Ethel Staggs Rogers, 85

Ethel Staggs Rogers, 85, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC.

She had lived most of her life in Hendersonville. She was a daughter of the late Charlie Short and Ellen Short Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, JC Staggs and Tom Rogers. In addition, she was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Staggs; a sister, Betty Laughter; two brothers, Olin H. and David Wilson; and two great-grandchildren, Rebecca Ann Crowe and John Michael Smith.

Mrs. Rogers loved her cat, Yeller, and her bird, Pretty Boy.

Survivors include her sons, Allen Staggs (Diane) of Saluda; Charlie Staggs, of Hendersonville; and Tommy Rogers (Jamie) of Cincinnati; daughters, Ann Gregory of Spartanburg, SC; Clara Trace of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Gloria Land (Steve) of Jacksonville, Fla., and 18 grandchildren, 25 great-children, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Matthew Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel.

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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Steven L. Smith, 56

GASTONIA — Steven L. Smith, 56, of Gastonia passed away Friday, April 12, 2013, at CaraMont Regional Health Center in Gastonia after an extended illness.

He was born in Catawba County, had lived in Henderson County for most of his life and resided in Gastonia since 2009.

He was the son of the late Chris Robert Smith Sr. and Edna Pearl Parker Smith.

He was a US Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey B. Smith of Gastonia; daughters, Christian Smith McCannon and husband George of Panama City, Fla., Elisha Smith of Louisiana, Hayley Roseberry of Gastonia and Hannah Runyon of Gastonia; son, James R. Smith and wife Joy of Asheville; brother, Chris R. Smith Jr. and wife Helen of Hendersonville; sisters, Teresa Parker Underwood and husband Mike of Clyde, and Jeannie Parker Leary and husband Charles of Asheville; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain with Rev. Craig Garren officiating. Steven will be honored with military rites. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Jackson Funeral Service.

Flowers are nice or donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

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

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Kathryn Linker Sieberman, 90

Kathryn Linker Sieberman, 90, of Hendersonville, went to sleep in Jesus Christ, Friday, March 22, 2013, in Asheville. She was born in Greensboro on Nov. 14, 1922, to the late Henry Lee Linker, Sr. and Thelma Taylor Linker.

Mrs. Sieberman, lovingly called "Aunt Kate" by many who knew her, was best known for her ability to live her Christian faith by humbly accepting all walks of life and caring for the needs of all she encountered. Her career was marked by helping others. She began her work-life as a teacher in Hendersonville, and later in a one-room Montana schoolhouse. She served many years as a Vice President of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Ill.

Kathryn Sieberman had a healing spirit that touched every person who met her. In 1957, Kathryn joined Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital ("The San") as a Switchboard Operator. Over more than 50 years she dedicated her life to helping patients, family members, visitors, employed staff and Medical Staff members. Aunt Kate had the gift of making all she met feel cared for and special.

Not long after joining the hospital, Mrs. Sieberman was assigned the leadership position for the entire Admitting Office that included the Switchboard, thus becoming the "face" of the hospital to the community. In addition to a strong work ethic, Kathryn was dedicated to personal development. While working full-time, she attended night school, graduating in 1973, from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Aunt Kate strongly believed that a hospital's capacity for healing comes not from its structure but from the spirit of those who work inside it. Her influence was especially profound on the Hinsdale Family Practice Residency Program. All areas of hospital life benefitted from her influence and loving touch. She was seen to be so essential to the Medical Staff that it named its lounge after her. She was an effective advocate for the Family Practice Residency and was the key to recruiting many young physicians to the program. Aunt Kate, as the residents called her, has a huge "alumni association" of once budding physicians and their families who credit her with their ability to tolerate the rigors of the program. She also extended this same loving kindness to many employees and others who hold fond memories of her encouragement.

Aunt Kate shared her zest for life and passion for Hinsdale Hospital with everyone she encountered. She was active in new employee orientation and taught many in-service training programs with the goal of creating a professional yet personal "look and feel" to the institution.

In her "retirement years", Aunt Kate returned to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital (by popular demand) as its "Customer Service Representative," welcoming each new patient with a flower bouquet. She said, "I give them (the Patients) the opportunity to express their needs, concerns or questions, so I can make their stay better. I don't want to take the human touch out of health care."

In 2004, as Hinsdale Hospital prepared to celebrate its Centennial, Aunt Kate once again came out of retirement. Her focus was to serve as the organizational historian and to help the hospital prepare for its celebration. However, she also returned to her previous tasks of doing all manner of "customer service" activities. Aunt Kate was 85 when a broken leg forced her third retirement.

Always a North Carolinian at heart, upon her third retirement Kathryn moved to North Carolina where she resided at Fletcher Park Inn in Hendersonville, near the school where she began her teaching career in her beloved mountains of Western North Carolina.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was Mrs. Sieberman's spiritual home where she taught many classes and shared her unique gifts of spiritual discipline and positive, healthy Christian living. She was a member of the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church for 56 years.

Kathryn is survived by nephews Chet Linker of Summerfield, and Dan Linker of Waynesville; sister-in-law Elizabeth Edwards Linker of Colfax; great niece Emma C. Linker of Pittsburgh; great nephew Wilson B. Linker of Oakland, Calif.; and Wilbur and Doris Linker of Greensboro.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Sieberman and her children David E. and Linda Lee Sieberman, also by her brother Henry Lee Linker, Jr.

A private burial service was held on March 28, 2013, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. April 27, 2013, at the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville.

In addition, a special celebration of Aunt Kate's life will be held at 3 p.m. on July 20, 2013, at the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 201 North Oak Street, Hinsdale, Ill.

Memorial gifts or gifts in lieu of flowers may be given in Kathryn Sieberman's name to: Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 130, Hinsdale, IL 60521, Benefitting the Cancer Center and Clinical Education or Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 201 North Oak Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, Benefitting Christian Education.

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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Minne Jean Justice Case

DANA — Minne Jean Justice Case of Dana went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Mae Belle Nix Justice, her husband, Clifford Case Sr. and several siblings.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and was a wonderful caregiver helping many people through the years including service with WCCA and the Council on Aging and loved crafts.

She is survived by three sons, Sidney Nalley of Dana, Dennis Nalley of Virginia and Clifford Case Jr. of Dana; three daughters, Pam Holden of East Flat Rock, Teresa Moore of Dana and Tracy Wood of Etowah; three sisters, Shirley Anderson of Florida, Velma Neal of Pennsylvania and Louise Martin of Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Mountain Home Baptist Church with Rev. Craig Garren and Rev. Jimmy Justice officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday  at Jackson Funeral Service and at other times will be at her home.

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

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Mary Jane Dachtler, 96

Mary Jane Dachtler, 96, of Hendersonville, died on April 8, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she was born on Feb. 9, 1917, to the late George Fiess and Helena McGuire Fiess. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Charles Dachtler.

She was most proud of her volunteer work for the American Red Cross where she transcribed books into Braille for the blind. In retirement she loved playing duplicate bridge with all her bridge friends in Hendersonville. She was of the Catholic faith.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Denise Gambone and her husband Tony. In addition to her daughter she is also survived by her granddaughters, Dena Gambone-Stende (Darik) of Minneapolis, Minn., Dr. Laura Gambone (Ken Nobles) of Little Rock, Ark., and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

In accordance with Mary Jane's wishes, there will be no local service at this time.

A 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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James "Jim" W. Marshall, Jr.

James "Jim" W. Marshall, Jr., 87, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Winnetka, Ill., he was born on May 10, 1925, to the late James W. Marshall Sr. and Mary Louise Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sarah "Cosy" Marshal,l who died in 2012 and his brother, Thomas Lees Marshall, who died July 9, 1944 in Fondaggio, Italy serving in an ambulance unit in the American Field Service during World War II.

A member of "The Greatest Generation" Jim also served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return home he attended and graduated from Brown University with a degree in English. He worked for Heritage Furniture Company as a traveling salesmen and while on a business trip to High Point he had a blind date with a true southern belle. Returning to High Point a year later, and seeing her with someone else he quickly realized that she was the love of his life. He married Sarah "Cosy" Hunsucker on Oct. 15, 1955, in a small ceremony in her parent's home.

As they started their family, Jim always held a special place in his heart for his brother, and realized that the gift of life and family were priceless commodities. Jim bestowed his brother's name to his first born son, Thomas Lees Marshall. The furniture business brought his small family to Florida, where he also got his brokerage license. After summering in Tryon with his family for many years, he and Cosy's love for the mountains of Western North Carolina brought them to Hendersonville in 1963.

He began working for McCarley & Co. of Asheville. He opened their Hendersonville office in the First Federal Building on Church Street. He was the only stockbroker in Hendersonville at the time and had Hendersonville's first ticker tape which afforded him the opportunity to learn the country's breaking news before most everyone else. His love and dedication to his work kept him in the brokerage business until his retirement.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club for over 49 years, a member of the Hendersonville Country Club, and a season ticket holder at Flat Rock Playhouse. He was on the board of directors for the Flat Rock Playhouse as well as the Salvation Army for numerous years. He was faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church for over 50 years and remained active as an usher up until a few months ago.

He is survived by three sons, Thomas L. Marshall of Hendersonville, James W. Marshall III and his wife Tiffany of Hendersonville, and Frank H. Marshall and his wife Lauren of Asheville. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Henry "Hank" H. Marshall, Wesleigh M. Marshall, Sarah Genevieve Marshall, and Louisa E. Marshall who all affectionately called him "Hobbie".

A memorial service will held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2013, in St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville with Rev. Joel G. Hafer, Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap, and Rev. Deacon Tim Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas L. Marshall Memorial Scholarship Endowment, c/o Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

A 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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Edwin Earl Peeler, 79

Edwin Earl Peeler, 79, of Brooksville, Fla., died April 4, 2013 in Brooksville.

He was the son of the late Horace and Violet Peeler and brother of Jim Peeler and Peggy Rogers of Hendersonville and Patricia Burke of Asheville.

A memorial service will be held in Florida at a later date.

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

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Marvin L. Scott, 78

Marvin L. Scott, 78, devoted husband, father, brother and friend passed away at the Life Care Center of Hendersonville on Sunday, April 7, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his devoted family.

Marvin was the beloved husband of Connie Sancetta Scott for 23 years; the loving father of Ellen, Hans (Andrea), Barbara Kapp (Mike), Martha, Steven (Julie), Robert, Susan Nemeth (Mike), Andrew (Heather), Christy Cashman (Jay) and Patrick (Amber). Grandfather to Patrick, Gabrielle, Savanah, Brian, Bianca, Dylan, Kristin, Brittany Botzum (Matt), Amy, Mark, Jennifer Yoder (Jeremy), Heidi Ball (Brad), Tanner, Sarah, Ben, Zachariah, Judy, Paul, Cecelia, Drew, Ella, Jay Michael, Quinn, Ivy and Camille. Great-grandfather to Braden, Claire, Brody, Luke and Abbey. Step-father of Diane Silva (Bob), Jim Lorentz (Beth), Susan Dieterich (Tom) and Mary Jane Hull (John). Step-grandfather to Nathan, Madeline, Halle, Clay and Brent.

He is also survived by his sister, Alcyone Scott of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Leverentz Scott, a sister, Ellen Ludwig and a brother, Ernest Scott.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Meredith and Ernest Scott. He served in the U.S. Air Force, worked in the electronics business and became a real estate broker upon moving to North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. The Rev. H. Alexander Viola will officiate. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Church, 1905 Greenville Hwy. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Melissa Jones Leonetti, 43

Melissa Jones Leonetti, 43, of Fort Mill, S.C., died as the result of a car accident on Friday, April 5.

She is the daughter of Larry G. and Janet Holbert Jones of Cramerton.

Melissa grew up in Cary. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and obtained her masters degree in social work from University of West Virginia at Morgantown. She worked as a social worker in Charlotte after college and most recently worked in the York County, S.C., school system. She is a member of the Fort Mill First Baptist Church.

It was in Charlotte that she met, fell in love and married Thomas Leonetti. She was blessed with two precious daughters, Anna Marie, age 11 and Ashley Grace, who recently celebrated her 1st birthday. Becoming a mother was a gift from God to Melissa and was her greatest joy. Her love for them will be carried in their hearts throughout their lives.

In addition to her husband, children, and parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother Melba W. Holbert of Hendersonville; parents-in-law John and Sue Leonetti of Chicago, IL; and her aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law and cousins who all loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with a graveside service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pall bearers will be J. Mark Holbert, Lanny F. Holbert, Jason M. Holbert, Daniel I. Holbert, David A. Holbert and Douglas E. Jones.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mitchell “Junior” Capps, 81

Mitchell "Junior" Capps, 81, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Elizabeth house after a brief illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Mitchell Capps, Sr. and Lola E. Pace Capps. He was also preceded in death by a sister, and four brothers.

He was a shipping foreman with International Paper, retiring after 28 years of service. He served in the Navy during the Korean War era. He loved playing shuffleboard and gardening. He attended First Baptist Church, Hendersonville.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Carolyn Dean Capps; a son, Wally Capps and Denise Reitmeier of Taylors, S.C.; a brother, L.D. "Buck" Capps and his wife Katherine of Edneyville; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Phillip Capell will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in the chapel prior to the servicel.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, 312 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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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Nancy Ward Hall Garrison, 89

Nancy Ward Hall Garrison, 89, passed away peacefully in her home in Hendersonvilleon April 5, 2013 after a long illness.

She was born in Biddeford, Maine, on Nov. 9, 1923. She was a 1942 graduate of Thornton Academy Saco, Maine. As an actor and soprano soloist, her talent led her beyond the Congregationalist Church in Saco to the Portland (Maine) Little Theatre and Arundel Theatre (Kennebunkport). She was awarded Mrs. Maine in 1956.

After relocating to Greenville, S.C., in 1957, she continued acclaimed performances at The Greenville Little Theatre, earning an Emmy for her portrayal of Emily in "Our Town." She gave multiple performances at Flat Rock Playhouse (North Carolina). She anchored "Around Town with Nancy" on WFBC-TV, Greenville. From 1969-1974 she was head of the dental assistant program at Greenville Technical College.

She is preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings and her first husband, Robert L. Hall. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, William E. Garrison; her two daughters Pamela A. Ellwood and Judith H. Singer; his son C.E. Garrison, and his daughter Susan J. Garrison, M.D.

Her grandchildren include Elizabeth Espinueva, Gregory W. Ellwood and Courtney E. Gazaleh. Great-grandchildren are Leah Mathis, Philip Mathis, Jr., Greta Gazaleh, and Adelyn Gazlaleh. Her great-great granddaughter is Kaiya Drummond.

A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, in the Remembrance Chapel of Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, S.C. Chaplain Alan Taylor, Four Seasons Hospice, will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. in the chapel prior to the service.

Donations may be to Transylvania Animal Alliance Group (TAAG), P.O. Box 844, Brevard, NC 28712,www.taagwags.org, or Eliada Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 16708, Asheville, NC 28816. www.eliada.org.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Deborah Janice Lance, 53

Deborah Janice Lance, 53, of Hendersonville died on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Henderson County, she was born on Jan. 31, 1960, to the late Bennie Lance and Hazel Hooper-Worley. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother Frances Lance; her brother, Tony Lance; and her son, Laramie Mark Tate.

She enjoyed going camping, spending time at the beach and participating in Bible studies. She was of the Jehovah's Witness faith.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Hudson (Chris) of Arden; her son, Brian Beddingfield (Marianne De La Cruz) of Hendersonville; her sister, Teresa Sprinkle (Wayne) of Fletcher; her grandson, Jacob Hudson of Asheville; her granddaughter, Jenna Hudson of Arden; her significant other, Jimmy Metcalf of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Eugene Dodd officiating. The family will receive friends at her home following the service.

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

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Frances J. Gonzales, 91

Frances J. Gonzales, 91, of Hendersonville died on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Pardee Hospital after a lengthy illness.

A native of Whitewater, Wisc., she was born on February 18, 1922, to the late Frank and Jeannette Lidicker.

Prior to her moving to Henderson County in 1995, she lived in Cashiers, Orlando, Fla., El Paso, Texas and Panama. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, and was an active volunteer in their kitchen for seven years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Oved Gonzales; her step-children, Delia Mencer of Charlotte, Lita Gonzales of Savannah, Ga., and Timothy Gonzales of Orlando, Fla.; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. April 15 at St. James Episcopal Church  with the Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell, the Rev. Joel G. Hafer and the Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap officiating.

A 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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Fred Davis

FLETCHER — Fred Davis, 94, of Fletcher died Monday, March 18, 2013, at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Since December 2012, Fred resided at Harbor Chase in Aiken, S.C.

Born in Waynesville, he was the son of the late Fred E. Davis and Hester Lavada Morgan Davis. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Barbara Crane Davis.

Fred was the manager and in sales of various NAPA automotive stores in Hendersonville, Asheville and Spartanburg, S.C., areas for about 40 years. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps.

He is survived by four children, Susan Elizabeth Foster and her husband, Robert G. Foster, of Aiken, S.C., Dr. Barbara Abbott of Cary, Robert H. Davis of Concord, and Fred E. Davis III and his wife Dianne of Hamden, Conn.; nine grandchildren, Dr. Laura Foster of Lexington, Ky., Charles G. Foster (Haiying) of New York City, Eric Abbott of Addison, Ill., Aaron Abbott of Cary, , Andrea Abbott of Raleigh, , Morgan Davis (Melissa) of Swannanoa, Stephen Davis of Concord, Kathryn Davis Clarke (Stephen) of New York City, and Bob Davis of Atlanta, and one great grandson, Grove Davis.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Friends of HCPL (Henderson County Public Library) - Fletcher Branch, 120 Library Road Fletcher, NC 28732.

Graveside services are planned for 2 p.m. April 13 at Calvary Episcopal Church Cemetery, Fletcher.

A 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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Robert L. Mechem, 69

Robert L. Mechem, 69, of Hendersonville, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Billy T. Lunsford

Billy T. Lunsford, 73, of Hendersonville died on Thursday, April 04, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Buncombe County he was born on Oct. 8, 1939, to the late Thurman Lunsford and Mary Peters Lunsford. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Lunsford and his sister, Mary Ann McLaughlin.

Living most of his life, in Henderson County he worked as a truck driver for several different companies and in his retirement he worked at Sams Club. He was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, and an avid fisherman. Never meeting a stranger, he prided himself in helping others, doing anything in his power to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Alice Bishop Lunsford; his two sons, Walter Lunsford and his wife Karen, of Hendersonville, James Lunsford and his wife Melinda, of Hendersonville; his two daughters, Brenda Gilliam of Hendersonville, Martha Clayton and her husband Greg, of Hendersonville; his four brothers, J.W. Peters of York, S.C., Rayfield Lunsford of Asheville, Archie Lee Lunsford of Asheville, Joey Lunsford of Burnsville; his three sisters, Gracie Brown of Leicester, Haven Hembree of Oteen, Gail Robinson of Old Fort; his nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Gethsemane Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the funeral home.

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

A 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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Allan Ray Cox, 46

Allan Ray Cox, 46, of Horse Shoe passed away Monday, April 1, 2013, at Carolinas Medical Center following lifelong heart complications.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of Edna Pruitt Cox Allison of Hendersonville and the late Grady L. Cox. His sister Audrey Cox Steele, also preceded him in death.

He was an active member for 30 years at Etowah-Horse Shoe Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept. and was a new member of the Edneyville Lions Club.

He was a dozer and Low Boy operator for the NC Dept. of Transportation. Prior to his work with the NCDOT, he was the owner and operator of Second Chance Trucking, Inc., his lifelong dream.

Upon receiving the Lord, he was baptized and became a member of Etowah Baptist Church. His passions in life, other than his family and friends were his motorcycle and his devotion to helping others.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his devoted wife Crystal Huggins Cox; stepson Brad Huggins of Hendersonville; son Stephen Allan Cox of Flat Rock; one brother, Jerry Cox and his wife Barbara; two sisters, Irene Barnwell and husband Billy and Carol Vaughn and Gene Moore; mother and father-in-law Bob and Melba Huggins all of Hendersonville; and a large number of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Brian Henderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Edneyville Community Lions Club, P.O. Box 797 Fletcher, N.C. 28732.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William A. Gooch

William A. Gooch, 89, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013, in the Brunson Chapel at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville with Reverend Dan Martin officiating.

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

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Arthur Harold Kiehl

Arthur Harold Kiehl passed away on March 28, 2013, at the age of 94 in Hendersonville, where he and his wife Katherine lived for over 30 years. Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the last survivor in a family of eight children.

He began his career at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he won Litchfield Medals in Goodyear's engineering program. During his diverse and successful career as a manufacturing executive, he managed the manufacturing operations for divisions of major industrial companies, including Textron, GF, Singer and Ethan Allen.

Arthur and his wife, Katherine, raised four children and made their home in five different states before retiring to North Carolina. An avid golfer, he continued engineering mechanical devices for swing training and continued playing golf for many years in retirement. He and Katherine, a talented artist, were active in their church and local volunteer organizations.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Judith and Janet; parents, Albert and Mary Jane Pake Kiehl; sisters, Mae (Steiny) Steinbach and Norma (Bud) Bock; brothers, Glenn (Dorothy), Ray (Midge), Gene (Ginny), Floyd (Lucille) and Robert Kiehl; and niece, Donna Kiehl.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Katherine Mary Kiehl; sons, Donald Eugene Kiehl and Richard Arthur Kiehl; daughter-in-law Anna Scaglione Kiehl; sister-in-law, Harriet Kiehl; nieces and nephews, Tom (Susie) Kiehl, Jerry (Eleanor) Kiehl, Jim Kiehl, Fred (Kathy) Kiehl, Denny (Karen) Kiehl, Bob (Priscilla) Kiehl, Laurie Kiehl and Joan (Jim) Krejci.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue W., Hendersonville. A private burial will be held at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio.

A 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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Edward Donel Gilbert, 73

EDNEYVILLE — Edward Donel Gilbert, 73, of Edneyville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 1, 2013, at the VA Hospital in Black Mountain.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Dalton Gilbert and Burgeon Gilbert, brothers, Ervin Gilbert and Samuel Gilbert, a nephew and two nieces.

He loved going to the local auction every Friday and Saturday night but come Sunday morning you could find him on the back pew of In Jesus Name Church. He was in church every time the doors were open. He is now rejoicing in Heaven. He will live on in our precious memories we have of him and forever live in our hearts. He will be missed by so many.

Edward served his country in the US Marine Corps.

He is survived by a loving wife of 52 years, Sandra Gilbert; a son, Jeffery Gilbert and wife Rita of Hendersonville; a daughter, Sheila Gilbert Bousson and husband Dennis of Edneyville; three grandchildren, Amanda Gilbert Magnet and husband Charlie, Corey Bousson and Timmy Bousson all of Edneyville; three sisters and a brother all of Edneyville and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at In Jesus Name Church with Pastor Dale Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:50 p.m. prior to the service in the church.

Donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center Voluntary Service, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, or to In Jesus Name Church, 2934 Sugarloaf Mountain Road, Hendersonville NC 28792.

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

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