Dora Argyle, 84, of Marble,  Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the services. Interment will be in Violet Baptist Church Cemetery.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Patsy Jones Hendrix, 78, of Murphy, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.
    She was born in Gaston County on May 23, 1938. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in education and later a master’s degree.
    Her entire career was teaching English at Murphy High School. She had a significant impact on all her students in the classroom. For many years, she offered to her students the opportunity to travel to London creating lifetime memories.
    Patsy enjoyed her retirement and sharing in all of Edwin’s collections. She served in the music department at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin C. Hendrix, who died Nov. 22, 2016.
    She was the daughter of the late Claude and Laura McClure Jones. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Gordon W. Jones.
    Surviving are a son, Michael Edwin Hendrix and wife Dina of Murphy; a granddaughter, Claire Hendrix; and a grandson, Grant Hendrix. She is also survived by three sisters, Barbara J. Hughes and husband Bill and Carolyn J. Bryant and husband Harry, all of Murphy, and Ruth J. Bay and husband Jim of Cartersville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with Davis Bryant officiating. The interment was in Peachtree Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were Earl Bradshaw, G.W. Hendrix, Jerry Sudderth, Franklin Barnett, Jim Hendrix and Todd Davis.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Tommie Gene Brown, 80, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.
    He was a native of Cherokee County, an avid gardener and enjoyed walking his dog, Benji.
    He retired from Simpson Bridge Co. after 22 years of hard work.
    He was a member of Bell Hill Baptist Church.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Shirley Dorlon Brown; a daughter, Brenda Robinson; and a brother, Lewis Brown.
    Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lucille Garland Brown; a son, Ricky Brown and wife, Terri of Turtletown, Tenn.; three daughters, Deborah Lynn Sutton and husband Bruce of Bryson City, Joanne Macaluso and husband Pete of Murphy, and Patty Derreberry and husband Keith of Bryson City; a son-in-law, Ralph Robinson of Murphy; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother and four sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Bell Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Lawrence English and Tim Dickey officiating. Music was provided by the Rev. Allen Harris. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandon and Daniel Sutton, Joey and Chad Macaluso, Roger Garland and Jim Friend.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Pauline Elizabeth Brittain, 97, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at her home.
    She was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Murphy, to the late Worley T. and Josie Montgomery.
    Mrs. Brittain was a member of Murphy United Methodist Church.
    She had worked and retired from Levi’s in Murphy. She also loved football, and working in her flower garden.
    She was preceded in death by husband, Guy Arthur Brittain; daughter, Brenda Jane Coffman; sisters, Ruby Stiles and Buella McAfee, brothers, Buford, Chuck and Ken Montgomery.
    Survivors include sons, Paul A. Brittain and Lonnie Ray Brittain; grandchildren, Art Amos and wife Mickie, Donna Marroni and husband Mike; great-grandchildren, Amanda Amos, Evan Marroni, Savannah and Josh Lovingood, Zack Amos and Ali Amos; great-great-grandchildren, Mason and Carson Lovingood; nieces and nephews; her special caregiver, Barbara Hendrix; and special friend, Tammy Griffin.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy with the Rev. Scott Cole officiating. Interment followed in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Art Amos, Evan Marroni, Zack Amos, Josh Lovingood, Andrew Kaylor and Charles Mcafee.
    The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy.
    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.

    A truly beautiful woman has left this earthly life one month shy of her 90th birthday. Rose Mary Isaac El-Khouri was a woman of great strength of character and in faith, putting others always before herself.
    She took such pride in raising and loving her children, and showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her boundless affection.
    She is now in the peaceful arms of our heavenly Father, and resting eternally with the loved ones who have gone before her, especially her soulmate Joseph, husband of 62 years.
    Born to immigrant parents Moura Lawandos Isaac and Tanios “Thomas” Isaac, from Kour Batroun, Lebanon, Rose was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in January of 1927, graduated from G.A.R. High School, and helped to raise her sister Sara’s young children.
    In 1950 Rose married the love of her life, Joseph Maroun El-Khouri, who had recently arrived from Lebanon. They made their first home together in Minneapolis, Minn., along with her mother, Moura, where Rose helped Joe run the family grocery store.
    In 1955 with three children in tow, Rose and Joe moved to the quiet Andrews Valley. There they made their true lifelong home with the seven children of whom they were so very proud.
    Rose and Joe became respected and loved by this quaint community. They grew to love this mountain town for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people.
    Over many years, Rose took pride in entertaining family, friends, relatives, Glenmary Priests and Nuns, etc. She seemed to have tireless energy to accomplish all that life required of her. The El-Khouri home and particularly Rose’s kitchen was never without delightful aromas and the joyful sound of friends and fellowship, a reflection of her beloved Lebanese culture.
    She had a conviction to her Maronite and Roman Catholic faith that was the greatest source of her inner beauty and strength.
    She is survived by her devoted family: her five daughters, Theresa El-Khouri Martin (Phil) of Yadkinville, Mariam El-Khouri Gerber (Dan, deceased) of Chapel Hill, NC, Marsha El-Khouri Shiver (Claude) of Hillsborough, Barbara El-Khouri of Andrews and Catherine El-Khouri of Charlotte; two sons, George El-Khouri of Salisbury and Anthony El-Khouri (Rita) of Andrews; her 14 grandchildren, Maron El-Khouri (Amy), Nora El-Khouri Spencer (Brian), Nicholas Martin (Amanda), Corey Martin, Nicole, Eric and Chad Gerber, Michael and Thomas Shiver, and Nicholas, Joseph, Caroline, Jarrod and Kristina El-Khouri; and nine great-grandchildren, Emma and Madelyn El-Khouri, Travis, Cameron (Erin), and Davis Spencer, Olive, Ezra and Quinley Martin, and Alexis El-Khouri.
    We will sorely miss our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, by whose love and life we were enduringly blessed.
    May God rest her precious soul.
    A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Rose El-Khouri to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Charities, 214 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901 or Andrews Food Bank, P.O. Box 843, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Thomas Kelischek, 59, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, following a brief illness and long term disability.
    Prior to his disability, Thomas was an accomplished stringed instrument maker and master craftsman. He learned his skills from his father, George, and also apprenticed with different instrument makers in Europe and the United States. His specialty was the making, restoring and repair of stringed instruments, but particularly the upright stringed bass.
    In addition to instrument making, Thomas studied and played the recorder and the viola da gamba. He also played pennywhistle, tabor pipe, hurdy-gurdy and hammered dulcimer.
    He enjoyed contra dancing, square dancing and English country dancing. He was a member of Morris teams and Rapper Sword dance teams.
    In more recent years, Thomas took painting classes, enjoyed listening to music, attending concerts, local activities and his community of friends at John C. Campbell Folk School.
    His mother, Rosemarie, took loving care of Thomas to make sure he had a full life.
    Thomas is survived by his sons, Stefan, of Denver, Colo., and Nathan of Boone; and their mother, Janet Spletzer of Asheville. He also is survived by his mother and father, Rosemarie and George Kelischek of Brasstown; brothers, Mike (wife Amanda) and Nick (wife Misty), both of Brasstown; sister, Sabine of Sylva; nephews, Colton and Oliver Kelischek, Robin and Chris Zieber; and niece, Ilsa Kelischek.
    A memorial service for Thomas was held Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mountain Collegium Scholarship Fund, c/o Jorg Voss, 1795 Ridgefield Drive, Roswell, GA 30075.

    Rita Marie Thrasher, 80, of Gold Branch Road, Murphy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
    Mrs. Thrasher was born May 3, 1936, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of the late Edward Peck and the late Marie Bundshuh Peck.
    Rita enjoyed quilting, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, baking and cooking. She was a loving and wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
    She was preceded in death by her parents and also a son, Brian Alan Thrasher in 1978.
    Rita was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church.
    Surviving Mrs. Thrasher are her loving husband of  59 years, Melvin Thrasher of Murphy; two daughters, Lori Ann George of Columbus, Ohio, Vicky Alane Thrasher of Mount Vernon, Ohio; one granddaughter, Melanie George of Columbus, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date at the All Saints Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dave Wesche officiating. Details will be announced. Interment will follow in Franklin Hills Memorial Gardens in Canal Winchester, Ohio.
    In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church in memory of Mrs. Thrasher.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.moutainviewfuneralhome.com.
 

    Bruce Taylor, 60, of Brasstown, passed away Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at his home.
    He was a native of Buncombe County, but had lived in Clay County for the last 35 years. Bruce was the son of the late Bernie Earl and Bonnie Shipman Taylor.
    Bruce had worked in heavy equipment construction for most of his life. He also was employed with Townson-Rose Funeral Home as a funeral director for many years.
    Bruce had many hobbies: parachuting, playing the drums, rock climbing, hunting, fishing and was also a rock hound.
    He loved spending time with his family. Bruce was a great husband, father, stepfather and grandfather.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brandon Taylor, who passed away in 1992.
    He is survived by his wife, Vicky Lynn Martin Taylor; one stepson, Doug Thrasher and wife Cynthia of Murphy; one stepdaughter, Tracey Click and husband Shannon of West Glacier, Mont.; one sister, Kathy Kitchen and husband Bob of Lawrenceville, Ga., and their two sons, Dennis Kitchen and Dave Kitchen; grandchildren, Luke Thrasher, Jacob Click, Justin Click, Mason Thrasher, Gracie Thrasher; and one great-grandchild, Isabelle Thrasher.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Pine Log Baptist Church in Brasstown. The Rev. Kevin Miller officiated. Burial was in Pine Log Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers were Claude Mauney, Vinny Cannizzaro, Perry Reece, DeWayne Wells, Jacob Click and Justin Click. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Collins, Philip Reece and Steve Wells.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Pine Log Baptist Church in Brasstown.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the REACH Program, P.O. Box 977, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Taylor family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Rocky Dean Nichols, 58, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016.
    He was the son of the late Albert Duane Nichols and Elnora Jeannetta Curry Nichols.
    Rocky attended the Church of Christ and was a carpenter.
    He is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Picklesimer Nichols; sons, Ryan Nichols and Johnathan Brown; daughters, Elizabeth, Christine and Jessica Brown; brothers, Jimmy, Robert, Charles, Ernest and Elbert; sisters, Ella, Judy, Dorothy, Lynell, Eva and Karen; and nine grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Roy Stevens officiated. Burial followed in Bellview Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ryan Nichols, Steven Nichols, Mickey Myers and Duane Myers.
    The family received friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Nichols family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    James Bateman, 79, of Topton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Buncombe County.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at White Oak Flats Baptist Church in Topton. Burial was in Aquone cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.
 

    Thomas Kelischek, 59, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, following a brief illness and long-term disability.
    Prior to his disability, Thomas was an accomplished stringed instrument maker and master craftsman. He learned his skills from his father, George, and also apprenticed with different instrument makers in Europe and the United States. His specialty was the making, restoring and repair of stringed instruments, but particularly the upright stringed bass.
    In addition to instrument making, Thomas studied and played the recorder and the viola da gamba. He also played pennywhistle, tabor pipe, hurdy-gurdy and hammered dulcimer.
    He enjoyed contra dancing, square dancing and English country dancing. He was a member of Morris teams and Rapper Sword dance teams.
    In more recent years, Thomas took painting classes, enjoyed listening to music, attending concerts, local activities and his community of friends at John C. Campbell Folk School.
    His mother, Rosemarie, took loving care of Thomas to make sure he had a full life.
    Thomas is survived by his sons, Stefan, of Denver, Colo., and Nathan of Boone; and their mother, Janet Spletzer of Asheville. He also is survived by his mother and father, Rosemarie and George Kelischek of Brasstown; brothers, Mike (wife Amanda) and Nick (wife Misty), both of Brasstown; sister, Sabine of Sylva; nephews, Colton and Oliver Kelischek, Robin and Chris Zieber; and niece, Ilsa Kelischek.
    A memorial service for Thomas was held Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Keith House at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mountain Collegium Scholarship Fund, c/o Jorg Voss, 1795 Ridgefield Drive, Roswell, GA 30075.

    Albert Denton, “Ab” or “Pop,” Graves, 88, of Murphy, went peacefully from his home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.
    He was the son of the late John Edgar “J.E.” and Azalee Dockery Graves. Ab was born Feb. 19, 1928.
    He took great pride in many accomplishments throughout his life. As a young man, he worked at his father’s“rolling store.”
    He served this country for several years as a member of the U.S. Army and spent much of that time stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War.
    As time passed, Ab took on many more endeavors. Shortly after leaving the Army, he accepted a logging job that took him to Oregon on several occasions.
    Ab loved to travel, but it wasn’t long before he permanently returned to Murphy, the town that had always been his home. He then met Gertrude Shook, who would soon become his wife. After they married in 1953, Ab spent some time working for an oil distributor for Pure service stations and later owned a Pure service station in
Murphy.
    In the 1960s, he opened Graves Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge, where he sold new and used cars for years before passing the business down to his oldest son, Morris.
    He also served as a commissioner for Cherokee County in the late 1980s.
    Before fully retiring in 2005, Ab transported and sold vehicles for the local Jacky Jones dealership, with Gertrude accompanying him on many road trips.
    Perhaps his greatest achievement, Ab was a devout Christian and member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hanging Dog. He was a loving husband, father to five children, grandfather to eight grandchildren, and a beloved friend who was cherished by many.
    Ab was an animal lover who  enjoyed entertaining family and friends, traveling around the country, passing spare time “surfing the Web” and emailing friends from his computer.
    Surviving Mr. Graves are his loving wife of 63 years, Gertrude Graves of Murphy,; four children, Linda Byers and husband Burt Byers, Debbie Mauney and husband Alan Mauney, Morris Graves, Bryan Graves and wife Joy Graves; seven grandchildren, Justin Byers, Travis Fennell, Allie Mauney, Brady and Xander Graves, Summer Bryant and Kaylee Cornelius, all of Murphy; one sister, Sue Lambert of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and daughter-in-law, Teresa Chastain Schmaldinst.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, J.E. and Azalee Graves; three brothers, Burt and Ralph Graves of Murphy, and Jim Graves of Atwater, Ohio; a daughter, Karen Graves Luther; a grandson, Morris Heath Graves; and a sister, Velma Sprinkles, all of Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Murphy. Pastor Edward Carter officiated. Burial was in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alan Mauney, Burt Byers, Travis Fennell, Tommy Graves, Kenny Thomas and Matt Lambert.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.
    “And the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV).
    You may send tributes to the Graves family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Dearl Wendell Hedden Sr., 85, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at his residence.
    He was a native of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Johnnie and Ada Johnson Hedden.
    Dearl retired from Chrysler after 36 years. He moved back to the area in 1985. Dearl was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Micheal Wendell Hedden; two daughters, Sarah Hedden Bennett and Tara Hedden Ledford; one granddaughter, Toni LaPlaca; and one brother, Noel “Doc” Hedden.
    He is survived by one son, Dearl Wendell Hedden Jr. and wife Sarah; two daughters,  Diana Bowers and husband David and Shanon Weeks and husband Isreal; two brothers, Gearld Hedden and Larry Hedden; 26 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
    No services are planned at this time.
    You may send tributes to the Hedden family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Eleanor Bannister Cochran, 96, of Brasstown, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016.
    Born in Anderson, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Jesse Frank Bannister Sr. and Mattie Tribble Bannister.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Louie Cochran; son-in-law, Charles William McKay; and infant granddaughter, Melissa Ellen McKay.
    Eleanor was a member of Cowee Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years and was active in WMU and Keenagers.
    She is survived by four beloved daughters, Linda Cochran McKay of Franklin, Kathy Cochran Chastain and husband John of Brasstown, Cindy Cochran Kinard and husband Jim of Franklin and Nita Cochran Arnold and husband Mike of Franklin; one brother, Jesse Frank Bannister Jr. of Columbia, S.C.; one sister, Becky Williams of Summerville, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Jeff McKay, Robin McKay Webber, Amy Cagle Robertson, Ashley Arnold Matthews, Chad Arnold, Blake Arnold and Taylor Arnold Gay; and 14 great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Cowee Baptist Church. The Rev. Jim Kinard and Jason Smith officiated. Burial was in the Cowee Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, prior to the service at the church.
    Pallbearers were Zach McKay, Joshua Webber, Kyle and Reid Robertson, Chad and Blake Arnold, and Jackson Matthews.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cowee Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 6301 Bryson City Road, Franklin, NC 28734 or Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice, 125 Medical Park Lane, Suite H, Murphy, NC 28906.
    The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice for the loving care that they provided.
    Macon Funeral Home, Franklin, was in charge of the arrangements.
    Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.

    A truly beautiful woman has left this earthly life one month shy of her 90th birthday. Rose Mary Isaac El-Khouri was a woman of great strength of character and in faith, putting others always before herself.
    She took such pride in raising and loving her children, and showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her boundless affection.
    She is now in the peaceful arms of our heavenly Father, and resting eternally with the loved ones who have gone before her, especially her soulmate Joseph, husband of 62 years.
    Born to immigrant parents Moura Lawandos Isaac and Tanios “Thomas” Isaac, from Kour Batroun, Lebanon, Rose was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in January of 1927, graduated from G.A.R. High School, and helped to raise her sister Sara’s young children.
    In 1950, Rose married the love of her life, Joseph Maroun El-Khouri, who had recently arrived from Lebanon. They made their first home together in Minneapolis, Minn., along with her mother, Moura, where Rose helped Joe run the family grocery store.
    In 1955, with three children in tow, Rose and Joe moved to the quiet Andrews Valley. There they made their true lifelong home with the seven children of whom they were so very proud.
    Rose and Joe became respected and loved by this quaint community. They grew to love this mountain town for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people.
    Over many years, Rose took pride in entertaining family, friends, relatives, Glenmary Priests and Nuns, etc. She seemed to have tireless energy to accomplish all that life required of her. The El-Khouri home and particularly Rose’s kitchen was never without delightful aromas and the joyful sound of friends and fellowship, a reflection of her beloved Lebanese culture.
    She had a conviction to her Maronite and Roman Catholic faith that was the greatest source of her inner beauty and strength.
    She is survived by her devoted family: her five daughters, Theresa El-Khouri Martin (Phil) of Yadkinville, Mariam El-Khouri Gerber (Dan, deceased) of Chapel Hill, NC, Marsha El-Khouri Shiver (Claude) of Hillsborough, Barbara El-Khouri of Andrews and Catherine El-Khouri of Charlotte; two sons, George El-Khouri of Salisbury and Anthony El-Khouri (Rita) of Andrews; her 14 grandchildren, Maron El-Khouri (Amy), Nora El-Khouri Spencer (Brian), Nicholas Martin (Amanda), Corey Martin, Nicole, Eric and Chad Gerber, Michael and Thomas Shiver, and Nicholas, Joseph, Caroline, Jarrod and Kristina El-Khouri; and nine great-grandchildren, Emma and Madelyn El-Khouri, Travis, Cameron (Erin), and Davis Spencer, Olive, Ezra and Quinley Martin, and Alexis El-Khouri.
    We will sorely miss our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, by whose love and life we were enduringly blessed.
    May God rest her precious soul.
    A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Rose El-Khouri to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Charities, 214 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901 or Andrews Food Bank, P.O. Box 843, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Virginia Ruth Bates Segers died peacefully at her home in Hendersonville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
    Her last weeks were spent in the company of her many friends, some friends since childhood.
    Ruth was born May 21, 1942, in Murphy, to Creed Fulton and Bonnie Earwood Bates, the youngest of three.
    She often said that she lived in the best of times in the best of places, with a very happy childhood that was the basis for a very happy life.
    Ruth was spirited and fun-loving from the beginning, always a person people loved to be around because she loved people.
    In addition to many activities, she was captain of the cheerleaders and elected “Most Popular” in high school. She loved her friends from Murphy and kept in close touch with many, never missing a class reunion or the annual Murphy Girls Reunion. She always kept Murphy in her heart.
    Ruth attended Western Carolina University, where she met the love of her life, Bill, her freshman year. They were married for almost 55 years, with one cherished daughter, Caroline Steele Segers Shockley.
    After several transfers with Sears to cities in Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina, they moved to Hendersonville in 1972, finding the place they wanted to spend the rest of their lives.
    Ruth’s early days of motherhood were spent focused entirely on Caroline. Later she furthered her education at Volunteer State College, where she was a member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, selected to Who’s Who, and nominated for “Most Outstanding Student” in her graduating class.
    Ruth had a strong faith in God and spent her life deeply involved in her church, First Presbyterian of Hendersonville. There she was an elder, taught Sunday school, started the Women’s Prayer Group, served on numerous committees, and as church librarian for 10 years, was active in adult Sunday school and a Connection Group with friends she loved dearly.
    She was active in her neighborhood, Indian Lake; and community, both Hendersonville and Nashville. She was an avid tennis player and walker, logging many miles with her neighborhood group. Ruth and Bill traveled with the same group of close friends on a hiking trip each fall for 30 years.
    She and her sister participated for 14 years in the Fourth of July Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Ga. She loved participating in the Thanksgiving Boulevard Bolt in Nashville, and enjoyed exercise and sports of every kind, especially those involving her grandsons and the University of Tennessee.
    Her first loves were reading and music. She was a charter member of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and a charter volunteer. She was a charter member of the Sumner County YMCA, and was instrumental in helping start the ABC program for breast cancer survivors. For many years she was chairman of a Relay for Life group and delivered Meals on Wheels.
    She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Gordon Creed Bates.
    In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her son-in-law, Gary Shockley, and her beloved grandsons, Connor and Graham Shockley; her sister, Carolyn (Dan) Whitmire; her sister-in-law, Sandra Bates; nieces and nephews and families, including Mike and Robin Bates (Alison, Creed and Emily); Jeff and Patti Bates (Audrey and Austin); Mike and Laura Bates Garretson (Josh and Riley); Tom and Dianne Whitmire Orr (Davis and Kelley); Brook and Jennifer Whitmire (Allie and James).
    “Aunt Ruthen” had a great sense of style and humor, and will leave a deep void in the lives of those who loved her.
    A memorial service was held on Sunday, Dec. 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, TN.
    Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

    John Marcus Womble, 45, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    He was born in Polk County, Tenn., to Dessie Dillard Womble of Hayesville and the late Steven Marcus Womble.
    John was a 1990 Hayesville graduate and participated in many sports.
    He was a U.S. Marine veteran and had worked in road construction as a heavy equipment operator.
    John loved spending time with his family and hatchet throwing.
    He was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Patricia Dillard and O’dell Dillard.
    In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Andrea Worley Womble; a son, David Worley of Murphy; a daughter, Adena Wright Gibby and husband Randy of Murphy; a brother, David Womble of Hayesville; a sister, Shanda Womble of Hayesville; three grandchildren, Codie Burnett, Caileigh Burnett and Cambria Gibby; niece, Jennifer Barton; nephew, Josh Barton; aunts, Patsy Dillard and Janet Barton and husband Bobby; mother-in-law, Katherine Dailey of Murphy; and father-in-law, Branson A. Worley of
Hayesville.
    A graveside service was held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Ranger Baptist Church. Dr. Chester Jones officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post No. 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post No. 96, DAV Chapter No. 73, American Legion Post No. 532 of Hayesville and VFW Post No. 6812. Pallbearers were Derrick Wilson, Jamie Allen, John Henry Gaither, Dillon Bryant and Randy Ashley. Honorary pallbearers will be David Worley and Josh Barton.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rathbun House, Asheville, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to the family to help with expenses, 29 Sunrise St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Womble family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Jo Ann Eads Goodman, 63, of Hayesville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Virginia Ruth Bates Segers died peacefully at her home in Hendersonville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
    Her last weeks were spent in the company of her many friends, some friends since childhood.
    Ruth was born May 21, 1942, in Murphy, to Creed Fulton and Bonnie Earwood Bates, the youngest of three.
    She often said that she lived in the best of times in the best of places, with a very happy childhood that was the basis for a very happy life.
    Ruth was spirited and fun-loving from the beginning, always a person people loved to be around because she loved people.
    In addition to many activities, she was captain of the cheerleaders and elected “Most Popular” in high school. She loved her friends from Murphy and kept in close touch with many, never missing a class reunion or the annual Murphy Girls Reunion. She always kept Murphy in her heart.
    Ruth attended Western Carolina University, where she met the love of her life, Bill, her freshman year. They were married for almost 55 years, with one cherished daughter, Caroline Steele Segers Shockley.
    After several transfers with Sears to cities in Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina, they moved to Hendersonville in 1972, finding the place they wanted to spend the rest of their lives.
    Ruth’s early days of motherhood were spent focused entirely on Caroline. Later she furthered her education at Volunteer State College, where she was a member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, selected to Who’s Who, and nominated for “Most Outstanding Student” in her graduating class.
    Ruth had a strong faith in God and spent her life deeply involved in her church, First Presbyterian of Hendersonville. There she was an elder, taught Sunday school, started the Women’s Prayer Group, served on numerous committees, and as church librarian for 10 years, was active in adult Sunday school and a Connection Group with friends she loved dearly.
    She was active in her neighborhood, Indian Lake; and community, both Hendersonville and Nashville. She was an avid tennis player and walker, logging many miles with her neighborhood group. Ruth and Bill traveled with the same group of close friends on a hiking trip each fall for 30 years.
    She and her sister participated for 14 years in the Fourth of July Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Ga. She loved participating in the Thanksgiving Boulevard Bolt in Nashville, and enjoyed exercise and sports of every kind, especially those involving her grandsons and the University of Tennessee.
    Her first loves were reading and music. She was a charter member of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and a charter volunteer. She was a charter member of the Sumner County YMCA, and was instrumental in helping start the ABC program for breast cancer survivors. For many years she was chairman of a Relay for Life group and delivered Meals on Wheels.
    She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Gordon Creed Bates.
    In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her son-in-law, Gary Shockley, and her beloved grandsons, Connor and Graham Shockley; her sister, Carolyn (Dan) Whitmire; her sister-in-law, Sandra Bates; nieces and nephews and families, including Mike and Robin Bates (Alison, Creed and Emily); Jeff and Patti Bates (Audrey and Austin); Mike and Laura Bates Garretson (Josh and Riley); Tom and Dianne Whitmire Orr (Davis and Kelley); Brook and Jennifer Whitmire (Allie and James).
    “Aunt Ruthen” had a great sense of style and humor, and will leave a deep void in the lives of those who loved her.
    A memorial service was held Sunday, Dec. 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, Tenn.
    Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

    Eulala Jane Hanks, 89, of Murphy, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    She was a native of Cherokee County but had lived in Dayton, Ohio, for 38 years.
    She was a homemaker and member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.
    She was the daughter of the late James Baxter and Mary Jane Lunsford Davis.  She was also preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers.
    Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Harvey D. Hanks; three sons, Terry Hanks and wife Kathy of Pensacola, Fla., Mike Hanks and wife, Susan of Indianapolis, Ind., and Sam Hanks and wife Judy of Andrews; two sisters, Vista Belle Miller of Springfield, Ohio, and Alice Hyatt of Fairhope, Ala.; a brother, Rex Davis of Murphy; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment was in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Terry and Mike Hanks, Steve Allen, Steve Davis, Max O’Dell and Rex Davis.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the service.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Eulala Jane Hanks to: Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery Maintenance and Preservation Fund, c/o Garland Graves Jr., 3418 Grape Creek Road, Murphy, NC  28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.