Edith Lorraine Fleischmann, 85

Edith Lorraine Fleischmann, 85, of Hendersonville died Tuesday April 1, 2014 at Pardee Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Michael Gerard Pett, 51

Michael Gerard Pett, 51, of Flat Rock died Monday March 31, 2014 at Pardee Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Barry Rolf Burt, 81

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Mr. Barry Rolf Burt, 81, of Hendersonville was welcomed into Heaven on March 31, 2014. Barry was one of the most kind, nurturing, lovable men to be accepted, alongside his eldest daughter Cheryl Lynn Burt.

He was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Waterford Twp, Mich. From baseball, basketball, golf, hunting or even cards, Barry excelled with kid-like enjoyment during any activity with friends or family. Barry Rolf Burt constructed flawless homes for countless people with sheer pride while providing for his loving wife and children.

As Barry finished his largest project, life, the people continuing are Allyn Joyce Burt, his wife of 60 years; sons, Greg Burt, wife Tracy, and Steve Burt, wife Mary; daughter, Laurie Whelan; grandchildren, Neal, Ben, Leah, Parker, Nathan, Brendon, Monica, Judy, Hanna, Kaitlyn, David; Barry's sisters, Lois Faram, Elaine Wiggen, Barbara Montford and Carol Porter.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014, at Shuler Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1512, Hendersonville, NC 28793, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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James L. Bishop, 60

James L. Bishop, 60, of Edneyville, died Monday, March 31, 2014, at Mission Hospital following a brief illness.

A native of Madison, Fla., he had been a resident of Henderson County since 1989. He was a co-owner of Blue Ridge Travel Park in Edneyville.

He is survived by his partner of 34 years, Ronald Hines; a sister Linda Keillor of Tallahassee, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned.

Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

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

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Barbara Breedlove Seiler

Barbara Breedlove Seiler, 72, of Saluda left this planet on March 28, 2014. Barbara, daughter of Iverson and Sara Breedlove of Texas and loving wife of Robert Lewis Seiler, passed away at home facing the beauty of the woods and mountains of North Carolina.

She leaves behind a loving family that includes Robert, Martha and David Riley, Michael and Marcia Seiler, Sarah Seiler and four grandchildren - Scott, Tanner, Anna and Kate.

Barbara's energy had no bounds and she truly loved life. She was driven by a passionate belief that there was room at the table for everyone. She supported causes and organizations that served to protect those who were less fortunate. She worked locally to create a world that treasured the environment, community, and justice for all.

A founding member of the Saluda Business Association, she served on the board for many years as a strong voice for the community, small business, and the arts. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville

Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to The North Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) and Four Seasons Hospice (www.fourseasonscfl.org/donate/)

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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Brian Michael Beddingfield, 34

Brian Michael Beddingfield, 34, of Hendersonville died Saturday, March 29, 2014.

He was born July 28, 1979 in Fletcher to Roy Beddingfield, Jr. and the late Deborah Janice Lance. In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bennie Lee Lance, Hazel Hooper Worley, Frances Lance, Roy Beddingfield, Myrtle Brevard Nichols; and his uncle, Tony Dean Lance.

Mr. Beddingfield was a life-long resident of Henderson County; he was employed as a heating and cooling technician. He enjoyed reading, music, family, and camping.

In addition to his father he is survived by his sister, Melissa Hudson and her husband, Chris, of Arden; fiancée, Theresa Hylemon, and her children, Katelyn Garren, Kristen Hill; uncle, Robert Beddingfield; aunts, Teresa Sprinkle and her husband, Wayne, Michele Beddingfield; niece, Jenna Hudson; and nephew Jacob Hudson.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. The family will receive friends at his sister's home, 26 Sumter St. Arden, NC 28704

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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William Jasper "Bill" Cowan, 84

William Jasper "Bill" Cowan, 84, passed away on Saturday March 29, 2014.

Bill was a native of Jackson County and proudly called the Cullowhee and Webster areas "home" for most of his life. In recent years, he moved to Mills River to be near his children and grandchildren.

The son of the late James Jasper "J.J." Cowan and Hicks Ashe Cowan, he was preceded in death by his siblings Cordell Cowan, Edith Cowan, Gladys Kiker, Mary Alice"Tootsie"Philips, and Stella Smith.

Bill an Air Force veteran, is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Barnett Cowan. In his retirement years he spent time near his children Jill Cowan Gregg (Brian), Jan Cowan King (Wade), and Jimmy Cowan (Diana). Bill also enjoyed visits from his oldest daughter Edie Tagmir-Shelton (Gale) from Del City, Okla. His grandchildren will miss "Papa" dearly. He leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Many Jackson County residents will remember Bill from his work at the Cullowhee Post Office or as the founder of Cullowhee Real Estate. But his children will remember him most as a man who was sharp with numbers, loved to play cards and watch the news, and took the job of being a good provider very seriously. After he moved to Mills River, he enjoyed trips back to see his friends in Jackson County where he always felt at home. He was a member of the East LaPorte Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and was a Shriner.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Appalachian Funeral Home, 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 Attn: Tracy McReynolds.

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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Ernest Milas Brown, 86

Ernest Milas Brown, age 86, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014, at the Elizabeth House. 

He was born July 22, 1927 in Swain Co. to the late John Harvey and Florence Duvall Brown.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Tressie L. Brown, a sister Maggie Dockery and two brothers Glenn and Richard Brown.
 

He retired from Kimberly Clark after many years and following retirement he enjoyed working with his son, landscaping in the area. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his great granddaughter Jessica Smith and her son Landon.  He was a longtime member of Maranatha Baptist Church and had served in the US Military from 1954 to 1956
 

Survivors include a son Roger Dale Brown of Franklin; a step-son Gene Albertson and wife Epo; his grandchildren, Danny and Mary Wilson, Gail and Doyle Nicholson, Charlotte Evett, Virginia Mangiafico, Billy and Elizabeth Carol, Teresa and David Crowder, Lisa and Keith McKinney, Vicky and Michael Collins, Jonathon Albertson, Josh and Annie Albertson, Kenny and Lynn Albertson, Carol and Sammy Ross, Kimberly Albertson, Stephanie and Eric Edney, Kevin and Vikki Albertson; 24 great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; and 2 great great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include cousin, Everette Jenkins, his wife Judy and several other cousins.
 

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Refuge Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Lewis Staton, Rev. Steve Gibbs and Rev. Eddie Conard.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Maranatha Baptist Church, 2511 Old Spartanburg Road, E. Flat Rock, NC 28726.
 
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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John Clifford Sease

John Clifford Sease of Saluda passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014, at the Elizabeth House following a lengthy illness.

John was born Jan. 25, 1941, in Savannah, Ga., the son of the late Ralph Epting and Nellie Jones Sease. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Frances Sease Shannon.

John spent much of his youth in Florida, graduating from Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon, Fla. He is a 1963 graduate of the University of Florida where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Upon college graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a ground officer at MCA Beaufort, S.C., after which he went to NAS Pensacola, Fla., and NAS Glynco, Ga., for flight training as a Naval Flight Officer. John, a combat veteran, flew F-4 Phantoms during two tours of duty in Vietnam and then returned to MCAS Beaufort. He had tours of duty in Pensacola, Fla., Quantico, Va., and Japan. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1989, after 26 years service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

John greatly enjoyed the out of doors, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was a collector of Indian artifacts and Civil War memorabilia. He will be most remembered, however, as a courageous and patriotic American, devoted husband, father, grandfather and a loyal friend. One of his oldest friends, a fraternity brother and fellow Marine, described John as "The most moral, kindest and best person I have known... and deserves eternal peace and happiness in Heaven." He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, the former Sarah Margaret Mannheim, of Saluda, and their two daughters, Sarah Sease Hoffman of San Diego, Calif., and Ellen Sease Thompson of Raleigh; sons-in-law USMC Lt. Colonel Joel M. Hoffman and Brian T. Thompson; grandchildren Riley Caroline Hoffman, Thomas Mastin Hoffman, Katherine Hayes Thompson and Cameron Rhys Thompson. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his precious dog Boo.

A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Saluda, the Saluda Senior Center, or Four Seasons, Compassion for Life, Elizabeth House in Hendersonville.

The family wishes to express its gratitude for the kindness of caregiver Marie Petersen of Saluda and acknowledge the exceptional compassion shown by Dr. Margaret Noel and the staff of Memory Care, Asheville.

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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Antoinette "Toni" Novak, 72

Antoinette "Toni" Novak, 72, of Flat Rock passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 23, 2014.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 23, 1941, to the late Stephen and Marge Laurenty. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her in laws, Joseph and Millie Novak.

Toni retired from the State of Florida after 27 years as an administrative medical secretary. Toni and her family decided to make the move to Flat Rock 10 years ago to live in the mountains.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 ½ years, Joe Novak; beloved son, Joseph Michael Novak; beloved daughter, Renee Elrod and her husband, Mike; her cherished grandson, Kristopher Elrod; sister-in-law, Donna; and extended family in Ohio and South Carolina.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at St. James Episcopal Church with Reverend Dr. Joel Hafer officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Stillwell Hall of the church.

Donations may be made in Toni's memory to the American Heart Association by visiting, www.facebook.com/#!/jmn28731 or to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

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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Inza D. Allen, 101

Inza D. Allen, 101 of Hendersonville died Saturday, March 29, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

She was born in Henderson County on March 15, 1913, to the late Thomas Bradshaw Allen and Ella Sue Jones. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas Irvin Allen, DeWitt Allen, James Jones Allen; seven sisters, Louise Allen Clement, Madge Allen Simpson, Anne Allen Clement, Elizabeth Fletcher Simpson, Grace Allen Bush, Dorothy "Bob" A. Cotton, Rachel Leona Allen; nephew, Thomas Bradshaw; two nieces, Lois Allen, and Irvina Allen Chloer.

A native of Hendersonville, she was a graduate of Hendersonville High School and Biltmore Hospital School of Nursing. She spent the first year of her professional life in Asheville; she later worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. In 1952 she returned to her native home to begin working as the company nurse at Cranston Print Works in Canton, where she retired in 1976 after 24 years of service.

She is survived by six nieces, June Allen Todd (Calvin), Louella Allen Hefner (James), Annie Sue Allen Pfeifer (Ed), Patience Clement Nave (Wallace), Elizabeth Clement Daggerhart (Buddy), Elmetta Fletcher Linder (Herbert); nephews, George Fletcher (Sheila), David Simpson (CE CE), Bob Bush (Debbie); and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Four Seasons Hospice and Dr. James Rice for their care and support.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Mills River Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Dan Martin of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville officiating.

Donations in Miss Allen's memory may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 204 6th Avenue W. Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

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

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Sharon Dietz, 62

Sharon Dietz, 62, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday morning, March 25, 2014, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends. She will be welcomed by her father, Henry Still, and the love of her life, Lowell Stockstill.

She is dearly loved and will be missed by her daughter Tiffany Dietz and granddaughter Kristen Kuhtic, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; mother Anne Still and sister Nancy Still, of Valparaiso, Ind.; brother Dennis Still and his wife Rita of Oxford, Md.; and dear friends Mary Cox and Kevin Yoders, both of Hendersonville.

Having light she passed it on to others. Sharon received her Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois and her MBA from Wright State University. She then spent 14 years at Wittenberg University as a professor and ultimately Associate Provost but also as a mentor and friend to so many—sharing her passion for education with the students for whom she cared so much. Sharon's whole life was guided by her nurturing spirit and the lines between her professional and personal life were often blurred.

A native of Valparaiso, Ind., she moved to Hendersonville 14 years ago to live in the mountains she loved. True to herself, she spent the last 14 years at Twenty-Three, Inc., an information technology consulting firm in Hendersonville, where she enabled colleges to serve their students as well as she served her own at Wittenberg. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit who loved gardening, painting, developing her many artistic talents, spoiling her furry babies and, most of all, being a wonderful grandmother.

She was a strong woman with a quick wit, great sense of humor and was admired by many for her wisdom and advice. She enriched the lives of all who knew her, especially the few who weren't actually born to her, but still lucky enough to call her "Mom."

As Sharon would like you to remember, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon's wish is that you share her love for all animals by donating to Full Moon Wolfdog Sanctuary, Attn. Nancy Brown, PO BOX 1374, Black Mountain, NC 28711 or online at www.fullmoonfarm.org.

A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ida Mae Kingsland, 90

Ida Mae Kingsland, 90, of Flat Rock died Wednesday March 26, 2014, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation peacefully.

Mrs. Kingsland was born Dec.r 22, 1923, in Lebanon, TN to the late Frank and Ollie Bell Murdock Adams. She was married to Eddie Kingsland on Nov. 1, 1942 until his death in 1975.

Mrs. Kingsland was a strong and independent woman who cared for others and remained happy and peaceful until the end. She proudly professed her faith in Jesus Christ and her favorite scripture was Psalm 103 Verses 1-2 and 13. She was a long standing member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Madison, Miss.

She enjoyed travel and visited London, England on two occasions and many places in the US. She continued to live independently in Jackson, Miss., until Alzheimer's took control of her life. In 2001 she moved to Hendersonville to be close to her daughter.

A Memorial Service will be held in Jackson, Miss., at a later date at Lakewood Memorial.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara Kingsland Hodgkinson and her husband Peter; a sister Gladys Summers of Lebanon, Tenn.; three grandchildren Angela Attaway and Tammy Potts of Knoxville, Tenn., and William Shannon of Simpsonville, S.C. Other survivors include five great-grandchildren, Noah, Nicholas, Kaytie, Morgan, and Caiman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

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

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

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Nellie Jones, 100

Nellie Jones, 100, of Hendersonville died Friday, March 28, 2014, at Cardinal Care Center.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late William and Fannie Enloe Nix and wife of the late Herbert Hampton Jones. In addition, she was preceded in death by two sons Bill and Earl Jones; a daughter Bobbye Nix; brothers Sam Nix, Marion Nix and Benny Nix; and sisters Margie Freeman, Sue Rhodes, and Ila Boyd.

She retired from Gray's Hoisery Mill and was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Surviving is her daughter Kirby Cook and husband Frank; son Paul Jones and wife Edith, all of Hendersonville; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters Janie Dill, Opal McMurray, and Yvonne Moore; brothers Jimmy Nix and Wayne Nix; and a special sister-in-law Wilma Moore.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2014, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Rev. Bryan Melton will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home of her daughter, where she lived for 13 years.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Allyn Noel, 70

Allyn Noel, 70, of Dana, died on Tuesday, March 25.

He was the son of the late Dr. Stephen Noel and Jane Noel of Hagerstown, Md., and was married to Michele Hipp of Beaufort, S.C., for 36 years. Allyn graduated from Gettysburg College in 1965 with a BS in Biology. While there he served as the Drum Major and received his Commission through ROTC into the US Army. He also received a Masters in Education Administration from the Collage of William and Mary in 1975.

Allyn served the country for 21 years as an Army Aviator, flying both helicopters and airplanes. He was among the first pilots to fly Huey helicopters with weapons on them. He served with distinction for two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and 37 Air Medals. Allyn retired from Ft Eustis, Va., in 1986 with the rank of Major.

Allyn retired to his favorite place in the world, Michele's family's summer home, Dana, in 1986 where he began a second career as an educator. He spent the last 25-plus years working with children at Edneyville Elementary School as an administrative assistant, bus driver and much more. With a master's in Education Administration, he could have had most any role in the school system, but wanted to be close to the children and make a difference in their lives.

Allyn was a member of St. James Episcopal church. He was active in working with the Carpenters Club, the African Medical Mission and served on the vestry.

As his favorite musician, Jimmy Buffett, would say, Allyn kept growing older but not up!

He is survived by his wife, Michele; mother Jane Noel of Alexandria, Va.; son, Stephen Noel and his wife Katie of Pendleton, S.C.; daughter Kathy Herrell and her husband Mark of Richmond, Va.; sister Carol Goss and her husband Dave of Fairfax, Va. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Emily, Trey, Lillian and Ryan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Saint James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, conducted by Rev. Dr. Joel G. Hafer followed by military honors prior to a reception in Stillwell Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 in the memo line, Carpenters Club.

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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Blanche Wayboer, 85

Blanche Wayboer, 85, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2014, with her husband and son at her side.

A native of Newark, N.J., she was born to George W. Wade and Lillian A. Wade on 23 October 1928. She went through the Newark school system and graduated from Weequahic High School. She met her husband to be, Arthur (Whitey) Wayboer, when she was 12 and he was 13. They married 14 August 1948 and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Thirty-five of those years were spent in Livingston, N.J., moving to Flat Rock upon retirement.

While living in Livingston, Blanche was active in a number of organizations. She was a member of the fundraising committee to build the St. Barnabas Medical Center, a Cub Scout den-mother and a member of the Little League Women's Auxiliary. She worked on the town's board of elections and was active with the Harrison School PTA, along with other local organizations.

Blanche was an active member of the Livingston Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday school for 16 years, serving as financial secretary for many years, and serving as President of the United Presbyterian Women of Livingston.

When Art retired in 1989, they moved to Flat Rock, North Carolina. Blanche, an avid book reader, was involved in the Friends of the Library annual book sale and established the Hospice Thrift Store's book section. She volunteered at Four Season's Palliative and Hospice Care. Blanche was also very involved with "Toasty Toes," knitters of gloves, caps, and socks for our military personnel.

Blanche's faith was very important to her. She loved her church, the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville where she served as a Deacon and member of several committees. She was also a member of the First Congregational Church's Heyman Fellowship group. Blanche enjoyed the companionship of the many friends she made in her church, Toasty Toes, Heyman Fellowship and other activities.

Blanche and Art loved to travel. They visited all 50 states, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and South America.

Blanche is survived by her husband, Arthur, of Flat Rock and her son, Robert S., his wife Tamilyn, and two granddaughters, Kristina and Jennifer, all of Maine.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Mark Stanley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the charity of your choice.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Sharon Dietz, 62

Sharon Dietz, 62, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70

Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70, of Hendersonville died Friday, March 21, 2014, at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1943 in Natchez, Miss., to the late Ralph Hylton and Eliza Bowie Sims.

Ethlyn graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. Degree in Education. During one summer break in 1966 Ethlyn accepted a position as a camp counselor at Camp Green Cove in Tuxedo. She met a local counselor, Frank Byrd, at the Boy's Camp, Mondamin. With both camps sharing the same ownership, combined events nurtured the relationship. She married the love of her life, Frank, on Oct. 28, 1967, at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, La., and then moved to Hendersonville. She then went on to get her MA Degree at Furman University in Education.

She was a loyal, popular and dedicated teacher, primarily in the Henderson County School system, for 35 years. She taught classes at the elementary and the middle school levels. After retirement in 2001, she never fully left the youth of Henderson County through her mentoring, tutoring and her love for young, eager minds. The Henderson County Education Foundation proudly inducted Ethlyn into their Hall of Fame in 2010.

Ethlyn was a faithful and active member of St. James Episcopal Church for over 40 years. She served on the Altar Guild for the church and was their former Directress. She was active on numerous boards and committees over the years including Mainstay, The St. James Charities Foundation, and was currently serving on the board of the St. Gerard House. She was an avid sports fan, and stayed loyal to her Alma Mater; however, she became quite a basketball fan of the UNC Tarheels. She loved music and enjoyed attending The Hendersonville Symphony as well as the Brevard Music Center with Frank. They enjoyed traveling together, and fell in love with Ocracoke Island, returning several weeks annually over the last 25 years.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Byrd; son, John Falconer Byrd of Tampa, Fla.; daughter, Elizabeth Byrd von Stade and her husband, F. Skiddy of New York, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Eliza Sims von Stade, Skiddy von Stade; two sisters, Dorothy Fantle of Hendersonville, and Elizabeth Chadwick of Georgetown, Mich..

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014, at St. James Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dr. Joel H. Hafer officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Stillwell Hall. Additional parking for the service will be available in the parking lot of Bruce Drysdale Elementary School.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Gerard House, 620 Oakland Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

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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Robbie Shope Gentry, 52

Robbie Shope Gentry, 52, of Fletcher died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at her residence.

She was born on Aug. 26, 1961, in Asheville to the late Jesse C. and Eileen Bradburn Shope.

Mrs. Gentry graduated from Enka High School and worked as a hair stylist for many years. She served as President of the Shriners Ladies Auxiliary for two years. She was a member of Fletcher First Baptist Church. She enjoyed golf, cross stitching, reading, and volunteering. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Gentry of Fletcher; two sisters, Kathy Janeiro of Annandale, Va.; Sherri Shope of Mauldin, S.C.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Fletcher First Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Waldrup officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robbie's memory to Dorcas Sunday School Class or the Food Pantry of Fletcher First Baptist Church, PO Box 1658, Fletcher, NC 28732.

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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Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70

Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70, of Hendersonville died Friday, March 21, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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