Harry Scott Nichols, 82, of Andrews, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.
    He was born in the year of our Lord on Dec. 1, 1933, in Andrews to the late Adam Nichols and the late Virginia Wilson Nichols.
    He was a member of First Baptist Church of Andrews. He lived and attended school in Andrews.
    He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 7, 1951, from which he received an honorable discharge on Sept. 2, 1954.
    He worked and retired as a bank courier for United Community Bank.
    Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Kathryn Fodero Nichols; son, Jamie Adam Nichols and wife Davann Hubbard Nichols; grandchildren, Anthony Nichols, Ashlie Nichols; step grandchildren, Slade and wife Gina Hubbard, their sons, David and Reid, and Kristy and husband Denny Rutan and their daughter, Piper; daughter, Angeline Nichols Phillips and husband Robin Phillips, grandson, Waylan Scott Stalcup and wife Brandy Pace Stalcup; and one great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Stalcup. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Nichols Wood; brother, Gene Pete Nichols; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
    May our loved one “rest in peace.”
    Private services were held at Valleytown Cemetery with children and immediate family.
    Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Andrews to the general fund.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Dick Barnhart, 68, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    He was a native of Wood County, W.Va., and son of the late William and Carrie Ann Williams Barnhart.
    Dick loved going to church, spending time with his grandkids and great-grandsons.
    He was a member of Old Fashioned Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richard James Barnhart.
    He is survived by his wife, Janice Oliver Barnhart; two daughters, Ronda Roberson and husband Shane of Copperhill, Tenn., and Becky McClure and husband Robert of Murphy; two brothers, Larry Barnhart and Penny of Belmont, W.Va., and Kit Williams and wife Linda of Rougemont; one sister, Sherry Frase of Akron, Ohio; four grandchildren, Julie Roberson and fiancée Keaton Killian, Alexandria Vazquez and husband Tony, Jeffrey Roberson and Samantha Hayes and husband Lucas; great-grandchildren, Tucker Vazquez, Mason Vazquez and Landon Hayes; and lifelong friend, Jim Boor and wife Charolette of Belmont, W.Va.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Old Fashioned Baptist Church. Pastor Hoyt Brown, the Rev. Jesse Sisson and Jeffrey Roberson officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy Hensley, Charles Hogsed, Eddie Garrett, Tony Vazquez, Jerry Oliver and Eddie Lockaby. Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Brooks, Frances Cook, Jim Boor, Matthew Lockaby, Michael Lockaby and Mark Lockaby.
    The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Barnhart family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Robert Beavers, 83, of Carson Lane, Murphy, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at his home following an extended illness.
    Mr. Beavers was born March 19, 1933, in Murphy,  the son of the late Herman Beavers and the late Sarah Jane Sneed Beavers. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn G. Tanner Beavers in 2003; a daughter, Robbie Beavers; a son, Keith Beavers; two sisters, Linnie Mae Tanner and Radie Morgan; five brothers, Hasten, Clinton, John, Horace and Wilford Beavers.
    Mr. Beavers was a member of Old Fashion Baptist Church.
    Surviving Mr. Beavers are one son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Kenny and Alwayne Beavers of Young Harris, Ga.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Audrey and Stanley Raxter of Murphy, Kimberly and Steve Wilson of Brasstown, Krystal and Eddie West of Murphy; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Marceline Beavers; Harley and Ruth Beavers, all of Murphy; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Hoyt Brown officiating. Special music will be presented by Maria Wilson. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Zack, Thomas and Jaron Beavers, Ben and Mark Wilson, and Josh Cordin. The following gentleman will serve as honorary pallbearers, Mark Lovingood, Gary, Chris and Johnny Beavers, Johnny and Eddie Kernea.
    Interment will follow in the Bellview Community Cemetery, where he will rest next his beloved wife, Evelyn.
    The family will meet with friends at the funeral home from 5-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29.
    Flowers will be accepted or, if you wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in memory of Mr. Beavers.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Mrs. Hazel Irene Laney Luther, 97, of Telford, Tenn., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016.
    Hazel was born in Brasstown to the late Frank and Lillie Bradshaw Laney.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband of 64 years, George Luther; daughter, Deanna Loretta McClanahan; sisters, Mary Lee Hoskins, Ruth Intha Eubank, Jessie Mae Watson; brothers, Billy Laney, Roy Elmer Laney and Franklin DeVeraux Laney.
    She is survived by son, Marty George Luther (Sandy) of Morristown, Tenn.; daughters, Wanda Joyce Musick (Wayne) of Morristown, and Donna Kay Barrow of the home; grandchildren, Sharon Peterson, Lesley Musick, Laura Carter, Kevin McClanahan, Heather Mayes, Brent Musick, Jennifer Harbin, John Barrow and Laney Mangum; 17 great-grandchildren and  four great-great-grandchildren; and two very special cats.
    She was of the Baptist faith.
    Mrs. Luther graduated from Murphy High School in 1939. Mrs. Luther went to school and worked for a few years in the 1950s as a hairdresser and would usually complement people on their hair in her later years.
    She married George Luther on March 18, 1941, in Blairsville, Ga. She was a loving and  faithful wife, wonderful mother and precious grandmother endearingly known as Nanny.
She made many beautiful quilts and clothes for her daughters.
    After George’s retirement, they traveled 49 states by tour buses making many friends. She never met a stranger.
    She was an avid bird watcher, especially hummingbirds. She loved collecting rocks on her travels and picnics with her family. She also enjoyed looking at her flowers in her garden.
    Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Hamblen Memorial Gardens in Morristown, Tenn., with Kevin McClanahan officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.
    The family would like to thank Mountain States Hospice, especially Lynn and Becky for their caring guidance. A very special thank you to Angela from in-home services for her loving kindness.
    Condolences may be sent to the Luther family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
    Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jonesborough, Tenn.,  423-753-3821, is in charge of arrangements.
 

    David Carroll Jones, 79, of Marble, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, at his home.
    A graveside inurnment service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Valleytown Baptist Church Cemetery.
    Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Blanche Edith Thompson Miller, 93, of Griffin, Ga., passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at The Woods Assisted Living in Griffin.
    She was born March 10, 1923, near Culberson. Her parents were Charlie and Dollie Anderson Thompson.
    She attended Cherokee County public schools and graduated from Murphy High School in the Class of 1940 as salutatorian of the class. Later she was employed by Murphy City Schools and by the Cherokee County Board of Education as a secretary.
    Her husband of 51 years was the late Henry Woodrow Miller, who died May 5, 1994. Together they owned and operated a Frigidaire dealership in Griffin, Ga., for more than 25 years.
    Mrs. Miller, along with her late husband, was an active member of Griffin Second Baptist Church dating back to the early 1950s. She taught Sunday school at several age levels and was involved in the Women’s Missionary activities of the church. As a charter member of the auxiliary of the Griffin Camp of Gideons International, she held local offices and also served for two years as auxiliary chaplain for the Georgia State Gideons Auxiliary. Visiting home-bound individuals, writing notes and cards, and quilting occupied her time during retirement.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Woodrow Miller, and brothers, Fred Thompson, Elmer Thompson and James Thompson.
    Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Glenda Miller; grandchildren and their spouses,  Peyton and Margie Miller and Abby and Brice Martin; great-grandchildren, Andrew Miller, Miranda Miller, Sarah Martin and Leah Martin, and one sister, Lois Brown, all of Griffin, Ga. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
    Visitation for Mrs. Miller was held from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Second Baptist Church in Griffin, Ga. Following the visitation, the funeral service was held at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Interment followed at Westwood Gardens in Griffin.
    Memorials may be made to Gideon Memorial Bibles, Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 842, Griffin, GA 30224.
    Conner Westbury Funeral Home, Griffin, Ga., www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com, was in charge of the services.

    Mrs. Hazel Irene Laney Luther, 97, of Telford, Tenn., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016.
    Hazel was born in Brasstown to the late Frank and Lillie Bradshaw Laney.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband of 64 years, George Luther; daughter, Deanna Loretta McClanahan; sisters, Mary Lee Hoskins, Ruth Intha Eubank, Jessie Mae Watson; brothers, Billy Laney, Roy Elmer Laney and Franklin DeVeraux Laney.
    She is survived by a son, Marty George Luther (Sandy) of Morristown, Tenn.; daughters, Wanda Joyce Musick (Wayne) of Morristown, and Donna Kay Barrow of the home; grandchildren, Sharon Peterson, Lesley Musick, Laura Carter, Kevin McClanahan, Heather Mayes, Brent Musick, Jennifer Harbin, John Barrow and Laney Mangum; 17 great-grandchildren and  four great-great-grandchildren; and two very special cats.
    She was of the Baptist faith.
    Mrs. Luther graduated from Murphy High School in 1939. Mrs. Luther went to school and worked for a few years in the 1950s as a hairdresser and would usually complement people on their hair in her later years.
    She married George Luther on March 18, 1941, in Blairsville, Ga. She was a loving and  faithful wife, wonderful mother and precious grandmother endearingly known as Nanny.
She made many beautiful quilts and clothes for her daughters.
    After George’s retirement, they traveled 49 states by tour buses making many friends. She never met a stranger.
    She was an avid bird watcher, especially hummingbirds. She loved collecting rocks on her travels and picnics with her family. She also enjoyed looking at her flowers in her garden.
    Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Hamblen Memorial Gardens in Morristown, Tenn., with Kevin McClanahan officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.
    The family would like to thank Mountain States Hospice, especially Lynn and Becky for their caring guidance. A very special thank you to Angela from in-home services for her loving kindness.
    Condolences may be sent to the Luther family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
    Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jonesborough, Tenn.,  423-753-3821, was in charge of arrangements.

    Known for her keen wit, intelligence and creative talents, Joan Finch Hollingsworth, 78, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in North Augusta, S.C., after a lengthy battle with diabetes and other health issues.
    Born Sept. 26, 1937, she was the daughter of the late John Terrell Finch and Dorothy Louise Warren Finch of Powder Springs, Ga.
    Joan attended North Georgia College and spent most of her adult career working in the banking industry. Employed by such companies as Scientific Products, Fredrickson Motor Lines and Central Motor Lines, she spent the bulk of her years with Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union in Charlotte as finance and operations manager.
    Joan retired in the early 1990s and resided in various cities near her family over the following years, including Waynesboro, Ga., Shelby, N.C. and Murphy.
    A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan enjoyed gardening, costume design, crafting, musical theater, and playing card and board games with family. She often volunteered her immense talents as a master seamstress with local community theaters and dance organizations throughout the many communities in which she lived.
    She is survived by her children – James Henry Hollingsworth (wife Betty) of Cherryville, Janis Hollingsworth Owl (husband Clifford Jr.) of Murphy, and Jonathan Douglas Hollingsworth (wife Lexie) of Augusta, Ga.; brothers brothers, Terrell Young Finch (wife Rhetta) of Temple, Ga., Kenneth Finch (wife Sherry) of Marietta, Michael Eugene Finch (wife Beckie) of Carrolton, Ga.; sisters, Charlotte Finch Taylor (husband Jerry) of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Karon Finch Fickey (husband Edsel) of Gainesville, Ga.; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Douglas Finch.
    A graveside service for family was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at Midway Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Powder Springs, Ga. Pallbearers were James H. Hollingsworth, Jonathan Douglas Hollingsworth, Jonathan Troy Hollingsworth, Edsel Fickey, Michael Eugene Finch and Jerry W. Taylor.
    Bellamy Funeral Home of Hiram, Ga., bellamyfuneralhomes.com, was in charge of services.

    Robert Beavers, 83, of Carson Lane, Murphy, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at his home following an extended illness.
    Mr. Beavers was born March 19, 1933, in Murphy,  the son of the late Herman Beavers and the late Sarah Jane Sneed Beavers. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn G. Tanner Beavers, in 2003; a daughter, Robbie Beavers; a son, Keith Beavers; two sisters, Linnie Mae Tanner and Radie Morgan; five brothers, Hasten, Clinton, John, Horace and Wilford Beavers.
    Mr. Beavers was a member of Old Fashion Baptist Church.
    Surviving Mr. Beavers are one son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Kenny and Alwayne Beavers of Young Harris, Ga.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Audrey and Stanley Raxter of Murphy, Kimberly and Steve Wilson of Brasstown, Krystal and Eddie West of Murphy; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Marceline Beavers; Harley and Ruth Beavers, all of Murphy; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Hoyt Brown officiating. Special music was presented by Maria Wilson. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Zack, Thomas and Jaron Beavers, Ben and Mark Wilson, and Josh Cordin. The following gentlemen served as honorary pallbearers, Mark Lovingood, Gary, Chris and Johnny Beavers, Johnny and Eddie Kernea.
    Interment followed in Bellview Community Cemetery, where he will rest next his beloved wife, Evelyn.
    The family met with friends at the funeral home from 5-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29.
    Flowers were accepted or, if you wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in memory of Mr. Beavers.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Bret Allen Abbatiello, 39, passed away at his home Monday, Aug. 22, 2016.
    He was a native of Monmouth County, N.J., and was the son of Patricia Abbatiello Hendricks of Hudson, Fla.
    Bret had been a cook for Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant.
    He is survived by his fiancee, Melissa DeYong; two sons, Nicholas Abbatiello and Ryan Abbatiello, both of Palm Harbor, Fla.; and one brother, Frankie Hendricks of
California.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    You may send tributes to the Abbatiello family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Dona Lillian Morgan Ferqueron, 74, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at her home.
    She was a native of Hampton County, Mass., and daughter of the late Donald and Pearl Dunham Morgan.
    Dona had worked as a secretary in St. Petersburg, Fla., and after moving to Murphy she worked for Walmart more than 15 years in the shoe department.
    She was a great mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. Dona enjoyed bowling, sports and helping people.
    She was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Ferqueron; and sister, Nancy Brown.
    She is survived by her two sons, Jady Shorette and wife Karen and Keith Shorette, all of the Hiwassee Dam community; one brother, Bill Morgan and wife Sandy of Whales, Mass.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
    No services are planned at this time.
    You may send tributes to the Ferqueron family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    John Edmond Staugler, 57, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    Born May 25, 1959, in Montgomery, Ala., he was the son of Franz Staugler of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Arlette Scheidegger of Montreux, Switzerland.
    John was a cabinet maker for Creative Woodworkz in Brasstown.
    John had a love affair with life, family, people and wood, not necessarily in that order. He was a world traveller – Switzerland, Ireland and South America. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to help people. He was a poet at heart.
    He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Elmer Staugler of Orlando, Fla.; grandmother, Kathleen Hoge of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandparents, Edmond and Yvonne Scheidegger of Montreux, Switzerland; and best friend Keith Sandeson of Naples, Fla.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his girlfriend of five years and recent fiancee, Elizabeth Campbell of Bryson City, and her children, Alyssa, Kyle, Evan, Kathryn and Lynsey Imhoff; brother, James and his wife, Betty, of Punta Gorda, Fla., and their children, Jamie and Mason of New York, N.Y., Joe of Washington, D.C., and Travis of Nocatee, Fla.; sister, Sarah of Murphy; brother Garrett and his daughter, Kailye Collier, of Seattle, Wash.; uncle, Steve of Colorado Springs, Colo., his wife, Judy, and their daughter, Suzanne; aunt, Vicki Rasmussen of Tampa, Fla.; great-nephew, Malcom of New York, N.Y.;  and goddaughter, Kelly Sandeson and her mother, Tracy, of Naples, Fla.
    A memorial service will be planned in the future. Anyone who has photos of John to share is asked to call his sister, Sarah Staugler, at  828-226-9452.
    Memorials for John, who died from complications of lung cancer, may be made to the American Cancer Society or better yet – just quit
smoking.

    Ralph Joseph Vartuli Sr., 81, of Hayesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Melbourne, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016.
    He was born in Winooski, Vt., on Nov. 29, 1934, to the late Joseph and Felice Sette Vartuli.
    He was the youngest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael J. Vartuli; and sisters, Mary Mathon, Josephine Menginie and Madeline Kalvoda.
    He is survived by his brothers, Dominic Vartuli and his wife, Lorraine, of Fishkill N.Y.; Frank Vartuli of Mount Kisco, N.Y., and Katherine Scott, of Essex Junction, Vt.
    He also is survived by his wife of 47 years, Helen Vartuli; five children, Ralph J. Vartuli Jr. of Murphy, Julia Vartuli Rigsby and husband Mark of Melbourne, Fla., Anthony Vartuli and wife  Renee of Atlanta, Ga., Andrew Vartuli of Murphy, and Joseph Vartuli and wife Kim of Hayesville; and his little dog, Mitzi.
    He was a grandfather to seven grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
    He worked as a car salesman in Murphy for many years and after retirement enjoyed selling things from his booth at the flea market. He had a strong work ethic and loved his family and would do anything for them.
    Ralph will always be remembered for his generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. He was an avid fisherman and always had a ready smile.
    At his request, his ashes will be taken to Vermont at a later date.
    Consider the Alzheimer’s Foundation if you would like to donate in his name or the ASPCA, as these were charities close to his heart.

    Michael Smith Davis, 71, of Murphy, passed away at Hospice on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2016.
    He worked as a lawyer in Florida. He was an avid bowler, woodworker, and his passion was building his hot rod. He was a devoted family man.  
    Survivors include his wife, Samantha; his son, Todd Davis; his stepsons, Michael Wojcik and Justin McCullough; and his stepdaughter, Kelly Reid.
    A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, at Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church, 2502 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay, Ga. The service will start at 10:30 a.m., but please arrive by 10 a.m. If planning to stay for lunch, call Samantha at 828-361-9296 for a reservation.
    Memorial donations may be made to any dog rescue of your choosing.

    Michael Smith Davis, 71, of Murphy, passed away at Hospice on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2016.
    He worked as a lawyer in Florida. He was an avid bowler, woodworker, and his passion was building his hot rod. He was a devoted family man.  
    Survivors include his wife, Samantha; his son, Todd Davis; his stepsons, Michael Wojcik and Justin McCullough; and his stepdaughter, Kelly Reid.
    A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, at Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church, 2502 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay, Ga. The service will start at 10:30 a.m., but please arrive by 10 a.m. If planning to stay for lunch, call Samantha at 828-361-9296 for a reservation.
    Memorial donations may be made to any dog rescue of your choosing.

    Joyce Verner Palmer Jones of Calhoun, Ga., formerly of Murphy, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at her residence.
    The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. A Time of Remembrance will follow. Burial will be at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Ralph Joseph Vartuli Sr., 81, of Hayesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Melbourne, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016.
    He was born in Winooski, Vt., on Nov. 29, 1934, to the late Joseph and Felice Sette Vartuli.
    He was the youngest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael J. Vartuli; and sisters, Mary Mathon, Josephine Menginie and Madeline Kalvoda.
    He is survived by his brothers, Dominic Vartuli and his wife, Lorraine, of Fishkill N.Y.; Frank Vartuli of Mount Kisco, N.Y., and Katherine Scott, of Essex Junction, Vt.
    He also is survived by his wife of 47 years, Helen Vartuli; five children, Ralph J. Vartuli Jr. of Murphy, Julia Vartuli Rigsby and husband Mark of Melbourne, Fla., Anthony Vartuli and wife  Renee of Atlanta, Ga., Andrew Vartuli of Murphy, and Joseph Vartuli and wife Kim of Hayesville; and his little dog, Mitzi.
    He was a grandfather to seven grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
    He worked as a car salesman in Murphy for many years and after retirement enjoyed selling things from his booth at the flea market. He had a strong work ethic and loved his family and would do anything for them.
    Ralph will always be remembered for his generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. He was an avid fisherman and always had a ready smile.
    At his request, his ashes will be taken to Vermont at a later date.
    Consider the Alzheimer’s Foundation if you would like to donate in his name or the ASPCA, as these were charities close to his heart.

    John Edmond Staugler, 57, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    Born May 25, 1959, in Montgomery, Ala., he was the son of Franz Staugler of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Arlette Scheidegger of Montreux, Switzerland.
    John was a cabinet maker for Creative Woodworkz in Brasstown.
    John had a love affair with life, family, people and wood, not necessarily in that order. He was a world traveller – Switzerland, Ireland and South America. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to help people. He was a poet at heart.
    He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Elmer Staugler of Orlando, Fla.; grandmother, Kathleen Hoge of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandparents, Edmond and Yvonne Scheidegger of Montreux, Switzerland; and best friend Keith Sandeson of Naples, Fla.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his girlfriend of five years and recent fiancee, Elizabeth Campbell of Bryson City, and her children, Alyssa, Kyle, Evan, Kathryn and Lynsey Imhoff; brother, James and his wife, Betty, of Punta Gorda, Fla., and their children, Jamie and Mason of New York, N.Y., Joe of Washington, D.C., and Travis of Nocatee, Fla.; sister, Sarah of Murphy; brother Garrett and his daughter, Kailye Collier, of Seattle, Wash.; uncle, Steve of Colorado Springs, Colo., his wife, Judy, and their daughter, Suzanne; aunt, Vicki Rasmussen of Tampa, Fla.; great-nephew, Malcom of New York, N.Y.;  and goddaughter, Kelly Sandeson and her mother, Tracy, of Naples, Fla.
    A memorial service will be planned in the future. Anyone who has photos of John to share is asked to call his sister, Sarah Staugler, at  828-226-9452.
    Memorials for John, who died from complications of lung cancer, may be made to the American Cancer Society or better yet – just quit smoking.

    Dona Lillian Morgan Ferqueron, 74, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at her home.
    She was a native of Hampton County, Mass., and daughter of the late Donald and Pearl Dunham Morgan.
    Dona had worked as a secretary in St. Petersburg, Fla., and after moving to Murphy she worked for Walmart more than 15 years in the shoe department.
    She was a great mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. Dona enjoyed bowling, sports and helping people.
    She was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Ferqueron; and sister, Nancy Brown.
    She is survived by her two sons, Jady Shorette and wife Karen and Keith Shorette, all of the Hiwassee Dam community; one brother, Bill Morgan and wife Sandy of Whales, Mass.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
    No services are planned at this time.
    You may send tributes to the Ferqueron family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Jack R. Craig, 66, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his residence.  
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    Jack was a Vietnam War era veteran serving in the United States Marine Corps.
    He was owner and operator of Craig Construction and also worked at Advance Auto Parts.
    He was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church but had been attending Ogreeta Baptist Church.
    He was the son of the late Jack Russell and Ruby Craig.
    Surviving are his wife, Sharon Crain Craig; a daughter, Andrea Curtis and husband  Jeff of Andrews; four sons, Mark Craig, Michael Craig, Corey Hall and wife Kim, and Kevin Hall and wife Misty, all of Murphy; a brother, David Craig of West Palm Beach, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, whom he loved dearly, Jane Kidd and husband David.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddie Cook officiating. The interment was in Sunset Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Marine Corps League Cherokee Detachment 1011, Murphy American Legion Post 96 and DAV Chapter 73, and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol) and American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Jake Neal, Jonah Craig, Jesse Curtis, John Crain, Patrick Crain, Jeff Crain, William Head and Jason Palmer.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Jack R. Craig to J. Robert Penland Senior Center, Attention: Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine St., Murphy, NC  28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.