Robert A. Smalley, 88

FLAT ROCK — Robert A. Smalley, 88, of Flat Rock, died on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Bob was born on October 18, 1923 in Detroit, MI to the late, Earl Smalley Sr. and Marguerite Couture Smalley. He was also preceded in death by Marie, his wife of 37 years who died in 1984; his older brother Earl; his younger sister, Natalie and his beloved daughter-in-law, Diane.

At age 4 his family moved to Miami, FL, where he grew up. Later Bob attended boarding school at St. Leo Preparatory School in Dade City, FL. Following his education he joined the United States Navy in early 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 and returned home to Florida.

Bob was a true car rental industry pioneer. Fresh from returning from the war, he and his late brother Earl rejoined the family business, Couture Rent-A-Car, and led the company in a vigorous expansion to become the third largest car rental firm in the United States. In 1958 the company was acquired by The Hertz Corporation where Bob began a long and successful career. Bob held a number of positions during his tenure at Hertz, both in Chicago and New York. He notably incorporated global expansion as President of Hertz International, Ltd., and in 1968 he achieved the pinnacle of his car rental career when he was named President, CEO and Director of the Hertz Corporation.

In the seventies after resigning from Hertz, Bob moved his family from New York to Miami, FL where he formed the nation's first one-way motor home rental company. The company was founded in 1972 and relocated corporate headquarters to Mesa, AZ in 1993. When they relocated to Arizona Bob turned operation of the company over to his two sons and he and his wife Shirley moved to North Carolina.

Living in Hendersonville from then on he and Shirley were active members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a long time member and past Commodore of Key Largo Anglers Club in Key Largo, FL, a member of Ocean Reef Yacht Club in Key Largo, FL, Hendersonville Country Club and Etowah Country Club.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley who he married in 1985; and his three children, Robert Jr. and his wife, Paula, of Arizona, Randy of Colorado, Sally DiLucente and her husband, Wayne, of Florida; two step-children, Holly Anderson of North Carolina, Dennis Paquette and his wife, Pam, of Florida. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Suzanne and her husband, Seth, Bart, Alana, Caroline, Courtney, Carrie and her husband, Jake, Randall and his wife, Ursula, Rebecca and her husband, Fisk, Brian, Lisa and her husband, Tom, Marie and her husband, Philip; seven great-grandchildren, Lily, Cash, Kate, Julia, William, Caroline and Jacob.

He will be remembered as a successful businessman, entrepreneur, a devoted husband, loving Father and loyal friend.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2012, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Andrew Novak celebrating. A private burial will take place at Woodlawn Park Cemetery in Miami, Fl.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571, South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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

Read More »

Jack John Freeman, 99

HENDERSONVILLE: Jack John Freeman, 99, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was born on October 5, 1912, to the late George M. Freeman and Emma Kate Edney Freeman. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Elsie Stepp Freeman. On February 12, 2012, they would have celebrated their 80th wedding Anniversary. They met in church and eloped to Greenville, SC when they were 19 years old. Their lifelong love is a legacy that will live forever in the hearts of the family.

He retired from Ecusta Paper Corporation after 25 years of service.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Freeman; three sons, Jack Roland Freeman, Max Brant Freeman, and Roy Clifford Freeman; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Rex B. Freeman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00PM on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Shepherd Memorial Park's Mausoleum Chapel with Pastor Ken Mason officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the funeral home.

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

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Connie Kay Medlin, 57

EDNEYVILLE — Connie Kay Medlin, 57, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She has gone to Heaven as a guardian angel to watch over her family she left on Earth.

She was a lifelong resident of Hendersonville and a member of Mountain Home Baptist Church.
She is the daughter of Earl and Christine Williams of Hendersonville and loving wife of 35 years to George Wesley Medlin, Jr., also of Hendersonville.

She is also survived by three children; Scott London & his wife Ardith of Hendersonville, Melanie McMurray & her husband John of Fletcher, and Bob Medlin and his wife Jenni of Hendersonville.

She leaves behind 5 grandchildren who were the light of her life; Dale London, Lauren McMurray, Emma McMurray, Evan Duckett, and Zachariah Sargent. She was a wonderful Granna and her legacy will live on through the values and compassion she has taught them by her example.

She is also survived by 2 sisters; Donna Owenby & her husband Tim of Hendersonville and Janet Steinbach of Arden as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral will be held at Mountain Home Baptist Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. A burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mountain Home Baptist Church: PO Box 288, Edneyville, NC 28727.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

Elisabeth Johnson, 86

MILLS RIVER — Elisabeth Johnson, 86, a retired nurse educator, died of cancer on Friday, May 18, 2012 at her home.

Born, Elisabeth Hintermeister in Brooklyn, NY, she attended Wagner College, graduating in 1948 with a degree in nursing. Soon thereafter, she married a college classmate, Laroy Dietrich, who later became a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Miami. She interrupted her nursing career to raise three sons and resumed it when the youngest started school. Later she joined the faculty of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Miami where she taught until retirement.

After the death of Dr. Dietrich, she married William Johnson, Jr., an electrical engineer, in 1979. They purchased property in Henderson County in 1995, eventually building a house and relocating permanently. Mr. Johnson passed away in 2000. She was an active parishioner at Mills River Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by three sons, Richard Dietrich, a physician residing in Maryland, David Dietrich, a photographer residing in Henderson County, and Mark Dietrich, a Human Resource Manager residing in Michigan and two step-children, William Johnson, III, a CNC technician, and Elizabeth DeBolt, a musician and Health Store manager, both residing in Florida, plus numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012, at Mills River Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Randal Boggs officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the funeral home.

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

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

Read More »

Vumani Lyman Topi Mabunda, 67

Vumani Lyman Topi Mabunda, 67, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Mission Hospital. A native of Chipinge Muzite, Zimbabwe he was born on December 30, 1944, to the late Topi Mabunda and Mafunde Mazibiye. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Mabunda.

He was the proud owner of his own scrap metal recycling business and was a member of United Church of Christ while living in Zimbabwe. After moving to America and Henderson County in 2008 he became a member of Biltmore Baptist Church. He was a member of Ndau Burial Society, an active church volunteer and church treasurer.

He is survived by his four daughters, Kudzai, Dingase, Tsverukai, and Ashirai Mabunda; his four sons, Tadzionera, Kumbirai, Chioniso, and Lyman Mabunda; his 17 grandchildren, Tawanda, Portia, Rupert, Tapiwa, Rukudzo, Rodney, Rogers, Matifadza, Jamal, Nakiso, Birtha, Chioniso, Chipo, Tinoda, Tanyisa, Denise, Blessing; his two sisters, Mutindiye, Juro; his two nephews, Timothy and Moses Mazibiye; and his niece, Elizabeth.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Rev. Kelvin Moseley officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 3 p.m.. Burial will be held at a later date in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements

Read More »

John Borelli Jr., 72

John Borelli Jr., 72, of Hendersonville died on May 14, 2012, at the Four Seasons Elizabeth House, Flat Rock, after a long illness.

He was born on December 12, 1939, in Framingham, Mass. His parents were Bernice (Tero) and John Borelli, Sr., formerly of Ashland, Mass.

He was educated in Ashland schools and graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with an Associate's Degree in Engineering. He was employed by General Electric Company in Ashland, Mass., managing several departments before his retirement 20 years ago.

He is survived by three children: Darlene Skiotis of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., John J. Borelli of Brookline, N.H. and Russ Borelli of Framingham, Mass., and a grandson, Zach Skiotis of North Myrtle Beach, S.C. He also leaves two sisters: Jeanette Belli of Port Richie, Fla., and Barbara Borelli of Framingham, Mass., two nephews and four nieces.

He was an avid gardener, creating beautiful flowers in the sandy soil of his Cape Cod home. He loved rescuing stray cats, but really enjoyed fishing all of his life from the time he was a young boy, so we feel it is fitting to remember him with this poem:

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day,

And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray.

When in the Lord's safe landing net, I'm peacefully asleep,

That in his mercy I be judged, as big enough to keep.

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

Read More »

Marian Olson Griffith, 87

Marian Olson Griffith, 87 of Hendersonville passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 13, 2012 after a long illness.

Marian was the daughter of Howard and Helen Olson and was born and raised in White Plains, N.Y. Marian was predeceased by her husband Arvon (Griff) and son Howard.

She is survived by her daughter Christina Griffith and husband Dennis Fabrizio of Newington, Conn., and son Bruce Griffith and wife Jane of Wakefield, R.I., and daughter-in-law Karen Mc Combe of Eugene, Ore..

Marian and Griff lived in Seattle, Wash., Terre Haute, Ind., and White Plains, N.Y., before settling in Valley Cottage, N.Y., where they lived for more than 35 years and raised their family.

In 1993 Marian and Griff "retired" to Hendersonville where they enjoyed many happy years before Marian suffered a debilitating stroke in 2005. Marian was a second grade school teacher at Congers Elementary school for more than 20 years and in her spare time enjoyed gourmet cooking, gardening with the Forest Glen Garden Club, singing in the Clarkstown Reformed Church choir and acting with the Reformed players. After moving to Hendersonville, Marian volunteered for many years at the Habitat store.

Funeral Arrangements will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Marian'smemory to Four Seasons Compassion For Life, 571 South 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.

Read More »

Elizabeth Harris Scott, 97

Elizabeth Harris Scott, 97, of Asheville, died on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Givens Estates.

A native of Cartersville, Ga., she was born on Christmas Eve of 1914 to the late William Harris and Ruth French Harris. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John T. Scott.

She attended East Tennessee State Teaching College and was a founding member of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church's Kindergarten Class, where she has been a member since the late 1940's. She was a member of the Hendersonville Women's Club and was especially active with their Soldier Boy Program. She was a Pink Lady at Pardee Hospital for more than 25 years, longtime chairwoman of the First United Methodist Church's Parsonage Committee and a proud recipient of the Second Wind Hall of Fame Award at the age of 75.

She is survived by her two children, Jobanna Scott Miller of Clemmons, John Stanley Scott of Hendersonville; her two grandchildren, Margo Elizabeth Kummer and her husband Dr. Tony Kummer of Winston Salem, Scott Coleman Miller and his wife, Christa, of Advance; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Anna Kummer and Benjamin and Madison Miller.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 in the Brunson Chapel of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dan Martin and Reverend Ed Heard officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will take place at 2 p.m. at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Givens Estates Skilled Nursing 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to Hendersonville First United Methodist Church 204 Sixth Ave. W. , Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Daniel Stehle, 86

FLAT ROCK — Daniel Stehle, 86, of Flat Rock, died on Sunday, May 13, 2012.

He was born on July 23, 1925, in Los Angeles to the late Mathew Nelson Stehle and Naomi Hoffenberg. He was also preceded in death by his brother Russell Michael Stehle.

He graduated from Los Angeles High school and during World War II enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a proud member of the 61st Troop Carrier Squadron which flew the invasion of Europe and other major missions. After discharge from the service he graduated from the University of Southern California where he majored in business administration and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He met and married his wife Arletta while a senior in college. They were blessed with six beautiful children, Suzanne Ehlers, Rebecca Martell, Daniel Stehle, Nancy Henry, Alison Douglas, Lincoln Stehle; nine grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, little Arletta.

He was employed by Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. During 35 years he served in numerous management positions and retired in 1987 as South Eastern United States Sales Manager. He volunteered for many charities including St. Joseph Hospital, Atlanta, Community Foundation, Blue Ridge Literacy Council, Y.M.C.A., Hendersonville. In 2000 he was awarded North Carolina's Governor Hunt's Volunteer of the Year. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Kenmure Country Club.

Our loving husband, father and dear friend will be truly missed.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 PM on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father John Salvas officiating. Internment will be held at the family site Arlington Memorial Park, Atlanta, at a later date. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

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

Read More »

Jerry Ronald Frady, 57

Jerry Ronald Frady, 57, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012 at his home.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.

He was the son of the late Charles Edward Frady and Margaret Victoria Watkins Frady and was also preceded in death by his brother, Tony Edward Frady.

He had retired from Kimberly-Clark/ Berkley-Mills after 39 years of service.

He coached little league baseball for many years, loved fishing, hunting and the Native American Heritage.

He is survived by his son, Jeremy Blake Frady and his wife, Jennifer and their daughter, Jenna of Hendersonville; his brother, Ken Frady of Columbia, S.C., and nephews and nieces, Tammy Frady Arrowood (Brian) of Hendersonville, Kevin Frady (Becky) of Houston, TX and Kreg Frady (Ashley) of Lexington, S.C.; his friend and cousin, Chris Frady (Dee Dee) and numerous other cousins.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Bryan Melton and Rev. Frank Landers officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to help with expenses to his son, Jeremy.

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

Read More »

Linda Jarman Honkanen, 55,

Linda Jarman Honkanen, 55, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.

She was the daughter of Jessie Mae Jones of Hendersonville and the late Travis Russell Jarman.

Surviving in addition to her mother is her daughter, Tosha Graham and her husband James McKinney of Hendersonville; two sons, Shane Jarman of Greenville, S.C. and Joshua Honkanen and his wife Jessica of Lenoir; a brother, Gary Jarman and his wife Nancy of Hendersonville; two sisters, her twin sister, Brenda Staggs of Hendersonville and Frances Rogers and her husband Charlie of Florida; seven grandchildren, Kelsey and Miranda McKinney, Devin, Donavan and Hunter Jarman, Christopher Honkanen and Nathaniel Thomas and several loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Dana Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Baptist Church, 377 Ridge Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

Read More »

Sarah Gruel "Sally" Stubbs

Flat Rock — Sarah Gruel “Sally” Stubbs, 93, of Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord, Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.

She was the daughter of the late John and Sarah Hopkins Gruel and was also preceded in death by her husband, John M. “Jack” Stubbs.

After graduating business college in Baltimore, Md., she moved to Los Angeles where she worked for the Glen L. Martin Company.  After WW II she moved to Miami in 1945 where she met her husband Jack and then they were married in 1946.  While in Miami she had worked for the Variety Clubs International.

Her many activities included: golf, bridge, raising two children and was very active in Riviera Presbyterian Church in Miami.

In 1980 they moved to Hendersonville where they both owned and operated Seven Springs Orchard from 1980 - 2004.

She is survived by her son, John M. Stubbs and his wife Lisa and her children, Justin, Ashley and Jonathan West of Eastover; her daughter, Sarah O. Papoff of Hendersonville; two grandchildren, Cameron Marc Ovakit of Miami,  and Melanie O. Wever and husband Tommy of Miami,  and a great grandson, Maddox Kai Wever of Miami.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2012 at  Pinecrest Presbyterian Church with the RevDr. Doug Jones, the Rev. Charles B. Evans and the Rev. Jim Coad officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 421, Flat Rock, NC 28731. 

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

Read More »

Allene Curtis Foster, 72,

Allene Curtis Foster, 72, of Hendersonville, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2012.

She was a lifelong resident of Henderson County and was the daughter of the late James H. Curtis and Sallie M. Curtis. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kenneth Chastain.

Survivors include five children: James Earley, Glenda Spicer and her husband Philip, Wesley Earley, Jessica Agnew, and April Chastain and her husband Wayne all of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren-(Jami, Cody, Ashley, Jessica, Brooklyn, Dustin, and Danielle); a brother, Frank Curtis and his wife Mary Beth of Arden; three sisters, Jewell Irwin and her husband Chuck, Judy Corpening and husband Jerry, and Nancy Maybin all of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Services with Rev. Kevin Travis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

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

Read More »

Patrick Ryan Iannetta

Patrick Ryan Iannetta, age 32, of Zirconia, NC, passed away at his home on Monday April 30, 2012.

He is survived by his loving and devoted parents Barbara and Ronald Iannetta of Zirconia; brother, Jeffrey Iannetta of Hendersonville, NC; brother, George Iannetta and sister-in-law Jovanna of Anchorage, AK; sister, Nancy McCloskey and brother-in-law Ken, and niece and nephew, Jessica and Justin of Mountain Top, PA. He had a very large and loving extended family led by his supportive and caring aunt and uncle, Lorraine and William Boyce of Escondido, Calif., along with many, many cousins.

He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed and remembered by his family, and his close and cherished friends. Pat loved camping and enjoying the mountains and outdoors. He was happiest with a hammer and saw in his hand, working alongside his friends, with his devoted dog Buddy by his side.

In memory of Patrick's caring heart, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Community Partnership for Pets. They're located at PO Box 1021, Flat Rock, NC. 28731-1021, phone 828.693.5172, email cpforpetsinc@aol.com.

Final farewells can be made at Jackson Funeral Home in Hendersonville on Saturday, May 5, from noon to 3pm. The family will receive friends at their home after 3 pm, 83 West Big Bear Trail, Zirconia.

Read More »

Louise Stacey McGrath, 90

Louise Stacey McGrath, 90, passed away Monday, April 2, 2012 in Hendersonville, NC.

Louise was born to William Osborne Stacey and Annie Bell Norville Stacey. She was the granddaughter of William Gamewell and Pricilla Scoggins Stacey and John Palmer and Margaret Weber Norville of Rutherford County.

Louise had seven brothers and three sisters. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter T. Stacey, O. Hicks Stacey, Cornelius C. Stacey, William W. Stacey, Thomas Edward Stacey, Raymond S. Stacey and A. Linwood Stacey; and sisters, Carrie S. Doggett, Edna S. Pryor and Elizabeth S. Bullard.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Chris McGrath of Hendersonville, NC; three grandchildren, Laura Grooms and spouse, Kevin Grooms of Kansas City, MO., Brian McGrath and spouse, Amber McGrath of Simpsonville, SC and Dr. Scott McGrath and spouse, Dr. Ashlee McGrath of Providence, RI; and five great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Holden Grooms, Madison and Lily McGrath, and Ethan McGrath.

Louise grew up in Rutherford County. After attending business school in Greensboro, she returned to work at Rutherford Hospital. Later she worked as an administrative assistant to Frank Stratford, CPA and ended her career as the owner of Louise McGrath Real Estate.

Louise had many interests. She enjoyed international travel and made many trips abroad with her friends at Isothermal. Civic duties such as serving on boards and committees were very important to her. She was the chairman of the planning committee for the Bicentennial Celebration for the Town of Rutherforton. Also, she was very involved at First United Methodist Church and participated in many activities.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Rutherfordton on Saturday, May 12th. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services in the church.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Rutherfordton, 264 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139.

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

Read More »