James Alan Rieger, 70

James Alan Rieger, 70, of Hendersonville passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, February 25, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. He was a son of the late Milton Jason and Blanch Evelyn Nick Rieger. In addition to his parents, Alan was also preceded in death by one son, Stephen, one granddaughter, Candice as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Alan was a long time resident and community leader of Hendersonville. He was very well respected as a land developer with uncanny vision. He continued to be active in local real estate until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Noel, as well as three sons: Ken (Krisi), Matt (Audrey), Ben (Ashley), two step daughters: Heather Bauer and Alyssa Salas; six grandchildren: David, Stephanie, James, Jonathon, Wendell and Pierson. He is also survived by seven step-grandchildren: Alani, Noeime, Irineo, Leo, Lazaro, Skylar and Caleb; three great-grandchildren: Kearsey, Isabelle and Silas as well as one daughter-in-law, Linda.

A memorial service in remembrance of Alan will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Hendersonville First Presbyterian Church with Pastor William Campbell officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Alan’s memory be directed to Four Season’s 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 are in charge of arrangements.

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William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72

William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72, of Mills River, died on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Campus in Asheville. He was born July 25, 1946 in Statesville; a son of the late Mason Eugene and Katherine Sharpe Melton Orren.

He lived most of his life in Henderson County and was a 1966 graduate of West Henderson High School. He was a self-employed grading contractor. He enjoyed wildlife preservation, hunting, fishing, and Nascar.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mahala Shipman Orren; a daughter, Bridgett Orren Brudever and her husband Robert of Canton, GA; a sister, Judy Souther and her husband Gary of Fletcher; a granddaughter, Macie Elizabeth Brudever; a niece, Mary Souther Cruse of Fletcher; as well as numerous great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Reverend Richard Merck officiating. The family will receive friends 11:00 – 11:45 am prior to the service at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude - http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=5632597&fr_id=39300&pg=personal.

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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Steven Carl Ward, 64

Steven Carl Ward, 64, of Hendersonville passed away suddenly and went home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2019. Born in Presque Isle, Maine to a military family in 1954, and after a time in Louisiana & Mississippi, his family came to Henderson County in 1965. He was the son of Thelma Ward and the late Bill Ward. Steve was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and adventures with his close circle of hunting and fishing buddies. Above all things, Steve loved family. Steve was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle “unc” and friend who will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. He was an exceptional man of exceptional intelligence who was a jack of all trades. He never found anything broken that he couldn’t repair or repurpose. He was good, honest and fair, and selfless in his consideration of others. He was quiet when there was nothing to say, and full of words and wisdom when he had something meaningful to say, or when he wanted to bring laughter and joy into the lives of those around him. Steve retired after 40 years of service with General Electric at the end of 2015. From that time forward he devoted his time to his family and friends, spending time out in nature and just spending time doing the things that he loved. In the Summer of 2018 Steve set out on a final adventure of a lifetime with the love of his life, his wife Cindy. They travelled across the country taking in the beauty of the countryside, enjoying each other’s company, and visiting landmarks and friends and family all along the way. They were so blessed to have this final adventure together before his untimely passing.
Steve is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy McCullough Ward, their son, Ryan (wife, Amanda), a granddaughter, EmmaLee, Steve’s mother, Thelma Ward, a brother, Lee (wife, Beverly), a mother-in-law, Nona Sue McCullough, 2 nieces, Courtney Stepp Lowery (husband, Sean), Lana Ward Bagwell (husband, Eric), a nephew, Brett Ward, and a great nephew, Tyler Stepp Lowery. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Bill Ward, his father-in-law, James “Buddy” McCullough, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Suprina Stepp.
Steve leaves a void that can never be filled, but the legacy of his loving kindness will live on through the generations that he touched. He will be dearly missed here on Earth, but we all rejoice at our reunion in the eternal life to come.
A visitation will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Shaws Creek Baptist Church with service to follow at 2 PM. The Reverends Danny Pridmore and Jerry Mullinax will officiate.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Peter E. Bedoian, 86

Peter E. Bedoian, 86 of Hendersonville, NC, died Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Carolina Village.
A native of Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Israel & Anna Bedoian. He is also preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Diane C. Bedoian, who died in 2012; and one sister, Mary Wodziak.
Pete lived in Lowell, IN, Calumet Park, IL, Blue Island, IL, before moving to Saluda, NC, 23 years ago. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War and was stationed in Iceland. Pete retired from Linde Air Products in East Chicago, IN. In retirement, he worked at Langen Realty in Lowell, IN; Carquest in Hendersonville, NC; Camp Green Cove and Camp Mondamin in Zirconia, NC.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, where he volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister. Pete was a member of Knights of Columbus and Youche Country Club. He was elected Township Trustee in IN and in IL. Pete enjoyed playing golf, playing the accordion, and, most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by a son, Michael Bedoian and his wife Shanda of Saluda, NC; three daughters, Susan Gavin and her husband Bill of Goodyear, AZ, Sharon Wagner and her husband Jeff of Winamac, IN, and Laura Langen and her husband Doug of Zionsville, IN; his loving companion, Joan Wright of Hendersonville, NC; three brothers, John Bedoian and his wife Judy, Charlie Bedoian, and Bob Bedoian and his wife Pat; one sister, Margaret Novak; seven grandchildren, Jacquelyn Jeanes and her husband Zach, Nicholas Williams and his wife Caroline, Steven Wagner, Micayla Bedoian, Jenna Langen, Alyssa Wagner, Cyrena Bedoian; two great-grandchildren, Ella June Jeanes and Cameron Kai Williams; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Praveen Turaka officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Burial will take place at St. Peter Cemetery in Winamac, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in his honor.
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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James Ervin Crouse, 84

James Ervin Crouse, 84 of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

A native of Boone, Iowa, he was the son of the late Ervin Crouse and Katherine Varak Crouse. He is also preceded in death by a wife, Mary Ellen Tucker Crouse who died in 2000; a daughter, Linda Crouse; and a sister, Judy Buche.

James was a graduate of Iowa State University. He had prior residences in Boone, Iowa, Fairview Park, Ohio, and Allegany, New York before moving to Henderson County 19 years ago. James was employed for NASA and Dresser Rand Industries as an engineer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. James was involved with the N.C. Trail Volunteers, and avid bridge player, and a Bridge Life Master.

He is survived by a son, Don Crouse and his wife Amy of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother-in-law, John Buche of Boone, Iowa; three grandchildren, Katherine Crouse, Timothy Crouse, and Elizabeth Crouse; two nephews, Bob Buche and David Buche; and his ex-wife, Sylvia Crouse.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Mark Ralls officiating.

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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Norbert Sternad, 85

Norbert Sternad, 85 of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Life Care Center of Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 great years, Anne Sternad; two step-sons, Scott Sheff and William Sheff.

A private service will be held at a later date.

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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Steve Mihocka, 89

Steve Mihocka, 89 of Hendersonville, passed away January 21, 2019 at Pardee Hospital of cardiac arrest.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, J. Christine Mihocka and his son, Stephen Edward Mihocka. He attended Barberton High School, received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and his Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Steve’s entire professional career was with the YMCA. In retirement, he was a consultant in risk management for the National YMCA Board. He was the Director of Annual Support Campaigns for the YMCA of Greater New York. He was the Executive Director for the following: Staten Island YMCA of Greater New York, Central Branch YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, YMCA of Siouxland, Sioux City, Iowa, South Shore Branch, YMCA of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Adult Education Director of Akron Central Branch, Akron Ohio.

Steve was a Captain in the U.S. Army and a Commander in the Ohio National Guard. His community activities included: Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Jaycee “Outstanding Man of the Year”, Meals on Wheels, 32nd Degree Mason, Shrine Foot Patrol Unit in Sioux City, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Service to others was the cornerstone of Steve’s life. His relationships with family and friends, in the U.S. and abroad were very important to him. He will be missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Christine Mihocka; three nephews, John Mihocka, James Mihocka and David Mihocka along with their mother Christine Seely Mihocka; and several cousins in Slovakia.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 8, 2019 in the theatre at Lake Pointe Landing, Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org.

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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James Chester Ward, “ J.C.” 74

James Chester Ward, “ J.C.” 74, of Zirconia, left this world at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation in Hendersonville on Saturday, February 2, 2019 and was welcomed into heaven by Our Sweet Jesus. He was also reunited with his loving mother, Minnie Ward, whom he dearly loved. In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by his father, John Runyan Ward; a daughter, Michelle Ward; two sisters, Mae Johnson and Ruth Ward; two brothers, Clarence Ward and Jay Lee Ward; and one granddaughter, Brittany Corpening.

“J.C.” was a native of Henderson County and was a proud farmer of the Zirconia community all of his life. He is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Judy McAbee Ward of the home; two sons, Brian Ward and his wife Lisa of Campbello, South Carolina and Shane Ward of Hendersonville ; nine grandchildren: Brianna Stepp and her husband, Kyle, Brandon Ward and his wife Jessica, Shelby Corpening, Josh Ward, Colby Ward, Jared Ward, Shelby Wilson and her husband Jordan, Haley Elliott and Jacob Elliott; eleven great grandchildren; one brother, Grover Ward, and his wife, Dollie; two sisters, Geneva Bollinger and Janie Simpson and her husband, Lawrence; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Mt. View Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Beddingfield officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

If anyone knew J.C. they knew a true hard working farmer who took pride in tilling the farm land.

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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William Stuart Shipman, 54,

William Stuart Shipman, 54, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. Stuart was born on July 31, 1964 in Henderson County, NC to Seldon Edgar (Buddy) Shipman, Jr. and Mary McLeod Shipman.
Stuart was a big man with broad shoulders. His strong hands served him well as a stone mason. The pride that he put into his craft is evident in the many fine examples he left in and around Henderson County.
Stuart was an avid fisherman, possessed a great love for the mountains, and was most at home in nature. His talents were not limited to masonry; he was also an excellent mechanic and could fix anything.
Stuart was caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. He was always willing to help friends, family, or neighbors, especially those less fortunate. His family and loved ones will always miss his smile, his humor, and his love of life’s simple things.
Stuart is survived by his mother, Mary McLeod Shipman of Hendersonville, NC; his brothers Steve of Greenville, SC, Bob of Lamar, SC, Eddie, Jon McLeod, and Tim of Hendersonville, NC; girlfriend Vicki Nelson and her son Aaron of Hendersonville, NC; four nephews: Robert, of Denver, CO, Collin, of Lamar, SC, Michael and Nicholas of Greenville, SC, and niece Mary Beth of Lamar, SC.
The memorial service will be held at 11: 00 A.M, Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Pastor Steve Scoggins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Stuart’s memory to the Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314, 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give or to a charity of your choice.
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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Marshall Allan Warshauer, 89

Marshall Allan Warshauer, 89, of Flat Rock died Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Pardee Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel officiated by Rabbi Rachel Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Marshall’s memory be directed to Agudas Israel Congregation, 505 Glasgow Ln, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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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