Minnie Lee Jones, 87

Minnie Lee Jones, 87, of East Flat Rock was called to her eternal home on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

She was born of Walter Levi Jones and Bessie Ellen Jones on Aug. 29, 1926, in Henderson County. Minnie Lee lived in the area all of her life, the majority of which was spent living in the home that Edgar "Wimpy" Jones, her late husband, built. As a child, she used to walk to school past the lot where the house now stands, admire the huge oak tree and promise herself that she would one day live there. And she did, raising three children and later bringing light to the lives of her three grandchildren.

During her long and joyful life, Minnie Lee worked as a receptionist for dentist Dr. Richard K. Bowling. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of East Flat Rock. One accomplishment of which she was most proud was her volunteer service with the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. She volunteered there for more than 30 years, leaving behind a legacy of love and service to others.

Of all the memories cherished by her family and friends, Minnie Lee will be most remembered for her resilience, her sense of independence, and her determination to stay positive in the face of adversity. Through all of the ups and downs of life, Minnie Lee exuded a beautiful and unwavering strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edgar "Wimpy" Odell Jones, her son, Eddie Jones, her daughter, Leesa Jones Schoeberle, and her four brothers, Herbert Jones, Hughes Jones, Calvin Jones, and Luther Jones.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita Jones Jordan; her sister, Elizabeth Jones Freeman; and her three grandchildren, Gloria Elaine Schoeberle, Thomas Luke Schoeberle and Kaylee Renae Jordan. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, her two sons-in-law, Thomas Jordan and Stephen Schoeberle, and her sister-in-law, Mary Joyce Corn.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014 at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel with Pastor J. Brent Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital volunteer program or to the Council on Aging for Henderson County.

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 Sorrells Jones

On May 5, 2014, Beverly Sorrells Jones, precious wife, mother and grandmother, surrounded by her family, passed from this Earth into Heaven and straight into the arms of Jesus. We are thankful that she is fully healed and made whole.

She was lovingly known as "Grana" by her family. She is the daughter of the late Luther Edgar Sorrells and Elsie McClure Sorrells of Atlanta, GA. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years Sidney Lamar Jones; children Alan Lamar Jones (wife Amanda) and Lisa Jones Hill (husband Travis); grandchildren Julia Garren Adkins (husband Grant), Tyler Hill, Noah Jones and Micah Jones; brother Stanley Sorrells and sisters Lynda Frank (husband Bill) and Karen Holliday (husband Buddy), and sister-in-love Cathy Kuykendall (husband J.R.).

Born in 1942, Beverly was raised in East Point, GA, and married Sid in 1963. Sid and Beverly moved their family from Atlanta to the mountains of western North Carolina in 1970. Beverly spent most of her working career at E.I. DuPont as a member of the computer help desk. Shortly after her retirement in 2003, she began a second career working part-time at Belk in the Blue Ridge Mall. Quiet by nature, she flourished at Belk as every customer she helped became a friend to her. She loved being at work with her Belk family, meeting new people and occasionally getting to see her old friends from DuPont.

Beverly was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville where she was a member for over 35 years. She adored so many members of the church. She loved being a greeter every Sunday morning, and she always talked about how much she loved her Sunday school class!

Our "Grana" was the most beautiful woman – both inside and out. Her class and her beauty required no effort on her part. She was so kind and helpful to others. She was faithful to our family and her commitment to always be there for us. She adored her grandchildren, and they brought her so much joy. Grana's spirit will live on in each of us. We will all treasure the sweet memories that we have spent a lifetime making with her.

We will celebrate Grana's life on Monday, May 12, 2014, at First Baptist Church Hendersonville. Friends will be received from 4 – 5 p.m. and a memorial service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First Baptist Church Crosswalk Ministry, 312 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739 OR the Elizabeth House at Four Seasons, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Alvis Henry Stephens, 89

Alvis Henry Stephens, 89, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Carolina Village after a short illness.

He is survived by Linda Kidd Stephens, his wife of 62 years, and sons Scott and David (Mark McKenzie). Also mourning his passing are nieces and nephews Elizabeth Maynard Avett (Fred), Janet Stephens Davis (John), Jimmy Stephens (Joyce), and Tommy Stephens (Pat). Al Stephens will also be missed by grandchildren Jake, John (Carrie), and Joshua Stephens (Rosanna), and Mary Stephens Pohl (Neal), and great-grandchildren Abigail Stephens, and Clare, Judah, Jane Catherine, and Shiloh Pohl, and Keyla Hendsill.

Al Stephens was born in 1925 in Ape, son of Dr. Romulus and Dovie Stephens, the youngest sibling after Kenneth and Romulus Stephens, and Catherine Stephens Maynard.

After high school graduation, Al briefly attended University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and then joined the US Navy, commissioned in September 1945. Al returned to his hometown to marry Linda Kidd at Apex Baptist Church on Oct. 20, 1951. Al went on to serve 26 years as a naval officer and aviator, which included assignments to California, Hawaii, Florida and Washington, DC. A 1966 tour on the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt as CIC officer earned him a Navy Commendation for his re-design of the Combat Information Center. Other postings included the Polaris missile project and work at the Pentagon, and while there, he graduated from George Washington University in 1963.

Al retired from the Navy in 1971 and worked in real estate in Northern Virginia before he and Linda moved to Hendersonville in 1985. His interests over the years included the clarinet, and golf, at which he excelled.

He and Linda counted their blessings as they traveled the Southeast in later years, often in October remembrances, sharing a love for history and new places. Al supported the United Methodist Church faithfully, and also counted Carolina Village as one of their blessings.

A memorial service for friends, family, and acquaintances will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville. A private family celebration will immediately follow.

Memorial gifts may be made in Al's name to First United Methodist Church, Mission Fund, 204 Sixth Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Marjorie C. Polhemus, 99

Marjorie C. Polhemus, 99, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville.

Born in Long Island, NY, she was a daughter of the late Frieda and Walter Polhemus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Hernandez Marshall Hansen, and a grandson, Bruce A. Marshall. She was employed by Bell Labs in New Jersey and was of the Presbyterian faith. After her retirement, she spent over 30 years operating her guest houses in Puerto Rico.

Surviving are her grandsons, James (Becky) Marshall and Philip (Carla) Marshall of Sumter, SC and David (Sandi) Marshall of Orangeburg, SC; great-grandchildren, Lydia (Brent) Johnston of Charleston, Andy Marshall of Sumter, Cindy (Joey) Mathis of Manning, Wendy Shirley of Sumter, Kelly Marshall of Columbia, Weldon Marshall of Columbia, David Marshall of San Francisco, Calif., and Kristin Marshall of West Columbia; great-great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Timmy, Cameron Jacob, Emily and Kaliq.

Funeral Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Henderson County Library, PO Box 2317, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mary Catherine Harris-Gates

Mary Catherine Harris-Gates passed away peacefully at The Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends

Mary was born in Newburgh, NY, and lived there until her move to North Carolina in 1987. She was the daughter of Chester and Mary Judson of Newburgh, NY.

Mary was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, The Order of The Eastern Star, the YWCA and UMW organization while in Newburgh. After her move to Hendersonville, she was a member of the Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church in Brevard. She was very active in various craft and quilting groups and a book club at Etowah Reach. She and her husband Richard Gates were very active in a hiking group.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, Harold C. Harris and her brother, Chester Judson.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard Gates. She has two daughters, Susan Shipp and her husband David of Hendersonville and Wendy Harris Turnbull and her husband Ken of Houston, Texas. She has four grandchildren, Adria Shipp and Evan Shipp of Hendersonville; Alyssia Makarewicz Brashear and Jessica Vick of Houston, Texas. She has three great-grandchildren, Camden Shipp, Seth Turnbull and Ariana Brashear. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lena Harris of Newburgh, NY and Margaret Schuhle of Pittsfield, Mass.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Her family will be at 140 Circleview Drive in Hendersonville after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memory Maker Quilt Ministry, 312 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Bruce Needham, 98

BEDFORD, TEXAS — Bruce Needham, 98, joined his wife of over 76 years in eternal life on May 5, 2014, at Emeritus at Oak Hollow Memory Care Facility.

Mr. Needham was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to the late Ed and Nina Needham. After business school in Knoxville, he married Melba Snodderly on Sept. 11, 1937. He worked for Security Mills and JC Penney in Knoxville,  then managed Penney stores in Corbin, Ky., and Hendersonville, N.C.. He retired in 1976. Mr. and Mrs. Needham moved to Texas in 2013.

Mr. Needham was a member of First Baptist Church where he enjoyed cooking on Wednesdays after retirement and where he felt especially close to his "money buddies" for many years. He and his wife shared fond memories of their church trip to Egypt and Israel. He was a 50-year member of the Kiwanis Club. He tutored elementary school students in arithmetic at Fletcher Elementary School. Bruce Needham was proud of his 34 years with Penney's, his family of employees, and the loyal patrons who have kept up with him through the decades.

His family members extend special thanks to the loving staff of Emeritus at Oak Hollow and Grace Hospice in Texas and to those of Pine Park and First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.

Bruce Needham was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Melba Needham. Survivors: son, John Needham and wife, Dolaine, of Richmond, Ky.; daughter, Diana Williams and husband, Tom, of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Bryan Needham and Mark Needham of Kentucky, Tara Bowman and husband, Chad, and Joy Swacker of Texas; three great-grandchildren, William, Benjamin and John Paul Bowman; and many cousins.

Close to the heart of Bruce Needham is the mission of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville; and to the family, memorials to The Alzheimer's Association (2630 West Frwy, Ste. 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or www.alz.org).

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.., Friday, May 9, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

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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Mary Ann Elizabeth Stepp, 98

Mary Ann Elizabeth Stepp, age 98, of Hendersonville died Monday May 5, 2014, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

She was born in Polk County on Aug. 27, 1915, to the late Luther Adam Hyder and Minty Eve McCraw Hyder. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Hilliard Britt Stepp; son-in-law, Carroll C. Jackson; and grandson, Tony Carroll Jackson; six brothers, David, Daniel, Jesse, Allard, Emory, and Hubert Hyder; three sisters, Nellie Huggins, Kay Frances Blackwell, and Eloise Marranco.

Mrs. Stepp was a lifelong resident of Henderson County; she owned and operated her own café in East Flat Rock during the 1950's. She also worked for Britain's Hosiery Mill in East Flat Rock and Norms Shoe Store in Hendersonville. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Fay Stepp Jackson; two granddaughters, Judy J. Penley and husband, Dale, Cathy F. Jackson; grandson, Troy L. Jackson and wife, Tiffany; granddaughter-in-law, Dinkie Jackson; great-grandchildren, Troy R. Jackson, Tyler Jackson, Michala Jackson; sister, Ethel F. Rhodes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Mausoleum Chapel of Shepherd Memorial Park with Rev. Terry Kidd officiating. Entombment will follow the service in the mausoleum. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM prior to the service in the chapel.

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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Bruce Needham, 98

BEDFORD, TEXAS — Bruce Needham, 98, joined his wife of over 76 years in eternal life on May 5, 2014, at Emeritus at Oak Hollow Memory Care Facility.

Mr. Needham was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to the late Ed and Nina Needham. After business school in Knoxville, he married Melba Snodderly on Sept. 11, 1937. He worked for Security Mills and JC Penney in Knoxville, then managed Penney stores in Corbin, Ky., and Hendersonville, N.C. He retired in 1976. Mr. and Mrs. Needham moved to Texas in 2013.

Mr. Needham was a member of First Baptist Church where he enjoyed cooking on Wednesdays after retirement and where he felt especially close to his "money buddies" for many years. He and his wife shared fond memories of their church trip to Egypt and Israel. He was a 50-year member of the Kiwanis Club. He tutored elementary school students in arithmetic at Fletcher Elementary School. Bruce Needham was proud of his 34 years with Penney's, his family of employees, and the loyal patrons who have kept up with him through the decades.

His family members extend special thanks to the loving staff of Emeritus at Oak Hollow and Grace Hospice in Texas and to those of Pine Park and First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.

Bruce Needham was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Melba Needham. Survivors include his son, John Needham and wife, Dolaine, of Richmond, Ky.; daughter, Diana Williams and husband, Tom, of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Bryan Needham and Mark Needham of Kentucky, Tara Bowman and husband, Chad, and Joy Swacker of Texas; three great-grandchildren, William, Benjamin and John Paul Bowman; and many cousins.

Close to the heart of Bruce Needham is the mission of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville; and to the family, memorials to The Alzheimer's Association (2630 West Frwy, Ste. 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or www.alz.org).

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park will follow the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

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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Ruth H. Iogha, 79

Ruth H. Iogha, 79, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Pardee Hospital. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Mary Ann Stepp, 98

Mary Ann Stepp, 98, of Hendersonville died Monday May 5, 2014 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Robert Roland Brown, 83

Robert Roland Brown, 83, of Hendersonville died on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, at Pardee Hospital following a stroke he suffered on Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Bob was born in Oshkosh, Wisc., on May 13, 1930, and lived there his entire childhood, graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1948. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and graduated in 1957. Shortly thereafter he went to work for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where he spent his entire career in the accounting and finance area. His career at Kimberly-Clark took him to Kimberly and Niagara, Wisc.; West Carrolton, Ohio; Sacramento, Calif.; West Carrollton, Ohio (again); and finally to Roswell, Ga., where he retired as a Divisional Vice President. In 1988, he moved to Hendersonville, where he lived until his death.

Bob will be remembered for the circle of friends that he developed at each stop along his way, including those at Carolina Village, where he lived from 2004 until his death. He took pride in performing handyman tasks at the Village, as well as taking care of the bluebird boxes and making sure the bird feeders were filled. He had a passion for volunteer work, including 25 years of delivering Meals on Wheels for the Hendersonville County Council on Aging. After recovering from heart surgery in 2013, his first priority was to return to his delivery route.

Bob loved to sing, and was a member of the choir at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. In particular, he loved to sing Handel's "Messiah," singing in "Do-It-Yourself" versions dozens of times, including with his family in Chicago. Just prior to his death, he listened to the "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Easter section of the "Messiah," with a smile on his face. He was also a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves formerly the Milwaukee Braves who unfortunately did not often bring a smile to his face once the playoffs began.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Gladys Brown. He married Roslyn Smith in 1951, and later was married to Inez Singer, who died in October 2012. He is survived by his sister, Mary and husband George Laipple; his brother, Thomas Brown; and his children, William and wife Cindy Brown, Nancy and husband Ronald Roberts, and James and wife Gretchen Winter Brown. He is also survived by his stepchildren Michael and wife Lisa Ehlen, Kristine Ehlen and Sara Ehlen. There are five grandchildren, Jacqueline, Jill, Holly, Otto and Andrea, and one great grandchild, Katherine.

The family wishes to thank long-time friend Dr. Ron Moffitt for his care of Bob since moving to Hendersonville, as well as the physicians from Asheville Heart and the staff at Mission Hospital in Asheville for his treatment in the summer of 2013.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, with Reverend Dan Martin and Reverend Christy Sharp officiating. A private inurnment will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Henderson County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program, 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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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Arthur "Art" Paul Majancsik, 73

Arthur "Art" Paul Majancsik, 73, of Flat Rock went home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2014 at Elizabeth House after a brief bout with cancer. He was surrounded by many loved ones.

Family and friends will celebrate his life by keeping his memory alive for future generations. No formal services will be held.

Arthur was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Joseph and Mary Timko Majancsik. He graduated from St. Johns High School in 1958 and attended West Liberty College. In 1961 he married the former Marsha Lynn Myers in Wheeling, W.Va. Throughout his life, Art enjoyed exploring his many vocational talents. During their lives together Art and Marsha lived in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, North Carolina, and New Mexico. While living in Roswell, N.M., Art worked as a member of the credit committee for Telco Credit Union. In North Carolina he founded Art's Shuttle Service, providing transportation from Asheville Regional Airport and beyond. He loved animals and spent much of his free time enjoying their company.

Art is survived by his wife, Marsha, and three children, Michael Paul Majancsik and his wife Michelle of Whittier, Calif., Susan Lynn Duran and her husband Jerry of Roswell, N.M., and Sherry Ann McKisson and her husband Kevin of Hendersonville; an "adopted" daughter Tanya Gail Nickolas of Midlothian, Va.; a brother, John Majancsik and his wife Sandi of Illinois, sister Patricia Melton and her husband Ted of Texas, and Aunt Margaret Jenkins of Ohio; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, his grandson Aaron Guerrero, and great-granddaughter Liliana Feliciano.

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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Jimmy J. Allen, 77

Jimmy J. Allen, age 77, of Laurel Park died Friday, May 2, 2014, at his residence.

He is survived by his wife Ann and their children.

At his request, no formal services are planned. A private celebration of life will be held by his family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to First Congregational Church of Hendersonville, 1735 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739, two beacons of Light.

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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Thomas Lee Hall, 41

Thomas Lee Hall, 41, of Edneyville passed away Thursday, May 1, 2014, unexpectedly at his home.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mitchell and Ethel Lyda of Edneyville.

He had lived in Henderson County for most of his life, graduated from Edneyville High School in 1991, was a supervisor for the Polk County Department of Transportation and a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where he was a deacon and a youth minister.

He loved to hunt, fish, being outdoors and was a wonderful father, husband, son and brother.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Jennifer Lyda Hall; two daughters, McCayla Elise Hall and Morgan Paige Hall, both of the home; his parents, Michael and Janell Jones of Edneyville; a brother, Mike Jones and his wife Christin of Edneyville and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Melton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Building Fund or the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Children's/Youth Ministry, P.O. Box 29, Edneyville, N.C. 28727.

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

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Sarah Marie Wright

Sarah Marie Wright of Carolina Village, Hendersonville, died Sunday, April 27, 2014, after living a long and fulfilling life.

She was born in Williamsport, Pa. She attended high school in Penn Yan, N.Y., graduated from the New York State College for Teachers at Albany, N.Y. and pursued graduate work at Cornell University, and Syracuse University. She taught languages in Middleport and Clarence Central Schools, New York, and was a substitute teacher at the Cazenovia Central School in New York State.

After having resided in Cazenovia for 40 years, she and her husband, Parke, moved to Heritage Hills in Hendersonville in 1987. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Parke H. Wright; a daughter, Katharine T. Simon; a son, Parke H. Wright, Jr.; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two cousins.

At her request, no services are planned at this time. Interment will be at a later time in the Nelson Rural Cemetery, Cazenovia, New York.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 23 Lincklaen St. Cazenovia, NY, 13055.

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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Marion Rita Fruchtman, 82

Marion Rita Fruchtman, 82, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

Funeral Services will be at noon Monday, May 5, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel.

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

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Mary Alice (Larson) Hansen, 98

Mary Alice (Larson) Hansen, a long-term resident of western Colorado and more recently of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 18, 2014, at age 98. Mary Alice was born Dec. 20, 1915 in Chickasha, OK, the eldest daughter of Clarence and Clarice Larson. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, receiving her B.A. in English in 1937.

On June 25, 1939, Mary Alice married Kenneth Hansen. The family lived in the Midwest for the next 10 years. In 1949, they moved to Gunnison, Colo., where they raised their three sons. Mary Alice maintained a home in Colorado for nearly 60 years. In 2009, she moved to Hendersonville to be near family.

Mary Alice was an active participant and leader in community and church groups, including P.E.O. She was a wonderful gardener, baker and artist, and loved the outdoors. An avid reader, she also enjoyed a good game of Scrabble. For nearly 40 years she pursued her passion for painting, particularly watercolors, winning several ribbons for her work. Most important, Mary Alice was an exceptionally loving and beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband Ken, who passed away in 1995, her sister Evelyn Claire Larson, and her brother Robert Larson. She is survived by her three sons – John (Judy) Hansen, Henry Hansen, and Chris (Jamia) Hansen-Murray; two former daughters-in-law, Peggy Hansen and Mary Hansen; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A celebration and commemoration of Mary Alice's life will take place this summer at Hillcrest Congregational Church in Montrose, Colo., at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014.

Donations may be made in Mary Alice's memory to the Western State Colorado University Foundation [Kenneth H. Hansen Memorial Education Scholarship fund, Western State Foundation, P.O. Box 1264, Gunnison CO 81230] or to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Foundation [Larson Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund, 1100 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73104].

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Barbara Ann Stepp Sheck, 74

Barbara Ann Stepp Sheck, 74, of Mills River passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Pardee Hospital with her loving family by her side.

She was a native of Henderson County, lived here most of her life and also had lived in Lenoir, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Stepp and Laura Justice Stepp; a grandson, Jonathan David Robertson; and two brothers, Gerald Ray Stepp and Ronald Wayne Stepp.

She retired from Steelcase after 22 years of service. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Michael Lee Sheck; two sons, Randall Dean Robertson and his wife Kathy of Travelers Rest, S.C., and Jonathan Estes Robertson and his wife Regina of Lenoir; three daughters, Pamela Robertson Troka and her husband Robert of Greenville, S.C., Rachel Robertson Capps and her fiancé Eric Brehm of East Flat Rock and Kimberly Robertson Purdy and her husband Boyd of Hendersonville; one sister, Wilma Lee Lively and her husband Arthur of Hendersonville; one brother, Larry Neal Stepp and his wife Mary of Fletcher; a sister-in-law, Terry Stepp of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason, Jessica, Jason Dean, Sarah, Stephen, Brittany, Brandon, Taylor and Bryce; 5 great grandchildren, Grayson, Ethan, Clayton, Hadley and Carter Ray and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Jeff Neelands officiating. Burial will follow at Stepp Family Cemetery at the end of Oleta Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel and at other times will be at the home of Kimberly and Boyd Purdy.

Flowers are nice or donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 25 Woods Lake Road # 412, Greenville, SC 29607.

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

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Mary Lou Harris, 71

Mary Lou Harris, 71, of Hendersonville was carried into glory at 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Pardee Hospital.

She was born Sept. 29, 1942, in Henderson County to the late Drayton Alexander Osteen and Lola Ballard Osteen. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy O. LaWall, Willa Holbert; infant brother, Rudolph Martin Osteen; brother, Drayton Lee Osteen.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mrs. Harris graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1960. She retired from Duke Energy in 1997 after 25 years of employment. She was a lifetime and faithful member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she was saved and baptized in 1953. She held many offices within the church and was currently serving as a Sunday school teacher. She loved traveling, RVing, camping, and the beach, where she was a part-time resident in Ocean Isle.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Kenneth J. Harris of the home; two sisters, Helen O. Jones and husband, Leslie "Sonny" of Zirconia, Catherine O. Blount and husband, Charles of Marion; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gail Clary and the caregivers in the ICU at Pardee Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Zirconia with Rev. Billy Lewis, Rev. John Saunders, and Rev. Howard Cabe officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

"Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 3582 Mount Olivet Road, Zirconia, NC 28790.

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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Mary Lou Harris, 71

Mary Lou Harris, 71, of Hendersonville was carried into glory at 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Pardee Hospital.

She was born Sept. 29, 1942, in Henderson County to the late Drayton Alexander Osteen and Lola Ballard Osteen. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy O. LaWall, Willa Holbert; infant brother, Rudolph Martin Osteen; brother, Drayton Lee Osteen.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mrs. Harris graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1960. She retired from Duke Energy in 1997 after 25 years of employment. She was a lifetime and faithful member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she was saved and baptized in 1953. She held many offices within the church and was currently serving as a Sunday school teacher. She loved traveling, RVing, camping, and the beach, where she was a part-time resident in Ocean Isle.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Kenneth J. Harris of the home; two sisters, Helen O. Jones and husband, Leslie "Sonny" of Zirconia, Catherine O. Blount and husband, Charles of Marion; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gail Clary and the caregivers in the ICU at Pardee Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Zirconia with Rev. Billy Lewis, Rev. John Saunders, and Rev. Howard Cabe officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

"Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 3582 Mount Olivet Road, Zirconia, NC 28790.

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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