Katie Lawter Ruff, 79

Katie Lawter Ruff, 79, of Bat Cave went to her Heavenly Home, Wednesday Oct.1, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. She fought the good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith. 2nd Timothy 7.

She was born in Coopers Gap to the late Grady and Zira Lawter. She attended Mills Springs high school, and grew up learning the art of making home made chairs with her family to sell in the shops of the Hickory Nut Gorge area. She met Ulys at his parents shop in Gerton. They were married in 1955 and continued to live in Gerton until moving to Bat Cave in 1969 to open Ruff's Grocery and Service Station for 30 years.

She was a member of the Bat Cave Baptist Church and Bat Cave Fire Dept., and the Ladies Auxillary. She always had a sweet and friendly smile for everybody who came into her store. She loved to help people and had many friends who all enjoyed sitting around the wood stove. She loved her pets Spot, Daisey, and Tommy, and loved feeding all of God's Creatures.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughter Shirley R. Corn of Bat Cave; her precious granddaughter Kayla C. Cantrell and her husband Brent of Bat Cave; one sweet sister, Frances L. Hyder of Hendersonville; and sister-in-law Vickie Lawter of Landrum, SC.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Home in Hendersonville.Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at the Bat Cave Baptist Church with Rev. David MacEachern and Rev. Ivey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Her family would like to thank all of their dear friends for their love, kindness, and prayers. They would also like to thank all the loving and kind angels at The Elizabeth House.

Memorials can be made to The Bat Cave Baptist Church; The Bat Cave Fire Dept.; The Elizabeth House; or The Humane Society of their choice.

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Sealon R. "Doc" Wentzel, 70

Sealon R. "Doc" Wentzel, 70, of Mills River, NC., died September 24, 2014 at his home. Doc was born June 4, 1944 in West Reading, PA. to the late Sealon R. and Mary E. Shover Wentzel. He was preceeded in death by his wife Hye-Sook Yun Wentzel in 2011.

Prior to moving to Henderson county in the year 2000, he received his education at West Point Military Acadamy, graduating in 1967. He served 3 tours in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne, and served 26 years in the military, achieving the rank of Colonel with the U.S. Army. Doc is a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, NC.

He is survived by his children Sam, Josh, and Sarah; sister, Sue Lutz; and Grandson Ryland Wentzel.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville with Pastor Greg Williams officiating, inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Doc's memory to Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28791 or to the 75th Ranger Association.

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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John Edgar Heaton, 77

John Edgar Heaton, 77, of Hendersonville passed away on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at the Brian Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a son of the late Charles and Annie Heaton and was a lifelong resident of Henderson County.

John was employed as a plant supervisor by Steelcase and Continental Teves for 30 years before retiring in 2002. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a very close relationship with God and loved the time he was able to spend in church. John was an avid nature lover, especially anything related to water. He was an excellent caregiver to his wife for 25 years before becoming too ill to continue. He never met an animal he didn't love immediately.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Heaton; a son Geoff Heaton and his fiancée Beth of Hendersonville; a daughter Stephanie King and husband Travis of Newport News, Va.; and his brother Charles Heaton of Newport News, Va.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at Upward Seventh-day Adventist Church. Dr. Randy Tryon will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Upward Seventh-day Adventist Church, 961 Upward Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the guest book or offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Ruth Viola Woodard, 81

Ruth Viola Woodard, 81, of Mills River died Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Walter Woodard.

Ruth was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Swain County, then moved to Henderson County in 1966. She was a dedicated wife and mother who loved gardening and being outdoors.

She is survived by her children Kathy Raines of Hendersonville, Melvin Woodard of Flat Rock, Myrtle and husband Paul O'Neil of Winter Haven, Fla., Michael and wife Vetina Woodard of Marshall and Randy Woodard of Mills River,. She is also survived by five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at Shepherd Memorial Park Cemetery, with Michael Woodard officiating.

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 Edgar Heaton, 77

John Edgar Heaton, 77, of Hendersonville, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2014 at the Brian Center after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a son of the late Charles and Annie Heaton and was a lifelong resident of Henderson County.

John was employed as a plant supervisor by Steelcase and Continental Teves for 30 years before retiring in 2002. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a very close relationship with God and loved the time he was able to spend in church. John was an avid nature lover, especially anything related to water. He was an excellent caregiver to his wife for 25 years before becoming too ill to continue. He never met an animal he didn't love immediately.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Heaton; a son Geoff Heaton and his fiancée Beth of Hendersonville; a daughter Stephanie King and husband Travis of Newport News, Virginia; and his brother Charles Heaton of Newport News, Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday at Upward Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Dr. Randy Tryon will officiate. Memorials may be made to Upward Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 961 Upward Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the guest book or offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Clifton Ray Saltz, 61

Clifton Ray Saltz, 61, of Edneyville passed away in the arms of his family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was the son of the late Charlie Mitchell Saltz, Jr. and Juanita McGaha Saltz.

He was an apple grower, former trucker and a jack-of-all-trades. His favorite things were church, family, riding horses and hanging out with good friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Margaret; a wonderful daughter, Jean Marie; a special granddaughter, Victoria, who he adored; aunt, Inez Norman of Hendersonville; brother, Terry Saltz of Hendersonville; sister, Denise Fischer of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2014, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Dale Gilbert of In Jesus Name Church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Dalton, Gary Beddingfield, Joel McCraw, Bill Shipman, Dennis Stepp and Elijah Farley.

A guest book and sympathy card is available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Geraldine Hazzard, 85

Geraldine Hazzard, loving mother, mother-in-law and friend past away at her residence. She was 85.

She was born March 15, 1929 in Lake County, Fla., moving to Henderson County in 1997.

She is survived by her daughter Marie and son-in-law Steve; one sister Catherine Mobley; two brothers Ted Hastings, Joe Hastings and wife Cindy. She cherished and loved them very much. She has a granddaughter Dayna Mizowek and husband Jay; she has step-grandsons Stephen Ballard, Jeffrey Ballard and wife Jennie, and Christopher Ballard, and their children. She thought of them as her own. She has seven nieces and four nephews, and their respective families. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

There will be no local services.

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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Shirley Raines Moreno

Shirley Raines Moreno, age 66, of Hendersonville died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014  at her residence. She was born in Henderson County Oct. 23, 1947 to the late Harvey Raines and Irene Burleson Raines.

Shirley was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; she was a graduate West Henderson High School. She retired from General Electric in 2002 after 25 years of employment. She was a member of Balfour Baptist Church; she always enjoyed talking and laughing with her loving family.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Nazario “Johnny” Moreno Martinez of the home; her daughter, Valerie Stepp of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Victoria Lopez and her husband, Antonio of Myrtle Beach, Daniel Alfaro of Hendersonville, Cristian Ramirez, and Arianna Marie Perales both of Concord; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Marie Raines Lipe; and her brother, Joe Braswell both of Hendersonville.

The memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Alberto Berrio officiating.

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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Geraldine Hazzard

Geraldine Hazzard, loving mother, mother-in-law and friend past away at her residence, she was 85.  She was born March 15, 1929 in Lake County, FL., moving to Henderson County in 1997.

 She is survived by her daughter Marie and son-in-law Steve; one sister Catherine Mobley; two brothers Ted Hastings, Joe Hastings and wife Cindy.  She cherished and loved them very much; she has a granddaughter Dayna Mizowek and husband Jay;  she has step-grandsons Stephen Ballard, Jeffrey Ballard and wife Jennie, and Christopher Ballard, and their children.  She thought of them as her own.  She has seven Nieces and four nephews, and their respective families.  Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

 There will be no local services.

 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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Carolyn F. Turner, 92

Carolyn F. Turner, 92, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully, Saturday,Sept.r 27, 2014 at Pardee Hospital.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was a daughter of the late John and Leona Freeman. Carolyn was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Fairlight Turner.

She spent her last year at Spring Arbor of Hendersonville, where she was well taken care of and loved by everyone. Carolyn was employed by Kimberly Clark for 30 years before retiring. She was very active in Balfour United Methodist Church and a member of the choir before her declining health. She enjoyed singing and was a very good pianist who loved to play for anyone who would listen.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Allison and husband Sitton, Penny Davis and husband Don; grandchildren, Cindy Fisher and husband Dean, Michelle Smith and husband Kurt, John Davis and wife Megan, and Melissa and Charles Allison; great-grandchildren, Killy, Brooke, Turner, Cole, Seth and Abagail; great-great grandchildren, Maddox, Embrie and Austin.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Balfour United Methodist Church with Pastors Debbie Paterson and Kemuel Pruitt officiating. Interment will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791

A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Shirley Raines Moreno, 66

Shirley Raines Moreno, 66, of Hendersonville died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at her residence.

She was born in Henderson County October 23, 1947 to the late Harvey Raines and Irene Burleson Raines.

Shirley was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; she was a graduate West Henderson High School. She retired from General Electric in 2002 after 25 years of employment. She was a member of Balfour Baptist Church. She always enjoyed talking and laughing with her loving family.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Nazario "Johnny" Moreno Martinez of the home; her daughter, Valerie Stepp of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Victoria Lopez and her husband, Antonio of Myrtle Beach, Daniel Alfaro of Hendersonville, Cristian Ramirez, and Arianna Marie Perales both of Concord; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Marie Raines Lipe; and her brother, Joe Braswell both of Hendersonville.

The memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Alberto Berrio officiating.

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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Carolyn Turner

Carolyn F. Turner, 92, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Carolyn F. Turner, 92

Carolyn F. Turner, 92, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at Pardee Hospital.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was a daughter of the late John and Leona Freeman. Carolyn was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Fairlight Turner.

She spent her last year at Spring Arbor of Hendersonville, where she was well taken care of and loved by everyone. Carolyn was employed by Kimberly Clark for 30 years before retiring. She was very active in Balfour United Methodist Church and a member of the choir before her declining health. She enjoyed singing and was a very good pianist who loved to play for anyone who would listen.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Allison and husband Sitton, Penny Davis and husband Don; grandchildren, Cindy Fisher and husband Dean, Michelle Smith and husband Kurt, John Davis and wife Megan, and Melissa and Charles Allison; great-grandchildren, Killy, Brooke, Turner, Cole, Seth and Abagail; great-great grandchildren, Maddox, Embrie and Austin.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014 at Balfour United Methodist Church with Pastors Debbie Paterson and Kemuel Pruitt officiating. Interment will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791

A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Clifton Ray Saltz, 61

Clifton Ray Saltz, 61, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Zura Pace King, 90

Zura Pace King, age 90, of Hendersonville died Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

She was born March 13, 1924 in Henderson County to the late Benjamin Luther Pace and Edith Ward Pace. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Otto King; her daughter, Carolyn King; and her two brothers, John and Fred Pace.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County she worked for Maycrest and Chipman's Lacrosse Hosiery Mill and was a homemaker. She was a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Charles Lee King and his wife, Nancy of Flat Rock; two grandsons, William Lee King and his wife, Cheree of Flat Rock, Josh Owens of Hendersonville; two great-granddaughters, Nikki and Mackenzie King of Flat Rock; four sisters, Lois Baumberger of Flat Rock, Edith Hester, Bettie Gooding, June Mizell all of Charleston, SC; sister-in-law, Lucy Pace of Mills River; and her caring neighbors, Charles and Kay Ballard.

The funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014 at Refuge Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Perry and Rev. Blair Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Kings Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church and at other times at the home of Charles and Nancy King.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Refuge Baptist Church Building Fund, 27 Oleta Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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

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Clayton D. Thelen, 83

Clayton D. Thelen, 83, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Clay was devoted to Christ as a Christian. He was a member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church and also actively supported the Hispanic/English church, Vision Jesus. He cared very much for people, never meeting a stranger. After his service in the US Air Force, he became a professional truck driver for Youngblood and then ABF, where he was awarded many times for his safe driving. In his care of people he delivered firewood to those in need, drove the golden oldies out for lunch, was in the Lions Club, gave blood and platelets for many years. He was a West High Booster. He was known for being an avid cap collector.

He is survived by the most treasured people in his life, his loving wife, Caroline Ray Thelen and two sisters Rosie Lenz and Addie Radar in Jefferson, Wisc.; Geraldine Wilkie, sister-in-law, her husband Oren, (who was his buddy that introduced Clay to Caroline so many years ago) and Aunt Henrietta Walker; his children, Melanie LeDoux and husband Kirk, Sonja Underwood, Cathy Thelen, Terry Thelen and wife Brenda, and Kelly Mercado and husband Pastor Mauricio; 17 grandchildren, Nathan Underwood, Justin Underwood, wife Joleen, Cameron Underwood, wife Anahi, Logan Underwood, Preston LeDoux, wife Perla, Roman LeDoux, Wyatt LeDoux, James and Jesse Converse, Nick Thelen, Colby Thelen, Sofia, Zuriel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Lily, and Isabella Mercado; three great-grandchildren and two on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at Naples Baptist Church with Pastor Mauricio Mercado officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at Shuler Funeral Home.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Margaret M. Monaghan, age 97

Margaret M. Monaghan, 97, of Hendersonville died Thursday, Sept.r 25, 2014, at her residence.

A memorial service will be held in Florida at a later date.

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

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Jerry Allen Frisbee, 57

Jerry Allen Frisbee, 57, of Asheville passed away Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at John F. Keever Solace Center.

He was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and was preceded in death by his step-father Ralph Revis.

His survivors include his father, George Frisbee; mother, Margie Revis; daughters, Tiffany Frisbee and her partner Randy Chrisholm of Leicester, Melinda Frisbee of Seneca, S.C., Scarlett Frisbee of Saluda and Amber Frisbee of Asheville; son, Jerry Allen Frisbee Jr. of Asheville; grandchildren, Taylor, Hunter and Gabe Chisholm, and Ayden Frisbee; sisters, Debbie Revis and her partner Christy Baker, Deanna Frisbee and Susan Tripp; brother, Kenneth Frisbee; special friend, Kim Bailey; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Senior Pastor Joe Quinn officiating.

A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Mary Virginia Brummett, 78

Mary Virginia Brummett, 78, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, in Hendersonville.

Thos Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements

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Neil Campbell Tarr, 80

A memorial service for Neil Campbell Tarr, 80, who passed away on Monday, September 1, 2014 will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 27, at Mills River Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Jeffress Rd. in Mills River. Shuler Funeral home is assisting the family.

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