who played the drums, guitar, and was a member of the first marching band at West Henderson High School. Upon graduating from WHHS, Terry attended Blue Ridge Community College where he was a graduate of the machining program.

Terry is survived by his mother, Peggy Loftis Blythe of Hendersonville as well as his wife of forty-one wonderful years, Rita Merrell Blythe. His three children: Jeffrey Blythe and his wife, Fay of Statesboro, GA; Ashley McCall and her husband, Mike of Lexington, SC; Kimberly Honeycutt and her husband, Tyler of Hendersonville. Five grandchildren: Tyler and Brady Blythe, Ella McCall and Katie and Maddie Honeycutt; one brother: Philip Blythe and his wife, Sharon of Arden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Terry served as the Problem Resolution Engineer of North America for BorgWarner. He enjoyed vacationing with his family at Dollywood and Myrtle Beach, SC. He loved being “Grandpa” and spending time with his children and grandchildren. In addition, he was an avid Tar Heel fan who lived and breathed Carolina basketball. Terry never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel, 125 South Church Street, Hendersonville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Terry, can be made to Vocational Solutions of Henderson County 2110 Spartanburg Hwy., East Flat Rock, NC, 28726.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting wwwthosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Viola Jane Cairnes Allison, 93

Viola Jane Cairnes Allison, 93, of Mills River died Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Tore’s Home in East Flat Rock. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, James Edward Allison, who died in 2006.

She was born May 28, 1925, in Mills River, NC, the fourth of six children of Walter Partee Cairnes and Mary Eugenia Banning Cairnes. She was also preceded in death by all of her siblings, Edna Mae Gevedon, Hubert Cairnes, Olen Cairnes, Walter Lee Cairnes,, and Mary Jean Cairnes, and by her son-in-law of fifty years, Norman Gordon, who died in 2017.

After she graduated from Mills River High School in 1942, she lived in Los Angeles for a time with her sister Edna and her family before returning to Mills River. She worked at Parkland Chevrolet in Asheville before marrying James Allison in November 1946. Around 1950, she and her husband built a home in Mills River; about ten years later, they built another home on what she called “the old place,” on the same spot where she was born. She was a master maker of homemade jellies, using June apples from the trees beside their garden, grapes from the vines at the edge of the front yard, and blackberries from the wild vines on their farm. She loved feeding the birds, especially the cardinals, yellow finches, and hummingbirds, and watching the seasons change on Forge Mountain. She loved flowers: daffodils, tulips, lilies, lady slippers, and almost anything that bloomed. She loved dogs, with many beloved pets through the years, including Blackie, Chain Saw, and Ginger; when her pets were gone, she loved visits from the granddogs. She also loved reading, especially biographies, and enjoyed taking her children to the bookmobile at the old Longview Shell. Her greatest joy came from “taking care of the babies.” Even in her last days, she encouraged her children to take care of the babies.

She is survived by three children, Marilyn Gordon of Hendersonville, Martha Shoemaker and her husband, Don, of Hendersonville, and Mark Allison and his wife, Donna, of Mills River; seven grandchildren, Michael Gordon and Kenneth Gordon and his wife Stephanie of Hendersonville, Brad Shoemaker of San Francisco, CA, Stephanie Shoemaker and her husband Ben Williams of Washington, DC, Joshua Allison of Hendersonville, Jessica Allison of Granite Falls, NC, and Austin Allison of Mills River; and two great-grandchildren, Leah Gordon of Hendersonville and Oscar Williams of Washington, DC. Her third great-grandchild is due to arrive this month.

The family acknowledges with special thanks the staff at Tore’s Home for the kind, loving care they provided during her stay in her last months, and also the staff at The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Shepherd Memorial Park. Reverend Paige Ann Miller will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the cemetery fund at Boylston Baptist Church, 10642 Boylston Highway, Mills River, NC 28759.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Dr. Paul Vanek, 82

Dr. Paul Vanek, 82 of Hendersonville, died Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Pardee Hospital.

A native of Toronto, Canada, he was the son of the late Thomas Vanek and Anna Wolgeruch Vanek. He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Sheldon and Roy Vanek.

He was a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Dentistry. He continued his education at the University of Michigan with a concentration in Endodontic Dentistry. He not only practiced but also taught dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as in Toronto, Canada. He was a past president of the Canadian Endodontic Association. He was also a very active member of every temple he worshipped at. In Ann Arbor, he served as President of Temple Beth Emeth, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Union of Reform Judaism. After he relocated to Hendersonville over 20 years ago he became an active member of the Agudas Israel Congregation and served two terms as their President.

He is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Iris Vanek. He is also survived by two daughters: Julie Vanek of Newton, MA, and Jodi Vanek Wallo and her husband, Bill of Ann Arbor, MI. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ellen Vanek and Rhonda Vanek and brother-in-law Jay Thorpe and his wife, Roberta. He is also survived by step children: Karen Franco and David Davis, Janet and Larry Gordon, Susie Franco and Steve Krakow all of Miami, FL, and Steve and Kelly Franco of Austin, TX. Twelve grandchildren: Jake Pasternack and his wife, Emma, Alex Pasternack, Josh Gordon, and his wife, Yocheved, Zack Gordon, Eli Gordon, Bari Gordon, Sophie Gordon, Gaby Martinez, Julia Franco, Isabelle Franco, Zelda Franco, and Nick Franco. He is also survived by six great grandchildren: Mia Paternack, Ava Pasternack, Aaron Gordon, Ilan Gordon, Nili Gordon and Judah Gordon.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., today, Friday May 3, 2019 at Agudus Israel Congregation in Hendersonville with the Rabbi Rachael Jackson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Paul’s memory be directed to Agudas Israel Congregation, 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville, N.C., 28739 or Pardee Hospital Foundation, 561 Fleming Street, Hendersonville, NC. 28739.

An online register is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

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Ronald Charles “Ron Jovi” DiPietro, 53

Ronald Charles “Ron Jovi” DiPietro, 53, of Hendersonville went home to his heavenly father on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Pardee Hospital. He was born in California on February 18, 1966.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marjorie “Peggy” DiPietro. Survivors include his son, Chaz Hughes; second parents adopted by Ron, Gary and Sharon Moore; brothers: Sam Kane and his wife Dorothy, Danny Kane and his wife Doreen; sisters: Laurie Kane and her husband Steve Ayling, Teresa Moore; along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Sabrina Cagle.

He was originally from Long Island, New York before moving to North Carolina in the eighties. He was one of a kind and full of life. He played hockey in New York. Once moving to North Carolina, he quickly became known as the best graphics designer around, especially for race cars. No one’s graphics even compared to his and he has been the go to guy for race car drivers throughout the South East for the past thirty years. Even after becoming a quadriplegic, he was still able to design graphics better than anyone. He became an inspiration to many with his continued love for life and positivity. He aspired to give as many people hope as he could, and he was very successful with that goal. He lived life to the fullest and made an impact on everyone who crossed his path.

He was a joy to be around and full of love and laughter. He will be greatly missed by many but we are happy that he is now walking again in heaven and able to draw amazing designs again with his working hands.

We would like to thank the staff at Pardee Hospital and Four Seasons Palliative Care for the great care and compassion you provided to Ron and our family.

His funeral service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 11:00 am at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Pastor Thomas Glenn officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 18, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Thos. Shepherd and Son.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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