Florence Gustafson Ready, 103

Florence Gustafson Ready, 103, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at the Elizabeth House exactly one month short of her 104th birthday, Jan. 17, 2014.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Gustafson and Hilda (Johnson) Gustafson; her husband, William Ready; two sisters, Ann Swenson, Agnes Buttedal; a brother who died in infancy; and a niece, Merilyn Green.

Until her final year Florence enjoyed good health, and active life, independent living and driving with a non-restrictive driver's license (no eye-glasses required). She was quick witted, had a good sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Four decades ago Florence retired after a fulfilling career as a stenographer and office manager with various Federal Government agencies in Washington, DC. After retirement she moved to the city of her childhood, Minneapolis, Minn. Five years ago she sought a warmer climate and relocated to Fletcher Park Inn, in Hendersonville.

When asked about the secret of her longevity, Florence would happily recite her lifestyle habits of eating a vegan diet, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, exercising daily, keeping a positive attitude and trusting in God. She was a member of the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church.

She is survived by her three nephews, Robert Buttedal, William Buttedal, Lowell Swenson and a great-niece, Debbie Amman.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, with Pastor Charles Ferguson and Pastor Ivan Blake officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church Building Fund or to the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church new office project.

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