Clifford Douglas Hyder, 69

Clifford Douglas Hyder, 69, of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at his residence. He is preceded in death by his parents: Walter Hillard Hyder and Mildred Earline McGraw.

Clifford was born and reared in Henderson County. He graduated from East Henderson High School and even though he had been diagnosed with a heart murmur, he completed boot camp in Parris Island South Carolina from the United States Marine Corp. He left Camp Lejuene, Jacksonville, NC and was sent to Vietnam where he saw action and was near the Ho Chi Men Trail. Clifford received two Purple Hearts and was once shot by a sniper at close range. After 4 years of service to our country, he returned to Hendersonville and became a law enforcement officer until 1975. He was in the construction industry and worked with Dunlap Construction. He was active in many active with the Veterans Affairs. He loved to “shag dance”, enjoyed Harley motorcycles, fishing and working with leather. He was an avid knife and gun collector and was in a local tractor club and loved Gravely Tractors. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his sister Karen Bright of Forest City, NC, three sons: Michael Hyder of Clarksville, TN, Brian Hyder and his wife Amy of Clarksville, TN, and Daniel Hyder of Fletcher, two grandchildren: Noalan Hyder and J.C. Hyder of Clarksville, TN, as well as two nieces.

A Memorial Service will be at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Fletcher, NC with Pastor Cody Sturgill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project at P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.

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

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Roberta Dimick Hambly, 87,

Roberta Dimick Hambly, 87, of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. She was a native of Oradell, New Jersey, and had lived in Hendersonville since 1987. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Kubat Dimick, and wife of the late Donald K. Hambly who died in 2010, after 56 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by a cousin, Wallace J. Mason Sr., and long time friend Beatrice Lill.

She graduated from Westwood High School in New Jersey in 1946, and retired in 1985 from A.T.& T. with 39 years of service and was a life member of A.T. & T. Pioneers. Mrs. Hambly was a charter member of M.I. Hummel Club- Carolina Region –Apple Tree Chapter, and also the American Legion Auxiliary Post #0077.

Roberta left behind a loving family full of cousins: Margaret Mason of Charlotte, Priscilla and Jeffrey Clark of West Berlin, Vt., Kristi and Mark Roche and daughter Mabel and son Jeffrey of North Hero, Vt., Wallace J. Mason Jr. and wife Rebecca of Carterville, GA., Aaron A. Mason and wife Heather and son Shawn of St. Petersburg, FL., Wallace J. Mason III and wife Misty and sons Isaac, Gavin Joshua, Gavin Ray, and daughter Kylie of Adairsville, GA., Andrew D. Mason and wife Kaitlin and daughter Cecily of New York City, and Veronica Mason of Homestead, FL., long time friend Ruth Michel of Chesapeake, VA., and her favorite feline companion Lexi.

Mrs. Hambly wanted to extend her appreciation to: Joanne E. Helppie, MD. and staff, her friends and neighbors, and everyone at Four Season’s Compassion for Life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, October 19th, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Roberto officiating. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

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

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Isabella D. LaTourette, 102

Isabella D. LaTourette, 102

Flat Rock – Isabella D. LaTourette, affectionately known by her family and many friends as “Bamba” died peacefully at her summer home in Winter Harbor, Maine, on September 28, 2015, after a short illness. She was born in New Hartford, New York, on May 27, 1913, to the late Mary Etta and John Daressa. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth A. LaTourette, M.D., her sister, Rosella D. Hyde and her brother, Lawrence L. Daressa.

Mrs. LaTourette was a registered nurse, obtaining her degree in nursing from the University of the State of New York in 1939 at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. It was there while assigned to the same patient that she met her future husband, Kenneth A. LaTourette, M.D. They were married on June 25, 1940, in Manhattan and had a long and happy marriage lasting 72 years until Dr. LaTourette's death October 14, 2012.

Six weeks after the birth of their only child, Marianne, in August of 1941, the couple moved to Farmington, Maine and lived there until 1942 when Dr. LaTourette volunteered his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps, later to become the Air Force, just after the United States entered World War II. Mrs. LaTourette and Marianne followed him around the country to his various posts until he was stationed for two years in the Azores, where they could not accompany him. They were able to be with him for a year in Bermuda where Dr. LaTourette was the Flight Surgeon in charge of the military hospital near Kindley Field.

After his five years of military service the family returned to Farmington, Maine where Dr. LaTourette continued his general practice. In 1948 they moved to Hanover, New Hampshire where Dr. LaTourette began a four-year residency in pathology at the Dartmouth Medical School, a residency which he finished in three years. During those three years Mrs. LaTourette returned to nursing at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, and at the Veterans Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont.

In the spring of 1953, the family moved to Hendersonville, where they have lived to this day. In 1959 after Dr. LaTourette's office manager took a vacation, Mrs. LaTourette filled in by helping her husband in his office and in his pathology laboratory in the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. She loved the work so much that she stayed on for 18 years.

The couple maintained a home at Bald Head Island, North Carolina, for 20 years, later a summer home in West Tremont, Maine, and finally the home in Winter Harbor, Maine, where she died.

Everyone who knew Mrs. LaTourette suspected that the secret to her extraordinary longevity was her irrepressible sunny attitude and effusive love of family and friends of all ages. Her love of animals - especially dogs - was particularly remarkable. She and her husband had a total of 54 dogs over the span of their marriage. She was a lifelong member of too many animal welfare and human service organizations to list. The couple quietly and anonymously helped a number of people through various hardships and illnesses. Mrs. LaTourette had a particular sparkle, and it was often said that she could light up a room simply by entering it.

Mrs. LaTourette is survived by her daughter, Marianne LaTourette Potter and her husband, Martin Hopkins (“Hop”) Potter of Flat Rock and Winter Harbor, Maine. She has one grandson, Christopher LaTourette LaRiche, M.D. of Deerfield Beach, Florida, a granddaughter, Elisabeth Austin, Psy.D., and her husband, Jeffrey A. Austin, and one great-granddaughter, Sophia Catherine Austin, all of Palo Alto, California. Her only nephew is Lawrence Gray Daressa, of San Francisco.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, PO Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 pm at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, followed by a reception at the Church's Parish Hall.

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Betty Jo Thompson Hoots, 75

 Betty Jo Thompson Hoots, 75, of 338 Chestnut Gap Road, loving mother, great & grandmother, sister, and friend, died Friday, October 9th, 2015, at Hendersonville's Hospice Elizabeth House. Born August 2nd, 1940, in Polk County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Ina Jackson Thompson and the wife of the late Fredric Harrison Hoots.
Survivors include daugher, Barbara Hoots Hughes and her husband Jimmy of Columbia, SC, and son Freddie Hoots of Hendersonville, NC; three grandchildren, Jessica Hoots of Edneyville, NC, Ciara Hughes of Asheville, NC, and Cody Hughes of Columbia, SC; one great granddaughter, Scarlett Hoots; and three sisters, Mary Duvall of Campobello, Bessie Jones and Carol Case, both of Flat Rock, NC. She was predeceased by two brothers, Herbert Thompson and Monroe Thompson; and two sisters, Mossie Goble and Dorothy Meeks.
Graveside services will be held at 2pm Monday, October 12, 2015, at Shepherd Memorial Park, 5045 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC. The service will be conducted by Pastor Dan Blackwell of Dana Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Jones, Brent Case, Gordon Hoots, Wayne Barnwell, Chuck Nix and Chris Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth House (Hospice) in Hendersonville, NC.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Preston Gilliam, 80,

Preston Gilliam, 80, of Flat Rock, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 8, 2015. He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Doc and Nellie Jackson Gilliam, and his wife, Frances Hendricks Gilliam. He was a lifetime member of Maranatha Baptist Church where he loved to sing in the Maranatha Choir and retired from Belding-Corticelli after over 25 years of service. He was a caring husband, father, “Pawpaw” and brother who cherished time spent with his family. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He is survived by two sons, Glenn Gilliam and his wife Glenda of Flat Rock and Steve Gilliam of Rutherfordton, NC; a daughter, Wanda Moffitt and her husband Bobby of Flat Rock; six grandchildren, Terry, Jamie, Jennifer, Jason, Christy and Christopher; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Bertha Mae Mottl of Flat Rock and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, October 11, 2015 at Maranatha Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Gibbs and Rev. Lewis Staton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home of Wanda and Bobby Moffitt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maranatha Baptist Church, 2511 Old Spartanburg Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Martha C. Huntley, 85

Martha C. Huntley, 85, of Fletcher, NC went home to be with her Lord, Monday, September 28, 2015.
She was a native of Buncombe County and had resided in Henderson County since 1987. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burgin and Carrie King Crook; her step-mother, Josephine Crook; her husband, Grady S. Huntley; two brothers, Frank and Hubert Crook; and three sisters, Lucille Rogers, Helen Maxwell and Marie Gordon.
She was a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist Church and retired from CTS Corp.
She is survived by a son, Grady Rick Huntley (Denise) of Asheville; a daughter, Sheila Huntley of Fletcher; two grandchildren, three great grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Guice (Bob) of Leicester; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Huntley and Suzanne Huntley and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Youngblood officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will follow in Hoopers Creek Community Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 6284, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793 or to ABCCM, 10 Buck Shoals Rd, Arden, NC 28704.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family.

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JC Huntley, 86

JC Huntley, 86, of Bat Cave, died Sunday, September 20, at his home following a period of declining health. Born in McDowell County, he was a son of the late Troy and Maybella Owenby Huntley and was also preceded in death by a brother Charles Huntley.

He lived most of his life in Henderson County and was a medial and x-ray technician, working in private medical practices in the area for close to 30 years. He was a charter member of the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Dept. and had participated in fund raising, architectural design and construction of the facility. In addition to a long career as a paramedic and firefighter, he had also served as Assistant Chief of the department. He was an active member and deacon of Bat Cave Baptist Church, was on the church search committee and was the church secretary for many years. When he wasn’t serving his community, he loved to hunt and fish.

Mr. Huntley is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fairy Lou Huntley; son, Stephen Huntley and his wife Judi of Lexington, NC; daughter, Tericia H. Brimburi and her husband, Keith of Gastonia, NC; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held 3:00 PM Thursday, September 24, at Bat Cave Baptist Church. Rev. David MacEachern will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bat Cave Baptist Church, P.O. Box 247, Bat Cave, NC 28710 or to the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Dept., 156 Chimney Rock Rd. Bat Cave, NC 28710. To offer condolences online please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Walter Ray Satterfield Sr., 81,

Walter Ray Satterfield Sr., 81, of Hendersonville, NC went to be with the Lord, Sunday, September 20, 2015.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Lee Satterfield Sr. and Esther Johnson Satterfield; a son, William Mark Satterfield; a daughter-in-law, Billie Nix Satterfield; two grandsons, Jeremy Satterfield and Jacob Satterfield, all his siblings, Fred Lee Satterfield Jr., Louise Duncan, Ann Sentelle and Mildred Buckner.
He retired from Olin Corp after 34 years of service.
From birth he was a faithful lifelong dedicated member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and served in various capacities throughout his life, lastly in church maintenance for 27 years, retiring in 2013.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Kathleen Sipes Satterfield; three sons, Walter Ray Satterfield Jr., Paul Jeffery Satterfield and Steve Jackson and his wife Lori all of Hendersonville; two daughters, Beverly Satterfield of Hendersonville and Kathy Beckett and her husband Tom of Etowah; fourteen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Mud Creek Baptist Church. The service will follow at 6:30 PM with Rev. Greg Mathes officiating.
There will be a private interment in Mud Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mud Creek Children’s Ministry, 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.
Walter was the finest person, was loved by everybody that knew him, and will be missed by all. He personified what a mighty man of God looks like in that he spoke softly, asked little, loved unconditionally, and served all. The loss to our family is immeasurable, and our time stands still in honor of the passing of his most beautiful spirit into the very presence of Father God. Though the world is diminished by his staggering absence, Heaven has simultaneously risen for a standing ovation at the entrance of this saint into The Kingdom.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

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Joe Donald “Duck” Gordon, 66

Joe Donald “Duck” Gordon, 66, of Zirconia, NC passed away Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Lee and Helen Lindsey Gordon, a brother, John Henry Gordon and infant brothers, Jimmy Gordon and Arnold Gordon and two sisters, Jane Waters Gordon and Tempie Travers. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He had retired from General Electric after 35 years of employment and from North Henderson High School after 5 years of employment. He loved to hunt, fish and go antiquing and will be dearly missed. He is survived by two sons Michael Gordon and his wife Angie of Greenville, SC and Joey Gordon of Hendersonville; a daughter Lori Gordon of Hendersonville; four grandchildren, Jacob Garber, Jaynie Gray Gordon, Michael Gordon Jr. and Jessica Gordon ; his former wife of 29 years, Karen Gordon Gray of Zirconia; two sisters, Ruby Owens of Tuxedo and Betty Ann Camp of Mountain Valley; his good friend, Doreatha Shupert of Newberry, SC and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Tuxedo Baptist Church with Rev. Mikell Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Page Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wednesday prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at his home. Donations may be made to Tuxedo Baptist Church. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jason Volley Laughter, 82

Jason Volley Laughter, 82, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Betty Owenby Laughter; his wife, Elizabeth Justice Laughter; three brothers, Clarence, Lloyd and Bryant and his sister, Francis. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He cared about his community and loved to help out the kids. He is survived by a son, Jerry Laughter of Hendersonville; two daughters, Brenda Game of Flat Rock and Judy Rummel of Hendersonville; 13 grandchildren, Larry, Jason, Beth, Autumn, Gabriel, Destiny, Brandon, Brittany, Melissa, Jerry, Cindy, Daniel and Robyn; 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Jackson Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Glenn Thomas Brooks, 56

Hendersonville - Glenn Thomas Brooks, 56, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 at the Elizabeth House under the care of Four Seasons Hospice. He is survived by his parents, Harold and Joan Brooks of Hendersonville, NC.
 
Glenn attended Hendersonville Baptist Church as well as Mud Creek Baptist church.  He went to T.C. Roberson high school, played on the golf team and continued to follow the game with enthusiasm. He was a truck driver by trade and traveled throughout the country;  it is believed he visited every contiguous state. He had a wonderful and unique sense of humor and he loved his family very much.
 
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, David Brooks and wife Ashley of Seattle, WA;  two sisters, Donna Lanning and husband Jesse of Fletcher, NC, and Paula Brooks and husband Kevin Stone of Aurora, CO;  two nephews, Jeremiah Lanning of Athens, TN and Colby Lanning of Fletcher, NC and his niece, Kayla Brooks of Seattle, WA.
 
He will also be missed by a special family friend, Vincenza Brooks of Las Vegas, NV.
 
A private memorial service will be held at a later time.
 
Memorial contributions in Glenn’s name may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Mud Creek Baptist Church, 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville, NC  28739.
 
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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John W. Marona, 86

John W. Marona, 86 of Etowah, died Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. A native and lifelong resident of Henderson co., he was a son of the late William and Eva Orr Marona. He attended Etowah High School, NC State University, Brevard College and Western Carolina University. A Chemist, he was employed by Gerber and retired as Section Chief after 30 years with the company.

He was a US Navy Veteran, serving from 1948-1952. He was a member of Etowah United Methodist Church, where he was the only tenor in the church choir, and he loved gardening.

He was preceded in death by a son Wesley Marona, in 1996; and also by three sisters Freda Corn, Barbara Cagle, and Lorraine Gentry.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Mary K. Marona; daughter Martha Dugas and husband Christopher of Etowah; a brother Derwood Marona of Etowah; two grandchildren Tony Clayton and his wife Tina and Angela Clayton; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm Sunday at Etowah United Methodist Church. Revs. David Cook and Bryce Harris will officiate. Private entombment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3:00pm Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Etowah UMC Debt Reduction Fund, 110 Brickyard Road, Etowah, NC 28729.

To offer online condolences, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Marguerite “Rita” Phelan, 69

Marguerite “Rita” Phelan, 69, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Thomas Phelan; daughters, Teri Martinez, Leslie Phelan and Nicole Phelan; son, Thomas Phelan; eight grandchildren; and sister, Laura Stallard.
A service will be at 12:00, Saturday, September 19, 2015 in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Shawn O’Neal officiating. Burial will be Monday at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com to sign an online guest book.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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William “Bill” Bradley, 59

William “Bill” Bradley, 59, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at the Brian Center under the care of Four Seasons Hospice. He was the son of the late Evelyn Katherine Brown and Max Charles Bradley of Cullowhee. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bernard Bartlett Brown and Ellen Katherine Brown and two grandsons, Brayden Barrera and Xander Bautista.
Bill was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and former Executive Director of Hearts with Hands where he was able to help those in need by serving the Lord, Jesus Christ. He was the former president of BEACON (Buncombe Emergency Assistance Coordinating Network), a reserve deputy with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and served as supervisor of the campus police for Western Carolina University for 12 years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 22 years this Friday, Janice Messer Bradley; four daughters, Shavonne “Shay” Barrera and husband, Victor, Aimee Bautista and husband, Alex, both of Candler, Vanessa Davis and significant other, Mike Satterfield, of Hendersonville, and Sara Bradley and significant other, Matt Potito, of Maryland; seven grandchildren, A.J., Ethan, Addison, Anahi, Araceli, Alina and Braxton; two sisters, Jeanette Brown and husband Charlie (who was more like a brother to Bill) of Arden, and Kathy Peek and husband Randy of TN; sisters in Christ, Silky Love Caldwell, Summer Wilson and Jessica Daughterery; nephews, Charlie, Christian and Alan; nieces, Stefeni, Miranda and Megan; brother-in-law, Gene Wilson Messer and wife Marsha; sister-in-law, Roslyn Hunter and husband Bob; his dog and companion, “Lexi Love,” and countless faithful friends.
A memorial service will be held 2pm on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel in Hendersonville. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806.
To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Hendersonville-
A memorial service for William “Bill” Bradley, 59, who went home to be with the Lord Tuesday at the Brian Center under the care of Four Seasons Hospice, will be held at 2pm Friday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Arlene Kesterson Heaton, 68

Arlene Kesterson Heaton, 68 of Mills River, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at The Lodge at Mills River.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. Arlene was a daughter of the late Z.W. and Essie Warren.
She was a singer and dancer with The Blue Ridge Dancers.
Arlene is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Edwards of Pink Hill; son, James Kesterson, Jr. of Asheville; two grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Wilson and husband Thomas of Hendersonville and Wanda Capps and husband Sammy of Hendersonville; brother Larry Warren and wife Nora of TX; and four nieces.
Please visit www.foreslawnhendersonville.com to sign an online guest book.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Clayton William “Bill” Dawson, Jr.

Clayton William “Bill” Dawson, Jr. passed away Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He was born in Kinston, NC to C.W. Dawson and Jean McDevitt Dawson.
Bill was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but since living in Hendersonville had become a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church.
He attended Wilmington College and was a commercial building contractor until his retirement.
He had many interests and had an adventurous nature. Bill had raced cars, raced boats, been a scuba diver instructor and was an avid golfer and fisherman. He enjoyed skeet shooting and was a member of the Polk County Gun Club. He had a love and deep respect for nature and a special fondness for the coast of North Carolina.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Ashley-Dawson of Hendersonville; his daughters, Karen (Bob) Rosser of Raleigh and Kathy (John) Wiley of Wake Forest; one sister, Emily Currin of Wake Forest; four grandsons, John, Carson and Locke Rosser and Jack Wiley; four stepchildren; five step-grandchildren; and one niece.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Friday, September 18, 2015 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Dr. Mark Stanley will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Dorothy Helen “Dotty” Blythe, 95,

Dorothy Helen “Dotty” Blythe, 95, of Flat Rock, NC passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015 at her home.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She
was the daughter of the late R. Vernon and Miriam Orr Blythe.

She worked for Drs. Todd and Todd for 45 years, was in the
American Business Women’s Association for 25 years, helped start the
Autumn Club/ Blythe Tours in 1978 and was very active in Moore’s Grove
Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sister, Louise Blythe of Flat Rock; her
god-daughter, Kay B. Justus and her husband James of Big Willow and
numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, September
16, 2015 at Moore’s Grove Methodist Church with Rev. Philip R. Vaughn,
Rev. Douglas G. Pryor and Rev. J. Dan Blackwell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moore’s Grove
Methodist Church, 2575 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family atwww.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Shirley A. Thomas, 88

Shirley A. Thomas, 88, formerly a lifetime resident of Lock Haven, PA and a current resident of Hendersonville, NC and Palm City, FL, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday, September 6, 2015 in Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.
She was born November 22, 1926 in Bryn Mawr, PA to the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman Arnold, and the sister of the late Wayne Arnold.
Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of Lower Merion High School outside of Philadelphia. After obtaining her pilot’s license at the age of 19, she moved to Lock Haven, PA in 1946 to work at Piper Aircraft Corp. delivering planes to dealers and distributors throughout the United States. A born adventurer, in 1947 she jumped at the opportunity to deliver a plane to Seward, Alaska where she remained for a year working for an airline and flying school in Anchorage. The flight to Alaska took 6 days of flying time and 6 days of ground time, and she and her co-pilot were believed to be the first two women to fly a single engine plane to Alaska after WWII. During her stay in Alaska she obtained her seaplane rating so she could fly into the Alaskan interior. She was fearless in all her endeavors, and famously known for flying under the Jay Street Bridge in Lock Haven, PA. Upon her return to Lock Haven, PA from Alaska, she met and married local surgeon Dr. David W. Thomas, Jr. on May 12, 1950. They shared a love of flying together, and she devoted her life to her family, community service, and politics. She was a patriotic American and a person of principle who always believed you should give back more than you receive. Some of her many contributions to her community included being a two-time past president of the Women's Auxiliary to the Clinton County Medical Society, a past president of Lock Haven Hospital Auxiliary where she initiated and oversaw many fund-raising events to benefit the hospital and local scholarships. She was past president of United Presbyterian Women's Assoc. of the Great Island Presbyterian Church where she served on the board of trustees, and later was ordained and installed as an Elder. She served for 15 years on the Lock Haven University Board of Trustees, as well as 22 years on Salvation Army Advisory Board. She was an active participant in the Red Cross Bloodmobile program and became a member of the 5 Gallon Club. In addition, she was also elected to the Board of Governors to the Clinton Country Club. On the political front, she was a lifelong proud Republican who worked tirelessly for her candidates on the local, state, and national level. She served as Chairwoman in many capacities and in 1978 was elected State Committeewoman for Clinton County. Continuing her love of aviation she obtained her multi-engine rating at Opa-locka, FL in 1964 which enabled her and her husband to take their family and friends on many fun-filled flying vacations. Her passion for flying, travel, adventure and politics continued throughout her adult life. She was an accomplished golfer and snow skier, a lover of reading, literature and current events, and an avid football fan who enjoyed attending Penn State games for over 50 years with her husband and many friends.
She is survived by her husband, David, of 65 years; her devoted children, Jane Thomas Peck (Alden) of Palm City, FL; David W. Thomas, III of Lock Haven, PA; and Kimberly Thomas Levine (Ron) of Hendersonville, NC and Coral Springs, FL. She was also preceded in death by her much missed son Dean N. Thomas (Susan) and grandson David Alden Peck. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Dr. Rachel Peck Sabo (Michael), Sean Thomas, Ashley and Kelley Levine, Jordan, and Deanna Thomas; and one great-grandchild, Benjamin David Sabo; as well as several nieces and nephews.
When her husband retired they enjoyed spending time with their family, and traveling to places they had not yet visited. She was a remarkable and independent woman, and her children and grandchildren will always remember and greatly miss her beautiful smile, indomitable spirit, unwavering integrity, and deep abiding faith and love. Her life story would not be complete without mentioning her great love of all animals and her many beloved pets through all the years.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Great Island Presbyterian Church, 12 W. Water St., Lock Haven, PA 17745, the Piper Aviation Museum, 1 Piper Way, Lock Haven, PA 17745, or to any Salvation Army, Humane Society, Animal Shelter/Rescue organization, or SPCA of the donor’s choice.
To offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Gary M. Granger, 80

Gary M. Granger, 80, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015 after a short illness.
He was born and raised in Salamanca, NY and had lived in Henderson County for the past 20 years.
He was the son of the late James and Isabelle Chamberlain Granger and was also preceded in death by his wives, Jeannette LeBlanc Granger and Anita Benton Granger and a sister, Beverly Granger Wilson.
He had worked at Diane’s Hallmark Store in the Blue Ridge Mall.
He is survived by three daughters, Michelle Gleason of East Flat Rock, NC, Ann Louise Olson of Franklinville, NY, and Denise Granger of Salamanca, NY; two step-daughters, Anita Benton-Brink Hoover of Odessa, FL, and Susan Cervetto, of Warren Grove, NJ; four siblings, Harry Granger of Little Valley, NY, Marcia Gerwitz of Hamburg, NY, James F. Granger Jr. of Camp Hill, PA and Herbert Granger of Hilton Head, SC; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 7:00 PM Monday, September 14 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Frank A. Scalia, 78,

Frank A. Scalia, 78, of Hendersonville died Friday, August 28, 2015 at Spring Arbor. Born in Ohio, he was a son of the late Frank and Josephine Scalia. A resident of Hendersonville for the past 18 years, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Interior Design and worked for a design company in Chicago.
Frank was a member of St. James Church. He was preceded in death by his life partner of over 50 years, Raymond Edward Van Natta in April 2015.

Surviving are his sister Mary Jean (Gatio) Morano of Cincinnati; nephews, Steve Gatio, John Gatio and Rick Gatio; and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 14, 2015 at St. James Church. Reverend Joel Hafer will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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