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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Jerry Allen Frisbee, 57

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Hendersonville will announce the arrangements.

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Lowell Medley, 91

Lowell Medley, 91, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock after of period of declining health.
Born in Logan, WV, he was the son of the late Heber and Mollie Medley. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ona Medley, and his three sisters and three brothers.

A veteran of the US Navy, Lowell proudly served his country in World War II. He was employed by the Chrysler Corporation for 20 years, retiring in 1984. Lowell was a writer who had four novels published along with several plays and numerous poems. He enjoyed painting landscapes, entertaining visitors and spending time with his family. An avid reader, he read three to four books every week. He was an active member of the Hendersonville Church of God Worship Center for 28 years.
Lowell is survived by his son, Keith Medley and wife, Cheryl of Flat Rock; grandson, Brian Medley and granddaughters, Cherise Medley and Carrie Medley; great-grandchildren, Camen Mitchell, River Mitchell, Roan Medley, Keith Martinez and Ava Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 4 PM Friday in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Morrison will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV.

In lieu of flowers, memorials 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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Helen Lindley Decker, 89

A memorial service for Helen Lindley Decker, 89, who passed away September 14, 2014, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th at the First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Ave W., Hendersonville.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Wilburn O. "Bill" Davis, 89

Wilburn O. "Bill" Davis, 89, of Black Mountain went to be with the Lord, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tressie Nanney Davis, four brothers and three sisters.

He was a member of Bald Mountain Baptist Church since 1953 where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.

He served in the US Army.

He had worked as an Auto Mechanic for Garrett Ford, Bryan Easler Ford, McMurray Chevrolet and The Tune Up Shop.

He enjoyed farming for all of his life.

He is survived by two sons, Donnie Davis and wife Patricia of Black Mountain and Ronnie Davis of Black Mountain; a daughter, Doris Duncan and husband Steve of Forest City; four grandchildren, Scott, Andrew and Charleen Davis and Jason Ruff; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Martha Frantz of Ohio and Irene Huntley of Black Mountain and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at Bald Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Rape and Rev. Dan Holbert officiating. Burial will follow in Bald Mountain Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 2  to 3:30 p.m. Sunday prior to the service in the church.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bald Mountain Baptist Church, 559 Shumont Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

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

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Hubert Sexton, 87

Hubert Sexton, 87, of Etowah passed away Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health.

Hubert was born on Aug. 3, 1927, in Honoraville, Ala., to the late Pete and Bertha Sexton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard Ray Sexton of LaPine, Ala., and Osban Lee Sexton of West Milton, Ohio.

He proudly served his country during WWII in the South Pacific as a Merchant Marine. After the war, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked and retired from General Motors in 1978. There he married Evalee Kennard and raised his family.

Hubert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evalee Sexton, who faithfully and lovingly cared for him at home until the last few weeks of his life. He is also survived by his four children, Shirley E. Sexton of Prattville, Ala.; Hubert Allen Sexton and wife, Debbie, of West Union, S.C.; Judith E. Pack of Mayfield, Ky.; and Dr. Sharon K. Shields and husband, Usep Kustian of Hendersonville; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

At Hubert's request, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Joan Rose Martin

"How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Are?" - Satchel Paige.

Joan Rose Martin, generous friend, spirited conversationalist, trendy fashion queen, and the most youthful of spirits, died peacefully at her home on September 9, 2014, after a courageous fight with cancer.

Born in 1931 in the small Hudson River town of Tompkins Cove, N.Y., to a gentle, loving father and an assertive, resourceful mother, Joan was a wonderful blend of these qualities. Her mother thought she looked like John D. Rockefeller at birth.

Her formal education began with a mile walk to first grade at the age of 4. As a self-described 'prissy', hard-working student, she was often aghast at the antics of her little brother, Walter. She enjoyed math but struggled with chemistry, leaving us with the unexplained mystery of how she became a biochemistry major in college. At 16 she attended Franklin College, and while there, met an 'older' man, Navy veteran Jerry Martin, on a blind date. Jerry was her first and only love, and after graduating they moved to Schenectady, N.Y., where they began a family and 62 years of marriage.

As a mother and wife, Joan was the glue of the family. She encouraged, advocated, kept the peace, pushed, teased, critiqued, drew lines, erased lines — all while making it look so simple.

Joan pursued a myriad of interests throughout her full life. She was an accomplished folk art painter and after her kids left the nest, she scaled the ladder at a local bank and was mistaken for Vice President on more than one occasion. Her flower garden was a magical place for her, a reminder of a favorite childhood playground — her grandmother's beautiful Victorian garden.

Over the last few years Joan didn't slow in her pursuit of adventures, friendships, and good works. She enjoyed her beloved Mah Jongg Mavens, water aerobics (unless it was too cold), spirited discussions at the First Congregational Church, many volunteer organizations including P.E.O., Garden Club, and Tri-Delta, and monthly breakfast get-togethers with her wonderful friends that usually lasted through lunch. Her humor and sharp wit, positive attitude, and open-mindedness drew all sorts of people to her amazing being.

She was exceptionally proud of the accomplishments and character of her daughters, Nancy and Cynthia, and her grandson, Kirk, commonly referred to amongst her friends as 'The Prince'. She advocated for them her entire life, and was a quiet activist for LGBT acceptance. While frustrated that her illness kept her from seeing many friends over the past five months, her eyes glistened with joy to spend so much time this summer with her 'girls'.

Joan is survived by her husband Gerald, daughters Nancy Edmonds (John) of Houston, and Cynthia Martin (Selisse Berry) of Berkeley, Calif.; grandson Kirk Edmonds of Tampa, Fla.; and brother Walter B. Rose (Betty) of Goshen, N.Y.

A celebration of Joan's life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at the First Congregational Church of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to honor Joan be made to either the First Congregational Church of Hendersonville (1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739), or to the Hope Chest for Women (P.O. Box 5294, Asheville, NC 28813).

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Betty Coston, 78

Betty Coston, 78, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Helen Denny Woodman, 95

Helen Denny Woodman, 95, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at Carolina Village Medical Center.

Born in Newark, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Herbert L. and Florence C. Denny. She graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and from Hood College, Frederick, Md., followed by a year at Berkely Secretarial School in East Orange, N.J. She worked as a Legal Secretary in Newark, NY City and Summit. She lived in New Jersey until she retired to Hendersonville in 1986.

She was a member of the Joseph McDowell Chapter of the NSDAR and enjoyed Western Square dancing for about 30 years both in New Jersey and Hendersonville. She was the family genealogist for her husband's family as well as her own. She was a member of Pinecrest Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a son, Wesley G. Woodman, Jr. and his wife Linda of Flemington, N.J.; a daughter, Nanci W. Perlstein and her husband Robert of Asheville; four grandchildren, Shannon Woodman, Michael Woodman, Kira Bouchonnet and Jennifer Perlstein; a brother, Clinton G. Denny and his wife Katharine of Hockessin, Del.; a nephew, James B. Denny; two nieces, Elizabeth D. Camody and Virginia D. Longfellow.

A private Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials can be sent to Pinecrest Presbyterian Church.

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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Dennis Bryan Duncan, 57

Dennis Bryan Duncan, 57, of East Flat Rock went to be with the Lord, Friday, Sept. 5, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Dan "Chinaman" Duncan, his maternal grandparents, Grady and Lucille Lister and his paternal grandparents, Hubert and Willie Duncan.

He was a member of the Hendersonville First Church of The Nazarene.

He is survived by his two sons, Bryan Duncan of East Flat Rock and Dylan Duncan of Balsam Grove; his mother, Kathy Ward of East Flat Rock; two grandchildren, Malachi Duncan and Cassidy Star Duncan; a brother, Allen Duncan of East Flat Rock and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014,  in the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Oliver and Eric Dolinger officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731.

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

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Daniel "Dan" P. Grapes, 68

Daniel "Dan" P. Grapes, 68, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at his residence following an extended illness.

Born in Marshall, Mo., he was a son of the late Leo and Melissa Grapes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Mike Grapes.

Dan served in the US Army and had resided in Henderson County for the past 15 years. Well-known for his lifelong passion for fishing, he enjoyed being a self-employed fishing guide for a number of years and was famous for his fried fish and hushpuppies. He also enjoyed hunting. Dan was also well-known as "Mr. Fix-it" and for growing his upside-down tomatoes. An avid fan of "Law and Order," he always had the program playing on the TV at home. A very simple man, he loved his steak and potatoes.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Dan cherished every opportunity he had to enjoy his grandchildren. He had a very generous soul.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sheila Thompson Grapes of Hendersonville; two daughters, Stephanie Davis and husband, Michael, of Inola, Okla., and Stacy Casey of Tulsa, Okla.; and grandchildren, Patience Jones, Melody Cochran, Justin Davis, Dalton Davis and Reece Casey.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 at Shuler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials 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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David A. Walsh

David A. Walsh of Hendersonville died unexpectedly Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014.

He was born in Oak Park, Ill., on July 25, 1943. Son of Alice Clarkson and Burnett Walsh. He leaves behind brothers: Michael Edward, Richard James, Thomas Alan, Patrick John, and Stephen Robert Walsh, their wives and children. David is survived by Shirley Myers Walsh, his wife of 41 years.

He was in commercial insurance sales, a land developer in Will County, Ill., and co-owner with his wife of Antiques Unique in Frankfort, Ill.

David and Shirley moved to Hendersonville  in 2001 and became active members of Saint James Episcopal Church. He was a volunteer at the Medical Loan Closet, Carpenter's Club, Habitat Blitz Builds, and was seated on the Vestry at St. James. David's passion was helping others. He made numerous mission trips to Jamaica, New Orleans and Galveston. He was one of the founders of Feed the Kids Coalition, providing hot meals every Friday to the children at the Boys & Girls Club. He had served on the Vestry and numerous committees at Grace Episcopal, his former church in New Lenox, Ill. David was the founder and first board chairman of the Main Street Program in Frankfort, Ill.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made: to Feed the Kids Coalition, PO Box 1572, Hendersonville, 28793 or the Medical Loan Closet, 766 N. Main St., Hendersonville 28792

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William Edward "Strawberry" Murray, 67

William Edward "Strawberry" Murray, 67, of Horse Shoe, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Visit www.jacksonfuneralservice.com for more information.

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Eugene Harold "Harry" Bryant, 90

Eugene Harold "Harry" Bryant, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Carolina Village.

Harry was born on May 22, 1924, and raised in Stedman. He joined the US Navy during WWII serving on the USS Iowa in the Pacific and married Kathryn Stanley of Tabor City on April 10, 1944, while in the service. Upon completion of his military duty, he returned to Tabor City where he began a career with CSX Railroad (Atlantic Coastline). He and Kathryn lived in several communities in North Carolina and Dillon, S.C., retiring in 1986 after more than 40 years of service with CSX.

In his youth, Harry developed a passion for tennis and played frequently into his late 80s. He also enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening and during the summer months would share many of the vegetables he grew with friends and neighbors. Refinishing antique furniture was another of his pastimes. Harry's faith in God was lived through his service as a Deacon as well as various lay leadership positions in the Baptist church.

Upon retirement, he and Kathryn moved to Hendersonville, where Harry enjoyed regular tennis matches, church life and fellowship with friends. When Kathryn became ill, he devoted his attention to her until her death in 2006, concluding a marriage of 62 years. He volunteered with Meals On Wheels, Mainstay and Four Seasons Hospice during his retirement years.

He is survived by three sons, Dr. David Bryant and wife Pat of Charlotte, Daniel Bryant and wife Anita of Dana,  and Stephen Bryant and wife Sharon of Columbia, S.C.; four grandchildren, Jeff Bryant and wife April of Tarboro, Dr. Kristen McKnight and husband John of Kannapolis, Peyton Bryant and Paige Bryant both of Columbia, S.C.; two great grandchildren, Mallory Bryant and Austin Bryant both of Tarboro, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Bryant, a son, Patrick Bryant, his parents, William Bryant and Mary Burts Bryant and his siblings, Gordon Bryant, Russell Bryant, Dorothy Bridges and Jack Bryant.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.r 14, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating. Dr. George Jones Sunday School Class at First Baptist will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.

The family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 312 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

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