Elizabeth "Libby" Hawkins Smith, 47

Elizabeth "Libby" Hawkins Smith, 47, of Hildebran died unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, at Frye Regional Hospital in Hickory.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce arrangements.

Read More »

Blanche C. Edwards, 86

Blanche C. Edwards, 86, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Born in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Anna and Henry Lowig.

Blanche attended St. Brigid Elementary School, Bishop McDonald Memorial High School and Kaupert Secretarial Junior College, graduating in 1945. She helped create and organize the Brigidiers at St. Brigid's Catholic Church, an organization for young people after high school to meet and dance every Saturday night. It became very successful for the community and Blanche met her husband at one of the dances.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who was also active in her church and community. She served as a member of the Rosary Altar Society and treasurer of both the Mercy League of Mercy Medical Center and the Ladies' Republican Club in Nassau County, N.Y.

Blanche is survived by her husband, John C. Edwards; son, Daniel J. Edwards; granddaughter, Sarah Anderson and grandson, Matthew Edwards; and great-grandchildren, William and Claire Anderson, and Trace and Mia Rose Edwards.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 am Thursday in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. The Reverend Andrew Nowak will officiate. Burial will be at noon on Thursday at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm Wednesday at Shuler Funeral Home.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

Read More »

Sue Lytle Marshall, 88

Sue Lytle Marshall, 88, of Flat Rock, passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

She was native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Marshall; her parents, Palmer and Nora Bradley Lytle; two brothers, Clan and Paul Lytle and two sisters, Myrtle Watterson and Anna Lou Garrett.

She was a very active and the longest living member of Refuge Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Anita Bryant and her husband Dan of Flat Rock; her granddaughter, Kristen McKnight and her husband John of Kannapolis, NC; her sister, Nancy Case of Flat Rock and several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life on Sue's 89th birthday will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at Refuge Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Perry and Rev. Zollie Ward officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Refuge Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 36, Dana, NC 28724.

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

Read More »

Linda Sue Hardin, 70

Linda Sue Hardin, 70, of Mountain Home died September 24, 2013 at Park Ridge Health after an extended illness.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Olga M. "Chris" Lynn, 91

Olga M. "Chris" Lynn, 91, passed away on Sept. 22, 2013, at the Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing in Hendersonville.

She was born in Jackson, Mich., to Romano and Onorina Maddalena. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Lynn, Jr. and her daughter, Barbara L. Douglas. Chris was also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Frank Rosa, Jennie and Boone Snyder, Phyllis and Bill Newbold, and Thelma and Woodrow Baker.

Chris joined the United States Army Nurse Corps and served in the European Theater. She met her future husband, also a United States Army officer, in Germany. They traveled by jeep to be married in the northern Italian town of Fanna, from which her parents had emigrated. Chris and Joe were married on July 19, 1946. Her wedding dress was made of ivory colored parachute silk. Her husband's military career took them to many duty stations in Germany and the United States. They retired to Jonesborough, Tenn., in 1981 and moved to Hendersonville in 2000.

She is survived by her children Mary M. Kauffold and her husband Richard, Joseph R. Lynn III and his wife, Joan, Martha A. McKalip and her husband, Bruce; five grandsons, Clay Kauffold and his wife, Erika, Colin Kauffold and his wife, Kerryann, Joseph R. Lynn IV, Cormac Lynn and his wife Mary, and Patrick Lynn; three great-grandchildren, Madeline Kauffold, Rebecca and Connor Lynn. She is also survived by siblings, Robert Maddalena and his wife, Paula, Nora Snyder and her husband, Jack, all of Jackson, Mich., and Ann Rosa of Peoria, Ill.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, with Father Robert Williams celebrating. Chris will be buried with her husband at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Tenn. Deacon Richard Carner of St. Mary's Catholic Church will preside at the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculata Catholic School, 711 Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791 or a local charity of choice.

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

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

Read More »

Sue Lytle Marshall, 88

Sue Lytle Marshall, 88, of Flat Rock, NC passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

Read More »

Margo Buck Esposito, 77

Margo Buck Esposito, 77, of Hendersonville, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at her home.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Margaret Kelloway Buck. She was also preceded in death by two children, Peggee Esposito and Tommy Mantooth and by her husband, Joseph A. "Joe" Esposito who died in January of this year.

A former resident of Charleston, S.C., she had spent summers in Hendersonville since 1976 before moving here in 1994. She was a retired bookkeeper and avid quilter who also enjoyed crocheting. She was a member of Joy Outreach Fellowship in Brevard.

Mrs. Esposito is survived by her son, Joe "Joe Joe" Esposito, Jr. of Hobe Sound, Fla.; daughter, Sarah Altaire Esposito of the home; grandson, Joel J. Esposito of Ladson, S.C.; brother, John Joel Buck of Sedona, Ariz.; 5 other grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Per her wishes no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Hwy. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Condolences may be offered online at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Read More »

Edith Hopper Guthrie

Edith Hopper Guthrie, died on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Four Seasons's Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

She was born on July 31, 1919, in London, Ky,. to the late James Dixon Hopper and Ethel Corn Hopper.

She was proceeded in death by their daughter, Bonnie Rae Stratton in 1980 and by her husband of 73 years, Charles Ison Guthrie, in 2011.

She is survived by a daughter, Carol Jean and her husband, Bob Heilman, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

During the years Charles worked for the C & C Coal Company in Kentucky, Edith managed their large commissary until 1958. Then, for the next 30 years, she and her husband owned and operated a drycleaners in Frankfort and Lexington, Ky.

After retirement in 1991 they moved to Hendersonville where they owned a home near Etowah. In 2004 she and Charles moved to the Harbor Building and then The Bridge, both of Lake Point Landing. Edith was a skilled seamstress, quilter, and a designer of Santa Clauses. She was an avid reader and loved flower gardening. She lived a long, full life on this earth, but she was ready to enjoy her eternal home in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

The family will receive friends starting at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Elizabeth House Renovation Fund in memory of Edith Guthrie, The Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, N.C. 28731.

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.

Read More »

Maura Allison Thomas, 33

Maura Allison Thomas, 33, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, Sept.19, 2013.

She was a native of Falmouth, Mass., and a resident of Henderson County most of her life. She was preceded in death by her brother Ulus Johnson III in 2008.

Maura was a beloved daughter, sister, wife and mother. She loved music, singing and cooking. She also enjoyed reading and studying the bible. Maura was a protector of many.

Surviving is her husband, Jeremiah Thomas; children, Emma Lee Allison and Edward Isaiah Thomas; mother, Patricia Fish; father, Edward Serrano and wife Carolyn; sisters, Ami Carr and husband Adrian of Knoxville, TN, Ivy Young and husband Jason of Edneyville, Sarah McCraw and husband Chris of Taylors, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at the First Baptist Church Hendersonville with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Joseph Louia “Cooter” Raines

Joseph Louia "Cooter" Raines, 83, of Hendersonville, died on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, at the Laurels of Hendersonville.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating.

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.

Read More »

Blake Tyler Flood

Blake Tyler Flood, cherished infant son of Evan Flood and Ilah Seymour, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at Pardee Hospital.

He was born Sept. 21, 2013. Blake was preceded in death by an uncle, Blake Christopher Seymour.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his maternal grandparents, Christopher Seymour and Patricia Seymour; paternal grandparents, Melody Harrison and husband Jay and William Flood and wife Leah; great-grandparents, Libby Huntley and husband Rodney, Patricia Flood, Lenard Haynes, Pamela Harrison, Doris Seymour and Laurena Turner; great-great-grandmother, Lillian Flood; aunts, Sara, Hanna and Alivia Flood; uncles, Hunter and Zack Flood; cousin, Spencer Ashbrook and many extended cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. David MacEachern officiating. Burial will follow in Fruitland Cemetery.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Maura Allison Thomas, 33

Maura Allison Thomas, 33, of Hendersonville passed away, Thursday, September 19, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

Read More »

Martha Ann Bracken Campbell

Martha Ann Bracken Campbell of Horse Shoe went to meet her Lord on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.

Her legacy is that of a strong Christian with unending faith, an inseparable partner of her husband, Ken, for 54 years, a most loving mother and grandmother, and a trusted friend to hundreds.

Martha Ann was a dedicated US Army wife for 30 years, serving with Ken in Puerto Rico, Panama, Washington, DC, Arizona, Hawaii, Georgia and other states. In addition to her many leadership roles, she served for two years as president of the Signal Officers Wives Club of Washington, DC.

A dedicated volunteer in every assignment, Martha Ann made an indelible positive mark on all the soldiers, wives and children with whom she had contact. For her extraordinary community service in Hawaii, Martha Ann was awarded by Lt. Gen. Bagnal, the Commanding General of the US Army Western Command, the Commander's Award for Public Service. This award is one of only three Department of Defense awards for private citizens. A portion of the award citation cited Martha Ann for "donating countless hours of selfless support and service for the welfare of the community and especially the young soldiers and their families."

Martha Ann was a faithful member of the Etowah United Methodist Church where she served in a number of leadership positions and in the choir. She was a leader in a weekly craft group which generated thousands of dollars annually from product sales for a variety of mission projects.

She was a full partner with Ken in their hand-crafted arts and crafts business which was successful from the very start in 1990. They participated in shows throughout the southeast and further afield. Martha Ann was an expert seamstress whose abilities produced hundreds of creative pieces for herself, the grandchildren, and the business. These activities provided hours of joy for her throughout her entire life.

Martha Ann is survived by her husband, Ken Campbell; son, Scott Campbell and his wife, April, of Easley, S.C.; three grandchildren, Brianna, Nicholas, and Katherine; two brothers, Roger Bracken of Easley, S.C., and Fred Bracken of Powdersville, S.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Etowah United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rick Auten officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capital Debt Reduction, Etowah United Methodist Church, PO Box 1268, Etowah, NC 28729, or to the USO, PO Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Louis Glenn Lett, 85

Louis Glenn Lett, 85, of Hendersonville passed away, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Edward J. Hinchey, 73

MILLS RIVER — Edward J. Hinchey, 73, of Mills River died on Sept. 17, 2013, after a long battle with COPD.

He was born in Centralia, Pa., to the late Edward A. and Margaret (McCullion) Hinchey. He was also preceded in death by his sister Constance.

He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne (Ledger), of 48 years; his daughters, Susan, of Philadelphia, Carolyn, of Clifton Heights, Pa.; sons, Brian, of Woodlyn, Pa., Edward of Newport Beach, Calif., Michael of Drexel Hill, Pa.; and seven beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Joan Costello of Pleasanton, Calif., Margaret Reilly of Bethlehem, Pa. and his brother, Joseph, of Lakeside Longneck, Del.

Ed was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hendersonville. After 34 years of service from the Operating Engineers 542, he moved to Mills River in 2005 to enjoy the mountain views and the southern disposition. He prided himself on hard work, punctuality and family devotion. His tenacious and giving spirit will be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Fr. Martin Schratz officiating. The family will receive friends beginning an hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brother Wolf, (a no-kill shelter), 31 Glendale Ave, Asheville, NC. 28803.

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.

Read More »

Kenmore "Ken" W. Nelson, 94

Kenmore "Ken" W. Nelson, 94, of Hendersonville, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013.

He was born on Nov. 3, 1918, in Door County Wisc. He was a resident of Henderson County since 1998. His career with Pan American Airways spanned 25 years. He was a man of faith (Baptist) a loving husband, father and provider. He loved aviation and jigsaw puzzles and being with family members.

He is survived by his three loving children, Tedd Nelson and his wife, Carol; Bruce Nelson and his wife Pat, all from Florida, Gayle Nelson Morgan and David Morgan of Hendersonville; his seven grandchildren, Craig and Kent Nelson, Debbie Brosey, Lisa Duncan, James Elmore and Jodie Elmore. He also leaves behind a loving companion and friend, his dog, Rusty.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd & Son. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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

Read More »

Linda Marie Conner, 76

Linda Marie Conner, 76, of Hendersonville died Saturday Sept. 14, 2013, at her home.

She was born April 17, 1937, to the late Smith Overman Baker and Deliah Maybelle Woody Baker. She was a loving mother and grandmother and there was never a dull moment. She loved reading, traveling and her family.

She is survived by her husband Orlando D. Conner, daughters Teresa Fischer, Deborah Baker, Anna Maria Darwin, a son Orlando Durk Conner, Jr., grandchildren Ce'Leasa A. Conner, Alexandra Sherry, Matthew Baker, William Zachery Baker, a great granddaughter Lily Lain Sherry, a sister Polly E. Dill and a brother Phillip "Scot" Baker.

She was preceded in death by sisters Mary Louise Praytor and Janette Baker, brothers Ronald Baker and Jack Baker.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the local Humane Society.

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

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

Read More »

Walter "Rod" Hartjen, 86

Walter "Rod" Hartjen, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 after an extended illness.

Born in Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Walter and Morisa Hartjen. He received his master's degree from Adelphi University and was a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, having served in World War II.

Rod retired in 1986 from teaching high school. Before moving to Hendersonville last year, he had resided in Brevard for 21 years. Rod participated in the Transylvania County Senior Games and volunteered for the US Forest Service. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.

Rod is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carrie Hartjen; his son, Paul Hartjen and wife, Cassie, and their children, Andrew, Luke and Alana; and his daughter, Laura Jones and husband, Michael, and their children, Nevin, Michayla and Caleb.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Burlas C. Ashe, 87

Burlas C. Ashe, 87, of Penrose died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at his home.

He was born Dec. 8, 1925 in Tuckaseegee to the late William Estes Ashe and Hattie Josephine Massingale Ashe. He was the husband of the late Mildred Evelyn Orr Ashe.

He was a US Navy Veteran serving in WWII. He retired from Olin/Ecusta after 45 years and was an active and faithful member of Little River Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

He is survived by his children; two daughters, Judy Cox and her husband Rick of Crab Creek, and Sheila Bagwell and her husband Tony of Greenville; two sisters Mildred Hooper of Anderson, S.C., and Naomi Waldrop of Cherryfield; two grandchildren Jason Cox of Crab Creek and Bridgette Bagwell of Greenville.

A graveside service will be held at Little River Baptist Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, with Rev. Chris Farmer officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at Little River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials can be made to Little River Baptist Church, 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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

Read More »

Margaret Ann Summer, 89

Margaret Ann Summer, 89, a native of Bat Cave, lived all of her adult years in Hendersonville, died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 in the Golden Living Center.

She was the daughter of the late Charles Dewey and Pauline Freeman Sumner. She is also predeceased by her brother, C.D. (Speck) Sumner, Jr. and her sister Patricia Sumner Smith.

Margaret was a 1941 graduate of Edneyville High School and Lees McCray College in 1943. She worked as a medical librarian and a public librarian. She was a member of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Bat Cave Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Bat Cave Baptist Church Cemetery fund.

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.

Read More »