Ricky Dale Laughter, 54,

Ricky Dale Laughter, 54, of Etowah, NC passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at Mission Hospital.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family

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Hazelene Ward Deitz, 81

Hazelene Ward Deitz, 81 of Hendersonville, NC went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 7, 2016.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd W. Ward and Mary Hall Ward and a sister, Mary Lee Ward.

She was a member of the Hendersonville First Baptist Church and the Red Hats Club.

She is survived by two daughters, Susie Jones and Cindy Jones both of Hendersonville; five grandchildren, Jason, Chris, April, Heather and Vanessa; eleven great grandchildren; a niece, Elaine Dillingham and a nephew, Michael Heilbronn.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 9th at the Hendersonville First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. Burial will follow at the Whitaker Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

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

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Marjorie Gail Foster Riggs, 73

Marjorie Gail Foster Riggs, age 73 of Hendersonville went home to our Lord on Friday, March 4, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She passed away at the Life Care Center of Lake Point Landing. She was preceded in death by her parents Hobert and Trula Foster. Mrs. Riggs was born in Johnson City, TN and spent her early years in Asheboro, NC.

Mrs. Riggs was a resident of Henderson County. She was a graduate of Appalachian State University where she received a Masters’ Degree in Education. Her teaching career of thirty-three years was spent at West Henderson High School.

Mrs. Riggs was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church, North Carolina Retired Teachers’ Association, Henderson County Education Foundation, the Community Foundation, Hendersonville Country Club Women’s Golf Association, and the Hendersonville Jaycettes. She was a supporter of Hope Academy at Mud Creek Baptist Church and the Henderson County Humane Society. Mrs. Riggs was a fellow of the Paul Harris Rotary International Scholarship and an inductee of the Asheboro High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

She is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Richard Garley Riggs. She is also survived by cousins: Roger Painter, Billy and Janice Painter, Curtis Painter, Gilbert Painter, Norman Painter, Cynthia Dockery, and Alice Gooch.

The funeral service will be held at Mud Creek Baptist Church Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation prior to the funeral at 12:30 p.m. Dr. Greg Mathis will be presiding. Burial will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hope Academy at Mud Creek Baptist Church, 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

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Joan Wilson

Joan Wilson, amazing Mom and Nana, passed at her home on March 1, 2016. She lived a full and beautiful life, and she will be missed by all of the family and friends who have had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Joan is survived by her three sons: Jeffrey and his family in Arizona, Christopher and his family in Maryland and Patrick in Virginia. She also leaves two sisters, Carol and Dixie and their families.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at 2 pm at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

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

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Rev. Clarence Porter, 77

Rev. Clarence Porter, 77, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. Born in Harford, MD on March 11, 1938, he was a son of the late William Roscoe and Anna Patton Porter. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold Porter.
On December 27, 1960 Rev. Porter was saved and in 1968, the Lord called him into the ministry. He and his wife Shirley moved to Hendersonville, NC that same year, and he enrolled at Fruitland Bible College, graduating in 1971. He was pastor at First Baptist Church, Brighton, MI; Kings Grove Baptist Church, Edneyville, NC; and Shepherd Street Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC. He was also the interim pastor at Fair Haven Baptist and Tracy Grove Baptist, Hendersonville, NC.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley Horner Porter; one son, Allen Porter (Theresa) of Hendersonville; two daughters, Debbie Pittillo (Wayne) of Hendersonville and Donna Moss (Rick) of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Allison Covington (Phillip), Brittany Dixon (Josh), Brendan and Brooke Moss, Jace Pryor, Cable and Christa Porter; one great granddaughter, Paisley Dixon; one sister, Pauline Tyndall (Marvin) of NJ; one brother, Gene Porter of MD.
Funeral services will be held 2pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Fletcher First Baptist Church with Reverends Roy Waldroup, James Hefner and Henry Vegter officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 12-2pm prior to the service.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Lula Coston Hill, 90

Lula Coston Hill, 90, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Catawba Regional Hospice, following a period of declining health. A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Lola Coston. She was also preceded in death by her husband T. Polk Hill, who died in 1991.
She was a graduate of Edneyville High School, and is a member of Edneyville United Methodist Church. Lula loved to cook and was a master fried apple pie maker. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed knitting. Lula had a table at the Curb Market for many years. She enjoyed talking with guests at Hillcrest Orchard during apple season. She loved her family very much and enjoyed spending time with them, especially the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Canova and her husband Louie of Rome, Ga., Patricia Osteen and her husband Scott of Hickory, NC; son, Terry Hill and his wife Amy of Seven Lakes, NC; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Edneyville United Methodist Church with Pastor Nancy Walton officiating. A visitation will be held from 12-1pm prior to the service. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adult Life Program Catawba County, Catawba Regional Hospice, or Edneyville United Methodist Church by visiting www.tmcfunding.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Nancy Kay Reale, 77

Nancy Kay Reale, 77, of Hendersonville, passed away, Monday, February 29, 2016. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Laura Jackson Hartsook, 42,

Laura Jackson Hartsook, 42, of Hendersonville passed peacefully from this world to her new Heavenly home on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 2PM following a long battle with chronic illness. Born in Hendersonville, Laura was a loving daughter and sister, and the most amazing wife and mother to her family.
Laura was employed at Carolina Mountain Internal Medicine in Hendersonville at the office of Dr. Eric Byrd. It is here that Laura was able to truly serve out God’s purpose in her life as she served so many in the community through her endless compassion and drive to help those in need. She never said no and she never failed to brighten the day and inspire everyone she came in contact with through this office. Laura drew strength in her purpose to help those who were fortunate to be placed in her path and it was with this strength that she was able to battle her own pain and illness all the way to the end, never sacrificing the care she would provide to those many that counted on her. The family could never capture the many names of the lives that Laura touched. Even if she was only in your life a fleeting moment in time, she made such a lasting and loving memory. You know who you are and the family is grateful for all of you, as you made her time in this world so very special.
Laura is the daughter of Charles and Emma Jackson of Dana, NC. She is survived by both parents; her husband, Ron; a daughter, Breanna Jackson of Boone and son, Koty Hartsook of the home. She is also survived by a sister, Paula Oates and husband, Rusty, and two nieces, Alex and Kylie, also of Dana. Laura has several In-laws who also loved her as one of their own, parents Terry and Wendy Hartsook of Key Largo, FL, along with brother Brian (Tammy) Hartsook of Black Mountain, David and (Kim) Hartsook of Morristown, TN, Lisa and (Ken) Warren of Hendersonville, and also nieces and nephews, Brooke Hartsook-Fields (Trey), Lucas Hartsook, Cole Hartsook, Amanda Hartsook, and so many countless others she supported in love and guidance over the years. She was such a motherly presence to so many, even at her young age. Laura was surrounded by her family and friends through her last days and, even in death, she was able to provide one last service to her grieving loved ones in that she left us with a Peace and Spirit that we will never forget.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Bethel Wesleyan Church on Tracy Grove Road. The Reverend Tim Clark will officiate. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 pm Saturday at the church.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, all those who loved Laura pay it forward to someone in need.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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John R. High, 71

John R. High, 71, of Hendersonville, passed away, Monday, February 29, 2016. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Waleria Wysolovski, 90

Waleria Wysolovski, 90, of Hendersonville, died Friday, February 26, 2016 at The Laurels of Hendersonville after a period of declining health. Born on May 21, 1925, Waleria was a native of Long Island, NY, and the daughter of the late Steven and Anelia Wysolovski. She was a retired registered nurse and nursing instructor at Hunter College, City University of New York, in Manhattan. Upon retirement, she moved to Hendersonville to be close to her brother Leon Wysolovski. She was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.

Surviving is her niece Laura Goss and family of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; her sister-in-law Jessica Wysolovski of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her seven siblings; Carol, Leon, Daniel, Josephine, Marie, John and William.

Services and interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Literacy Council of Hendersonville or Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church at www.tmcfunding.com To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

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George D. Gambsky, 90

George D. Gambsky, 90 of Etowah passed away Saturday February 27, 2016 at the Elizabeth House
Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service.

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Flora K. Praytor, 86

Flora K. Praytor, 86 of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday February 23, 2016 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers FL.
Born June 01, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Marry Lee Cagle and wife of the late Floyd Praytor.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Paulett K. McMinn and five siblings.
Her passion was her family and she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She had many friends and was loved and will be missed by all that knew her.
Survivors include two sons, David West and Jack West and his wife Janet, five daughters, Linda Pridmore and her husband Paul, Gail R. Clifton, Catherine J. Ball, Beverly W. Davis and Delza D. Healy, twenty one grandchildren, fifty six great grandchildren and eighteen great great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Monday February 29, 2016 at 2PM at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Praytor family.

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Marjorie M. Rector, 90

Marjorie M. Rector, 90 of Asheville went home to Heaven on Friday February 05, 2016 from the John Keever F. Solace Center.
She was the daughter of the late Franklin and Anna Hystrom Gillespie and wife of the late Charles H. Rector.
She had been a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church for the past 70 plus years where she remained active.
Survivors include one son Charles Rector, two daughters Sharon and Anna Rector, one granddaughter Nichole McKinney and one great granddaughter Evelyn Grace all of Asheville.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday March 05, 2016 from 3PM to 5PM at Saint Mark Lutheran Church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Rector family.

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Dicie Wright Boykin

Dicie Wright Boykin, passed away Friday February 26, 2016 at her residence.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family locally

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Edward Dyal Smith, 70

Edward Dyal Smith, age 70 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. He was born June 20th, 1945 in Knoxville, TN; a son of the late, Marion Lee Smith and Emily Elizabeth Dyal Smith.

Dr. Smith graduated from Alcoa High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Auburn University and completed one year post-doctoral fellowship in Ames, IA. Ed retired from DuPont in Brevard, as the senior research chemist, was a member of the Hendersonville Country Club, and the Henderson County Zoning Board. He enjoyed fishing and custom fishing rod building.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ruth Morrill Smith; son, Michael Edward Smith of Stuart, FL; daughter, Monica Elizabeth Smith of Fletcher; sister, Marian Smith Rodgers and husband, Glenn of Beavercreek, OH; grandson, Joshua Michael Smith of Hendersonville; two nephews, Thomas Rodgers and wife, Lauren and James Rodgers and wife, Laurie, and their children, Jaxon and Mason.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 in the Our Lady of Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Edward’s memory be directed to Maryville College, New Science Building Fund, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804; or to Free Clinics, 841 Case Street, Hendersonville, 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 the arrangements.

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Iva M. Byrd, 73

Iva M. Byrd, 73, of Hendersonville transferred from this Earthly home to her spiritual home with Christ our Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. Born in Abilene, KS, she was a daughter of the late Lilla Lucille Mondt and Howard Laughlin. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Elaine Laughlin.
Mrs. Byrd was a member of Living Water Baptist Church and also attended Upward Christian Fellowship. She was a woman with a “Servants Heart”. She was a dedicated servant to God, and a Christ centered wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband worked for 14 years with the Baptist Children’s Home of NC.
Survivors included her loving husband of 55 years, James R. Byrd; one son, Mark Byrd (Lori) of GA; two daughters, Kim Byrd of SC, Wendi Page (Charles) of Flat Rock; five grandchildren, Jessica Roy (Matthew), Katie and Jake Byrd, Whitney and Renee Page; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Caroline Roy; one brother, Norman Laughlin (Connie) of CA.
A celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with burial to follow in the park. The family will receive friends after the service at Upward Christian Fellowship.
Memorials may be made to Fruitland Baptist Bible College at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Elaine Patricia Williamson, 74

Elaine Patricia Williamson, age 74 of Hendersonville, NC went unexpectedly and peacefully on January 31st, 2016 to rest eternally in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. She was the daughter of the late William and Helen Treston. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving son, Brian Williamson. Elaine was born in 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1958.

Elaine was active in her neighborhood especially selflessly caring for elderly neighbors and friends. She moved to Hendersonville in 2007 where she thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant outdoors and friendly community. Elaine was a passionate participant in crafts her entire life – frequently making heartfelt gifts of crochets, quilts and ceramics for the less fortunate, friends and family. Elaine worked at Frankfort Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit as a medical secretary for 26 years and loved every minute of her time there. Elaine was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce of Hendersonville; her brother, William Treston and wife, Helen of Salem, NJ; her two sons, Bruce Scott Williamson and wife, Jennifer of Alpharetta, GA and Mark Todd Williamson and wife, Susan Rexing of Clementon, NJ; her niece, Kimberly Sutton and husband, William Sutton; and seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Nicholas, Rachel Williamson of Alpharetta, GA, Tristan and Mason Williamson of Norristown, PA, Joshua and Alexis Williamson of Clementon, NJ; and several cousins across the country.

A memorial gathering will take place this fall in Camden, ME.

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 the arrangements.

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Eddie James Taylor, 62

Eddie James Taylor, 62, of Dana, NC passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
He was born in Hot Springs, NC to the late Roscoe and Viola Garrett Taylor. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Dale Taylor and a step-daughter, Jessica Duncan.
Eddie was an active member of the Edneyville Community Lions Club, was very well know for making Tin Men and loved to hunt and fish.
He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Diane Gibbs Taylor; two daughters, Ginger Reynolds (Charlie) of Hendersonville and Michelle Hylemon of Dana; four granddaughters, Hannah and Samantha Reynolds and Erica and Briana Duncan; a brother, Aubrey Taylor (Anne) of Whitesburg, TN; a son-in-law, Richard Gibbs (Gail) of Hendersonville; a sister-in-law, Kay Taylor of Sanford, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel and at other times will be at the home of his father-in-law, Bill Gibbs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edneyville Community Lions Club Eyeglasses Fund so that others may see, PO Box 289, Edneyville, NC 28724.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jean Eileen Boots, 74

Jean Eileen Boots, 74, of Hendersonville passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. Born on February 1, 1942 in Ellwood City, PA, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Elizabeth Mae Brunner Peterson.

Mrs. Boots lived in Summerville, SC for 35 years prior to moving to Hendersonville, NC. She was a member of the Summerville Presbyterian Church and also retired as the office administrator after 28 years of employment. She was a woman with a “Servant’s Heart” using her time, talents and tithes to further the Lord’s work. She was a former president of the APA (Administrative Personnel Association) and Mary Kay Consultant. She volunteered wherever she saw a need or felt called to serve. She served as an Elder and Deacon at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church. She was very involved in the Presbyterian Women. She served her communities via Meals on Wheels, the Palmetto House, flower ministries and visiting shuts-ins. She volunteered at The Storehouse for 10 years and also provided cards for all occasions through her card ministry to friends and family. Worldwide, she and her husband supported numerous missionaries and orphans, Habitat for Humanity, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the American Bible Society.

A devoted veteran’s wife, she supported her country by supporting her husband and their children. She and her husband met at a dance hall in Western Pennsylvania, and he knew from the first glance that he would marry this woman. Dancing is what brought them together and remained a constant in their lives until 2011. They both enjoyed square dancing, round dancing and choreographed ballroom dancing throughout their marriage.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Ed Boots; two sons, Ed Boots, Jr and wife Marla of Fombell, PA and D. Jay Boots and wife Sheila of Blackville, SC; five grandchildren, Cynthia, Krystal, Kimberly, Samantha and Jenna; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Campbell and Dwayne Durham officiating. A special 30-minute musical prelude of Jean’s favorite songs will begin at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow at the church. An open mike will be available at the reception to share memories of Jean for those who would like to do so. Burial will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, The Storehouse or Four Seasons Compassion for Life at www.tmcfunding.com.

To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William Donald O’Neil, 85

William Donald O’Neil, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Carolina Village Medical Center. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Clara Curtin O’Neill. He was also preceded in death by his son William D. O’Neil, Jr. and his son-in-law James Irvin.

Prior to moving to Hendersonville in 1987, he resided in Center Moriches, NY and attended City College of NY. He was a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Korean War and was employed by the US Department of Defense for 35 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist. His children were particularly proud of his work as part of a large team of dedicated people who built the Lunar Excursion Module that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon.

He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Catherine L. O’Neil; children, Karen Irvin, and Richard O’Neil both of Salem, VA and his daughter-in-law Jane Jacobs of New York, NY; grandchildren Jillian O'Neil Nussbaum, Jordan O'Neil, and Olivia O’Neil, all of New York, NY; two great grandchildren, and one brother, Thomas E. O’Neil.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 26, 2016, at St. James Episcopal Church with the Rev. Joel Hafer officiating. Interment will take place in the church Memorial Garden.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society via tmcfunding.com. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

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