Virjean “Rusty” Hutton Ruble, 84

Virjean "Rusty" Hutton Ruble, 84, of Hendersonville died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

She was a native of Daytona Beach, Fla., and had lived in Hendersonville for over 40 years. In 1990, she retired from Pardee Hospital.

She was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church and a former member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Raymond and Eleanor Hutton, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Keith, David and Ray Hutton.

Surviving are three daughters Leesa Rice of Lehigh Acres, Fla., Teri Hughes of Black Mountain, and Dawn Zawoysky of Atlanta; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Spirited and fiercely independent, Rusty will be fondly remembered for her creative, generous and loving nature, always putting others ahead of her self.

At her request, no formal services are planned.

Memorials may be made to the Henderson County Council on Aging, 105 King Creek Boulevard
Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William Arthur Murphy

LAUREL PARK — William Arthur Murphy, 90, of Laurel Park, died of heart failure on Sept. 3, 2013.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he was born on Aug. 20, 1923, to the late William Murphy, Sr. and Adelaide Brewerton McLaughlin.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and proudly served our country for four years on a destroyer in the North Atlantic Ocean and later in the Pacific Ocean. He graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelors of science in 1952 and a master's degree in biology and horticulture in 1953. He owned and managed a commercial nursery in South Florida and sold tropical plants nationwide for 19 years. He also taught horticulture at Miami Dade Junior College for 22 years.

He and his wife moved from Miami to Hendersonville in 1990 and he spent his retirement years creating many works of art and designing a beautiful garden on the side of their mountain home.

He leaves his wife, Susan; his three daughters, Susan Mallory of Tampa, FL, Janet Stephen of Charlotte, Nancy Slayton of New Mexico; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Arthur Murphy and his sister, Mary Glaser both of Long Island, NY. He also leaves three step-daughters, Michele Vernon of Arlington, VA, Jeanne Ruddy Keen of Philadelphia, PA and Robin Ruddy Sheridan of Nashville, TN.

A private committal service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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

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Teddy Joe Oliver

FLAT ROCK — Teddy Joe Oliver, 62, of Flat Rock, passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 in Hendersonville, with his devoted wife, Ann, by his side. He was also joined by his youngest brother, Lonnie, Lonnie's wife, Sandra, as well as several close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Earl, and his sister, Sharon.

Ted was born in 1950 to Ruth and Earl Oliver in the mountains of North Georgia and is a direct descendant of the Oliver family homestead in Cades Cove, Tenn. Industrious and hard- working, Ted found jobs in countless places including copper mines, carpet factories, pharmacies, and florist shops, saving money for his academic pursuits. Ted began his studies at Reinhardt College in 1969, and completed his Bachelors of Science in Art Education from the University of Georgia (UGA) in 1974. He then went on to earn a Masters in Art Education and an Education Specialist Degree from UGA and in 1986, spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Finland. With a love for learning and the arts, Ted's career as an art educator spanned the course of almost four decades, covered kindergarten to university level, including on teaching faculty at Kennesaw State University, Brenau University and Truett McConnell College.

He was an International Baccalaureate educator, President of the Georgia Art Education Association, served on the National Art Education Board of Examiners for the U.S. Education Standards, and on the Curriculum Revisions Board for World International Baccalaureate Arts Standards in Wales. Ted also was President of the Union County Historical Society, President of the Towns/Union Credit Union, as well as countless other positions of leadership throughout the state of Georgia and internationally. He was awarded Teacher of the Year Marietta City Schools 1976, Union County Schools 1981, Fannin County Middle School 1991, Campbell High School 1996, and Campbell High School 2000. Ted was named Georgia Art Educator of the Year in 1993, Georgia Secondary Art Educator of the Year in 1989,NAEA Southeast Art Educator of the year,1993 and was a Rotary Scholar in Cortona,Italy,1976. He taught at Campbell High School for twelve years before retiring in 2005. Throughout the course of his teaching career Ted served as an educator, mentor and constant friend to countless students.

Ted and Ann moved to the Hendersonville area in North Carolina in 2005 where they owned and operated Olivers' Southern Folk Art, a gallery dedicated to the celebration and preservation of folk and outsider art throughout the Southeastern United States. Together they were involved in many exhibitions over the past few years including, The CollectorsVision: Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, 2011;Outsider Visions, Boca Raton Museum, 2011;Looking Back, Walking Forward: Evolution of Southern Folk Art, Tryon, 2010; Response and Memory: Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, GA, 2010, Asheville Art Museum 2010; Masters of Southern Folk Art: Henderson Arts Council, Hendersonville, NC, 2009; Visions of Freedom: Alabama Folk Artists, Haywood Arts Council, Waynesville, NC, 2009; A Show of Faith, Religious Folk Art, Hendersonville, NC 2008; Black Folk Art of the American South, Kennesaw University, Kennesaw, GA,1993.

Ted is the beloved husband of Ann Oliver; father of Anna Kelso Schalk; father-in-law of Jeffrey Schalk; grandfather of Harvey Schalk; son-in-law of Ruth Breeding of Miami; and God-Father to Liv Koehler of Bonn, Germany. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives, Lonnie and Sandra, Steve and Becky, and Danny and JoAnn Oliver; his uncle, Gordon McConnell; his aunt, Edith McConnell and two nieces, Sondra Arnold and Betsy Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at The Episcopal of St. John in the Wilderness with Reverend John A. Morton officiating. A reception will follow in the parish house.

Information on memorial contributions that may be made in lieu of flowers can be found at www.thosshepherd.com.

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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Bernice "Bee" Herrmann Hansen

Bernice "Bee" Herrmann Hansen, 84, of Hendersonville, died on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Bee was born in Keansburg, N.J., on Jan. 19, 1929, to the late Edwin and Alice Herrmann. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter H. Hansen who died in 2005 and her brother Charles Herrmann.

She is survived by her two daughters, Karen Myers of Inman, S.C., and Kim Hansen of Hendersonville; her son, Keith Hansen and his wife, Debbie of Jensen Beach, Florida; a granddaughter, Jennifer Gleason and her husband Norman; and her great-granddaughter, Savannah Gleason of Inman, S.C.

She was a graduate of Middletown Township High School in New Jersey. She worked as a bookkeeper in New Jersey. After moving to Florida she worked at Seacrest/Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Fla., as secretary for 18 years until her retirement in 1984. Upon moving to Hendersonville, she worked as a secretary at Blue Ridge Community College for seven years, retiring in 1991.

After retiring, Bee worked as a volunteer at Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall.

All services will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West, 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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Barbara F. Strippel, 90

Barbara Finley Strippel, 90, of Hendersonville, died Sept. 6, 2013 of natural causes.

She was born Sept. 10, 1922, in Syracuse, N.Y., a daughter of the late Dr. John H. and Ada M. Finley. She graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse and Katharine Gibbs School in Boston, and worked for the War Production Board and Niagara Mohawk Power Co. She married Robert H. Strippel in 1947, and they lived in Philadelphia, New York and Syracuse before moving to Hendersonville with their family in 1960 for his work with General Electric Company's Outdoor Lighting Systems Department.

An avid golfer, she was a longtime member of Hendersonville Country Club and its Women's Golf Association, also volunteering with the Junior Golf program. She was a member of the Garden Club of Hendersonville and assisted with its Junior Garden Club program. She also was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, who died in 2011, she was preceded in death by one sister, Rosemary Finley.

She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Anderson of Asheville and husband, Benjamin; Cynthia Dutton and husband, Frank, of Charlotte; Laura Brown and husband, Rick, of Austin, Minn.; and one brother, Dr. John Finley of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and his wife, Genevieve; as well as five grandchildren, Benjamin and Robert Anderson, Kathleen Dutton, and Caroline and Christopher Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Angel's Chapel with Fr. Martin Schratz celebrating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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

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Marian Redden Fleming, 81

Marian Redden Fleming, 81, passed into the everlasting open arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 4, 2013 after a period of declining health.

She was born October 17, 1931 in Hendersonville and was the daughter of the late Arthur J. Redden, Sr. and Lena Ruth Redden.

She graduated from Hendersonville High School class of 1928. While attending high school she met the love of her life Robert L. Fleming, Sr. who precedes her in death.

Mother loved her family and is survived by her brother Arthur Redden, Jr. and sister Betty Pace White; her sons Robert L. Fleming, Jr. and Jeff Fleming; her only daughter Lena Julia Fleming; grandchildren Alex Fleming, John Fleming, and Elizabeth Fleming; special friends Betty Jones and Frankie Trantham with whom she loved to play cards and mother's favorite game "Deuces Wild." Mother also had a special cat she adored, Lulu and special friend Christine Reilly who loved to take her to lunch at Hot Dog World.

It is with great love and heavy heart that we all say farewell to our "Mother." Mother loved her family and she never met a stranger. She was a faithful Christian who trusted in the love of God. She was an avid reader of the Bible and taught Sunday school for many years at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Her daughter Lena would like to thank the Second Floor RN's Terry and Debbie and the Four Seasons Hospice staff. "Mother is playing bridge with her favorite Aunt Gerty and Grandmother Page. She is no longer in pain which gives me a sense of relief. Like I've always said, 'Mother, I'll see you on the other side. I'm going to miss you so much'."

A private service will be held at a later date.

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

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Mary E. Ritter Quinn, 75

Mary E. Ritter Quinn, 75, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord, Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

She was born December 21, 1937 in Henderson County and was a daughter of the late Leroy L. and Rosa C. Blythe Ritter. She was also preceded in death by a sister.

Mary graduated from Etowah High School as Valedictorian on May 22, 1956. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church of the Big Willow Community. Mary was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by her four children and their spouses, Mark A. Quinn and wife Diedra, Matthew T. Quinn, Michael C. Quinn, Angela L. Lafalce and husband Joe all of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers; and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Dewey Barnwell officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Shuler Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff at Four Seasons Hospice for all of their care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Louise G. Murphy, 78

Louise G. Murphy, 78, of Hendersonville died Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, in her home after a long illness.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was born on February 13, 1935 to the late John K. and Pansy Griffin. Louise is survived by her sister Fannie Corn of Hendersonville and preceded in death by her sisters Betty Eubanks of Hendersonville and Minnie Lou Vaughn of Brevard. She was the loving wife of the late Walter L. Murphy.

She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her son Mike Murphy and wife Claudia, and her son Steve Murphy. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Jason Murphy, Heather, Macee, and Olivia; Stephanie Cathey, husband Ben, Mason, Carson, and Maggie; Alicia Nash, husband Brian, and Leah; Andrew Murphy, wife Jodi, and Caitlyn.

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, at Shepherd Memorial Park with Pastor Tracy Fletcher officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. the evening before, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors in Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or at FourSeasonCFL.org.

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

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

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Marian Julia Fleming, 81

Marian Julia Fleming, 81, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, September, 4, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Helen E. Gyllenberg, 92

Helen E. Gyllenberg, 92, passed away on Aug. 13, 2013, and is survived by her sister Phyllis Smith Blossom of Florida.

She was born in Lake Forest, Ill., on Oct. 8, 1926, and was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Emily B. Smith, and a brother, Albert H. Smith.

Her beloved husband, Malcolm Gyllenberg, whom she met while they were both students at Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill., passed away in October 2005.

Helen and Gill were longtime residents of Hendersonville and Helen was a devoted member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hendersonville. She was an avid swimmer and tennis player at Hendersonville Country Club. Her many friends will miss her sweet personality and her sunny smile. She specifically requested that no services be held.

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Joseph Edward Stempien, 74

Joseph Edward Stempien, affectionately known as "Pop", 74, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2013 while camping with his family in Lenoir. A native of Pennsylvania and Florida, he had resided in Hendersonville for the past 40 years.

He was the son of the late John Joseph & Mary Fedor Stempien. Joe is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Walter J. Shelton, who raised him from the age of 9, with his wife Dolores. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and also served in the National Guard for 20 years. Joe was a member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church and Sid Jones' Sunday School class. He was also a member of American Legion Post 77 and VFW Post 5206, where he served two terms as Commander.
Joe was a painting contractor for 28 years retiring in 2001. Joe then spent the past 6 ½ years with Henderson County Public Schools retiring in March of this year. He spent many years as a youth football coach where he touched the lives of many young men and women. Joe had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He was known by everyone as someone who always told a good story, or joke. Joe lived life to the fullest and was always light-hearted. Joe had a deep love for all children and animals. He especially held his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close to his heart along with his four-legged daughter Ginger. Joe was a giver and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sheila; a son, Todd Stempien and his wife Tallie of Lincolnton, NC; a daughter, Tanya Jo Shook of Hendersonville; Grandchildren, Amberetta Jo Curd, Blake Curd, Keely Stempien, Joseph Konnor Stempien, and Kenna Stempien; two great-grandchildren, Branson, and Trenson; a sister, Dolores Stempien Shelton of Conyers, GA; a brother, John Joseph Stempien, Jr. and wife Susan, of Chambersburg, PA; an uncle, Michael Stepen; and several special nieces , nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 6, 2013 in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/tributes or Blue Ridge Humane Society https://www.blueridgehumane.org/

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family

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Mary Ellen Quinn, 75

Mary Ellen Quinn, 75, of Hendersonville passed away, Monday, September, 2, 2013. Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Wayne McGraw, 55

Wayne McGraw, 55, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 at his home.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and preceded in death by his parents, Hesley McGraw and Barbara Dill McGraw Craig, his brother, David Steve McGraw and his step-son, Kenneth Chastain.

He is survived by his wife, April Chastain; his daughter Angela Stahr and her husband Burgin of Hendersonville; his son, Chris McGraw of Hendersonville; his step-son, Dustin Atkins of Hendersonville; his step-daughter, Ashley Laughter and her husband Jacob of Hendersonville; his sister; Tammie Gross and her husband Nat of Mills River; his grandson, Jayden Laughter of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013 at Jackson Funeral Service. At other times the family will be at the home.

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Jeremiah Farrington, Jr.

FLAT ROCK — Jeremiah Arthur Farrington, Jr., 93, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, after a short illness.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne just 8 short months ago. He moved to Hendersonville 17 years ago from Princeton, N.J., where he had lived for over 40 years.

He graduated from High School at the age of 15, and then attended the Middlesex School in Concord, Mass., which he credited with introducing him to many of his lifelong passions. He graduated from Princeton University in 1941 with a degree in chemical engineering. He went to work for the Freeport Sulfur Company in Louisiana and Texas, before answering the Navy's call to direct a project at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, where he received an officer's commission. Upon discharge, he set up a development laboratory with the Cold Springs Bleachery in Yardley, Pa. In 1952, he returned to Princeton to begin his 35 year career in various positions culminating in his roles as Assistant Dean of Engineering and Assistant to the President.

Among his many accomplishments, he was a nationally renowned philatelist. His other interests included ancient Chinese ceramics, rare coins, gemstones and American antiques. Although he was 93, his wit, wisdom and sense of humor never left him.

He is survived by his children, Pam (Farrington) Boettcher, and husband Rick and sons; Steven Farrington, and Jeremiah A. Farrington, III (Jay) and grandchildren Brad Boettcher, Noah Farrington and David Farrington.

Per his request, there will be no memorial service. But we will all remember him as a special, talented and brilliant man who encouraged us to learn as much as we could about as much as we could in order to live a colorful life...not a grey one.

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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John P. Staffieri, Major, USMC (Ret.), 78

John P. Staffieri Major, USMC (Ret.), 78, passed away at home on Aug. 18, 2013.

Raised in Atlantic City, N.J., he entered military service at a young age. The final 17 years of his life were spent in Hendersonville, where he was active in the Marine Corps League. He was preceded in death by his brother Ray Staffieri and his sister Eleanor Portner.

John is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Dorothy Staffieri; daughter Renee Staffieri and her husband Jeff Nester of Hendersonville; son, Ray Staffieri and his wife Gail of Herndon, Va.,; and daughters, Anne Meeks of Sterling, Va., and Tracy St. John of Bristow, Va. Also surviving are his grandsons, Daniel Staffieri, Jacob Narvaez, Jonathan Staffieri, and Colin Staffieri; granddaughters, Christine Chow, Brook Henson; three great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Ravielli of Claremont, Fla.; and beloved niece, Karin Brooks.

John joined the Army National Guard at age 14 so he could march and play the bugle, then he enlisted in the Navy at age 15. At age 16 a security check of his ship revealed John was underage and he was discharged, but it didn't stop him. Still 16, he enlisted in the Marines and was sent to Korea where he fought in Seoul. Later, while laying telephone wire, he was blown out of a tree and left for dead by the enemy; then taken to Japan to recuperate. Not hearing from him, his sister contacted the Marine Corps and revealed his youth, but John turned 17 in time and as a corporal with an exemplary record, was allowed to remain a Marine.

His duty tours included Korea, London Embassy, Recruiting Duty, Beirut, Vietnam, Paris Island Drill Instructor, Okinawa, and later Japan. As a temporary officer during Vietnam; he carried concurrent officer and enlisted ranks, earning the highest of the enlisted. Then, as an administrator, he was selected as a Regular Officer.

John's caring personality took him to the Casualty Department, headquarters USMC, Washington, DC, for two tours. There he set up the casualty procedures and helped families of Marines who had fallen in Vietnam. He was the first to escort a deceased Marine foreign national back to his homeland for burial (Scotland). John retired from Camp Lejeune, NC.

Among his many military awards are: Navy Achievement Medal w/ "V" and star, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation w/ 2 stars, Navy Unit Commendation w/ 1 star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal w/ 3 stars, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/ 2 stars, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 star, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After military retirement, John returned to Atlantic City and worked as an administrator with the NJ Casino Control Commission until he and Dorothy returned to North Carolina.

Burial with Military Honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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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Ina Louise Tuttle Smith

Ina Louise Tuttle Smith, 92, of Etowah died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

She was born July 15, 1921, in Bennington, VT, to the late William Tuttle and Pearl Greenslet Tuttle.

She was a teacher and was a member of Mills River Seventh Day Adventist Church.

She is survived by her husband Harry Smith of Etowah, two sons, Bill Stull of Temperanceville, Va., and Roger Stull of Lewisburg, W.Va., two stepdaughters, Brenda Richards of Glendale, Calif., and Rhonda Torres of Candler, and four grandchildren.

Services are private.

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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Albert "Al" William Rogers

ETOWAH — Albert "Al" William Rogers, 91, of Etowah, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013.

Mr. Rogers was born April 22, 1922, in Los Angeles, Calif. He was a World War II veteran, commercial fisherman, and a retired NASA Engineer. He was business owner of AL's Fly Shop and devoted member of Trout Unlimited, Pisgah Chapter, member at Grace Lutheran Church, Hendersonville. Many knew him for his love of outdoors and fly fishing, he was an inspiration to so many.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christine Belz, and Cynthia Budin; granddaughters, Ashley Sanders, and Rachel Patterson; grandson, Jimmy Rutherford; two great-grandchildren, Bryce Patterson and Wyatt Patterson.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Langsdorf officiating.

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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Stephen Morrison Black, 68

Stephen Morrison Black, 68, of Hendersonville passed away unexpectedly at his home, Friday, August 23, 2013.

A native and life-long resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late David H. and Rubye Garren Black. He was a columnist for the Times-News for 22 years, and was very proud of his time with them. He was a Marine Corps veteran, serving during the Vietnam era, and was an avid reader of military history. He was an advocate of animal rights, and was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Scooter.

Survivors include his loving wife of forty-six and a half years, Joyce Black; a son, David Black of Hendersonville; a daughter, Sarah Black of Suwanee, GA; a brother, David C. Black and his wife Joyce of Boca Raton, FL; a sister, Carol Ann Holmes of Pompano Beach, FL; many nieces and nephews, and his little dog, Tater Bug.

A graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville, NC 28803, or any other no kill animal shelter of your choice.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Michael Nathaniel Lyons

Michael Nathaniel Lyons, 51, of Fletcher passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, after an extended illness. He has gone to enjoy eternal peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and the son of the late Nathaniel Lyons and stepson to the late Roy Lee West.

Mike worked for years performing various trade occupations such as factory and construction work. He was simple man, kind and courteous to everyone. In his younger years, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and loved being in the woods or on the river. Mike always had a story to share about the big ones that got away.

Mike is survived by his significant other, of 18 years, Sandra Riseden; her daughter Stacey and 3 grandchildren Cierra, Clorissa, and Jasmine; mother, Vina Sams West; sister, Donna Lyons Estep of Stafford, VA and her husband John and their two sons John and Brandon; brother, Randall Roy West of Hendersonville, and his wife Tammy, and their sons Cainan and Jordan and his wife Lauren; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Pastor Jimmy Justice officiating.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Michael N. Lyons, 51

Michael N. Lyons, 51, of Fletcher, passed away, Friday, Aug. 23, 2013.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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