Elizabeth A. Leppingwell, 68

Elizabeth A. Leppingwell, 68, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, April 3, at the Elizabeth House.
She was preceded in death by two brothers.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard A. Leppingwell and a large loving extended family.
A mass of the resurrection will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, April 10 in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Committal services will be private.
To offer condolences online please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the famly.

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Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86

Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86, of Flat Rock NC went to be with the Lord,
Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80

Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Mary Alice Judy, 67

Mary Alice Judy, 67, of Saluda, NC passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.
She was born and raised in Anderson, SC, lived in the Columbia, SC area and retired to Saluda, NC in 2011.She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Thoelke.
She was a graduate of T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC.After retiring from the sign business, she devoted herself to her interest as a Reiki Master & Teacher, was a lover of animals and she touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with.
Mary Alice was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.She is survived by her loving wife, Denise Madigan; two sons, Josh Pearman and his wife, Lynn of Greenville, SC and Chris Pearman of Aiken, SC; a daughter, Carol Boyt and her husband, John of Lexington, SC and many grandchildren.
The family will be having a private gathering this weekend.
A public memorial service will follow in the coming weeks in Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foothills Humane Society, P.O. Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Nona Jane Eutsler, 93

Nona Jane Eutsler, 93, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at home with her loving family beside her.
She was born and raised in Anderson, Indiana. Nona is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Eutsler. She loved her church, Mt. Moriah Baptist; and all her friends who were like family. Especially her little drummer boy she will always be known as Granny.
Nona is survived by two daughters, Louanna Street and her husband David of Selma, IN and Charlene Thomas and her husband Bill; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Dr. Brian Melton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
A wonderful thank you to Four Seasons Hospice; especially Toy, Nikki, Phyllis, and Mike. God Bless you.
A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Stella Nash McCrary, 73

Stella Nash McCrary, age 73, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Mission Hospital. Stella was born in Henderson County on March 24, 1942, the daughter of the late Floyd D. Nash and Willavenia Patterson Nash.

She was a lifetime resident of Henderson County, she graduated from Flat Rock High School and retired from the Henderson County tax office. She attended Mud Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Joseph L. McCrary, Sr.; her son, Joseph L. McCrary, Jr.; her granddaughter, Jessica Renee McCrary; two great-grandsons, Roman and River; and a large loving family. She will be sorely missed.

The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Scott Pace officiating. Burial will follow the service in Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon prior to the service.

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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Helen Louise Banks, 87

uise Banks, 87, of Hendersonville, died on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. She is preceded in death by her parents: J.H. Christian Mitchel and Helen Heilmann Mitchel.

Helen was born in New York City, NY and was an only child. She spent most of her life rescuing and finding homes for animals, mostly dogs and horses. When she moved to Florida from Connecticut in the 80's, she became a founding member of Second Chance for Greyhounds a rescue group that saved thousands of greyhounds from the Florida race tracks. These dogs were placed in homes all over the United States and some in Canada. She continued placing dogs even after moving to Hendersonville in 2006. An interview with Helen about her rescue endeavors and her passion for these animals appeared in Life magazine in 1991. There were numerous other interviews in publications that shed light on the plight of racing greyhounds. She was on the board of directors for Second Chance for Greyhounds and SPAYUSA.

She is survived by her daughters: Candace Burton Reed of Salem WV and daughter Robin Thrush Jovanovich and her husband Peter of Rye, NY. Helen has three grandsons: John McGreevey, William and Nicholas Jovanovich and one great grandchild. She also leaves behind her adored companions: her greyhound Wizard and her beagle Daisy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any animal charity of the donor's choice. Helen requested that there not be a public service.

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

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Claire "Chico" Rydberg, age 93

HENDERSONVILLE: Claire "Chico" Rydberg, age 93, of Hendersonville died Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. She was born on February 24, 1922 in Montreal, Canada to the late Clarence E. Price and Marcelle Gauvreau Price. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Wally Rydberg who died in 2009; and her brother, Webster Price.

At the age of five, Claire moved to New Jersey from Canada. Upon graduation, she worked in New York City as an executive secretary, moved to Tuxedo in 1985, and she was a member of St. John In-The-Wilderness Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her four sons, J. Warren Bowman and his wife, Cheryl of West Chester, PA, John Anthony Bowman and his wife, Maureen of Boring, OR, Robert Bowman of Sparks, NV, Roger Wilson and his wife, Pamela of Loris, SC; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and her sister, Madeleine Stevens and her husband, Edward of St. Petersburg, FL.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, 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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Roger Allyn Hill, 68

Roger Allyn Hill, 68, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

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Grady J. Vaughn, Sr., 101

Grady J. Vaughn, Sr., 101, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015. Mr. Vaughn lived at home independently until the time of his passing.
Born September 15, 1913, Mr. Vaughn was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was a son of the late William and Annie Vaughn and was also preceded in death by his wife, Ella Mills Vaughn, who died in 2008; his infant daughter, Alice Evelyn; and his sister, Helen Pettet.
Mr. Vaughn had a lifelong interest in the history of Henderson County and had worked many times with his friend, Tom Orr, as Mr. Orr wrote about the county's history. Mr. Vaughn was the longtime Superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and an active member of Moore's Grove United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Directors. He was a Sunday School teacher, a skilled craftsman and the family historian. Mr. Vaughn's life is an accumulation of joy and contentment, all shared together over the years with his wife and family.
He is survived by his brother, Shep Vaughn, and sister, Annette Vaughn; his sons, Grady Vaughn, Jr. and wife, Adriana, and Michael Vaughn and wife, Aki; grandchildren, Lisa Romine, Christopher J. Vaughn, Julie Taylor, John M. Vaughn, Cheryl Vaughn and Jennifer Tankersley; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, March 29, 2015, at Moore's Grove United Methodist Church with the Reverend Deb Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Sunday at Shuler Funeral Home.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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David B. Melton, 81

David B. Melton, 81, of Fletcher, NC went to be with the Lord, Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nettie Towe Melton; a daughter, Sheila Melton and siblings, Atheleda Maxwell, Robert "Bob" Melton, Christine Corn, Kathleen Buckner, Helen Henderson and Dewey Melton.
He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict serving on the USS Essex. He was a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist Church.
David owned and operated Quick Service Garage in Deaverview Road in Asheville until he retired.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Erma Buchanan Melton; two daughters, Kathy Phillips and husband Rick of Fletcher and Sonya Adams and husband David of Franklin; three grandsons, Trent Phillips and wife Amanda, Cameron and Eli Adams; two great grandsons, Blake and Cayson Phillips and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held 7:00 PM Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Youngblood, Rev. Rick Phillips and Rev. Roy Waldroup officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:45 PM Sunday night prior to the service in the church.
A graveside committal will be held Monday, March 30, at 11:00 AM in the Hoopers Creek Community Cemetery which is located across from the church. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 6284, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

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Grayson Michael McFalls

A funeral service will be held for Grayson Michael McFalls at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2015 in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home Hendersonville.

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Richard Dale Maxwell, 91

Richard Dale Maxwell, 91, of Hendersonville, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo Dale Maxwell and Louella Schaufstall

Dick was born in Akron, Ohio. Soon after his birth his family moved to Cleveland Ohio where he attended school. He graduated from East High School where he achieved many state and city honors in track and field. In fact he received a track scholarship to Ohio State University. In 1941, with the draft about to procure him, he joined the Army Engineers and was eventually sent to Saipan in the South Pacific. Along the way both in the States and the South Pacific he participated in many meets in the South Pacific Olympics. He was reunited with his track coach from OSU and promised to return after the war was over. In 1946, he returned to Ohio State and became a very successful track athlete. In the Penn relay his shuttle hurdle team achieved a world record. He was captain of the OSU track team in senior year and participated in the 1948 Olympic tryouts- coming in fourth by 2 tenths of a second. Only 3 were sent to the London Olympics.

He Married Bea Ann Petty on August 31, 1948. They had three children who he also coached and supported through various sporting endeavors.

After graduation from OSU in 1949 he accepted a graduate assistantship at the University of North Carolina where he was the freshman track coach. He received a Master's Degree in Adaptive Physical Education and returned to Columbus for several years. In 1965 he became the head track coach at the Central Missouri State University. His cross country teams were state champions. In fact they were inducted into the University Hall of Fame. In 1970 he completed his course work for his PHD in Physical Education at the University of Missouri.

He left Missouri to become the Assistant Track Coach at the Slippery Rock State University and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1985. During his career in track and field he coached 10 all Americans.

He is survived by his loving wife Bea of 67 years, daughter Jo Ann, sons: Dale and Gary, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. There will be no service per his request. Cremains will be interned at Union Cemetery in Columbus Ohio across from OSU so he can hear the band as a devoted and beloved Buckeye always.

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

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Jack D. "Jackie" Johnson, Jr., 58

Jack D. "Jackie" Johnson, Jr., 58, of Hendersonville, NC went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He is the son of Betty Garrett Johnson and the late Jack D. Johnson, Sr. He is also survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cindy Johnson; two sons, Adam Johnson and Austin Johnson both of Hendersonville; twin grandchildren, Atlee and Liam Johnson; his siblings, Kathy J. Griffin, Karla Raxter and her husband Greg, all of Hendersonville and Jeff Johnson and his wife Deana of Arden, several nieces and nephews and his faithful canine companion Louie.
He was a native of Henderson County and he and his family divided their time between Hendersonville and Homestead, Florida until 1997, when they relocated here permanently. He was an active member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Joy Sunday School Class.
Jackie grew up in the produce business and successfully owned and operated Western Carolina Produce, which was founded by his grandfather Josiah Johnson, Sr. and staffed by many of his aunts, uncles and cousins for many years.
Jackie was an avid Harley Davidson rider and always said his favorite color was chrome. He was president and founding member of the Bald Hawgs Motorcycle Club. He had his private pilot's license and PADI open-water diving certification. He also enjoyed playing basketball, golfing and deep-sea fishing.
A celebration of life service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Mud Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Freddie Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends in the hospitality room following the service.
In honor of Jackie's love for motorcycles, please feel free to wear your motorcycle attire and ride your motorcycle, weather permitting. He loved nothing better than the sound of a group of motorcycles passing by. Casual attire is acceptable, as Jackie liked everybody to be comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, Inc., 7151 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Clarkston, MI 48346.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Virgil Marion Moon, 82

Virgil Marion Moon, 82, of Hendersonville, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

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Ann Robinson, 87

Ann Robinson, 87, of Hendersonville, died on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at home under the care of Hospice. Ann is preceded in death by her parents Jacob & Regina Leibowitz.

Ann was born in York, Pennsylvania. She started her studies in Art History at the Ecole du Louvre in Paris and completed her Masters degree at the Institute Superieur d'Histoire de l'Art et d'Archeologie at the Musees Royaux de Beaux-Arts de Belgique. Prior to completing her studies, Ann enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Nurse during the Korean War, and was stationed in England with the Strategic Air Command. On November 29, 1955 married Kenneth Jordan Robinson in Madrid, Spain. Ken was in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State for 38 years during which they lived and traveled to exotic places such as Nairobi, Kenya, Brussels, Belgium, several times to Paris, France, finally retiring after 6 years in Cairo, Egypt. Ann and Kenneth were blessed with two sons, Jay Daniel and Michael Scott, and one daughter, Linda Beth. After Kenneth retired they relocated to Hendersonville in 1996. Ann was a member and Secretary of the Hendersonville Film Society as well as the National League of American Pen Women.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, of 59 years, two sons: Jay Daniel Robinson of Hendersonville, and Michael Scott Robinson and wife, Marleen of Ellenboro N.C., and one daughter, Linda Beth Robinson of Hendersonvillel. Ann has one brother: Martin Leibowitz and his wife Sarah of New York City and one sister: Lucille Heller of New Brunswick, New Jersey as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Hospice at 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Grayson Michael McFalls

Grayson Michael McFalls, 3 month old son of Michael McFalls and Kaylee Hazelman, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

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Thomas Jock Schwab

Thomas Jock Schwab, son of the late Ruth Ann (Tan) and John Schwab, died March 22, 2015 at age 59. Tom was born March 15, 1956 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At Chapel Hill High School he was a member of its first state champion soccer team. He attended N.C. State University, playing with the rugby club, and became an antique-reproduction cabinet maker in Raleigh. He met his wife Ellen McCown of Tryon, NC, and followed her to the mountains. They married and moved to Hendersonville, where he was a kitchen and bath designer. He took great pride in working closely with clients to build custom kitchens to reflect their personalities and dreams. Hendersonville friends and business colleagues knew him as "Jock."

Jock loved the mountains, hiking, camping, and water sports. In his youth he took memorable backpacking trips to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and more recently climbed 18,400 foot Pico de Orizaba in Mexico and sailed the Caribbean, among many other adventures. He loved being with friends and family and they loved being with him, especially on annual trips to Kerr Lake, Mount LeConte, Lake Lanier, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and elsewhere.

Tom Jock was a wonderful son, brother, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ellen McCown, son Charles Bowen, daughter Ann Ramey, father: John Harris Schwab, brothers: Stewart and Kellogg, sister : Ann, fourteen nieces and nephews, and three grand-nieces and nephews. During his seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma, Tom was optimistic and strong, sometimes enduring great pain, while remaining devoted to his family and relishing their life together. To his extended family Tom will always remain the mountain man and his family will be the Mountain Schwabs. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Friday, March 27, at 2:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville, followed by a gathering in the Parish Hall. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Medical Loan Closet, 1225 7th Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792; or to Henderson County Humane Society, PO Box 706, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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

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Furman Stinnett, age 93

Furman Stinnett, age 93 of Hendersonville died Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Life Care Center of Hendersonville. Furman was the son of the late Garfield Stinnett and Fannie Jones Stinnett. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Howell Stinnett.

Furman was a veteran of World War II. He served as a Flight Engineer with the U.S. Army Air Force in a B-29 group on Guam. After the war, he was employed by the Waynesville Mountaineer until he and his family moved to Hendersonville in 1957. In Hendersonville, Furman was employed by G.E. outdoor lighting for almost 30 years. Furman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

He is survived by his son, Lamar Stinnett and wife, Joyce; one granddaughter; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great granddaughters.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Wally Shamburger officiating. Burial will follow the service in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

There will be a family gathering at Furman's home following the burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

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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Daniel J. Theron

Daniel J. Theron died on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neeltjie Johnna Elizabeth Storm, Daniel Johannes Jacobus Theron and his first wife, Ruth King Nelson Theron.

Daniel was born and raised in South Africa in the shadows of the Malutu Mountains which provided him with adventures, as well as memories that influenced his entire life. He was an alumnus of the University of Pretoria, with a B.A. (Greek major), B.D. and M.A. (Classics). Shortly after WWII, he enrolled at Princeton Seminary, where he earned a Th/Ph.D. and became a professor of New Testament. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, and often filled vacant pulpits.

After leaving Princeton, Daniel entered Wall Street, and enjoyed a long and successful career in asset management with PaineWebber. Daniel never forgot the Kingdom of God, and through his generosity, he created endowed scholarships, not only for students at Princeton Theological Seminary, but for theology students studying in South Africa through the Dutch Reformed Church, as well as students enrolled at the Connecticut College in New London, CT. In 2013, Princeton Seminary dedicated the Daniel J. Theron Lecture Room in their new library in his honor, not only for his generosity but for his published textbook for New Testament Ph.D. candidates. Dan was a faithful and dedicated member of Civitan International for over 50 years, serving as a Governor of the New England District and continuing his service into retirement with the Hendersonville community chapter.

In his retirement in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Daniel enjoyed writing and publishing several books, playing tennis and bridge, and entertaining friends and family at home with his wife, Jerry and dog, Toto.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, of 32 years. He is also survived by one son, Daniel Peter Theron, and his wife Amy of Madison, WI; one daughter, Catherine Cooke Theron, and her husband, Martin J. Parkes of Lebanon, PA; two step-daughters: Tracy Morton Wiske and her husband Daniel of Thornton, CO; Dana Morton and husband, Jeff Bohlen, of Clark, CO; two grandchildren: Nicole Theron Parkes and Trevor Nelson Parkes as well as two step-grandsons: Samuel Wiske and James Wiske of Thornton, CO.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, followed by a private interment in Simsbury, CT.

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

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