Hilda Tallent Olson

CAMDEN, S.C. — Hilda Tallent Olson of Camden, S.C., formerly of Hendersonville, passed away on Nov. 15, 2013, at KershawHealth Hospital in Camden, SC.

She was the daughter of the late Darrance M. Tallent and Annie Dills Tallent of Sylva. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years C.K. "Ike" Olson; her brother, D.M. Tallent, Jr. and her sister and brother-in-law Dorothy T. and Joe Hunt.

A native of Sylva, she retired after 40 years of service to the public schools of Western North Carolina as a teacher, supervisor, and administrator. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Carolina University and she did postgraduate work at George Peabody College.

Before becoming director of elementary education with Hendersonville City Schools she worked as director of instruction for Transylvania County Schools, supervisor of teachers in Murphy and Andrews City Schools, and as a demonstration teacher at Camp Laboratory School at Western Carolina University. She taught and was a library supervisor in Macon County Schools.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an honor society for women educators. She served as president of Alpha Iota Chapter while living in Murphy and as president of Alpha Lambda Chapter of Henderson County. She received her 60 year membership pin in 2013. Because of her passion for teaching young readers, Alpha Lambda Chapter established the Hilda Olson Literacy Project which provides preschool books to mothers of newborns and young children receiving support from the Henderson County Health department and the Blue Ridge Community Health Services.

She served on the Henderson County Board of Education, the board of directors of the North Carolina and the National Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the North Carolina Commission of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1993 she received the Distinguished Leadership Award for North Carolina from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

She was involved and provided leadership in many community services and activities. She served on the board of directors of Henderson County Council on Aging, Land of Sky Regional Council on Aging, Western Carolina Community Action, Interagency Exchange, Volunteer Services Bureau, Grants Committee of Henderson County Community Foundation, and the advisory board of the Hendersonville Branch of the State Employees Credit Union.

With a history of service to education and the community, she received numerous awards. Some of these included recognition for outstanding service to elementary and middle school of the South, service and dedication to Children with Special Needs from the NC Division of Exceptional Children, and recognition from The North Carolina Association of Educators for service to public education. She was selected to be featured in a Biographical Directory entitled Her Story which highlighted the noteworthy contributions of Henderson County Women (1945-1995). The directory was published by the Henderson County Council for Women. She was an active member of Henderson County's Retired School Personnel and in 2006 she was inducted into the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame.

In her final years she lived in Camden, S.C., near her daughter but she never lost her love of education. She encouraged all around her to read and to keep learning. She always respected the contributions to society of each individual.

She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Kay Olson Cashion and son-in-law John W. Cashion of Camden, S.C.; grandson Joseph A. Cashion and wife, Melinda Cashion of Lugoff, S.C.; granddaughter, Kimbrough Cashion Daniels and husband, Clayton Daniels of Brunswick, Ga., and Owen Hunt Daniels.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alice J. Brooks and the doctors and staff of Kershaw Health Hospital, Long Term Care Wing, and Hospice Team for the excellent care and loving kindness given to Mrs. Olson during the last four months of her life. In addition, spiritual support was provided by the members of Grace Episcopal Church in Camden. Special thanks to Rev. James Barnhill and Rev. Charles Davis.

A memorial service for Mrs. Olson will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, with the Rev. Joel G. Hafer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Church, The Hilda Olson Literacy Project of Alpha Lambda Chapter c/o Marilyn Yoder, President, at 63 Glenwood Hill Lane, Mills River, NC 28759, or to the charity of one's choice.

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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Neil Gilbert, 18

Neil Gilbert, 18, of Hendersonville went to be the Lord Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, following injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was a lifelong resident of Henderson County and graduated from West Henderson High in 2013. His passion was his work as a volunteer fire fighter with the Etowah-Horse Shoe Volunteer Fire and Rescue and was an aspiring paramedic. He loved to hunt, fish, and hang out with his brothers and many friends. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed singing.

He worked for Stone Electric in Cashiers, was a member of Beulah Baptist Church and also attended Bethel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Philip Holder, and his aunt, Pam Holder.

Neil is survived by his parents, Mike and Jill Gilbert of Big Willow Community; two brothers, Patrick Gilbert and wife Sabrina of Laurel Park, and Austin Gilbert and wife Keisha of Mountain Home; two nephews, Cameron and Cooper Gilbert; paternal grandparents, Alvin and Pat Gilbert of Big Willow; maternal grandparents, Lester and Pat Holder of Mountain Home; his aunt Donna Holder Bolanõs and her children; uncle Ricky and aunt Sally Gilbert and sons; and a host of loving extended family.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at Anchor Baptist Church with Pastors Dewey Barnwell and Keith Norris officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 – 8 p.m. Monday at Anchor Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to, Etowah – Horse Shoe Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box Horse Shoe, NC 28742

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneral home.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Christine Moore Williams, 83

Christine Moore Williams, 83, of Edneyville passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

She was the daughter of the late Martin Hobart Moore and Ila Summers Moore and was also preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Medlin, two sisters, Lucille Quinn and Maxine Horne and one brother, Eugene Moore.

She was a loving wife, mother, and "Nini" to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved to share her delicious recipes with all her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Earl A. Williams; two daughters, Marilyn Janet Steinbach of Arden and Donna Owenby and her husband Tim of Hendersonville; five grandchildren, Scott London (Ardith), Casey Owenby (Krissy), Melanie McMurray (John), Bob Medlin (Jenni) and Christal Beaird (Ray); nine great grandchildren, Dale London, Evan Duckett, Lauren McMurray, Emma McMurray, Taylor Wiggins, Alivia Owenby, Brooklynn Beaird, Zach Sargent and Maci Medlin; three sisters, Allene Brown of Hendersonville and Frances Owens (Garrett) of Florida and Betty Hammond (John) of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Craig Garren officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mountain Home Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 288, Edneyville, NC 28729.

The family would like to thank all the care-givers at Hendersonville Health and Rehab for their loving care during her illness and for all the prayers and support of family and friends.

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

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Walter Wolfgang Gruss

Walter W. Gruss, 77, of Hendersonville passed away, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at the Elizabeth House Hospice.

Walter was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1936 to the late Theodore Gruss and Lina Grimm. Walter married his wife Hannelore in 1961. After becoming a mechanical engineer and working in Germany for 20 years, they immigrated to the United States in 1975 to work at the Hendersonville Kyocera Plant. Following a successful career in the ceramics industry, he retired from Komet USA as VP of Sales and Marketing. After retirement, he led the German Heritage Club for 10 years, mentored kids at his church, pursued his love of roses through the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society and was an avid model train builder.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Hannelore; one daughter, Gabriele Gruss Niederauer and her husband Mark of San Antonio, Texas; one son, Joachim Gruss and his wife Beáta of Budapest, Hungary; two grandsons, Stefan Julius Niederauer of Austin, Texas and Máté Sebestyén Gruss of Budapest, Hungary; one granddaughter, Elise Johanna Niederauer of San Antonio, Texas; and two brothers, Manfred Gruss and Eckehard Wöller, both of Eislingen, Germany.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastors Ken Langsdorf and Greg Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28791 to establish a youth scholarship.

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

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Grace B. Weiss

Grace B. Weiss, 98, of Hendersonville and formerly of Miami Beach, Fla., died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at her residence.

She was born on Dec. 20, 1914, in Hardin, Mo., to the late Verta and William Babbitt. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Weiss. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Blumbach, as well as her son-in-law, Dr. Robert Bass.

In 1945 Grace met and married the love of her life, Jessie Weiss, while he was stationed in Champaign, Ill. After Jessie was discharged from the service they headed to Miami Beach to run the family business, Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant, which had opened in 1913. Grace was a smart beautiful lady who instantly found her niche working side by side with her husband in the restaurant business. Grace was perfectly content to remain behind the scenes while embracing the entire "Joe's" staff as if they were her family. Jessie and Grace retired to Hendersonville in the early 1980's.

She is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Sawitz Bass of Miami Beach; two grandchildren: Stephen Sawitz and Jodi Sawitz Hershey of Miami Beach; four great grandchildren: Jessica Uchuya and her husband, Jose, Lauren Walton, and Julia Michelle Sawitz, all of Miami; and Blayke Koganovsky, of New York Citty and two great-great grandchildren: Alexandria Uchuya and Iyana Jo Walton both of Miami.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel in Hendersonville. Entombment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Grace to Habitat for Humanity, 1111 Keith St., Hendersonville, NC 28792 or a local food bank of the donor's choice.

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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Robert Warren Jones

Robert Warren Jones, age 85, died at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville on Nov. 12, 2013, after a sudden illness.

Bob was born the only child of William Wolford Jones and Bertha Kraft Jones on Dec. 3, 1927, in Louisville, Ky. He lived predominately in Kentucky and attended Millersburg Military Academy and Lexington's Henry Clay High School, graduating in 1946.

Serving during the Korean War with the United States Air Force, Bob flew 55 night interdiction missions as a waist gunner. During his service, he found the love of his life, Caroline Turpen in Englewood, Colo., to whom he was married happily for 50 years until her death in 2001.

After completing military service, Bob attended Eastern Kentucky University, receiving a B.S. in industrial education. He taught high school in Urbana, Ill., while obtaining a master's in education from the University of Illinois-Champaign.

In 1959, the family moved to Murray, Ky., where Bob taught electronics and hydraulics at Murray State University. He enjoyed running the student ham radio club and became a certified PADI Scuba Diving Instructor. When Bob retired from Murray State after 25 years, he and his wife moved to Clarksville, Tenn., where he was chairman of the Industrial Arts Department at Austin Peay University. In 1988, they retired again and moved to the mountains of North Carolina, where Bob had learned to swim as a child at Lake Lure. There he taught part-time at Blue Ridge Community College and AB Tech Community College.

Bob is survived by his four daughters, who meant the world to him: Barbara Rogers (Dr. Ralph Rogers), of Newburgh, Ind.; Linda Moore (LTC (USA ret.) Stanley Moore) of Fletcher; Karen Jones Squires (James Squires, J.D.) of Norfolk, Va.; and Polly McCage (PR Chief (USN ret.) John McCage) of Anderson, S.C. He was a proud granddaddy of 10 beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and devoted brother-in-law to Esther Bauman of Hendersonville.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 22, 2013, at the Western North Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28732 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Bob was a good man: a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be sorely missed. He approached life with wit and humor, perseverance and love, and was kind to all.

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

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

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Maggi O'Brady

Maggi O'Brady, born Margaret Ann Brady, age 73, of Hendersonville passed away from ovarian cancer on Nov. 1, 2013, at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville.

She was born Feb. 25, 1940, in Rockingham to the late Leroy and Annie (Benson) Brady. After graduating from Rohanen High School, East Rockingham in 1959, she briefly attended Western NCU in Cullowhee before marrying John Bolen.

She mothered two sons, Michael Kevin in 1961, and Stephen Scott in 1963. Once her sons were in school, she resumed her college studies at Xavier University in Cincinnati receiving her degree in education in 1967. She worked as head teacher at Montessori School in Corvallis, Ore., for several years before moving to Bethesda, Md. There she eventually became a licensed real estate broker. She enjoyed great success in this field and became a Million Dollar Salesperson within 2 years.

In 1974, she moved with John back to Corvallis where she continued selling real estate, and became a broker. In 1978 she divorced John, continued with real estate before moving to Hawaii in the early 1980's, where she met Alan Himelblau.

She worked as a teacher, preschool director and model before she and Alan bought the successful business "Stand-n-Line" that processed licenses with the HDMV for car dealers. Based on her experience, she ended up writing a manual for the Hawaii DMV. In 1989, her youngest son Scott died at Lake Tahoe, which deeply affected her.

After marrying Alan, they toured Europe and the Middle East for 9 months, which was a life changing experience and vastly increased her positive outlook on life. Unfortunately, during the voyage, Alan began to have mobility problems, and he eventually became bedridden.

In 1991, Maggi worked as a teacher at Island Paradise in Hawaii for 6 months, then became preschool director at Emmanuel Preschool. Alan moved to California where he died with Maggi present.

Returning to Hawaii, she worked as a counselor, and then started as teacher at St Mark's until leaving Hawaii to live with her brother Eric in Asheville in September 1994.

Pursuing her interest in real estate, she attended a meeting of the Carolina Real Estate Investors Association where she met the love of her life, Mark Clifton, who was their president. Mark had lived in France for decades, until moving to Asheville with his wife whom he divorced 1995. Maggi used to say that his ex-wife had brought him to Asheville, and she had come all the way from Hawaii so they could meet. Such was their mutual good fortune. They married May 27, 1997, in Asheville.

She and Mark enjoyed travelling to Paris, Venice, and Portofino. Moving to Hendersonville, they developed a mutual passion for renovating houses and investing in real estate. Most of all, they enjoyed the peaceful beauty of their home, "Cliffside", atop the Big Willow hills.

She loved nature and people, always putting the best of herself into relationships. She was dedicated to organic gardening, growing her own food, showing off her garden and hosting a garden tour. In 2011,"Cliffside" was granted certification as a National Certified Wildlife Habitat.

A fabulous spirit emanated from Maggi. It passed onto everyone she ever met. No one we have ever talked to about her fails to remark how this spirit seemed to penetrate their memory of her. She believed in living according to her principles. Her last words were: "Tell everyone who asks about me to cover my spirit image with a white light, and when they see a white light, think of me. My positive thoughts shall be with them forever."

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Michael Kevin Bolen and Steven Scott Bolen. She is survived by her sister, Linda Novak (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada); and brother, Eric Brady (Greensboro); and her beloved husband, Mark Clifton.

An informal memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at her home: "Cliffside," 550 Crystal Heights Drive, Hendersonville. All well wishers are welcome. 698-0902.

An online register book is available online 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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Victoria L. Jacquet, 48

Victoria L. Jacquet, 48, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements..

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Hans Weill, 80

Hans Weill, 80, of Flat Rock died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

Dr. Weill, professor emeritus at Tulane University School of Medicine and internationally lauded expert on occupational lung disease, authored more than 200 publications and numerous book chapters on the lung effects of various occupational exposures. He was also president of the American Thoracic Society.

He died on Wednesday at age 80 in Flat Rock.

Dr. Weill received his B.A. and M.D. from Tulane University. His training included an internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and a residency in internal medicine at Charity Hospital and Fellowship in Pulmonary Diseases at Tulane.

From 1962 to 1997, he was on the Tulane Medical School faculty. His most recent full-time position was Professor of Medicine, Chief of Environmental Medicine and the Schlieder Foundation Professor of Pulmonary Medicine at the Tulane University Medical Center. From 1989-1993, Dr. Weill served as the founding director of the Tulane University Center for Bioenvironmental Research. Until 1997, he directed an interdisciplinary research program in occupational lung diseases and for over 30 years investigated the respiratory effects of workplace exposure to airborne inhalants.

During the years 1972 to 1992, he was director of the Specialized Center for Research funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the NIH for the investigation of occupational lung diseases. From 1992 to 1996, he was principal investigator of a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Basic Research Program involving a number of environmental projects throughout Tulane University. These were both large, multi-project, interdisciplinary research programs funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Weill also consulted with U.S. federal agencies, foreign governments and in the private sector on occupational and environmental pulmonary problems. He was a consultant to the United Nations Compensation Commission in Geneva on potential lung injuries caused by the 1991 burning oil fires in Kuwait. In 1983-1984, he was a Fellow in Science and Public Policy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., focusing on the use of scientific data in asbestos-associated diseases in the formulation of public policy.

He retired from the active full-time faculty in 1997 and was subsequently Professor Emeritus at Tulane. After residing many years in New Orleans, Dr. Weill most recently lived in North Carolina.

Dr. Weill is survived by his wife Kathleen; daughters, Judith Weill of San Antonio, Texas and Leslie Ehret of New Orleans; his son Dr. David Weill of Palo Alto, Calif.; his brother Peter Weill of Sarasota, Fla.; as well as three grandchildren, Kathleen Ehret, Hannah and Ava Weill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tulane Medical School in his honor.

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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George D. Pugile, 87

George D. Pugile, 87, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Catherine Kolesar Pugile. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Morrissey Pugile, and his brother, Charles Pugile, Jr.

Mr. Pugile graduated from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport, Conn. He was a World War II veteran and an Iwo Jima survivor. George served his country in the US Navy beginning in 1944, when he landed on the USS Hinsdale APA-120, a troop transport and part of a core of American amphibious forces in the Pacific Conflict. After traveling to Maui to load up troops for the invasion of Iwo Jima and supporting the Marines there, he traveled to Guam and Saipan. After the war, he served with the Merchant Marines. For 45 years, Mr. Pugile worked for United Illuminating Company as a supervisor, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard.

He will be greatly missed by Margaret Bukky and her family.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Father Andrew Nowak will officiate. Burial will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

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 "Jim" Lloyd Herda, 58

James "Jim" Lloyd Herda, 58, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, Nov.13, 2013.

He was a native Kansan and the son of Betty Arlene Bonar Herda and the late Dr. Paul Raymond Herda. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his sister, Penny L. Herda Scheele.

Jim had a compassion for life and meeting new friends. He loved his family and was a very open, warm and honest person.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Arlene Bonar Herda; two sisters, Pamela Herda Hogan and her husband, Robert, Paula Herda Crowder and her husband, Julian; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at the funeral home.

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

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Terry M. Nelson, 65

Terry M. Nelson, 65, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013.

He was a native of Henderson County and a son of Edith Nelson and the late Otto Nelson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David B. Nelson.

Mr. Nelson served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne 11th Armored Cavalry Division. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved fishing and was a member of the Western Carolina Archery Association.

Terry loved his family and friends and was a very open, honest and compassionate person.

Along with his mother, Terry is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy Nelson; sons, Terry J. and Brent C. Nelson; grandchildren, Kayla Moran and Hunter Nelson; and his brother, Robert C. Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Garren officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

An online guest book is available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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David Lee "Dave" Clark, 60

David Lee "Dave" Clark, 60, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Barbara Clark and a granddaughter, Heaven Stahr Clark.

Dave served in the US Coast Guard, was a vital member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616, the American Legion Post #77 and the Henderson County Community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Alesia Hyder Clark; a son, Eric Clark and his fiancée, Marshelia Morrow of Suffolk, Va; two daughters, Brandy Clark-Liner of Hendersonville and Amy Brown and her husband Colton of Hendersonville; two grandchildren, Hailey Stahr and Aidyn Brown; siblings, Patricia and John Freeman, Terry and Pamela Clark, Sandy and Russell Courtemanche, Bill and Maryann Clark, Robbie Clark and Nicole Smith all of New Hampshire and Connor Clark of Florida and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, at the American Legion with Rev. Frank R. Hyder officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard. The Elks Memorial will be conducted by the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616. The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3 p.m. prior to the service at the American Legion. Following the service a Celebration of Dave's Life will be held downstairs in the American Legion Canteen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sickness and Distress Fund at either the American Legion or the Elks Lodge.

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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Ralph C. Sparks

Ralph C. Sparks, 94, of Hendersonville, died on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at Beystone Health and Rehabilitation.

A native of Providence, R.I., he was born to the late Earl C. Sparks, Sr. and Lillian C. Sparks. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Doris A. Sparks.

He received his Journeyman's Certificate in tool and dye making and an associate's degree in mechanical engineering. He served his country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Manhattan Project Special Engineering Division. He worked for Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing, Wilcox and Gibbs, and Westchester Community College where he retired as a professor.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville, Gem & Mineral club and the Photography club. He also volunteered at Blue Ridge Community College taking courses so he could use and repair their equipment, and Habitat for Humanity. He was proud of the "Southwest Book Award" he received for his published book, "TWILIGHT TIME: A Soldier's Role in the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos." He enjoyed silver smithing, making jewelry, and rock hounding.

He is survived by his spouse Margaret Sparks; his four daughters; Penny Tate, Pat Mason, Barb Hamlin, and Debbie Campbell; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville with Reverend Dan Martin officiating

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Hendersonville First United Methodist Church Music or Solace fund.

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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Juanita "Tooter" Brackett Fowler

EDNEYVILLE — Juanita "Tooter" Brackett Fowler, 79, of Edneyville was called to Heaven on Nov. 9, 2013 after a long illness.

She was born on July 18, 1934, to the late Willie and Lilly Brackett. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister, her daughter Connie, her son-in-law, Junior Lanning as well as her daughter-in-law, Paula J. Fowler, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Onnie "Toad" Fowler of Edneyville; seven children, David Fowler of Hoopers Creek, Martin Fowler of Rutherfordton, Ronnie Fowler of Mills River, Larry Fowler of Leicester, Sharon Upton of Tennessee, Bobby Fowler and Regina Stephens of Edneyville; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill and Dick Brackett; two sisters, Sue Mathis and Thelma Martin and serveral nieces and nephews.

A beautiful, sweet lady, Tooter, loved her family, taking rides down her winding road to look for animals, singing gospel songs and most of all, she loved the Lord. She always had good things to say about everyone and prayed for all. Heaven will never welcome anyone any more precious than her and earth will never lose anyone sweeter. Her road is now straight and paved with gold and animals to look at everywhere. She is at rest in the arms of God.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Youngblood, Rev. Donald Hare and Rev. Bill Brackett officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at the church. At all other times the family will be receiving friends at the home of Onnie Fowler.

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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Terry M. Nelson, 65

Terry M. Nelson, 65, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Martin Heilbrunn

Born in Geisa, Germany, on May 6, 1922, Martin Heilbrunn died in Hendersonville Nov. 9, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Hildegard Levy, with whom he retired to North Carolina from Queens, N.Y.

He is survived by loving family: daughter Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin, son Robert Heilbrunn, daughter-in-law Alissa Heilbrunn, grandchildren Deborah (Shmuel Nadata), Sarah, and Hannah Potvin and Michael (Emma Covington) and David Heilbrunn, great-grandchildren Michal and Hobbes Nadata, nieces and nephews Lorraine and Tom Donaher, Rosalie Feistel, Kurt and Susan Nathan, and sister-in-law Mella Nathan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Babette, sister Ida Seid, and son-in-law D. Joseph Potvin. He was the last survivor of ten cousins, lost to the Holocaust, illness, and age.

During World War II, as a refugee from Germany, Martin was trained as a Ritchie Boy, interrogating senior German prisoners of war to secure information vital to the Allies. He served in Patton's Third US Army, in North Africa and Europe.

After the war, he married and raised two children in New York. He was a proud citizen of his adopted country, devoted to his family and to charitable work for Ethiopian Jewry and his community in Hendersonville. Principled and gentle, Martin bestowed dignity, patience, and loving attention on everyone who knew him.

A brilliant orator and writer, Martin also was known for his sense of humor, musical voice, and friendly outreach. Known to his grandchildren as Opa, he always greeted them with a twinkle in his eyes, inquiring "How are they treating you? Any complaints?"

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, in the Agudas Israel section of Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ.com) or to  Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, 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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Dolores Dillenkoffer Soukup Norton, 80

Dolores Dillenkoffer Soukup Norton, 80, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord on Saturday Nov. 9, 2013, at her residence after a courageous battle with dementia.

Mrs. Norton was born Jan. 16, 1933, in New Orleans to the late Richard Dillenkoffer and Gertrude Phelps Dillenkoffer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Godfrey A. Soukup, Sr., and a brother Richard R. Dillenkoffer.

A loving mother and grandmother, Dolores, was always happy to offer her advice and guidance. A homemaker and realtor, she had coached girls basketball in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Balfour Elementary School in Hendersonville.

She is survived by her daughter Janet Allison and husband Jay of Flat Rock; son Godfrey A. Soukup, Jr. and wife Alison of Hendersonville; five grandchildren, Caroline Negron, Riannon McNeil, Christy Ward, Joey Soukup and Dustin Allison; and six great grandchildren. Other survivors include a step-son Jerry Soukup and four step grandchildren, Doug, Steve, Ruthann and Ada.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel, conducted by a special cousin, Father Lawrence "Jay" Phelps of New Orleans. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be a Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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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James Gurley Hoots, 85

James Gurley Hoots, 85, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, No. 10, 2013, at the Elizabeth House after a lingering illness.

A life long resident of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Hilliard and Pearlie McCraw Hoots. He was preceeded in death by a brother Raymond Hoots and a sister Maudine Nix.

Jim retired from Dupont after 26 years of employment and was also an apple farmer. Jim was a gifted, self taught musician, who loved "pickin" with his friends and sons.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mary Jones Hoots; a daughter Carolyn Walker (Wayne), two sons, Gary Hoots (Gale) and Ricky Hootsb(Cindy), all of Hendersonville. In addition, he had four granddaughters , four great grandchildren, and a sister, Hazel Watkins.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at Mountain Home Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Dale Gilbert officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Association.

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

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Richard W. (Dick) Busch

Richard W. (Dick) Busch of Hendersonville passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; three sons, Philip (Akemi), Richard and Thomas (Christa); one daughter Lori Borardman (Jeff); six grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert of Norman, Okla., and Joseph of Gahana, Ohio.

A memorial mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church at 10 a.m. Friday Nov. 15, 2013.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immaculata School or Interfaith Assistance Ministry.

Jackson Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

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