Warner Mercer, 80, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    Services are planned at a later date.
    Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Barbara Gaitan, 80, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in a Clay County care facility.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, is in charge of all arrangements.
 

    Edith Jane McMillan, 57, of Durham and formerly of Unaka, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, surrounded by friends and family after a tough but brief battle with cancer.
    She was supported in her battle by “Team Edie,” who fought with her throughout her illness and were with her at the end.
    She was known as Edie by her family and affectionately as “E.D.I.E.” by her large circle of friends and co-workers.
    She was preceded in death by her father, Dallas F. McMillan Sr., and survived by her mother, Frankie Miller McMillan; brother and sister-in-law, Dallas F. McMillan Jr. (Buddy) and Jennifer Murdock McMillan and their children, Connor John McMillan and Camryn Lane McMillan, who were the apples of her eyes. She also is survived by her life sisters and “Team Edie”members Mary Gilbert, Glenna Maynus, Ruth Vienneau, all of Durham, Karen Melich of Pittsboro and Team Edie members Dave Melich and Ken Gray, along with many other close friends in the Triangle region.
    Edie was born in 1960 in South Pittsburg, Tenn., at South Pittsburgh Regional Hospital, which is now a Haunted House attraction and may explain much of her personality. She spent her childhood in Marion County, Tenn., and attended Jasper Elementary School along with Marion County High School until 1976, when the family moved to the Unaka community in Cherokee County.  Edie then became a Murphy Bulldog and graduated in 1978, being voted Most Unforgettable and a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
    She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was happily a member of the celebratory crowd on Franklin Street during the 1982 NCAA Basketball Championship celebration. Edie graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began a career of research at Research Triangle Park.
    She first worked for Northrop Services as an EPA contractor and then began a long career with the Burroughs Welcome Drug Co. and its following identities of Glaxo-Welcome and GSK as a toxicology researcher, ending her career as a quality assurance auditor for GSK. She was an outstanding leader in the N.C. Chapter of Quality Assurance, and served many years as the membership chair and encouraging student participation.
    Known for her sharp wit, quick tongue and love of a great story, Edie was a voracious reader who loved travel, music, art films, theatre and the art of socializing.
    She volunteered many hours for non-profit organizations, promoting the arts in the Triangle area, including the International BlueGrass Music Association festival in Raleigh and MerleFest in Wilkes County.
    For many years, Edie was a staunch supporter of the Man Bites Dog Theater, rising quickly from volunteer to board member. She also volunteered many hours at the Carolina Theatre in Durham and headed volunteer efforts for their annual Documentary Film Festival.  
    Edie was an animal lover, especially of cats, as evidences by her artwork and home decor through the years.  
    She was an ardent supporter of equal rights for all peoples and stood by her convictions throughout her life, backing down to no one or no group.
    While she never married or had her own family, her friends were her family and her friends’ children were her children. She was especially fond of Ruth Vienneau’s two daughters, Claire and Autumn.
    Edie traveled around the world many times for both work and pleasure, visiting faraway places such as Bejing China, Peru, Italy, India, Scotland, Amsterdam, Australia and France.
    She traveled extensively in the United States, her favorites being San Francisco and New York City, and she visited her Gilbert family in Canada on many occasions.
    A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
    A celebration of Edie’s life is planned for spring 2018 in Durham, date and location to be determined.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Carolina Theater at www.carolinatheatre.org and to the feline rescue shelter in Durham, N.C. Safe Haven for Cats, at www.safehavenforcats.org.

    Tina Kay Pendergrass, 89, of Marble, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Hendersonville.
    She was born in Cherokee County to the late Garfield and Lona Garrett Rhodes. Tina worked at Coats America as a winder. She was a member of Sunny Side Baptist Church but attended Maltby Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Hugh Humphries, and second husband, James Pendergrass; two daughters, Chessie McClelland and Annie Sue Rhodes; one brother, Roy Rhodes; two sisters, Alta Murph and Stella Rhodes; and one great-great-granddaughter, Mia Guzman.
    She is survived by two sons, Martin Humphries and wife Debbie of Hendersonville, and Lon Pendergrass and wife Cindy of Blairsville, Ga.; one daughter, Teresa Pendergrass Williams and husband David of Marble; one brother, Roger Rhodes and wife Linda of Andrews; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; and a special grand-dog, “Spicer.”
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Kenny White officiated. Burial was in Moss Cemetery in Marble. Pallbearers were Michael Eller, John Pack, Cody Gibby, Shane Pendergrass, Jordan Rogers and Carroll Ashe. Honorary pallbearers were Dimitri Cross and Aiden Hernandez.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Pendergrass family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Kenneth Carl McDonald, 75, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at his residence.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.Kenneth was the son of Gladys McDonald of Murphy and the late Lawton McDonald.
    Kenneth was a self-employed shoe repairman for more than 54 years. He also worked in the dietary department at Murphy Medical Center.
    In 1989, Kenneth began the youth ministry program at Ranger Baptist Church. Kenneth was a member of Mount Liberty Baptist Church, where he worked with the youth ministry.
    In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Carolyn Mabry McDonald; one son, Dwayne Buchanan and wife Cindy of Murphy; one daughter, Sharon Whiting and husband Cory of Gulfport, Miss.; one brother, Jack McDonald of Murphy; one sister, Betty Hughes and husband Hurbert of Murphy; and one grandson, Wesley Buchanan.
    Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Zachary Orton and Bo Phillips will officiate. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Mount Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jarod Orton, Rogan Orton, Jack Hedden, Wesley Buchanan, Keith Owenby and Randall McDonald.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
    You may send tributes to the McDonald family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Betty Beal Logan died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at her home in Laurel Park, N.C.
    Betty was born Feb. 11, 1932, and grew up in Murphy. She was the daughter of Charlie and Hazel Beal.
    Like many Depression-era children, she was strong, resourceful and fearless. In addition, she also was wise and kind. Regardless of circumstances, Betty invariably chose to be happy. Even in her last, most difficult days, the smile never left her face.
    As a student at Murphy High School, Betty was near the top of her class, started on the basketball team all four years and was selected homecoming queen. Later in West Asheville, she was the quintessential ’60s mom, teaching Sunday school (Calvary Baptist), president of the PTA (Vance) and shepherding her three children to a myriad of activities. She proudly worked for the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild for many years developing a love of Southern Appalachian arts and crafts. Later, she owned Haywood Park Business Services in downtown Asheville.
    During her 85 years, she dabbled in classical guitar, running, weaving and more. She settled on painting, where she spent many hours with her watercolors.
    Betty leaves her husband of 24 years, Edward Logan; and three children: Vicki Ponce (Charlotte), Bill Taylor (Candler) and Susie Colston (Forest Virginia). She also leaves nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Betty’s siblings include Arthur Beal (Tallahassee), Ollie Beal, (deceased), Doug Beal (deceased), Margaret Scaglione (Murphy), Lawrence Beal (Hayesville) and Frankie Roberson (Murphy).

    Jack Willis Pierce, 87, formerly of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in his home at Lake Tallavana, Havana, Fla.
    Jack is survived by his son, Michael J. Pierce and wife Karen of Kissimmee, Fla.; grandchildren, Kristopher Pierce of Oradell, N.J.; Kelle Pierce Chancellor and husband David with their children, Elena, Christian and Aria of Brandon, Fla.; Kara Pierce Lenard and husband Rob with their children, Micah and Annabelle of Tallahassee, Fla.; and special Anderson Highland High School foreign exchange son, Juan Carlos Ferraris (HHS Class 1970) of Cordoba, Argentina. Jack also leaves behind his treasured nieces and nephews, Nyles Anson, Pierce Anson, Shearly Anson Simpson, John Merriott, Marsha Merriott Jones, Kim Merriott, Mindy Merriott and Brad Hohle.
    Jack was predeceased by his wife, Dawn, on Dec. 3, 2012; daughter, Holly Ann Pierce-Stummer on Dec. 6, 2016; and sisters, Roberta Louise Pierce (infant), Eloise Anson, and Velma Merriott Hohle.
    No services will be conducted per Jack’s wishes.
    Memorial contributions may be made to Revival For Our Day Inc., P.O. Box 482, Parker City, IN 47368, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

    Jean Barnhill Davis, 78, of Murphy, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, after a brief illness, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga. 
    She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 40 years, George Patrick Davis Jr.
    She was of the Christian faith.
    Jean was born March 17, 1939, in Scotland Neck to the late Catherine Minor and William Alfred Barnhill.
    She was raised on Vickers Avenue, Durham, where she met George, the love of her life in the 5th grade at Morehead School. Jean was in the Durham High School Class of 1957, while George completed high school at St. Francis in Asheville. They attended college together in Chapel Hill.
    She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1959, with a certificate of dental hygiene. She was a member of the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association.
    On Aug. 13, 1960, Jean and George were married at The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Durham. Jean worked for several dentists in Durham to support their family while George finished his bachelor’s and law degrees.
    In 1965 they moved to Bryson City with their first child, Tripp. They had two daughters, Keir and Brook. The family moved to Murphy in 1977.
    Jean volunteered in patient care at Murphy Medical Center for several years. She was a member of Murphy First United Methodist Church. She joined the congregation of Episcopal Church of the Messiah in 2002, and served on the Vestry and as Junior Warden.
    She devoted her life to her husband, children and two grandchildren, Mo and B. She served on the boards of REACH and Hulbert-Johnson Friendship House, and was a tireless advocate for the unfortunate. She volunteered at The Sharing Center food pantry, and recently enjoyed exercises at the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center.
    Jean was a competitive bridge player, loved to read and watch Carolina basketball. She was a loyal, compassionate and caring friend, with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Her husband described her as “the sweetest girl in the world.” Jean was a loving mother, sister and grandmother.
    In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Beth Cooke Barnhill.
    She is survived by one son, George Patrick “Tripp” Davis III; two daughters, Keir Davis Adam of Harrisonburg, Va., and Brook Barnhill Davis of Murphy; a brother, James Minor “Jimmy” Barnhill of Durham; a sister-in-law and her husband, Susan Claire Nassar and Yves de la Queriere of Chapel Hill; a brother-in-law and his wife, John Harwood Davis and Cheryl S. Davis of Finksburg, Md.; two grandchildren, Mohammad “Mo” Adam and Sarra “B” Adam; one nephew, Jamie M. Barnhill Jr.; and one niece, Ali B. Eubanks.
    A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Pastor Maggie Rourk officiated.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to REACH of Cherokee County, P.O. Box 977, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Davis family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Selena Roxann Key Green passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, at 10:37 a.m. at Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    She was born June 2, 1982, in Andrews to Robin Key Barton and the late Calvin Key.
    Selena was loved and cherished by all who knew her. She was a very selfless, loving person.
    She was preceded in death by her father, Calvin Key; maternal grandmother, Sally Crawford Barton; paternal grandparents, Bass and Alwayne Key; and maternal great-grandmother, Winnie Crawford Cathey.
    She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Joseph Green; two beautiful children whom she loved dearly, a daughter, Cheyenne Green, and son, Haston Green; her mother, Robin Barton; stepfather, David Hewett Sr., stepbrother, David Hewett Jr. and wife Lauryn; two half sisters, Megan and Kayla Key of Central, S.C.; maternal grandfather, Herbert Barton; her Aunt Nana, Donna A Decker; and a host of extended family and friends who miss her dearly.
    A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Aud Brown.
    Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Selena.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund for Cheyenne and Haston or a charity of your choice.

    Wilton Ensley, 80, of Andrews, passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville.
    Wilton was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was a son of the late William and Effie Logan Ensley.
    Wilton was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a heavy equipment operator.
    Wilton was a deacon and active member of Valley River Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Austin, Vean, Melvin and Ronald Ensley; two sisters, Doris Grogan and Mildred Woody; and one infant grandson, Logan Mack Clodfelter.
    He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ethel Ensley; daughter, Elaine Clodfelter and husband Lynn; granddaughter, Hailey Lyn Clodfelter; one sister, Nova West and husband Billy; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Valley River Baptist Church. The Rev. Roy Phillips will officiate. Music will be provided by the Valley River Baptist Church Quartet. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason Clark, Kenney Clark, Darrell Clark, Tony Bateman, Rick Hamill and Stanley West. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Valley River Baptist Church.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews, where the body will remain until being placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service hour.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jean Phillips, P.O. Box 1189, Andrews, NC 28901
    You may send tributes to the Ensley family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Gary Hugh Chrisman, 59, of Hayesville, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Betty Evans Johnson, 82, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    Betty was born in Cherokee County to the late Columbus Spirgen and Belzie Arzetta Calhoun Evans. She was an office worker at an insurance company and also had been a deputy registrar of deeds.
    Betty was a member of Mount Liberty Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Max; brothers, James and Wayne Evans; and sisters, Currie Mae Thompson and Willie E. Martin.
    She is survived by her son, Gary Johnson of Macungie, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Stuart and Evan Johnson.
    Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Cecil Coleman will officiate. Music will be provided by the Hogsed Brothers. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Evan Johnson, Stuart Johnson, Tony Crisp, George Worley and Daniel Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Crisp, Frank Rose Jr., Benny Nations, Wally Avett, Harry Ingram and Clyde Collins.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing, 3992 U.S. 64 E. Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906 or Old Fashioned Baptist Church, 732 Floyd Stalcup Road Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Johnson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Frank W. Johns, 74, of Hayesville, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Buncombe County.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Hillcrest Assembly of God Church in Hayesville. Burial was in the church cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    James Michael Garrett, 64, of Marion, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    He was born in Thompsonville to the late Clinton and Frances Beaver Rowland.
    James was a heavy equipment operator.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Melinda Ann Garrett; and one sister, Rhonda Rowland Pratt.
    He is survived by his wife, Linda O’Donovan Garrett; four sons, Anthony Garrett and wife Chasta, Clayton O’Donovan, Dane O’Donovan and Charles O’Donovan; three daughters, Amanda Mooney and husband Keith, Shannon O’Donovan and Sherrie Rowland; three sisters, Carolyn Rowland and husband Alvin, Debbie Fleming and husband Ronald and Lesha Cornwell and husband Charlie; one half brother, Kenny Garrett; two half sisters, Kathy Johnson and husband Tony and Martha Rice; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Rowland Hill Baptist Church. The Rev. Eddie Ramey and James Stalcup officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Joey Stancel, James Mooney, Kyle Mooney, Clayton O’Donovan, Dane O’Donovan and Mikkie Wickline.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, where the body remained until being placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service hour.
    You may send tributes to the Garrett family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Frank A. Dempsey, 93, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in a Hayesville care facility.
    A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Sheila Sellers Evans, 62, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017.
    She was native of Clay County, and the daughter of the late Carl Jack and Lola Katherine McClure Sellers.
    She was a loan officer in the banking industry.
    Sheila was a member of Downings Creek Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Jennie Lee.
    She is survived by one son, Robert Mease and wife Teela of Murphy; one daughter, Catherine Paige Heltzel and husband Chad of Kennesaw, Ga.; three brothers, Jackie, Doc and Larry Sellers, all of Hayesville; two sisters, Elaine Johnson and Karen McClure of Hayesville; three grandchildren, Faith, Casen and Brinley Mease; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. The Rev. Jackie Sellers officiated. Pallbearers were Chad Heltzel, Jason McClure, Kenny Chastain, Dillon Sellers, Little Larry Sellers, Ronnie Smith and Leon Chastain. Burial was in Oak Forest United Methodist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to help the family with expenses to: 869 Bates Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Evans family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
 

    Wayne Clinton Elliott, 88, of Brevard, formerly of Murphy, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in a Brevard hospital.
    He was a native of Pine Log and lived most of his life in both Cherokee and Clay counties. Wayne had served in the U.S. Army.
    He was the son of the late Julius L. and Carrie Coleman Elliott. He was preceded in death by five sisters, Ina Penland, Marie Wilson, Hazel Jones, Willa Belle McElroth and Frances Wright; and three brothers, Oscar, James and Frank Elliott.
    Surviving are his sister, Mary Jo Cairnes of Canton. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Hoyt Brown officiating. The interment was in Bethel Cemetery in Warne with military graveside rites conducted by Hayesville American Legion Post 532, Murphy DAV Chapter 73 and American Legion Post 96. Pallbearers were Allen, Darren, Steve, Paul, and Ben Wilson, and Curry Penland.
    The family received friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the service.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Katrina Totherow, 71, of Marble, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at her residence.
    She was born in McDowell County to the late Walter F. and Elizabeth Deaton Jackson.
    Katrina was a homemaker. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved to garden, work in her flowers and sew.Katrina also enjoyed working crossword puzzles, watching “Jeopardy” and loved her little dog, Baby.
    She was a member of Maltby Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents,she was preceded in death by two brothers, Emerson Carter Jackson and his wife, Rosa, and John David Jackson.
    She is survived by her husband, Dempsey Totherow; one daughter, Annette Taylor and husband Tim of Marble; one step-grandson, Christopher Taylor of Marble; two brothers, Fred Carter Jackson and wife Betty of Hayesville, and Bryant Carter Jackson of Andrews; four sisters, Mary Beth Killian and husband Paul of Murphy, Nancy Ann Hardin of Andrews, Trudie Lee Moss and husband Donnie of Marble, and Virginia Kay Jackson of Andrews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Matlby Baptist Church in Marble. The Revs. Kenny White and Mark Laney officiated. Music was provided by the church choir. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Barry Hardin, Mark Laney, Reggie Pendley, Jason Moss, Donnie Moss Jr. and Jim Halloran.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Maltby Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Totherow family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Elizabeth “Tib” McClure Morris, 95, of Marble, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at a Clay County care facility.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Tib operated the Bookmobile for Nantahala Regional Library for many years.
    She was a member of Marble Springs Baptist Church.
    She was the daughter of the late Leonard and Lillie Donaldson McClure, and wife of the late Samuel Morris who died in 1943. She also was preceded in death by a son, Roy Morris; a sister, Margaret Stanley; and a brother, Tom McClure.
    Surviving are her cousins, Bud and Rebecca Penland, Brad Penland and Bob Penland and family, all of Murphy. She also is survived by several other cousins.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. John Bailey officiating. The interment was at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Bob and Brad Penland, George Van Buskirk and Howard Coffey.
    The family received friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Elizabeth Morris to Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC  28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Andrew George Ondich, 81, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017.
    Born in Hobe Sound, Fla., Andy was a funeral director with Quattlebaum-Holleman-Burse Funeral Home for 35 years in West Palm Beach, Fla.
    He retired in 1985 and has lived in Murphy for the last 28 years. He was a long time member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach and an active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Andrews.
    He was the son of the late Andrew and Helen Rabatin Ondich. Andy was predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Florence Ondich in 2009.
    He is survived by his children, Debi Gavras and her husband, Jonathan; Karen Walls and her husband, Greg, and son Tyler; son, A. Scott Ondich; grandson, Jake Ondich; brother, Art Ondich and children, Ingrid, Eric and Stephen and their families;  and a host of lifelong friends.
    A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Andrews with the Rev. Volley Hanson officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Murphy.
    The family will receive friends from 5- 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Memorials may be made in memory of Andrew George Ondich to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1491, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.