Peggy Sue Ballinger, 77

Peggy Sue Ballinger, 77, of Naples died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Four Season's Elizabeth House.

She was born May 5, 1935, in Greenville, SC, to the late Otis and Helen McDowell. She was the wife of the late John Lewis Ballinger.

Mrs. Ballinger was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by sons Johnnie Ballinger and Ronnie Ballinger both of the home; daughters Myra Praytor and Rebecca (Susie) Lanning and her husband James, all of Naples; six grandchildren: Kelly Lanning Phipps, James Lewis Lanning, Joshua Ballinger, James Ballinger, Amy Butler and Ashley Radcliff; and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son James Steven Ballinger and a sister Mary Chalfant.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel and other times at the home of the sons.

Memorial donations can be made to the family.

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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Roderick Bryan "Rod" Smith, 78

Roderick Bryan "Rod" Smith, 78, of Hendersonville died Friday March 29, 2013, at Elizabeth House.

Born in Jacksonville, FL., he was a son of the late Platt T. and Mary Louise Highsmith Smith.

He received a B.S from FSU. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of St John in the Wilderness-Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Martha "Marti" Smith; three nieces and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to St John in the Wilderness P.O. Box 185 Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Four Seasons- Compassion for Life 571 South Allen Rd Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com .

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Lewis Earl Curlee, 71

Lewis Earl Curlee, 71, of Etowah died unexpectedly Monday, March 25, 2013, at Mission Hospital.

He was a native of Transylvania County, the son of the late Clarence and Hilda Curlee. He had lived in Henderson County for the past 35 years. He was also preceded in death by his son, Troy Drye, Jr.

He was employed by Ecusta for 42 years, and also a former volunteer at Brevard Volunteer Fire Department. Currently, he was a member of the Nazarene Worship Band and an amateur radio enthusiast. He was loved by his family and many friends. He will be dearly missed, and they take comfort in knowing he is in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathleen Templeton Curlee; a daughter, Cindy Curlee Hand and her husband Jurell, of Hendersonville; two grandchildren, D'Andre Hand and Shayla Hand; two sisters, Brenda Holden and her husband Richard, of Brevard, Doris Selvage and her husband Rayburn, of Gallatin, Tenn.; two brothers, Edward Curlee of Gallatin, Tenn., Barry Curlee and his wife Carol, of Brevard; and numerous extended family.

A service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene with Revs. Sherman Waters and Matthew Templeton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. A guest book or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Ronald Ray Lamb

Ronald Ray Lamb, a well-known apple grower and businessman, went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with kidney cancer on March 25th, 2013.

He was born Aug. 3, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Van Lamb and Laberta Louise Brown Lamb. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise Orr Lamb. His children, Sheree King and her husband Allen, Terri Lamb, Dale Lamb and his wife Geraldine, Cameron Lamb and his wife Katie and 8 grandchildren, Laura Laughter and her husband Grant, Lindsey King, Justin Lamb, Rayce Lamb, Dalton Thompson, Holden Thompson, Aly Lamb and Natalie Lamb. He was a loved brother to Flaughn Lamb, Leon Lamb, Shirley Nicholson and Lynn Lamb and an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

He loved farming and began doing so at age 6. He raised many crops but the most important thing he raised was his family. His motto was "Strive to Persevere" and he taught them that "Money is not what is important in life. What's important are people and your relationship with them." He developed lifelong friendships and was always available to lend a helping hand.

He owned and operated Lamb Fruit Company from 1969 to the present. He sold chemicals, fertilizer, Myers and John Bean sprayers and parts. He served on several boards including: FHA Advisory Committee, NC Apple Growers Association, Mountain Bank Board of Directors and Carolina First Board of Directors. In 2010, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was the Grand Marshall of the NC Apple Festival Parade in 2011 and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association that same year.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was a member of Kings Grove Baptist Church where his visitation and funeral will be held. The visitation will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, and the service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, with the Rev. Phillip Capell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kings Grove Baptist Church building fund, in care of Wilma Summey, 3034 Pace Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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Gerald W. Emanuel

Gerald W. Emanuel, AKA Paul David Henson, 59, of Etowah died at his home on Monday, March 25, 2013, following a five month illness.

He was born in Sugartree, Tenn., the biological son of Willie T. Henson and Alta M. Henson. He was the adopted son of the late Emmett and Ruby Emanuel. He was also preceded in death by a sister Peggy Jackson and a brother-in-aw Pat Noble.

A former resident of Memphis, Tenn., he was a self-employed auto mechanic and was a member of Cordova Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn. He loved flowers, hiking, and waterfalls.

Surviving is his wife of almost 40 years, Mary Jo Emanuel; daughter Christy Gray and husband Phillip of Billings, Mont.; sons Jason Emanuel of Clermont, Fla., and Joshua Emanuel of Etowah; grandchildren Anna Emanuel, Kathryn Emanuel, Danielle Gray, Richard Gray, Meredith Emanuel, Harley Emanuel, and Dylan Emanuel; sisters Mary Noble of Gadsden, Tenn., Audrey Schaffhauser and husband John of Ripley, Miss.; a brother R.C. Latham of Pinson, Tenn.; and two close friends Rob of Saluda and Pete of Hendersonville.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00pm Wednesday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Services and burial will follow later in the week in Bolivar, Tennessee under the direction of Shackelford Funeral Directors.

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

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Wendell “Hawkeye” Wilkie, 54

Wendell "Hawkeye" Wilkie, 54, of Edneyville died on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Pardee Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Wilkie as well as two brothers, Arthur "Bud" Wilkie and Roger "Dale" Wilkie.

He is survived by his three brothers, Michael Wilkie, Daniel Wilkie, Donald Wilkie; four sisters, Louise Justice, Jean Corn, Wanda Wilkie, Judy Hensley and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service and receiving of friends will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Apple Valley Church of God with Pastor Ken Braswell and Reverend Eugene Bumgardner officiating.

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

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Lloyd F. Garren, 62

Lloyd F. Garren, 62, of Fletcher passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

He was a native of Henderson County and a son of the late Fred and Elizabeth Calton Garren. Lloyd was a loyal employee of Mission Health Care System for 38 years and a member of Oak Forest Baptist Church.

Mr. Garren loved his wife, daughter and grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. He was a wonderful father and his daughter's best friend. His devoted wife lovingly cared for him during his extended illness. He loved fishing, wildlife, snow and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cheryl Garren; daughter, Kristi G. Brown and husband Scott; grandchildren, Jacob, Jadyn, Jordyn, and Rielly; brother, David Garren and wife Vicki; sister, Gail G. Lanning; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville. Rev. Charles Serrett will be officiating. Burial will be private. Per Lloyd's request, please dress casually for the funeral service.

The family would like to thank CarePartners Hospice for their loving care of Mr. Garren and Shuler Funeral Home for their helpfulness and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humane Alliance of WNC, Inc., Attn.: Quita Mazino, 25 Heritage Dr., Asheville, NC 28806.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ronald R. Lamb, 77

Ronald R. Lamb, 77, of Hendersonville passed away, Monday, March 25, 2013 at his home.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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LLoyd Franklin Garren, 62

LLoyd Franklin Garren, 62, of Fletcher died Thursday, March 21, 2013 at his home.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce arrangements.

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Rose Marie Casoria, 84

Rose Marie Casoria, 84, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A prior resident of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., she had been a resident of Hendersonville for four years. She was the daughter of the late Mary Ann and Anthony Spezio. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Michael Casoria; and her brother Joseph Spezio.

She is survived by two sons, Rev. Anthony James Casoria and his wife Nancy and Mark Casoria and his wife Cindy; grandchildren, Joy, Beth, Kristen, Michelle, Joseph, Andrew, Wren, Danielle, and Michael; six great-grandchildren; sister, Josephine DiDonato; and many special nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be at 2:00pm Saturday in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Rev. Anthony J. Casoria officiating. A private entombment will be in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Truth in Action Ministries: Donation Processing Center, PO Box 7009, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Richard H. Gardner, 90

Richard H. Gardner, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Brian Center of Hendersonville.

He was a retired engineer from B.F. Goodrich in Troy, Ohio.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Genevieve Gardner; three sons; one daughter; one sister; nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

No services are planned.

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

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Bobby Ray Stanley

Bobby Ray Stanley, 72, of Hendersonville died on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Beystone Rehabilitation.

A native of Angier he was born on Dec. 4, 1940, to the late Joseph Earl Stanley and Bettie Mae O'Briant Stanley. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frankie Stanley and Harold Stanley.

He served his country in the United States Army and was on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He is survived by wife, of 48 years Virginia Douglass Stanley; his daughter, Teena George and her husband, Roger of Wilmington; and his brother, Tommy Stanley and his wife, Jean, of Wake Forest.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Beystone for their loving and dedicated care over the years.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Tuxedo Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Mikell Bennett officiating.

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

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

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John Clausen

John Clausen, much loved father, brother, uncle and friend, died at home March 20, 2013.

Born in Minot, N.D., on October 21, 1949, to Morten H. and Doris Paff Clausen, John grew up on the family farm. As a young man he was a rambler, having many adventures and storing them away to become the anecdotes he told with such wit, humor and charm to the great many friends he also collected along the way. His marriage and the birth of his son rooted the rambler in Hendersonville, where his wife's family was located. He became a wonderful father to Pete, of whom he was justifiably very proud.

John held a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a masters from Antioch College. He worked as a reporter on weekly and daily newspapers in Arizona and Kansas, edited several magazines, owned a California-based advertising agency that specialized in direct mail, and taught classes in journalism and advertising. John's book, "Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal," was the Writer's Digest Book Club main selection in May, 2001. His work was published in a wide variety of periodicals from The Christian Science Monitor to The New York Daily News Sunday Magazine. One of his articles was purchased by Penthouse, but, much to the relief of his father, it was never published. He also self-published his debut novel, "Big Hungry," a rather strange murder mystery set in North Dakota, online last year. In recent years, John taught English at the Blue Ridge Community College in Henderson County and was working on another novel, much anticipated by his fans, but unfinished at his death.

John is survived by his son, Pete; his sisters, Ann and Jane; his ex-wife but still close friend, Sandy McGlashan and her husband Ken Weitzen; his brother-in-law Peter Dajevskis; his nieces Mara, Erika and Daina Dajevskis; David and Mona McGlashan, and an enormous collection of wonderful and supportive friends. All those who survive him will miss his humor, his compassion, his smart mouth and the acceptance he offered to every person he gathered into his circle. The world will be less interesting without John, and not nearly as funny.

A memorial service will be held for John at the Unitarian church in Hendersonville at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

Anyone wishing to donate something should send a donation to the Free Clinics, 841 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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

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Barbara Helen Sommer Nicholls

Barbara Helen Sommer Nicholls of Hendersonville was born September 27, 1932 in Beloit, Wisc. Her parents were Elmer and Elsie Sommer, who are both deceased. Her prior residences include Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida.

Mrs. Nicholls earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., with additional graduate hours in areas of counseling and special education. She then earned a Master of Science degree from Saint Francis College in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Barbara taught Home Economics and Special Education in Indiana and Florida school systems; she was a Co-Manager for Yeager Insurance in Warsaw, Ind.; and she was the proprietor of Montgomery Ward Sales Agency in Warsaw, Ind.

She is preceded in death by one brother, Donald.

Her survivors include husband Harold (married Sept. 7, 1952); sons Jeffrey (and Jackie) Nicholls of Anderson, Ind., Gregory (and Laurie) Nicholls of West Chester, Ohio, Scott (and Lois) Nicholls of Timonium, Md.; and daughters Holly (and Dave) McGuire of Warsaw, Ind., Amy Nicholls of Greenville, S.C.; eight grandchildren (and three spouses), three great-grandchildren, and one sister, Karen (and Dave) Wilharms of Wausau, Wisc.

Mrs. Nicholls' formal activities and associations include serving as a Guardian Ad Litem in Florida, being a past State Secretary and District II President of the Indiana Home Economics Association, and serving as President of the active and associate chapters of Tri Kappa Associate Organization. She was also a past board member and Secretary of Mobile Meals in Indiana, as well as a former President of Extension Homemakers Club and past County Officer for Indiana. She was a Kosciusko Community Hospital Auxiliary member who also served as Secretary and Vice-President of the volunteer board. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Nicholls served as a board member of the Plantation Walk Neighborhood Association in Hendersonville. She was also a former Regent of the Joseph McDowell Chapter DAR in Hendersonville and founded the Mary Coffin Starbuck Chapter for the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Mrs. Nicholls was a long-time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville.

Personal Life Comments:
Barbara Helen Sommer Nicholls has entered The Kingdom, leaving a life of constant enrichment as a self-made person and excelling in all she valued. Her valiant struggle against cancer gave her many extra years of life.

Foremost in her values was a pursuit of having a strong family, leading by example and accomplished skills. With an education in health and social skills, Mrs. Nicholls strived to pass these values and traits onto her family.

Amongst her efforts giving to the community, Barbara sewed quilts and lap robes to be given to the VA hospital in Hendersonville and to mothers-to-be at the local pregnancy center. She advocated for children in need as a Guardian Ad Litem, and was a group homes manager and adult literacy teacher as an adjunct to her work as a special education teacher. Barbara was involved in various quilting clubs and loved giving quilts to her family members. She also enjoyed weaving, knitting, and visiting her large circle of family and friends. Having lived in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and South, she easily made friends everywhere and garnered many warm relationships over the years.

Mrs. Nicholls was also an avid genealogist, finding her roots and gaining eligibility in the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as founding the local chapter of Colonial Dames. Barbara also served on several boards, traveled five continents, and loved to sail to many countries.

Barbara will be dearly missed by her loving family and by all who knew her, but leaves a legacy of many wonderful memories. We will remember her for a life that was giving and generous.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St., Hendersonville, with a small reception immediately following.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, 639 Maple Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ocie A. Gilliam Jackson, 91

Ocie A. Gilliam Jackson, 91, of Hendersonville went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

She was born on May 10, 1921 to the late Robert King and Lula Hyder King. She also was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Gilliam who died in 1994 and Foy Jackson who died in 2006 and her daughter, Louise Gilliam.

In addition to being a loving house wife and mother, she also enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens.

She is survived by her son, Clyde Gilliam and his wife Gleanus, of Dana; her two daughters, Cathie Hyder and her husband Ronnie, of Hendersonville, Darlene Gilliam of Black Mountain; her five grandchildren; her nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Randy Tryon, MD officiating. Burial will follow at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Friday.

A register book is available online by visiting www.thoshepherd.com.

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

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Rev. Martin J. Luecke, 79

Rev. Martin J. Luecke, 79, of Hendersonville went to his heavenly home Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Elizabeth House following a period of declining health.

A native of Bronxville, N.Y., he lived in Henderson County since 1980. He was a son of the late Wilbur and Louise Rippe Luecke, and was also preceded in death by his brother, William Luecke.

He was a graduate of Concordia Prep. and Junior College in Bronxville, N.Y., and was ordained into the ministry in 1959. His vicarage began in Minneapolis. He then served parishes in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ohio, again in Wisconsin, and Hendersonville. He served as pastor at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church from March 23, 1980, until his retirement Feb. 7, 1999. He was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Dianne C. Luecke; three sons, Bruce A. Luecke and his wife Mariana of Fletcher, Paul E. Luecke and his wife Mary of Minneapolis, Michael J. Luecke and his wife Blenda of Marshall; a daughter, Laura L. Reinhold and husband Roy of Hendersonville; a sister, Gesine Mangieri and her husband Louis of Simpsonville, S.C.; six grandchildren, Samantha, Christian, Erica, Amanda, Jessica, Alan; two great grandchildren, Aubrey, Kamari; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church with Pastor Larry Rabon officiating. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or Four Seasons Compassion for Life , 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Irene H. Sentell, 98

Irene H. Sentell, 98, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, March 18, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation following an extended illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County she was a daughter of the late Porter and Julia Howard, and the wife of the late R. V. Sentell who died in 1983. She was of the Baptist faith, and was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond, Julian, and Clanning Howard; and one sister, Gertrude McMurray.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Rhodes of Hendersonville; a son, David Sentell and his wife Patricia of Hendersonville; six grandchildren, Leon Rhodes, Michael Rhodes, Shirley Rhodes, Donna Geoge, Susan Newman, Lt. Col. Robert Sentell; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Garren officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Kathleen Baldwin, 81

Kathleen Baldwin, 81, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Four Seasons Elizabeth House.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pastors Jim and Betty Mead will officiate.

To sign the online register book, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mary B. Ward, 89

Mary B. Ward, 89, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, March 18, 2013, at Life Care Center of Hendersonville.

Mary, a lifelong resident of Henderson County, was a daughter of the late James and Lona Ward Beddingfield. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, John T. Ward Sr., and son, John T. Ward Jr.

She is survived by daughter, Theresa Cagle and husband Cliff; grandchildren, Carrie Baldwin and husband Michael, Crystal Montoya and husband Carlos; great-grandchildren, Brittany Baldwin and Carina Montoya all of Hendersonville; sister, Myrtle Williams; sisters-in-law, Adlyn Bell and Thelma Ward; brother-in-law, James P. Ward and wife Mary Jo; several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2013, in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hendersonville. Rev. Guy Smith will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery Fund, Attn. Jerald Summey, 650 Crystal Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Blanche Marian Brooke

Blanche M. Brooke, 87, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 9, 1925, she was the daughter of Polish immigrants, the late Peter and Eleanora (Grodzicka) Wojtecki. She was the youngest of three children which include her sister, Helen Anysz of Brick, N.J., and a deceased brother Henry Wojtecki.

She is survived by her daughter Bonnie C. Brooke of Hendersonville; her sons Daryl (Susanne) Brooke of Key West, Fla., and Todd (Kathy) Brooke of Pittsford, N.Y. She had seven grandchildren, Kristin (John) Cushwa, Keith Brooke, Scott (Maggie) Brooke, Catherine Brooke, Theresa (Nate) Galtieri, Heidi Mallwitz, and Charlotte Brooke, and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 59 years, Harry M. Brooke. She was retired from Kraft Foods on Long Island, N.Y., where she worked as a stenographer. Blanche and Harry enjoyed retirement in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, being involved in various arts. They were members of the Henderson County Gem and Mineral Society, Mineral and Lapidary Museum, and Henderson County Crafters Association. She enjoyed painting, sewing, and crafting beaded jewelry. They attended Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Blanche was an avid volunteer for several years at Mainstay Store and the Council on Aging Store.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, the Henderson County Council on Aging, or donor's choice.

A memorial service and celebration of Blanche's life will be announced at a later date.

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

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