Michael J. Petruska, 87

Michael J. Petruska, 87, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Charles George V.A. Medical Center after a period of declining health.

A native of New Brunswick, NJ, he lived in Henderson County since 1994. He was a son of the late Michael and Mary Berecz Petruska. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond J. Petruska. He retired following 30years of service with Delco-Remy, a division of General Motors in New Brunswick, NJ. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was a history buff. He was an avid reader and a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Joan T. Petruska; a son, Brian Petruska and his wife Marielena of Lyman, SC; two sisters, Rose Lanfalusi of New Brunswick, NJ, and Mary Szilva of North Brunswick, NJ; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Private entombment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charles George V.A. Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805. 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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Nancy “Sister” Davis

Nancy "Sister" Davis, 84, of Hendersonville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Elizabeth House. A native of Henderson County she was born on Feb. 1, 1929 to the late George and Myrtle Murphy. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Vance Davis; her daughter, Margaret Sutton; two brothers, Sydney and Walt Murphy and three sisters, Fanny Sue Ball, Christine McClure and Ethel Rhodes.

She loved the Lord and was a long time member at Shaws Creek Baptist Church.

She worked at General Electric for 10 years until her retirement in 1987 but she spent most of her life doing what she loved, taking care of her home and the people in it. A giving person, "Sister" was always putting friends and family before herself. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hill and her husband, Eddie, of Hendersonville; her two grandsons, Lyle Sutton and his wife, Donna, of Hendersonville, Shane Hill of Atlanta, GA; her two great-grandchildren, Sharlet and Austin Sutton; four brothers, G.L. Murphy, James Murphy, Paul Murphy, Charles Murphy, Roy Murphy; two sisters, Peggy Griffin, Mary Connor Metcalf and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Reverend Mikell Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC, 28731.

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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Jeremy D. Huffstetler

Jeremy D. Huffstetler, 18, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at his home. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ethel Green; his paternal grandmother, Lucille Parton Huffstetler; and his paternal grandfather, William Edward Huffstetler.

A native of Vietnam he was adopted by his parents when he was eight months old.

He was an honor student and senior at Hendersonville High School where as a lover of music he was an active member of their concert band. He was planning to attend Western Carolina University in the fall. He was a member of Boys and Girls Club in Hendersonville, a member of Stoney Mountain Baptist Church and a honorary Member of the Hendersonville Lions Club.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Brenda Huffstetler; several aunts and uncles; and his best friend, Jonathan Lewis.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Memorials Scholarship Fund c/o Henderson County Educational Foundation, PO BOX 1267, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at The Salvation Army with Captain Chris Thornhill officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Fairview. The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Church.

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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Verlon L. Ward, 56

Verlon L. Ward, 56, of Hendersonville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Eugene and Lillian Ward. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Benjalee Ward. Verlon was a graduate of East Henderson High School and was employed by CooperRiis of Asheville, NC.

He was a member of Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a member of the Kedron Lodge # 387 A.F. & A.M. where he was the past Master.

He devoted much of his time and energy as a caregiver to others and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, camping and being in the outdoors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Donna Ward; a daughter, Jennifer White and her husband Bryan; a son, Shelton Ward; four grandchildren, Austin White, Lillian White, Aiden Wright, and Kiah Neale, a sister, Nancy Perez of Asheville; two brothers, Don Ward of Tryon and Jim Ward of Flat Rock; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bayne Cemetery in Green River. Masonic Rites will be rendered by the Kedron Lodge #387 A.F. & A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Seventh-day Adventist Church of Hendersonville or Bayne Cemetery Fund.

An online sympathy card and register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Donald “Bud” Owens

TUXEDO — Donald "Bud" Owens, 75, of Tuxedo, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. A native and life long resident of Henderson County, Bud was born on July 22, 1937 to the late Cranford Owens and Clara Lee Camp Owens. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Billy and Carl Owens and a sister, Frankie Goins.

Bud worked for most of his life as a farmer. He retired from Jones Tree Farm in 2006. He was of the Baptist Faith and enjoyed rabbit hunting.

He is survived by his three sisters, Jewelle Owens of Tuxedo, Margaret Jean Fisher of Hendersonville, Jane McMinn of Hendersonville; two sister-in-laws, Janice and Ruby Owens both of Tuxedo and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Tuxedo First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mikell Bennett and the Rev. Harold McKinnish officiating. Burial will follow at Tuxedo First Baptist Church Cemetery off Mtn. View Road. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the church.

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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Verlon L. Ward, 56

Verlon L. Ward, 56, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Mission Hospitals in Asheville.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce arrangements.

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Gabriel Manuel Lopez

Gabriel Manuel Lopez, 3½ month old infant son of Joshua Manuel Lopez and Sarah Marie Lopez of Leicester, died Sunday, April 14, 2013.

He was enrolled at Eliada Child Development. His Papa was deployed in Operation New Dawn and will meet him in heaven for the first time. He loved to talk to his Papa on Skype and being held by his Mommy all of the time. He loved to play with his two sisters and his favorite pastimes were eating, laughing and smiling.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his two sisters, Jasmine Wall, 8 and Ophelia Dupre, 5; his Nona Gabriela Kozlowski; his Nana Kimberly Lopez; his Abuelo Jose Lopez; his Papi Warren Wall; Grammie Lauren Wall; Aunt Rachi Rachelle Greene; Uncle Austin Greene; cousins Shiloh and Hailee; Aunt Sara Lopez; Aunt Laura and Uncle Justin Wall.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. All who knew him, loved him, and anyone who never had the chance are invited to attend.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Irene G. Dayton

Irene G. Dayton, poet and novelist, passed away April 16, 2013, at the age of 91, after a brief illness.

Born August 6, 1922, she grew up near Lake Ariel, Pa. Becoming a committed Christian at age 14, she manifested throughout her life a concern for others and served in leadership capacity in several churches and literary organizations. She was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville.

She began writing poetry at an early age and is the author of four books of poetry: "The Sixth Sense Quivers," "The Panther's Eye," "Seven Times The Wind," "In Oxbow of Time's River." She is also author of the novel "Sobs of the Violins," involving the fate of the French Resistance in the Vercors Mountains of the French Alps during World War II. She was a Life Member of the Poetry Society of America, a member of The North Carolina Poetry Society, The Academy of American Poets, and the Poetry Society of Rochester, N. Y. She is listed in the International Author's and Writer's Who's Who and The International Who's Who In Poetry edited in London, England.

She was educated at Roberts Wesleyan College within the environs of Rochester, N.Y. After graduating she met Benjamin Dayton, a physicist at a scientific company where they were both employed. They were married in October 1943. The Daytons lived in Iromdequoit, a suburb of Rochester, many years, during which she wrote many poems that were accepted for publication. She became a finalist in The Yale Series of Younger Poets in 1958. She served as President of the Rochester Poetry Society for two terms as well as editing an Anthology of the Society.

Through the years she accompanied her husband on many occasions attending Symposia and International Congresses on High Vacuum Technology in the United States, Europe and Japan. Upon moving to the Flat Rock area of Western North Carolina in 1973, she continued composing poetry, teaching creative writing classes at Blue Ridge Community College. The Daytons were privileged to have 69-plus years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, Benjamin, and one son, David (Charlene) B. Dayton of Cleveland, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Linda Dayton of Gates; granddaughters, Heather (Jason) Argo, Melissa Dayton (Vinny Leta); great-granddaughter, Amelia. A second son, Glenn C. Dayton, died in 2008.

On Saturday morning, April 20, friends are invited to attend her funeral services at 9:30 at the DiPonzio Funeral Home, Inc., 219 Spencerport Road, Gates. Interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family locally.

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Eugene M. Rhodes, 62

Eugene M. Rhodes, 62, lifelong resident of Henderson County, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

No services are planned.

To read more and sign the online guest book, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Leslie V. Harrell, 82

Leslie V. Harrell, 82, of Hendersonville passed away, Sunday, April 14, 2013, at The Laurels of Hendersonville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Lee Harrell.

He had served in the US Army and the US Air Force and was a member of the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He is survived by a son, Phillip Harrell and wife Sherry of Etowah; two daughters, Suzann Finley and husband Bobby of Hendersonville and Janice Green and husband Charles of Hendersonville; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A cryptside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Shepherd Memorial Park Mausoleum with Pastor Brent Sedgwick officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church, PO Box 429, Fletcher, NC 28732

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

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Ethel Staggs Rogers, 85

Ethel Staggs Rogers, 85, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC.

She had lived most of her life in Hendersonville. She was a daughter of the late Charlie Short and Ellen Short Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, JC Staggs and Tom Rogers. In addition, she was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Staggs; a sister, Betty Laughter; two brothers, Olin H. and David Wilson; and two great-grandchildren, Rebecca Ann Crowe and John Michael Smith.

Mrs. Rogers loved her cat, Yeller, and her bird, Pretty Boy.

Survivors include her sons, Allen Staggs (Diane) of Saluda; Charlie Staggs, of Hendersonville; and Tommy Rogers (Jamie) of Cincinnati; daughters, Ann Gregory of Spartanburg, SC; Clara Trace of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Gloria Land (Steve) of Jacksonville, Fla., and 18 grandchildren, 25 great-children, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Matthew Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel.

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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Steven L. Smith, 56

GASTONIA — Steven L. Smith, 56, of Gastonia passed away Friday, April 12, 2013, at CaraMont Regional Health Center in Gastonia after an extended illness.

He was born in Catawba County, had lived in Henderson County for most of his life and resided in Gastonia since 2009.

He was the son of the late Chris Robert Smith Sr. and Edna Pearl Parker Smith.

He was a US Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey B. Smith of Gastonia; daughters, Christian Smith McCannon and husband George of Panama City, Fla., Elisha Smith of Louisiana, Hayley Roseberry of Gastonia and Hannah Runyon of Gastonia; son, James R. Smith and wife Joy of Asheville; brother, Chris R. Smith Jr. and wife Helen of Hendersonville; sisters, Teresa Parker Underwood and husband Mike of Clyde, and Jeannie Parker Leary and husband Charles of Asheville; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain with Rev. Craig Garren officiating. Steven will be honored with military rites. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Jackson Funeral Service.

Flowers are nice or donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

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

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Kathryn Linker Sieberman, 90

Kathryn Linker Sieberman, 90, of Hendersonville, went to sleep in Jesus Christ, Friday, March 22, 2013, in Asheville. She was born in Greensboro on Nov. 14, 1922, to the late Henry Lee Linker, Sr. and Thelma Taylor Linker.

Mrs. Sieberman, lovingly called "Aunt Kate" by many who knew her, was best known for her ability to live her Christian faith by humbly accepting all walks of life and caring for the needs of all she encountered. Her career was marked by helping others. She began her work-life as a teacher in Hendersonville, and later in a one-room Montana schoolhouse. She served many years as a Vice President of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Ill.

Kathryn Sieberman had a healing spirit that touched every person who met her. In 1957, Kathryn joined Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital ("The San") as a Switchboard Operator. Over more than 50 years she dedicated her life to helping patients, family members, visitors, employed staff and Medical Staff members. Aunt Kate had the gift of making all she met feel cared for and special.

Not long after joining the hospital, Mrs. Sieberman was assigned the leadership position for the entire Admitting Office that included the Switchboard, thus becoming the "face" of the hospital to the community. In addition to a strong work ethic, Kathryn was dedicated to personal development. While working full-time, she attended night school, graduating in 1973, from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Aunt Kate strongly believed that a hospital's capacity for healing comes not from its structure but from the spirit of those who work inside it. Her influence was especially profound on the Hinsdale Family Practice Residency Program. All areas of hospital life benefitted from her influence and loving touch. She was seen to be so essential to the Medical Staff that it named its lounge after her. She was an effective advocate for the Family Practice Residency and was the key to recruiting many young physicians to the program. Aunt Kate, as the residents called her, has a huge "alumni association" of once budding physicians and their families who credit her with their ability to tolerate the rigors of the program. She also extended this same loving kindness to many employees and others who hold fond memories of her encouragement.

Aunt Kate shared her zest for life and passion for Hinsdale Hospital with everyone she encountered. She was active in new employee orientation and taught many in-service training programs with the goal of creating a professional yet personal "look and feel" to the institution.

In her "retirement years", Aunt Kate returned to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital (by popular demand) as its "Customer Service Representative," welcoming each new patient with a flower bouquet. She said, "I give them (the Patients) the opportunity to express their needs, concerns or questions, so I can make their stay better. I don't want to take the human touch out of health care."

In 2004, as Hinsdale Hospital prepared to celebrate its Centennial, Aunt Kate once again came out of retirement. Her focus was to serve as the organizational historian and to help the hospital prepare for its celebration. However, she also returned to her previous tasks of doing all manner of "customer service" activities. Aunt Kate was 85 when a broken leg forced her third retirement.

Always a North Carolinian at heart, upon her third retirement Kathryn moved to North Carolina where she resided at Fletcher Park Inn in Hendersonville, near the school where she began her teaching career in her beloved mountains of Western North Carolina.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was Mrs. Sieberman's spiritual home where she taught many classes and shared her unique gifts of spiritual discipline and positive, healthy Christian living. She was a member of the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church for 56 years.

Kathryn is survived by nephews Chet Linker of Summerfield, and Dan Linker of Waynesville; sister-in-law Elizabeth Edwards Linker of Colfax; great niece Emma C. Linker of Pittsburgh; great nephew Wilson B. Linker of Oakland, Calif.; and Wilbur and Doris Linker of Greensboro.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Sieberman and her children David E. and Linda Lee Sieberman, also by her brother Henry Lee Linker, Jr.

A private burial service was held on March 28, 2013, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. April 27, 2013, at the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville.

In addition, a special celebration of Aunt Kate's life will be held at 3 p.m. on July 20, 2013, at the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 201 North Oak Street, Hinsdale, Ill.

Memorial gifts or gifts in lieu of flowers may be given in Kathryn Sieberman's name to: Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 130, Hinsdale, IL 60521, Benefitting the Cancer Center and Clinical Education or Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 201 North Oak Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, Benefitting Christian Education.

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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Minne Jean Justice Case

DANA — Minne Jean Justice Case of Dana went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Mae Belle Nix Justice, her husband, Clifford Case Sr. and several siblings.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and was a wonderful caregiver helping many people through the years including service with WCCA and the Council on Aging and loved crafts.

She is survived by three sons, Sidney Nalley of Dana, Dennis Nalley of Virginia and Clifford Case Jr. of Dana; three daughters, Pam Holden of East Flat Rock, Teresa Moore of Dana and Tracy Wood of Etowah; three sisters, Shirley Anderson of Florida, Velma Neal of Pennsylvania and Louise Martin of Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Mountain Home Baptist Church with Rev. Craig Garren and Rev. Jimmy Justice officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday  at Jackson Funeral Service and at other times will be at her home.

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

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Mary Jane Dachtler, 96

Mary Jane Dachtler, 96, of Hendersonville, died on April 8, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she was born on Feb. 9, 1917, to the late George Fiess and Helena McGuire Fiess. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Charles Dachtler.

She was most proud of her volunteer work for the American Red Cross where she transcribed books into Braille for the blind. In retirement she loved playing duplicate bridge with all her bridge friends in Hendersonville. She was of the Catholic faith.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Denise Gambone and her husband Tony. In addition to her daughter she is also survived by her granddaughters, Dena Gambone-Stende (Darik) of Minneapolis, Minn., Dr. Laura Gambone (Ken Nobles) of Little Rock, Ark., and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

In accordance with Mary Jane's wishes, there will be no local service at this time.

A register book is available online 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 "Jim" W. Marshall, Jr.

James "Jim" W. Marshall, Jr., 87, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Winnetka, Ill., he was born on May 10, 1925, to the late James W. Marshall Sr. and Mary Louise Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sarah "Cosy" Marshal,l who died in 2012 and his brother, Thomas Lees Marshall, who died July 9, 1944 in Fondaggio, Italy serving in an ambulance unit in the American Field Service during World War II.

A member of "The Greatest Generation" Jim also served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return home he attended and graduated from Brown University with a degree in English. He worked for Heritage Furniture Company as a traveling salesmen and while on a business trip to High Point he had a blind date with a true southern belle. Returning to High Point a year later, and seeing her with someone else he quickly realized that she was the love of his life. He married Sarah "Cosy" Hunsucker on Oct. 15, 1955, in a small ceremony in her parent's home.

As they started their family, Jim always held a special place in his heart for his brother, and realized that the gift of life and family were priceless commodities. Jim bestowed his brother's name to his first born son, Thomas Lees Marshall. The furniture business brought his small family to Florida, where he also got his brokerage license. After summering in Tryon with his family for many years, he and Cosy's love for the mountains of Western North Carolina brought them to Hendersonville in 1963.

He began working for McCarley & Co. of Asheville. He opened their Hendersonville office in the First Federal Building on Church Street. He was the only stockbroker in Hendersonville at the time and had Hendersonville's first ticker tape which afforded him the opportunity to learn the country's breaking news before most everyone else. His love and dedication to his work kept him in the brokerage business until his retirement.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club for over 49 years, a member of the Hendersonville Country Club, and a season ticket holder at Flat Rock Playhouse. He was on the board of directors for the Flat Rock Playhouse as well as the Salvation Army for numerous years. He was faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church for over 50 years and remained active as an usher up until a few months ago.

He is survived by three sons, Thomas L. Marshall of Hendersonville, James W. Marshall III and his wife Tiffany of Hendersonville, and Frank H. Marshall and his wife Lauren of Asheville. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Henry "Hank" H. Marshall, Wesleigh M. Marshall, Sarah Genevieve Marshall, and Louisa E. Marshall who all affectionately called him "Hobbie".

A memorial service will held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2013, in St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville with Rev. Joel G. Hafer, Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap, and Rev. Deacon Tim Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas L. Marshall Memorial Scholarship Endowment, c/o Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

A register book is available online 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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Edwin Earl Peeler, 79

Edwin Earl Peeler, 79, of Brooksville, Fla., died April 4, 2013 in Brooksville.

He was the son of the late Horace and Violet Peeler and brother of Jim Peeler and Peggy Rogers of Hendersonville and Patricia Burke of Asheville.

A memorial service will be held in Florida at a later date.

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

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Marvin L. Scott, 78

Marvin L. Scott, 78, devoted husband, father, brother and friend passed away at the Life Care Center of Hendersonville on Sunday, April 7, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his devoted family.

Marvin was the beloved husband of Connie Sancetta Scott for 23 years; the loving father of Ellen, Hans (Andrea), Barbara Kapp (Mike), Martha, Steven (Julie), Robert, Susan Nemeth (Mike), Andrew (Heather), Christy Cashman (Jay) and Patrick (Amber). Grandfather to Patrick, Gabrielle, Savanah, Brian, Bianca, Dylan, Kristin, Brittany Botzum (Matt), Amy, Mark, Jennifer Yoder (Jeremy), Heidi Ball (Brad), Tanner, Sarah, Ben, Zachariah, Judy, Paul, Cecelia, Drew, Ella, Jay Michael, Quinn, Ivy and Camille. Great-grandfather to Braden, Claire, Brody, Luke and Abbey. Step-father of Diane Silva (Bob), Jim Lorentz (Beth), Susan Dieterich (Tom) and Mary Jane Hull (John). Step-grandfather to Nathan, Madeline, Halle, Clay and Brent.

He is also survived by his sister, Alcyone Scott of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Leverentz Scott, a sister, Ellen Ludwig and a brother, Ernest Scott.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Meredith and Ernest Scott. He served in the U.S. Air Force, worked in the electronics business and became a real estate broker upon moving to North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. The Rev. H. Alexander Viola will officiate. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Church, 1905 Greenville Hwy. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

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Melissa Jones Leonetti, 43

Melissa Jones Leonetti, 43, of Fort Mill, S.C., died as the result of a car accident on Friday, April 5.

She is the daughter of Larry G. and Janet Holbert Jones of Cramerton.

Melissa grew up in Cary. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and obtained her masters degree in social work from University of West Virginia at Morgantown. She worked as a social worker in Charlotte after college and most recently worked in the York County, S.C., school system. She is a member of the Fort Mill First Baptist Church.

It was in Charlotte that she met, fell in love and married Thomas Leonetti. She was blessed with two precious daughters, Anna Marie, age 11 and Ashley Grace, who recently celebrated her 1st birthday. Becoming a mother was a gift from God to Melissa and was her greatest joy. Her love for them will be carried in their hearts throughout their lives.

In addition to her husband, children, and parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother Melba W. Holbert of Hendersonville; parents-in-law John and Sue Leonetti of Chicago, IL; and her aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law and cousins who all loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with a graveside service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pall bearers will be J. Mark Holbert, Lanny F. Holbert, Jason M. Holbert, Daniel I. Holbert, David A. Holbert and Douglas E. Jones.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mitchell “Junior” Capps, 81

Mitchell "Junior" Capps, 81, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Elizabeth house after a brief illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Mitchell Capps, Sr. and Lola E. Pace Capps. He was also preceded in death by a sister, and four brothers.

He was a shipping foreman with International Paper, retiring after 28 years of service. He served in the Navy during the Korean War era. He loved playing shuffleboard and gardening. He attended First Baptist Church, Hendersonville.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Carolyn Dean Capps; a son, Wally Capps and Denise Reitmeier of Taylors, S.C.; a brother, L.D. "Buck" Capps and his wife Katherine of Edneyville; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Phillip Capell will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in the chapel prior to the servicel.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, 312 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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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