Andrea Miriam Ashley White

Andrea Miriam Ashley White of Hendersonville died on June 22, 2020 in Hendersonville, NC.  She was born in Clendenin, WV on November 17, 1939 the daughter of Byron and Earnie Payne Ashley.  She married James David (Jim) White on November 25, 1960.  They moved to Hendersonville in 1967 when Jim took a position as an engineer at the DuPont x-ray film plant.  

Andrea graduated from Clendenin High School in 1958 and Fletcher School of Nursing in 1976. She worked as floor nurse and head nurse at Pardee Hospital from 1976 – 1985.  She continued to work as a registered nurse until the early 90’s at McGregor Home Health, Hendersonville Surgical Associates, and Visiting Health Professionals.

She had a beautiful alto singing voice and could harmonize with almost any song that came on the radio.  She was in family singing groups, high school choir, and the Hendersonville Choral Society.  She and Jim enjoyed hiking, bird watching, and traveling.  She also enjoyed dancing and competed in ballroom dancing for several years.  She was a great cook.  Her grandchildren even had a special chant for “Nana Cooking.”

Andrea had many long-time friends in Henderson County.  She and Jim enjoyed discussing books, eating good meals and drinking wine every other month for decades with friends Ethlyn and Frank Byrd, Pat and Keith Dalbec, Mary and Bill Garrison, Madge and Hugh Gleaton; and Crystal and Chuck Smith.  Sheila Berger graduated from Fletcher School of Nursing with Andrea and remained a close friend the rest of her life.  She also had dear friends and family living around the country including Judy Peirsol, Linda and Don Booth, and Angela and Chris Booth.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim and a sister, Carolyn Ashley.  She is survived by her son David White and his wife Maria; her daughter Jamie Rudisill and her husband Edgar; grandchildren Schuyler Rudisill, Nathan Rudisill, Zachary White and his wife Elizabeth.  She is also survived by her sister Sueanna Dickinson, her brother Douglas Ashley and his wife Virginia, and dozens of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, plans for a memorial will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Western Carolina Community Action, P.O. Box 685, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

To offer online condolences please visit www.mtnviewcremation.com.  Mountain View Cremation & Funeral Care assisted the family.

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Terry “Elvi” Foster, 57

Terry “Elvi” Foster, 57, of Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 10, 2020. Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Betty Jo (Greene) Newman, 83

June 9, 1936-March 2, 2020
Betty Jo Newman, 83 of Mill Spring, NC passed away Monday afternoon March 2, 2020 at the Cedar Mountain House in Brevard NC.
Born in Henderson County, she was the daughter of the late Eckels Glenn Greene and Mary Elizabeth Stepp Greene and widow of Clyde C. Newman, Sr. who died in 1988. Mrs Newman was dedicated to her family and friends, had several interest and was an avid Elvis fan. She was employed by Grover Industries in Lynn, NC and retired with South Carolina Elastic in Landrum, SC.
Surviving is a son, Clyde C. Newman, Jr. (Rhonda) of Mill Spring; two grandsons, Alan Newman and Jordan Newman. A loving sister Brenda Owenby of Greenwood, SC and several neices and nephews. Mrs Newman was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 am March 7, 2020 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel wih Dr. Chris Osborn officiating. Prior, family and friends had a service 10:00 am at the Funeral Chapel and the burial was at the Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus, NC.

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Dr. John Robert Spengler, 92

Dr. John Robert Spengler, 92, of Hendersonville, died on March 14, 2020, at the Elizabeth House. He was born October 20, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio a son of the late Otto Herman Spengler and Ruth Kathrine Zentmyer Spengler. In addition to his parents Dr. Spengler was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Ann Spengler, one brother “Bill” Spengler as well as one sister Marjorie Spengler Lumm.

Dr. Spengler received his Bachelor of Science from University of Toledo and did his post graduate schooling in biochemistry at Ohio State University and St. Louis University where he would receive his Doctorate of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin in both internal medicine and radiology. He attended military school qualifying as a B12 Navy pilot, a role he was un- able to fulfill as WWII ended, however he served in the US Air Force as a medical officer achieving the rank of Captain. While stationed in Japan he met the love of his life Ann, whom he adored. John and Ann would be married and spend the next 58 years together building a family. After his service in the Air Force he accepted the role as the Chief Radiologist at the Burns Clinic in Petoskey, Michigan from 1960 to 1965. Dr. Spengler then began his career at Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville NC in 1965 as Chief Radiologist. Dr. Spengler established many of the diagnostic radiology programs that are the core of radiology services at Pardee. He started the nuclear medicine program, the ultrasound program and was instrumental in developing CT Scanning services. The mammography, fluoroscopy, arthrography and x-ray therapy components were also the result of Dr. Spengler’s work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Dr. Spengler was a computer guru, an avid photographer and loved to travel. He was a member of the North Carolina Beekeepers Association, The Hendersonville Country Club as well as The First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. He was certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Radiology and had medical licenses in five states. He loved the outdoors which kept him gardening; cultivating prize winning tomatoes, boating, hiking and fishing. He also enjoyed staying fit by playing tennis, swimming and other water sports. He adored his family and cherished his time spent with them.

Dr. Spengler was a compassionate, loving husband, father and doctor that cared deeply about improving the health and lives of the people of Henderson County. His respect and concern for others was readily apparent to everyone he had the honor to know. He is survived by one son, J.O. Spengler and his wife Mariah of College Station, Texas and one daughter Kathy Spengler Spade and her husband Jeff of Cary. In addition to his children he is also survived by five grandchildren: Caroline Spengler, Matthew Spengler, Cori Spade, Camden Spade, Kristen Childs, her husband Daniel Childs and two great grandchildren; Lydia Childs and Caleb Childs.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Kindred United Methodist Church; a new church which was started by his grandson, Pastor Daniel Childs. Memorials may be sent to Kindred Church, 150 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514 or online at https://kindrednc.church/give/.


A memorial service will be scheduled and announced in the future when it is appropriate to gather together.

An online register book is available to family and friends to express condolences by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center are in charge of arrangements.

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Richard Ide Kirkland, 92

Richard Ide Kirkland, 92, of Hendersonville, died on Saturday April 04, 2020 at Carolina Village Care Center.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Kirkland family.

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Hugh Elbert Gleaton, Jr

Hugh Elbert Gleaton, Jr., a Navy veteran and retired ophthalmologist, died on March 17, 2020. He leaves behind his wife of almost 60 years, Madge Slade Gleaton, four children and their spouses (Shelley Gleaton Bourdon, and her husband Paul; Slade Gleaton, and his wife Lori; Whitney Gleaton Jackson, and her husband Jeff; and Mark Gleaton, and his wife Elaine). He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Raised on a farm in south Georgia, Hugh served in the Navy upon graduation from the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia. Upon completion of his service, he moved to Hendersonville in 1972 to set up a medical practice, but he continued to be an avid UGA fan. In fact, some of his family often suspected that Hugh’s “true” religion was Georgia football. His family is very pleased that one of Hugh’s most prized UGA-fan possessions—a framed picture of the University of Georgia’s white bulldog mascot, “Uga"—secretly made its way, as a joke, into the office of a local pastor who is a diehard Clemson fan.

Although the University of Georgia was one of the great loves of Hugh’s life, his other passions included books, crossword puzzles, baseball, stamp collecting, gardening, and music. He was a life-long classical pianist, who picked up the Celtic fiddle in his retirement years; and, in midlife, developed quite a zest for bluegrass music and the banjo. Hugh loved supporting community art programs and local college scholarships. But he also loved to laugh, most especially at the jokes his wife Madge would make, even when they happened to be at his own expense. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793; and, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice at https://fourseasons.teleioscn.org/ or 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC 28731. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary in Mills River, NC.

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Jeffrey Clinton Isleib

Jeffrey Clinton Isleib, a thirty-year resident of Hendersonville and former owner of Isleib
Painting passed away on February 15, 2020 at the age of 66.
Jeff is survived and will be missed by his sister-in-law Tammi Drake Neill and husband Roy
Neill, his nephew Drake English and wife Ashley Wheelon English and his big orange cat
“Tripper.” He is predeceased by his wife Cheryl Drake Isleib, his brother Patrick Isleib, his
father Ernest Isleib and his mother Elizabeth Shapiro. Jeff was born in Connecticut and moved
to Florida where he met and married Cheryl Drake of Hendersonville. Jeff and Cheryl moved to Hendersonville where he was a self-employed painter.
Jeff loved animals, the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox. He especially loved to write a scathing letter to the editor and always had an opinion he was willing to share. He was raised in an Italian neighborhood and cooked sauce the old-fashioned way.
The family would like to thank Dr. Novak in the emergency room, Matt, Courtney and Shelby in the intensive care unit and Dr. James J. Caserio and staff for their care and concern. If anyone would like to make a memorial to Jeff, the family recommends donations be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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James “Jim” Franklin Laughter, Jr.

James “Jim” Franklin Laughter, Jr., better known as “Coach” or “Pop” Laughter, 82, died Wednesday, February 12, 2020 following a brief illness at the Elizabeth House. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elva Laughter, as well as his wife, Shirley who died in 2015.

He was a Henderson County native and lifelong educator of our community. Coach Laughter commenced his teaching career in 1959 with Hendersonville High School, moving to Hendersonville Junior High School in 1964. He coached the first integrated football, basketball, and track teams in the county’s history and was instrumental in building the strong foundation that continues today instilling the pride of being a “Bearcat.” His former players as well as colleagues felt he was a pivotal factor in breaking many racial barriers in Henderson County. In 1972, he started the Physical Education program at Bruce Drysdale Elementary, allowing all students to participate in their level of physical activity which remains intact today.

Although “Coach” officially retired from teaching in 1991, he continued mentoring the students in numerous capacities in the Henderson County School system until 2010, spanning over 51 years of positive influence on young people in Hendersonville. He took great pride in the knowledge that he was able to help former student’s children and left an everlasting mark on them as well.
“Pop” was a member of both the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame as well as the Hendersonville High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

Jim is survived by his four sons: Franklin, Jonathan, Chris and his wife, Miranda, and BJ and his wife Amy. Four grandchildren: Josh, Emma, Jordyn, and Avery; as well as two great-grandchildren: Peyton and Dylan. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph.

The memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, with the Reverend Eric Gash officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:15 prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in “Coach’s” memory be directed to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp Scholarship Fund, PO Box 6544, Hendersonville, NC 29793.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Irene Robertson

Irene Robertson of Hendersonville passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the age of 103. She was born on July 17, 1916 in Olten, Switzerland, daughter of Eugene and Mina Hildebrand. When she was seven years old her family emigrated to the United States. Irene spent her childhood and working life in New Jersey where she raised a family and was one of the first female employees of the Prudential Life Insurance Company to earn the credentials of Certified Life Underwriter.

After retirement in 1981, Irene and her husband Jim chose to move to Hendersonville. They were members of Trinity Presbyterian Church where they were youth group leaders and Irene served as a Deacon and Elder. She also volunteered as a counselor at IAM, was a member of the Carolina Mountain Club, and enjoyed playing golf at the Hendersonville Country Cluband participating in local book and bridge groups. She was an excellent skier, taught some of her grandchildren to enjoy the sport, and was an active skier past the age of 80.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James Robertson, a daughter Barbara Anne Robertson, and a son James Robertson Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Lois Fritsche of Kennett Square; PA, a brother Kurt Hildebrand of Pacific Palisades, CA; six grandchildren, James Robertson (Abby) of Hendersonville, Todd Fritsche of Phoenixville, PA, Lisa Lelito of Cary, NC, David Robertson of Mechanicsville, VA, Barbara Ward of Etowah, NC, and Kevin Robertson (Mariam) of Alexandria, VA; her great-grandchildren Valerie Harrison(Wesley) of Hendersonville, James Robertson of Candler, NC, Emalee Richman (Peter) of Hendersonville, Jessica Fritsche of Phoenixville, PA, Madelaine Fritsche of Hershey PA, Katelyn Fritsche of Columbia, SC, Hannah Lelito, of Washington, DC, Joshua Lelito of Cary, NC, Danielle Robertson of Glen Allen, VA, Katelyn Ward, currently serving with the US Army in Lithuania, McKenzie Ward and Kylei Ward of Etowah, NC; two great-great grandchildren, Viola and Karoline Harrison of Hendersonville.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, PO box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St, 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 the arrangements.

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Bruce Wayne Maurer

Bruce Wayne Maurer died on September 30 at Mission Hospital in Asheville after a short illness.

Bruce was born in Munich, Germany on February 27, 1955. He grew up in Shrewsbury, New Jersey and attended high school and college in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Together Bruce and his wife, Melissa, own and operate Blue Ribbon Custom Frame Shop for 33 years.

Bruce was active in Henderson County youth sports as a referee, umpire, coach, and mentor. Over the years, he coached soccer, T-ball and baseball. He enjoyed interaction with all youth athletes and was a supporter of many Henderson County youth. He held an intense love of all sports.

As an Eagle Scout, Bruce supported scouting all his life and was Assistant and Scoutmaster of Troop 604. Bruce encouraged not only his son Elliott but many
young men from Cub Scouts to Eagle Scout.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Melissa Laney Maurer; son Elliott Brian Maurer (Meghan Noel) of Asheville; daughter Julia Maurer Anderson (Cameron) of Raleigh; and new granddaughter, Tinsley Rose Anderson. Surviving siblings, Sandra Kay, Alan, Hank (Henrietta), Stuart and Pamela, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service for family members and those who loved Bruce will be held Friday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m. at McConnell Farms, 177 Old Dana Road, Hendersonville, followed at 4:30 p.m. by a celebration of life upstairs at Sierra Nevada Taproom, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River. Please bring photos of Bruce and share your humorous Bruce stories.

Bruce loved his adopted community, had a unique sense of humor, enjoyed fun, was funny, loved young and old alike; his heart was always fair and good.

In lieu of flowers a college fund is being established for Tinsley Rose Anderson at Wells Fargo Downtown Branch, Hendersonville.

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Michael Douglas Layton, 64

Michael Douglas Layton, 64, of Horse Shoe, died Friday, September 27, 2019 at the UNC Pardee Health Care. He was born July 3, 1955 in Danville, Illinois; a son of Max and Charlotte Story Layton.

He was a Henderson County native, a 1973 graduate of Hendersonville High School as well as a proud member of the 1971-1972 Hendersonville High School’s State Champion Basketball team. He also attended two years at Western Carolina University. He and his wife co-owned several businesses together after relocating back to Hendersonville. He was an avid Indiana sports fan and enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time with his entire family and friends. He was a member of Biltmore Church. He vowed to exit the world in style, which he did.

He is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Denise; three daughters: Heather Gray and her husband, Jesse and Jordan Robinson all of Hendersonville, and Savannah Layton of Brevard. One brother, Myron Layton as well as one sister, Myrna Reesor both Hendersonville. Four grandchildren: Gunner Robinson, Abbie Sherman, Sarah Sherman, Mason Gray as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. Interment will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. His family will receive friends 12:30 until 1:45 October 2, 2019 prior to funeral at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel.

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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Dr. Amy Fisher Pace, 85

Dr. Amy Fisher Pace, 85, died on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Pardee Hospital, UNC Health Care. She was a native of Henderson County and the daughter of the late Samuel Leander Fisher and Ada B. McCraw Fisher. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel E. Pace.

Dr. Pace was first and foremost a student herself. She loved learning and education was her passion. She was a 1952 graduate of Hendersonville High School where she was the valedictorian and editor of The Red and White. She was the first person on either side of her family to attend college, ultimately earning a doctorate in a generation that few women attained such degrees.

She attended Mars Hill College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She also took courses at a number of universities including: Columbia University, the University of California at Davis, California State University, at Chico, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Western Carolina University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

She received a number of fellowships, including a Fulbright Scholarship to study and travel in China. She was a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, the North Carolina English Teachers’ Association, the National Education Association, the State and Local Education Associations, the International Reading Association, Phi Beta Kappa, the English Honor Society, and the Harcourt Foundation Scholarship. She was inducted into the first class as a member of the local Education Hall of Fame in Henderson County.

She taught high school English in Henderson County, as well as Virginia and California. She also taught college courses in North Carolina as well as Georgia.

She and her husband, Dan, returned to Henderson County in 1979 to care for their families. Superintendent Glenn C. Marlow created a position for Amy as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She was an advocate for the arts, championing the comprehensive education that emphasized academics and the arts. “The arts were a particular commitment of mine,” she admitted warmly. She has written for several state and national publications on curriculum and English.

She retired in 1997, after 42 years in public education, with joy as well as mixed feelings. The Henderson County Superintendent at that time, Dr. Dan Lunsford, said, “Dr. Pace is known across North Carolina as a true instructional advocate and curriculum expert…. She has a great sensitivity to the needs of children, first and foremost, and of the importance of education for a successful life.”

Following retirement, she volunteered for many local organizations throughout the community. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, where she served as a past Senior Warden duly elected by the church’s vestry as well as a lay reader. She was a member of the initial Walk of Fame Committee and the Hunger Coalition. After she moved to Carolina village, she remained active serving on the Carolina Village Board for more than one term. She held many committee memberships and led the Education Committee at Carolina Village for nine years. She urged Carolina Village residents to, “Stay alive as long as you live,” which remains the slogan of the wellness program there.

She was a strong and quiet leader. She was keenly aware of the needs of both teachers and students. She advocated for all the students but particularly for those who needed extra attention and nurturing. She lived an example of service and grace in her community. Her life can only inspire others to serve.

She is survived by Benny and Ai Yen Hendrix of Rutherfordton, whom she considered her children, seven living first cousins: Ann Fisher Raines, Bessie L. Fisher, Roger Fisher, Lin Fisher, Nancy Fisher, Wanda Fisher Wehunt, and Ramona Fisher Gilbert as well as numerous friends and colleagues.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. James Episcopal Church officiated by The Reverend Dr. Carol Jablonski and the Reverend Christiana Olsen. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends immediately following the interment in the Stillwell Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in Amy’s memory be directed to the Community Foundation of Henderson County, Post Office Box 1108, Hendersonville, N.C., 28793, and designated for the Dan and Amy Fisher Pace Scholarship Fund.

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

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Thomas Patrick Ryan, 87

Thomas Patrick Ryan, 87, of Hendersonville died peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Aloysius and Isabelle Young Ryan, and his brothers, Jack Young and Michael Ryan.
Thomas grew up in Corning, New York and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tri-State University in Indiana and then completed a Masters of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. He was a loyal employee at the Xerox Corporation in Rochester, New York for over 30 years. During that time, Tom was a dedicated runner and even completed the 1983 Boston Marathon. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the Korean Conflict. He and his wife, Dorothy, re-located to Western North Carolina in 2000. He was an avid clogger for many years and performed in New York and North Carolina. He loved to read and enjoyed listening to country music. Thomas was also an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years, Dorothy, and one sister Joan and her husband, John. Two sons: Dennis and Edward, as well as three daughters: Eileen and her husband, Scott, Patricia and her husband, Raymond, and Susan and her husband, Walter. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
A mass in the memory of Thomas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Thomas’ memory be directed to the Friends of the Henderson County Public Library – Main Branch, mailed to 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, NC 29739.
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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Paul Luther Hensley “Pops” 80

Paul Luther Hensley “Pops” 80, of Hendersonville, died Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Elizabeth House. He was born December 18, 1938 in Madison County, the son of the late Millard and Edna Hensley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Pauline Bowen Hensley, his wife of thirty-two years; four siblings, Geneva Rice, Christine Raidford, Sunny Hensley, and Ruby Roberts.

Paul was an attended of The First Church of the Nazarene and Zion Hill Baptist Church. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation as a road construction supervisor. He was a beloved volunteer front door greeter at KC Hair Salon, where many knew him as “Papa with the hat”. He also volunteered for numerous years at Valley Hill Fire Department, as well as belonging as a 33rd Degree Member of the Kedron Masonic Lodge #387 AF&AM. He coached the Henderson County All-star Softball Team from 1973-1983. On Saturdays he could be found at every grocery store in the county searching the best deals and sampling free coffee. He was known to be an avid mall walker at Blue Ridge Mall, rare coin collector, and loved to pass out sour candy to everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife Sue Blackwell Hensley, of twenty-four years; sisters Joe Elliot, Selma Dobbins, and Madelyn Wilson; his son Terry Hensley; and daughters: Tammy and her husband Glenn Stepp; Cindy and her husband Robert Galloway; Kim and her husband Clyde Lanning; along with special son Jimmy Hensley and special daughter Pam Cairnes; stepsons Gary Cox, Kip Cox and wife Lynn, and Jeff Cox; and stepdaughter Kitten Trantham; five grandchildren, Tabitha and her husband Brian Tate; Whitney and her husband Mark Hakala; Jordan Henderson and wife Julianna; Justin Lanning; and Lauren and her husband Jordan Davidson; three step-grandchildren, Ryan Stepp, Justin Stepp, and Heather Allen; and five great- grandchildren include Riley Hernandez, Taylor Henderson, Kolby Hakala, Cole Henderson, and soon to be Emersyn Davidson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the First Nazarene Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Joe Quinn and Rev. Blair Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Shaw’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the First Nazarene Church of Hendersonville and at other times at the homes of Sue Hensley, as well as Kim & Clyde Lanning’s residences.

In lieu of flower, the family requests that donations in Paul’s memory be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. 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 is in charge of arrangements.

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Lawrence “Larry” Hazelhurst McKay, Jr., 84

Lawrence “Larry” Hazelhurst McKay, Jr., 84, went home to his Lord on Friday, August 23, 2019, surrounded by his family at home. A Henderson county native with deep roots in the community, he was a son of the late Laurence Hazlehurst and Mary Smyth McKay, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, William McKay and Adger Smyth McKay as well as one sister, Mary McKay Williams. He was also a great- grandson of the late Captain Ellison Edgar Smyth, who established the Balfour Mills in 1923, and known as “the pioneer of the textile industry” which is currently in operation today as a Kimberly-Clark plant in Balfour.

In 1953 Larry graduated from Hendersonville High School then went on to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating from Clemson University, Larry took over his family farm and was a successful dairy farmer for many years. His specialty was caring for “Sickly” cows, improving their health and increasing their productivity. Upon leaving the dairy business, he introduced Western North Carolina to the prepaid phone card business until cell phones became predominant in the area. At this time, he served as the youngest elder of First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville and was on the steering committee to form Covenant Presbyterian Church. After serving with the Presbyterian Church, he became a Deacon with Bethany Bible Church until his recent retirement. He was a much loved Sunday school teacher and was well qualified to preach when needed. The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center in Brevard, selected him to serve on their Board of Directors, which was a great joy and honor for him. For many years, Larry also served as President of the Faith Christian School Board of Directors. Later he served as Chaplain of the local Gideon Camp. He loved his Lord first and foremost, then his family and church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane Poplin McKay; four children: Daniel L. McKay, Sr. and his wife Marcia, Dorcas McKay Hoyt and her husband Jeff, Ruth McKay Garren and Ben McKay. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rev. Russell Baun officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:45 P.M. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Larry’s memory be made to Samaritan’s Purse at Samaritanspurse.org. or to the Gideon Ministry, the evelopes are in most church vestibules or go to gideons.org.

 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 the arrangements.

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Bert Alvin Blair

Bert Alvin Blair passed away at the Self Regional Healthcare Medical Center in Greenwood, SC on July 9, 2019 from complications of old age. He was born on March 19, 1927 at Mason, OH. He was the son of Ethol and Pearl Gaskins Blair. He was a graduate of Amelia High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in music education at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati majoring in piano and minoring in viola. While in undergraduate school he served as president of the student council and president of the Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He married Dorothy Jean Denman on June 23, 1951 at Bond Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH.

While teaching instrumental music in the Middletown and Hamilton OH school systems, he served a term as president of the Southwest Ohio District of the Ohio Music Education Association. He pursued graduate studies at the Univ of Michigan and Miami Univ of OH earning his master's degree in music in 1959. In 1966 he was on of forty chosen from over four hundred applicants to study at the Institute for the Study of Advanced Music Literature at the University of Iowa. His major work in music education moved the Blair family to Lima, OH where he was Coordinator of Strings and Orchestras for the city schools for nineteen yrs. During his tenure he and wife, Dottie, played first stand viola in the Lima Symphony where he also served as assistant conductor.

After retiring from his public school teaching he began a string instrument repair business which he ran for 15 yrs. He also made arrangements for piano trios and string quartets which he and Dottie played at weddings and receptions. This proved very successful when they moved to FL in 1994 and were very much in demand to play for various occasions there. As part of his playing career he and Dottie played 1st stand viola in the Northwest Florida Symphony for ten years, and were members of the Pensacola Symphony and the Choctahatchee Symphony. In 2004 they retired to Hendersonville, NC where they ended their playing careers but continued in the orchestral scene by restructuring the music library of the Hendersonville Symphony as well as serving as music librarians for the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestras for several yrs.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean Denman and their six children: son Tom Blair (Charlene) of Corbin, KY, daughters Karen DeLong (Craig) of Reading, PA, Marty Blair (James Heffel) of McCormick, SC, Nancy Lawrence of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy Blair of Ostrander, OH and Melissa Rucker (Jared) of Apple Valley, CA. He was "grandpa" to 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.

Bert was born with a rare bleeding disorder called Hemophilia B. Some of his grandsons have also been affected. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Hemophilia Foundation at www.hemophilia.org or mail to Attn: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10001. Please indicate it is for Hemophilia B research. His other great love was the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. https://ccm.{weshareonline.org or mail to College-Conservatory of Music, Univ of Cincinnati, Attn: Development Office, PO Box 210003, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0003. Please indicate it is for Music Education Dept.

For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

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Bert Alvin Blair

Bert Alvin Blair passed away at the Self Regional Healthcare Medical Center in Greenwood, SC on July 9, 2019 from complications of old age. He was born on March 19, 1927 at Mason, OH. He was the son of Ethol and Pearl Gaskins Blair. He was a graduate of Amelia High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in music education at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati majoring in piano and minoring in viola. While in undergraduate school he served as president of the student council and president of the Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He married Dorothy Jean Denman on June 23, 1951 at Bond Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH.

While teaching instrumental music in the Middletown and Hamilton OH school systems, he served a term as president of the Southwest Ohio District of the Ohio Music Education Association. He pursued graduate studies at the Univ of Michigan and Miami Univ of OH earning his master's degree in music in 1959. In 1966 he was on of forty chosen from over four hundred applicants to study at the Institute for the Study of Advanced Music Literature at the University of Iowa. His major work in music education moved the Blair family to Lima, OH where he was Coordinator of Strings and Orchestras for the city schools for nineteen yrs. During his tenure he and wife, Dottie, played first stand viola in the Lima Symphony where he also served as assistant conductor.

After retiring from his public school teaching he began a string instrument repair business which he ran for 15 yrs. He also made arrangements for piano trios and string quartets which he and Dottie played at weddings and receptions. This proved very successful when they moved to FL in 1994 and were very much in demand to play for various occasions there. As part of his playing career he and Dottie played 1st stand viola in the Northwest Florida Symphony for ten years, and were members of the Pensacola Symphony and the Choctahatchee Symphony. In 2004 they retired to Hendersonville, NC where they ended their playing careers but continued in the orchestral scene by restructuring the music library of the Hendersonville Symphony as well as serving as music librarians for the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestras for several yrs.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jean Denman and their six children: son Tom Blair (Charlene) of Corbin, KY, daughters Karen DeLong (Craig) of Reading, PA, Marty Blair (James Heffel) of McCormick, SC, Nancy Lawrence of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy Blair of Ostrander, OH and Melissa Rucker (Jared) of Apple Valley, CA. He was "grandpa" to 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.

Bert was born with a rare bleeding disorder called Hemophilia B. Some of his grandsons have also been affected. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Hemophilia Foundation at www.hemophilia.org or mail to Attn: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10001. Please indicate it is for Hemophilia B research. His other great love was the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. https://ccm.{weshareonline.org or mail to College-Conservatory of Music, Univ of Cincinnati, Attn: Development Office, PO Box 210003, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0003. Please indicate it is for Music Education Dept.

For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara Jean Hipwell, 88

Barbara Jean Hipwell, 88, of Hendersonville, died Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Elizabeth House.

Barbara was born in Floral Park, NY on June 19, 1930 to the late Luigi and Louise Pizzuto. She lived most of her life in Western New York in the Buffalo and Finger Lake Region. A graduate of Kenmore Senior High School, Barbara married the late Donald Hipwell and raised her two daughters with such love that they followed her to North Carolina. She is also preceded in death by her partner of 43 years, Jere Allen Johnson who died in 2016.

In 2006 after her oldest daughter Constance relocated to Mills River, they opened up The Conn-Artist Studio at Main & 5th Avenue above McCarter Gallery.
The next year they relocated to Atha Plaza where Publix is currently. Until 2015 Barbara was the featured artist along with her daughter. They offered Art Shows, Art Instruction & the legendary Open Studio where many local artists learned to become better painters in their warm & inspiring studio-Gallery.
Barbara had previously sold literally hundreds of paintings mostly from Harvest Mill Antique Shop in Canandaigua, NY.

Barbara first started art study with her father, Lewis who taught her the fundamentals of drawing. He provided her with invaluable lessons from Sylvia Sheridan of Orchard Park, NY.

Upon moving to NC, Barbara immediately joined the Art League of Henderson County and was named the 2007 Artist of the Year for her painting, “Under the Apple Tree.” Having artists as friends and enjoying studio time at least three days a week was a wonderful time in her life.

Barbara is survived by two loving daughters, Constance Hipwell Vlahoulis of New Baltimore, Michigan, and Catherine Ann Hipwell and her wonderful wife, Sandra Lively of Leicester, NC; son-in-law, William Vlahoulis of Mills River; a beloved brother, Alan B. Pizzuto and his wife Sandy; beloved nephews, David and Steven Pizzuto; two grandchildren, M. Cristopher Cercone and his wife Susy and David Alan Cercone and his wife Carrie all of Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Isabella Yue, Amelia Constance who was born on Barbara’s 85th birthday, and David Michael Cercone.

Her grandsons were the apple of her eye and they enjoyed countless summers together boating, fishing, and swimming at Gramma Barbs & Grandpa Jere’s in upstate New York.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 St. James Episcopal Church with Rev. Christie Olson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Barbara’s name to Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Barbara’s family wishes to thank the entire staff at Elizabeth House especially CNA Michelle and the incredible loving nurses and doctors.

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.

Copyright 2019 Thos. Shepherd & Son All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the authors.

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Kenneth Lee Henson, 62

Kenneth Lee Henson, 62, of Zirconia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2019. He was the son of the late Richard Lee Henson and Lola Gordon Henson.

He served in the U.S. Army and enjoyed fishing and Nascar.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Jessie Henson; a granddaughter, Emma; brother, Chuck Henson and his wife Carol; a nephew, Matthew Henson and his wife Amber; a niece, Amanda Baker and her husband Jason and their children.

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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Laurel Mae Voigt, 76

Laurel Mae Voigt, 76, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2019 at her home. She was born in Bronx, NY on September 5, 1942, a daughter of the late Grandine and Estelle Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her only sister, Elaine Shubin.

She graduated from Trenton State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She spent most of her life in New Jersey until she and her husband, Peter relocated to Hendersonville in 1992.

She loved her family and cherished not only the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, but the memories they created. She enjoyed traveling, dining out, and finding a bargain while shopping. She enjoyed every aspect of music, from singing hymns to attending musical productions. She had a special gift of always putting others before herself, and was kind to everyone she met. She loved the Lord and felt secure in knowing that she will be going to her heavenly home. We will miss her dearly and she will be forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Peter Herman Voigt; two daughters: Jennifer Tracy and her husband Matt of Hendersonville; and Candice Houlihan and her husband James of Mills River; and one son, Eric Voigt and his wife Julie of Montgomery, AL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren that she adored: Noelle, Walker, Willow, Annie, Jacob, Emma, Bennett; one brother, Donald Robinson of Melbourne, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family celebrated her life with a private ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in Laurel’s memory be directed to the American Stroke Association, 128 South Tryon Street, Suite # 1588, Charlotte, NC, 28202.

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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