Maria Francioni, 95

Maria Francioni, 95, of Hendersonville died Saturday June 7, 2014.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Gino.

Maria is survived by her son Loris and wife Lynn and son Sandro and wife Lorraine; grandchildren: Lorissa, Tamara, Gino, Adam, David and Alexandra "AJ". Other survivors include eight great-grandchildren.

She will be interred at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.

Memorial donations in Maria's name may be directed to Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28791 or to Four Seasons Compassion For Life, Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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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Irene Shara, 104

Irene Shara, age 104¹/₂, of Hendersonville,passed away Friday, June 6, 2014, at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Georgia Lee Rhodes Morrow, 96

Georgia Lee Rhodes Morrow, 96, of East Flat Rock went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 6, 2014 at her home.

She was born in Polk County and lived for most of her life in Henderson County, a daughter of the late George and Bessie Rhodes and wife of the late Nevels Broncel Morrow, Sr. who died in 1962. She was also preceded in death by two sons Nevels, Jr. and Bobby Galen Morrow; three sisters, Alvenia Hyder, Evelyn Pace and Juanita Sharpe; and two brothers, Carroll Rhodes and Garland Rhodes.

Georgia Lee was a faithful member of Upward United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking and loved helping others.

Surviving are her son, Gregory D. Morrow and his wife Belva H. Morrow who was also her faithful and dedicated caregiver; two daughters, Karen Morrow Nelson and husband Dwight of Rural Hall, NC, and Tammy Morrow Daniels and David Parkins of Asheville; her sister, Mabel Bayne of Zirconia; seven grandchildren, Kelly M. Hogan, Marcie M. Wilson, Marty Morrow, Regina Morrow, Austin Nelson, Adam Nelson, Alexander Daniels, and Mercy Beveridge; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Upward United Methodist Church. Revs. Jerry Warren and Anthony Craver will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

To sign an online guest book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Cathy Darlene Stewart, 60

Cathy Darlene Stewart, 60, of Mills River died Sunday, June 1, 2014, at her residence.

At her request, no services are planned.

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

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Bridget Ann Dellinger, 58

Bridget Ann Dellinger, 58, of Hendersonville died Saturday May 31, 2014, at Mission Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1955, in Smithfield to the late Roland and Doris Parrish Norris. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Ronnie Norris.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Curtis Eugene Dellinger; son Matthew Wayne Dellinger; daughter Jennifer Mary Dellinger; brother Michael Norris; sister Pamela Hodges; grandson Andrew Ross Dellinger, the apple Nana's eye.

Bridget was a Regional Manager for Great Western Management.

Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Daniel Dellinger officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the 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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Marguerite W. Wilson,82

Marguerite W. Wilson, 82, of Flat Rock died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital.

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

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Robert "Bob" Edwin Miskosky, 91

Robert "Bob" Edwin Miskosky, died Friday, May 30, 2014, at the age of 91.

He was a loving, compassionate man to family, friends and, on occasions, to complete strangers.

He was born Aug. 26, 1922, to the late Kathryn Pahl Miskosky and Frank (Frantisek) William Miskosky in East Patchogue, N.Y. He attended elementary school in E. Patchogue and graduated in 1940 from Bellport High School in Bellport, Long Island, N.Y.

A Navy veteran of WWII, and Korea, he attained the rank of Commander before retiring. He enlisted Nov. 18, 1941. He attended the Navy Academic Refresher Unit at Cornell College in Iowa. He attended the Navy School of Music, Washington, DC. He soon entered flight training; training stations included: NAS Quonset Point, Norfolk, San Diego area, and later served in the Reserves at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N.Y. His active service lasted 12 years; honors include: Good Conduct Medal; Pre-Pearl Harbor medal; American Defense; WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre; Korean Victory and Armed Services Reserve. During his service, he flew most of the Navy planes that were around at the time.

In 1950, he was flying off of the U.S.S. Maury (AG16) to Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf, and Kuwait). The Gulf waters were being checked for depth, probably with a future thought of oil tankers.

In 1951 he wed Wilhelmina E. Werdermann. In 1954, a beloved daughter, Linda, was born. He continued in the Reserves, as well as in the family florist and nursery business. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 69 in Patchogue, N.Y. A Mason, he belonged to South Side Lodge, Patchogue, N.Y. He was an Episcopalian.

A resident of Hendersonville since 1980, he played guitar and/or banjo in various musical groups, including the Buddy K Band.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Roman Miskosky and Roger Miskosky; and a sister, Kathryn Miskosky Bozotis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Wilhelmina "Billie" Miskosky; his daughter Linda Miskosky Bellofatto; his grandson Michael Robert Bellofatto; and a great-granddaughter; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Compassionate Home Care and its caregivers for extraordinary service. Thanks also go to Four Seasons Compassion for Life (hospice).

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Shepherd Memorial Park with Brother Phillip Kuykendall officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors, 125 South Church Street in Hendersonville.

As a former florist, Bob had always requested flowers. Flowers will be appreciated. Donations would also be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

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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Reagan Mary Birchfield

Reagan Mary Birchfield, infant daughter of Brittany Nellie Ryan Birchfield of East Flat Rock and namesake of great- grandmother Mary Birchfield, passed into the arms of Jesus, Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Park Ridge Health.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Frank Jr and Mary Birchfield.

She is survived, in addition to her mother, by her maternal grandparents, Darrin (Joe) Birchfield of Flat Rock and Pamela Birchfield of East Flat Rock; maternal great-grandfather, Bill Shelton of Asheville; great-aunts and uncles, Vickie and Timmy Cline of Baisden, W.Va., Lawford and Vanessa Shawn Birchfield of Grundy, Va., Lindalee and Ricky Hurley of Hendersonville and Ricky Shawn Birchfield of Hendersonville; cousins Catelyn Shelton of Asheville, Joshua and Tiffany Hurley of Hendersonville, Chelsey Birchfield of Va. and Tenisha and Patrick Sparks of Logan, W.Va., as well as many loving friends and extended family.

A funeral will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Chaplin Edwin Robling will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105.

To offer condolences online please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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David W. Capps, 54

David W. Capps, 54, of Flat Rock died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham after a brief illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, David was the son of the late Edward R. and Alma Jean Moore Capps. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Brian Capps.

David owned and operated Stoney Mountain Timber and was an avid bowler and fisherman. He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Radford Capps of Flat Rock; two sons, Adam Capps and wife, Rachel, and David Brandon Capps, all of Hendersonville; six grandchildren, Jaden, Baileigh, Ashton, Brooklyn, Dillon and MaKayla; brothers and sisters, Edward R. Capps, Jr., Stella Chase, Ricky E. Capps, Roger L. Capps and Lorraine Vidrine; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2014, at Mountain View Baptist Church in Tuxedo. The Revs. Eddie Capps and Matthew Morgan will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Sunday at Shuler Funeral Home.

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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Alma Smith Barrett, 90

Alma Smith Barrett, 90, died on May 26, 2014, at Carolina Village in Hendersonville where she had lived for seven years.

A native of Portland, Maine, she was the daughter of Margaret Montgomery and Donald Goold Smith, and was preceded in death in 2001 by her husband, Austin Dudley Barrett.

At Carolina Village she enjoyed a full and active life with many cherished friends. Prior to that she resided in Heritage Village in Southbury, Conn. She graduated from the Erskine School in Boston, Mass., with an associate's degree. She later studied sculpting while living abroad in Tokyo, Japan and Sydney, Australia as well as in Rye, N.Y. In 1974, she moved to Madison, Conn., where she became an award winning sculptor and her stone carvings were exhibited extensively in galleries and art societies throughout Connecticut.

Alma is survived by her daughter, Martha Schwerdtle, and her son-in-law, Ted Schwerdtle, of Roxbury, Conn., and her sons, Sears Barrett, and daughter-in-law, Colleen, of Denver, Colo., and Donald Beach Barrett, and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Seabe, of Mills River; three grandchildren, Jessica Barrett, Sam Barrett, and Evan Barrett; and two great-grandchildren, Adrianna Barrett and Taylor Cowlishaw.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2014, in the Village Hall at Carolina Village, 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Roxbury Congregational Church, 24 Church Street, Roxbury, CT 06783 where she was a member.

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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Ted Capps, 80

Ted Capps, 80, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014.

He was a life time resident of Henderson County and a son of the late Leo and Nina Osteen Capps.

Ted served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was the owner and operator of Ted's Truck Stop and Four Seasons Antiques.

His survivors include daughters, Gail Pennell and husband Billy, Carol Smith and husband Tim, and Cathy Edney and husband David; grandchildren Daniel and Megan Smith, Heather and Bailey Edney; brother, John and Phyllis Capps; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2014, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Roy Perry officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. prior to the service in the chapel.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Louise E. Walker, 71

Louise E. Walker, 71, Mountain Home North Carolina, died Monday, May 26, 2014 at Mountain Home Health and Rehab.

Jackson funeral service and crematory is assisting the family.

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Theodore Roosevelt Capps, 80

Theodore Roosevelt Capps, 80, of Dana, passed away May 26, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Dorothy K. Fenton, 91

Dorothy K. Fenton, 91 of Hendersonville died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Carolina Village Medical Center.

She was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and had lived in Garden City, Long Island, and New York City before moving to Hendersonville in 1990.

She was a graduate of St. John's University in Brooklyn where she received her bachelor's degree in education with a minor in economics. For 17 years she taught business at numerous schools in the New York school system, retiring in 1985.

She was of the Catholic faith.

Her parents, Patrick and Ann Dolan Kennedy and one brother and one sister preceded her in death.

Surviving are her husband Emmett P. Fenton; one son Peter Fenton and wife Patricia of Gastonia; one grandson Christopher Fenton of Gastonia; and one niece Jacqueline Cichetti.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 am Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 208 7th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Bruce Doyle McDowell, 91

Bruce Doyle McDowell, 91, of Fletcher died Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital.

Born in Goodlett, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma with his 12 older siblings, he was the son of the late David S. McDowell and Hettie Ann Batts McDowell. He was also preceded in death by his wives, Lola Mae Fortner McDowell and Wilma Anita Krishingner McDowell; his daughter, Margaret Earlene McDowell; and his siblings.

Mr. McDowell was a veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army. Before retiring in 1985, he was employed by Air Condition Products in Detroit, MI. He had resided in Henderson County for 23 years and was a member of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist church.

Mr. McDowell had a deep love of photography and bird-watching. He also enjoyed collecting and playing harmonicas. His great sense of humor was always appreciated by his family and friends. A very hardworking man, he was always concerned about the welfare of others.

He is survived by his son, Harold McDowell; his daughter, Carolyn McDowell of Fletcher; stepchildren, Patricia Battenburg and husband, Mark; Stanley Yurth and wife, Marian, all of Hendersonville; Cathy Mitack and husband, Charlie, of Hinsdale, IL; and Bruce Yurth and wife, Gerri, of Ft. Madison, IA.

The service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church Student Assistance Program, 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704, or to the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church Student Financial Aid Program, PO Box 429, Fletcher, NC 28732.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Robert M. Paxton, 65

Robert M. Paxton, 65, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus.

A son of the late Maurice and Lucille Freeman Paxton, he lived in Alabama as a young boy, before moving to Henderson County where he lived for most of his life. An apple grower, he owned and operated M.A. Paxton, Inc. for many years.

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Donna Paxton; a daughter Caroline Paxton Short and her husband Steven; a son Damian Robert Paxton; his 7-year-old granddaughter Ophelia Short; a sister Susan Worrell; and a niece Molly Worrell, all of Hendersonville.

A private memorial service is planned.

To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Robert M. Paxton, 65

Robert M. Paxton, 65, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus.

A son of the late Maurice and Lucille Freeman Paxton, he lived in Alabama as a young boy, before moving to Henderson County where he lived for most of his life. An apple grower, he owned and operated M.A. Paxton, Inc. for many years.

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Donna Paxton; a daughter Caroline Paxton Short and her husband Steven; a son Damian Robert Paxton; his 7-year-old granddaughter Ophelia Short; a sister Susan Worrell; and a niece Molly Worrell, all of Hendersonville.

A private memorial service is planned.

To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Bruce McDowell, 91

Bruce McDowell, 91, of Fletcher, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Linda Barnett Cowan, 76

Linda Barnett Cowan, 76, of Mills River, formerly of Webster, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 19, 2014, following a period of declining health. Her final days were spent surrounded by many of the family and friends she cherished.

She was born June 15, 1937, in Mills River. The daughter of the late Kathleen Bagwell Barnett and Robert "Robbie" Sharber Barnett, Linda enjoyed growing up on the family dairy farm in Mills River. With undergraduate and master's degrees from Western Carolina University, Linda taught school in Lexington City Schools, Henderson County Schools, and in Jackson County Schools. The majority of her three decades of teaching were at Fairview Elementary in Sylva.

Linda was a devout Presbyterian. She served as a deacon and Sunday School Secretary at First Presbyterian Church in Sylva, where she faithfully brought her children up in church. Her retirement years were spent worshipping at Mills River Presbyterian, the church she grew up in. Linda was also a former member of the Alpha Delta Kappa teaching sorority and the Mills River Red Hat girls.

Linda enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, making baskets, sewing and raising chickens. She had an incredible work ethic. She quietly helped students who needed rides home from school activities or wanted a ride to church. Her journey on earth started and ended on the family dairy farm, and she really enjoyed a retirement view of her Daddy's barns on the Old Homeplace. She especially liked being outside appreciating God's creation.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, William J. "Bill" Cowan, who died just six weeks prior to her passing. They had been married for 48 years.

Three children were blessed to call her "Mama" and will miss her dearly. Her children are Jill Cowan Gregg and her husband Brian, Jan Cowan King and her husband Wade, and Jimmy Cowan and his wife Diana. Linda was fondly called "Nana" to her five grandchildren: Maggie King, Clay Gregg, Colby Gregg, Molly Cowan and Macie Cowan. Linda is also survived by her faithful sister, Myra Crisp, of Mills River, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends as well as her four-legged retirement companion, a border collie named Queenie.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Mills River Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Following the service, friends and family will gather in the church fellowship hall for a time of remembrance and visitation.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children at 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

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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Linda Kay Orr, 58

Linda Kay Orr, 58, of Flat Rock, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Transylvania County, she was the daughter of the late Wade & Rebecca Orr. Linda is also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

She was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Linda devoted her life to raising children and was a very loving and caring mother.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Rojas; two sons, Keith Watts and Vincent Orr, all of Flat Rock; a granddaughter, Carly Watts; two sisters, Regina Armentrout and Rita Moorman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

An online register book and sympathy card are available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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