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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Betty Frances Corn Case, 85

Betty Frances Corn Case, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully in her home on April 12, 2019 due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Faydean Newman Corn, and the beloved wife of the late Carroll Edgerton “Doc” Case for 61 years. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Corn, Sr., and Leo Corn, as well as her sisters: Mary Ruth Davis, Evelyn Bessellieu, Willie Kate Buchanan, and Reba Corn.
Survivors include her daughter Barbara Case Blaine(Paul), her son, Morris Case; grandchildren, Alison Blaine ( Zoe) of Durham and Spencer Case of Salem, MA., great grandchildren: Rosemary, Hazel Claire, Genevieve, and Juliana; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She often shared with family and friends that her career was raising her children. With a lifelong passion to enhance the lives of young people, she made each child feel special.
Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Pastors Richard Merck and Robert Garren officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral and at other times at the residence.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. David Slawek, the staff of Pardee Memorial Hospital, and Four Seasons Compassion for Life Hospice.
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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Dorothy English, 94

Dorothy English, 94, of Hendersonville died on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at Carillon Assisted Living. She was born October 9, 1924 in Wilmington; a daughter of the late Luther and Laura Cooper Foy.

She is survived by a daughter, Pam English of Hendersonville; and a nephew, Robert Scurry of New Bern.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm today, Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Shepherd Memorial Park with James McHarg officiating.

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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Michael Edward Marsengill, 80

On March 28, 2019, Michael Edward Marsengill, age 80, of Hendersonville, NC by the providential will of his loving God and Savior, was taken Home to be with Him.

Mike was born in LaGrange, GA in June 1938 and moved to Miami, FL, the city he loved, when he was four years old. He resided in South Florida until 2012 when he moved to Hendersonville, NC.

He was a proud graduate of Miami Senior High School, class of 1956 and a lifelong fan of the University of Miami Hurricanes. In 1965, he married his beloved wife of 53 years, Joan.

Mike began his career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1964. He later worked for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company and founded Michael E. Marsengill & Co. in 1980. For the last 27 years of his working career, he worked side by side with his son, Michael, Jr. Mike greatly valued the relationships that he had with his clients.

Over the years, Mike served as a deacon in the Southern Baptist Church and as an elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. He also served as President of the Board and Board Member of Westminster Christian School in Miami, FL and Chairman of the Board and Board Member of Miami Christian College.

Mike said he was one of the most blessed men who ever lived. He trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was grateful to have had a relationship with Him for most of his life. His love for Jesus and his love for others was evident to all who met him. Mike also enjoyed teaching Sunday School, music, fishing and diving, and University of Miami football.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, his son Michael, Jr. and his wife Stacey; his daughter Angela Ost and her husband Brad; four grandchildren, Michael III, Sarah, and Matthew Marsengill, and Cooper Ost; his brother, J. Daniel Marsengill and his wife Winnelle; and his sister, Patricia Johnson.

We will celebrate his life at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, designated to the Crosswalk after school ministry at 312 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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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Beverly Maybin Stepp, 75

Beverly Maybin Stepp, 75, of Hendersonville died on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Elizabeth House. She was born in Columbia, SC; the daughter of the late Lindsay and Lucille Hedden Robinson. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Stepp; a brother, Lindsay Robinson; one sister: Barbara Pickens

She was previously employed by the General Electric Plant in Hendersonville as well as the Eaton Corporation Plant in Fletcher. She was very proud that she had a driver license for 61 years. She enjoyed attending “Music on Main” on Main Street of Hendersonville. She enjoyed traveling, particularly going on cruises.

She is survived by her friend, Don Burnett; one son, Michael J. Maybin, Jr. and his wife Rhonda of Hendersonville; one daughter, Lisa Maybin Hessler and her husband James of Hendersonville; two sisters, Pat Brown and her husband Bob, Wendy Abbott; two grandchildren, Michael J. Maybin, III, Timothy J. Maybin, and his companion Evie Bower; as well as three great grandchildren: Jonathan Maybin, Nathan Maybin, and Brooke Maybin.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Balfour Methodist Church with Pastor J. O’Neil Hayes officiating.

Beverly loved flowers and never felt like she could have too many and will be greatly appreciated at her service.

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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Robert Vance "Bob" Thompson Jr., 81

Robert Vance "Bob" Thompson Jr., 81, of Saluda N.C., passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019 after an extended illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert V. Thompson Sr. and Aleen Thompson, and a sister Margaret Causby.
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Bob was a member of the Saluda Masonic Lodge where he served two terms as Master. He was an employee of General Electric for 22 years, and a member of West Hendersonville Baptist Church. Bob loved farming, fishing, landscaping, and was an avid card player. He had a great love of all animals.

Bob will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend. His granddaughter was his pride and joy.

Much love and thanks goes to all of the staff at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation for the excellent care of my daddy. Each person who interacted with him and spent time with him, made his life better.

A special thank you to Andrea Green for the love , compassion, and kindness in the care she provided. Also, a special thank you to Kande Newman for her love and support.

He is survived by his daughter Diane Moore; a granddaughter Tasha Moore; a brother David Thompson; and sister Helen Thompson; and loving partner Colleen Purvis.

The family plans a private celebration of his life at a later date.

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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Mary I. Yeazell

Mary I. Yeazell, of Hendersonville, passed away on March 6, 2019 following a brief illness.

She was born in Herrin, IL in 1926 and held degrees from Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, where in 1966, she received the Doctor of Education. Mary was a “teacher of teachers,” inspiring hope, igniting the imagination, and instilling a love of learning in those around her. She taught at Miami University (Ohio), the University of Rhode Island, and West Virginia University where she received Professor of the Year and retired in 1988 as Professor Emerita.

Mary’s dedication to learning and teaching extended into her spiritual life. She taught workshops on Children’s Spirituality and Faith Development for Dioceses in several states. An active member of St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, she taught classes, wrote prayers for services, and served on a national committee developing a new youth curriculum for the Episcopal Church USA. During her retirement, Mary researched an extensive genealogy project. She was a wonderful cook, traveled widely in Europe and the Americas, and loved watching and feeding the birds.

Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, Paul Yeazell, and a daughter, Martha Milcarek, both of Hendersonville; a granddaughter, Maggie Milcarek and two great-grandchildren, WI; and a sister, Joann East, IL; four step-daughters, four step-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. James Episcopal Church. Burial will follow later in the Memorial Garden.

The family thanks the staffs of Life Care Center and Four Seasons Hospice for their care and support during Mary’s illness. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Foundation and Hendersonville Rescue Mission.

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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Mertis Bradley Justice, 92

Mertis Bradley Justice, 92 of Hendersonville, died Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Pardee Hospital.

She was born in Polk County to the late Mattie Bradley and Robert Melton. Mertis is also preceded in death by her husband Calvin Justice; a son, Avery Justice; and a daughter, Carolyn J. Ledbetter.

Having lived most of her life in Henderson County, she was formerly employed with Dana Elementary School working in the cafeteria and Kimberly Clark. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church.

Besides loving the Lord, her family was the main focus of her life. You could always find her in her favorite place which was her flower gardens.

Mertis is survived by a daughter, Frances Baldwin and her husband Paul; a son, Jimmy Justice Sr. and his wife Judy; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Monday, April 1, 2019 at Victory Baptist Church with Rev. Stanley Adcock officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made in Mertis’s memory to the charity of your choice.

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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Barbara “Jeanne” Smith LeDane, 91

Barbara “Jeanne” Smith LeDane, 91 of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Elizabeth House. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Kenneth Lindbergh LeDane to whom she missed dearly.

Jeanne moved to Hendersonville in 1978 from Hialeah, Florida and loved living here in the mountains. She was a proud and loyal member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville; where she helped with the Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings. Jeanne was a true believer in her faith.

She is survived by two sons, Michael LeDane and Donald K. LeDane of Hendersonville; a daughter, Cynthia Jeanne West and her husband Steve of Wesley Chapel, FL; two grandsons, Michael K. LeDane and his wife Jennifer of Candler, NC and Thomas G. Ledane and Karissa Martindale of Charlotte, NC; two great-granddaughters, Lillie and Charlotte LeDane; and a close friend Diane Rindone.

A private memorial service was held in memory of Jeanne.

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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Justin Nathaniel Ficker, 35

Justin Nathaniel Ficker, 35, of Hendersonville passed away on Friday, March 29,
2019 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. He was born on September 9, 1983 a
son of Robert Steve and Renee Ruxton Ficker. He was preceded in death by his
maternal and paternal grandparents.

Justin was a 2003 graduate of West Henderson High School. He loved
listening to music, especially "The Backstreet Boys" and "One Direction." He
was a huge sports fan and the University of Asheville's Bulldogs were his
favorite team. Do to the proximity of Asheville, Justin was able to
attend numerous games with his dad. He was a loyal employee for Harris Teeter Grocery
Store for over 14 years where he was the self proclaimed "All Star Bagger."

In addition to his parent's, Justin is survived by one brother, Nicholas
and his wife Crystal, of Black Mountain, as well as one sister, Lauren
Martinez and her husband, John of Frisco, Texas. He was a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephew to which he loved dearly. He is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019
at Grace Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Greg Williams.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in Justin's memory be
directed to UNC Asheville Foundation, attn: Betsy Blose, CPO 2600, One
University Heights, Asheville, NC, 28804. These funds will be allocated and awarded to a UNC Asheville student who loves the Bulldogs as much as Justin did.

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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Joyce Juanita Pace Justice, 84

Joyce Juanita Pace Justice, 84 of Hendersonville died Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Mission Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James T. Justice who died in 1988 and as well as twelve siblings.

Juanita was a lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist Faith. She served as secretary for the Henderson County Community Development in the late 1980’s- mid1990’s. She proudly served on the committee for the Child Identification Project that worked alongside the Henderson County Sheriffs Department in the 1980’s. Juanita enjoyed volunteering her time to the 4-H Club of Henderson County and served as chairperson for the Barker Heights Community Club in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

She is survived by a son, David Auther Justice and wife Christine; a daughter, Joyce Baines; five grandchildren, Kimberly Marchisin and her husband Michael, Joshua Justice and his wife Tangela, Brian Michael Baines and his wife Gail, Jeremy Justice, Kayla Justice; ten great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Justin English officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent in Joyce’s memory to: Salvation Army, 239 3rd Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as loving one another. In fact, the Lord has clearly said that we should love our brother. To share our love with someone else brings such peace within. And if we do, we’ll always find we’re loved right back again. I will meet you all in the garden.

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

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