Phyllis Roberts Emanuel, 67, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., care facility.
    Phyllis was a native of Clay and Cherokee counties. Phyllis was a 1967 graduate of Murphy High School and continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received a bachelor of science degree in sociology.
    Phyllis retired from the Georgia Department of Social Services after 30 years. She loved the outdoors and gardening.
    She was the daughter of the late W.L. “Bud” and Frances Roberts.
    Surviving are two sisters, Patricia Payne of Brasstown and Pamela Owenby of Marble; a brother, William Leroy Roberts and wife Carol of Cary; and two nephews, a niece and great-nieces.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Karl Hogeback, 82, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in a Murphy care facility.
    Karl was a native of Washington, D.C., where he lived until 1990 when he retired to Murphy.
    Karl entered the United States Army out of high school and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served in the 11th Airborne and was very proud of being a paratrooper.
    Karl had worked at PEPCO for 32 years as an electrical mechanic and welder.
    Karl was active locally. He and his wife had adopted a section of Martins Creek Road. Karl had also helped establish the original humane society in Cherokee County. He built kennels and helped medicate the animals, and also helped start the original humane society thrift store.
    He enjoyed carpentry and loved wildlife.
    He was the son of the late Henry Bernard and Mariechen Kopke Hogeback, and husband of the late Helen Louise Ardeeser Hogeback, who died Oct, 8, 2003. He was also preceded in death by a son, Joe Osborn.
    Surviving are two daughters, Virginia Marie Hogeback of Murphy and Tina Louise Osborn of Frederick, Md.; two sons, Carl Michael Osborn and wife Christine of Marble, and George Edward Osborn of Bryans Road, Md.; a brother, Tony Hogeback and wife Joan of Lexington Park, Md.; four grandchildren, Raven and Dakota Hogeback, and Kyle and Krista Torney; three great-grandchildren, Alice, Mason and Chase Fink; special friends, Akim, Delena and Alyssa Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews.
    An inurnment will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Old Martins Creek Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy DAV Chapter 73, American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 and American Legion Post 532.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Karl Hogeback to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011 or alz.org.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.
    In reflection of Karl’s love of poetry, the family would like to share one of Karl’s original poems written with regard to Karl’s outlook on life:
    “He gave us many wonders to share
    “As through life we go
    “Vast plains and beautiful valleys
    “And mountains laced with snow
    “Each day a new beginning
    “Each season a new face
    “Each trouble a solution
    “As our faith in Him we place
    “He gave us many wonders
    “To see, to feel, to do
    “As life must end sometime
    “It also starts anew
    “He gave us many wonders
    “As He looked down from above
    “But the greatest that He gave to man
    “Was the gift of love
    “Yes, His greatest gift is love.”

    Martha Sue McGuire, 78, of Andrews, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at Murphy Medical Center.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Glenn (Monk) and Geneva Calhoun McGuire.
    Sue enjoyed volunteering as a Pink Lady at District Memorial Hospital.
    She was a member of Andrews First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Sue loved children and helped in the four-year old Sunday school class and vacation Bible school for more than 50 years.
    Later in life, she participated in the Sunshine Club and Senior Games. Sue loved people and enjoyed the Young at Heart group at church.
    She is survived by her brother, Jack McGuire and wife Yevonne; nieces, Debbie McGuire and Terrisa McGuire Carringer and husband Mike; nephew, Larry Glenn McGuire; great-nieces, Ashley Creasman and husband C.J. and Maraeh C. Craig and husband Jonah; great-nephews, Travis Cook and Cort Carringer; and great-great-niece, Kimsey Creasman.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Andrews First Baptist Church. The Rev. Calvin BoBo officiated. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh McGuire, Wayne McGuire, John Kilpatrick, Phillip Rickett, Jason Rickett, Dane Rickett and Travis Cook.
    The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Andrews First Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Young at Heart, c/o Andrews First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901.
    You may send tributes to the McGuire family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Dr. Dwight Hubert Hall, 77, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.
    Dr. Hall was born July 27, 1940, in Rumford, Maine, to the late Charles Louis Hall and Beverly (Bean) Hall.
    He and his wife have resided in the area since 2006, moving from Atlanta, where he worked as a scientist and professor for Georgia Tech.
    Dr. Hall was an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Morganton, Ga.
    He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: his loving wife, Carole Hall; and his brother, Frank Hall. Numerous other relatives also survive.
    Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 823 Forge Mill Road, Morganton, Ga.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
 

    Mary Josephine Ledford, 99, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Collin and Cora Allmon Morgan. Mary was a homemaker.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie William Ledford. They were married more than 50 years. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Cecil Ledford and Billy Joe Ledford
    She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Hancock, Mary Sue Yarbrough and Janice Murphy.
    A graveside service and burial was held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Valleytown Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 2-3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Ledford family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Karl Hogeback, 82, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in a Murphy care facility.
    Karl was a native of Washington, D.C., where he lived until 1990 when he retired to Murphy.
    Karl entered the United States Army out of high school and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served in the 11th Airborne and was very proud of being a paratrooper.
    Karl had worked at PEPCO for 32 years as an electrical mechanic and welder.
    Karl was active locally. He and his wife had adopted a section of Martins Creek Road. Karl had also helped establish the original humane society in Cherokee County. He built kennels and helped medicate the animals, and also helped start the original humane society thrift store.
    He enjoyed carpentry and loved wildlife.
    He was the son of the late Henry Bernard and Mariechen Kopke Hogeback, and husband of the late Helen Louise Ardeeser Hogeback, who died Oct, 8, 2003. He was also preceded in death by a son, Joe Osborn.
    Surviving are two daughters, Virginia Marie Hogeback of Murphy and Tina Louise Osborn of Frederick, Md.; two sons, Carl Michael Osborn and wife Christine of Marble, and George Edward Osborn of Bryans Road, Md.; a brother, Tony Hogeback and wife Joan of Lexington Park, Md.; four grandchildren, Raven and Dakota Hogeback, and Kyle and Krista Torney; three great-grandchildren, Alice, Mason and Chase Fink; special friends, Akim, Delena and Alyssa Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews.
    An inurnment will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Old Martins Creek Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy DAV Chapter 73, American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 and American Legion Post 532.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Karl Hogeback to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011 or alz.org.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.
    In reflection of Karl’s love of poetry, the family would like to share one of Karl’s original poems written with regard to Karl’s outlook on life:
    “He gave us many wonders to share
    “As through life we go
    “Vast plains and beautiful valleys
    “And mountains laced with snow
    “Each day a new beginning
    “Each season a new face
    “Each trouble a solution
    “As our faith in Him we place
    “He gave us many wonders
    “To see, to feel, to do
    “As life must end sometime
    “It also starts anew
    “He gave us many wonders
    “As He looked down from above
    “But the greatest that He gave to man
    “Was the gift of love
    “Yes, His greatest gift is love.”

    Phyllis Roberts Emanuel, 67, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., care facility.
    Phyllis was a native of Clay and Cherokee counties. Phyllis was a 1967 graduate of Murphy High School and continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received a bachelor of science degree in sociology.
    Phyllis retired from the Georgia Department of Social Services after 30 years. She loved the outdoors and gardening.
    She was the daughter of the late W.L. “Bud” and Frances Roberts.
    Surviving are two sisters, Patricia Payne of Brasstown and Pamela Owenby of Marble; a brother, William Leroy Roberts and wife Carol of Cary; and two nephews, a niece and great-nieces.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Grace Kathleen Griffith, 93, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at her home.
    Mrs. Griffith was born Nov. 29, 1924, in Pelzer, S.C., to the late Willie Maxwell Lunsford and Nettie Barker Lunsford.
    She lived most of her life in this area. She was a member of Upper Peachtree Baptist Church and retired from Coats American after 19 years of service.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Noel Griffith; and son, Randall Delano Griffith.
    Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Merill Dean and Diane Griffith; daughter-in-law, Helen Griffith; grandchildren, Dawn (Mitch) Morgan, Teresa Christiansen, Andria Christine (Bud) Knight, Amanda (Jimmy) Amos, Troy Clontz, Martha Pittman, Carolyn Botones; nine great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren,
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Upper Peachtree Baptist Church with Pastor Derik Tilley officiating. Music was provided by Lois Nygard-Wells and the Joint Aires. Interment followed in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandon Morgan, Jimmy Amos, James Wells, Manson Hughes, James Hughes and Bud Knight. Honorary pallbearers were Jason Duffey and Mitch Morgan.
    The family received friends from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at Cochran Funeral Home, 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.

    Mark Douglas Allison, 54, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, at his residence.
    He was born in Polk County, Tenn., to James and Doris Marrow Allison of Murphy.
    Mark was a senior consultant for Hartford Insurance in Atlanta. He raised Holstein cows, loved fishing and traveling. Mark was formerly on the Board of Social Services.
    He was a member of Sunny Point Baptist Church.
    He was preceded in death by his niece, Alicia Simonds.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Sandra Simonds and husband Jack; one nephew, Justin Simonds; and several cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Allen Harris, Kenny Corn and Keith Allison officiated. Burial was in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were J.W. Bryant, Sam Ledford, Tim Dickey, Shannon Palmer, Sam Shields, Justin Simonds, Joshua Laney, Joseph Crowe and David Payne. Mark’s co-workers for Hartford Insurance in Atlanta served as honorary
pallbearers.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Sunny Point Baptist Church Mission Fund, in care of Mark Harris, 1415 Sunny Point Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Allison family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Catherine Lester, 60, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native of Port Huron, Mich., but had been living in Cherokee County for the past 20 years. She retired as a hair stylist and was of the Catholic faith.
    She was the daughter of the late Clarence H. and Isabella Fodor Gibbard. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Pat Gibbard.
    Surviving are her husband of 38 years, Thomas J. Lester; three sisters, Judy Gibbard of Port Huron, Mich., Mary Agnes Simonds of Algonac, Mich., and Margaret Palazzolo of Lincoln, Mich.
    No services are planned at this time.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Catherine Lester to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or www.cancer.org.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Winston Terry Martin, 65, of Asheville, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2018.
    He was a native of Hayesville. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Becky Ivester Martin; three daughters, Veronica Jones of North Bend, Wash., Amanda Dula and husband Michael of Asheville, and Angela Martin of Warne; five grandchildren, Cody Pratt, Ashley Tanner-Gordon, Tyler and Tenley Dula, and Lily Fleming; and his siblings, Donna Sorenson-Eastman, Wanda Gibson, Aaron Martin and Mitchell Martin.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Arbra Allen Martin and Marie Hogsed Martin; and his sister, Abigail Martin.
    Winston was a U.S. Army veteran. He loved softball, fishing, traveling and his grandbabies.
    He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Asheville and First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville.
    Family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 754 Aiken Road in Asheville.
    Family also will receive friends from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville, followed by the service. Interment will be at Pinelog Methodist Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Bottom Recovery and Support of Hayesville, NC, 706-897-8624; or ABCCM, 20 Twentieth St., Asheville, NC 28806.
    Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, is in charge of arrangements.
    Condolences may be sent through the website, www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

    Audrey Pauline “Polly” Wallace, 96, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Blue Ridge, Ga.
    She was born Oct. 6, 1921, in Ducktown, Tenn., to the late Jimmy Wimpy and Eliza Wimpy.
    Mrs. Wallace had worked at Blue Ridge Health Care as a nurse aide. She was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
    Mrs. Wallace was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Glynn “Shorty” Stepp; second husband, Voyd “John” Wallace; daughter, Judy Queen; grandson, Greg Queen; sister Reathel Lawson; brothers, Guinn “John” Wimpy and Glenn Wimpy.
    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rick (Theresa) Stepp; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila (Albert) Queen; stepsons and step daughter-in-law, Sonny (Norma) Wallace and Perry “Pug” Wallace; stepdaughters and step son-in-law, Sue Graves, Becky Ballew and Annette (Ed) Helton; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; 10 step grandchildren, 18 step great-grandchildren and six step great-great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, from Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill Chapel with the Rev. Paul Beaster officiating. Music was by Stacy Bandy and Tammy Davis. Interment followed in Copper Ridge Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Kris Queen, Keith Queen, Sean Queen, Zack Stepp, Tommy Standridge and Terry Davis.
    Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

    Audrey Pauline “Polly” Wallace, 96, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Blue Ridge, Ga.
    She was born Oct. 6, 1921, in Ducktown, Tenn., to the late Jimmy Wimpy and Eliza Wimpy.
    Mrs. Wallace had worked at Blue Ridge Health Care as a nurse aide. She was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
    Mrs. Wallace was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Glynn “Shorty” Stepp; second husband, Voyd “John” Wallace; daughter, Judy Queen; grandson, Greg Queen; sister Reathel Lawson; brothers, Guinn “John” Wimpy and Glenn Wimpy.
    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rick (Theresa) Stepp; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila (Albert) Queen; stepsons and step daughter-in-law, Sonny (Norma) Wallace and Perry “Pug” Wallace; stepdaughters and step son-in-law, Sue Graves, Becky Ballew and Annette (Ed) Helton; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; 10 step grandchildren, 18 step great-grandchildren and six step great-great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, from Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill Chapel with the Rev. Paul Beaster officiating.
    Music was by Stacy Bandy and Tammy Davis. Interment followed in Copper Ridge Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Kris Queen, Keith Queen, Sean Queen, Zack Stepp, Tommy Standridge and Terry Davis.
    Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.
 

    Eugene Russell McDonald, 54, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga.
    He was native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and son of the late Winston Glen and Hazel Carroll McDonald. Eugene was a carpet installer and loved animals.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby McDonald; an infant brother, Jimmy McDonald; and one sister, Linda Buff.
    He is survived by two brothers, Leon McDonald and Kenneth McDonald; four sisters, Shirley Woody, Betty Lloyd, Carolyn Bernhardt and Sandy Gribble.
    A memorial service was held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Little Glade Baptist Church.
    The family received friends from 2-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Little Glade Baptist Church.
    You may send tributes to the McDonald family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Catherine Lester, 60, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native of Port Huron, Mich., but had been living in Cherokee County for the past 20 years. She retired as a hair stylist and was of the Catholic faith.
    She was the daughter of the late Clarence H. and Isabella Fodor Gibbard. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Pat Gibbard.
    Surviving are her husband of 38 years, Thomas J. Lester; three sisters, Judy Gibbard of Port Huron, Mich., Mary Agnes Simonds of Algonac, Mich., and Margaret Palazzolo of Lincoln, Mich.
    No services are planned at this time.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Catherine Lester to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or www.cancer.org.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Lucy Pendergrass, 100, of Andrews, passed away Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, in Clay County.
    She was born in Macon County, and was the daughter of the late John and Annie Lunsford Neal.
    Lucy was a sewing machine operator. She loved growing roses in her flower garden. Lucy enjoyed canning, reading her Bible and crocheting. She loved her family.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Pendergrass; son, Johnny Pendergrass; two daughters, Delphie Stiles and Florence West; grandchildren, Dean West, David Alden Stiles, Jamie Crisp and Barbara Long.
    She is survived by one son, Wayne Pendergrass of Poquoson, Va.; daughters, Ethel Stiles of Mooresboro, Frances Davis of Powder Springs, Ga., and Wanda Mashburn of Crestview, Fla.; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren  and one great-great-great-grandchild.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. The Rev. Steve Ware officiated. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bryan Stiles, Michael Stiles, Brandon Davis, Christopher Foster, Jonathan Mashburn, Haven Stiles, Shawn Mashburn and Joshua Reid-Davis.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Pendergrass family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Winston Terry Martin, 65, of Asheville, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2018.
    He was a native of Hayesville. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Becky Ivester Martin; three daughters, Veronica Jones of North Bend, Wash., Amanda Dula and husband Michael of Asheville, and Angela Martin of Warne; five grandchildren, Cody Pratt, Ashley Tanner-Gordon, Tyler and Tenley Dula, and Lily Fleming; and his siblings, Donna Sorenson-Eastman, Wanda Gibson, Aaron Martin and Mitchell Martin.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Arbra Allen Martin and Marie Hogsed Martin; and his sister, Abigail Martin.
    Winston was a U.S. Army veteran. He loved softball, fishing, traveling and his grandbabies.
    He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Asheville and First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville.
    Family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 754 Aiken Road in Asheville.
    Family also received friends from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville, followed by the service. Interment was at Pinelog Methodist Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Bottom Recovery and Support of Hayesville, NC, 706-897-8624; or ABCCM, 20 20th St., Asheville, NC 28806.
    Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave. in Asheville, was in charge of arrangements.
    Condolences may be sent through the website, www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

    Patricia Ann Burris Lambirth, 70, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at her residence.
    She was born in Concord, but lived in Cherokee County for more than 50 years. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Icie Mae Lunsford Burris.
    Patricia was a CNA for Clay County Care Center. She enjoyed decorating cakes and camping. Patricia loved going to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
    She is survived by her husband, Jim Lambirth; one son, Earl Lambirth of Cherokee; one daughter, Pamela Dills and husband Mike of Hayesville; and four grandchildren, Brittany Dills, Michael Dills, Kimberly Lambert, all of Hayesville, and April Ann Lambert of Rockwell.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Upper Peachtree Baptist Church in Murphy. The Rev. Derek Tilley officiated. Burial was in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were the men of Upper Peachtree Baptist Church.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
    You may send tributes to the Lambirth family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Michael Joel Ladd, 61, passed away Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at his residence.
    Michael was the son of the late Harry and Willa Belle Wilson Ladd. He was a Civil War enthusiast and owner/operator of Earth Environmental Services.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Gail Ladd; brother, Harry Edward Ladd; and sister, Alice Neal.
    He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Wanda Davis Ladd; his beloved son, Christopher Michael Ladd; sister, Juanita Stiles; nieces, Alissa Cheek and Kendra Lovingood; nephew, Jeffrey Stiles; great-nephew, Ethan Lovingood; great-niece, Megan Chinn, Breanna Cheek and Bryson Cheek; and brother-in-law, David Neal.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Billy Rhodes will officiate. Pallbearers will be Ben Davis, Austin Davis, Earl Lovingood, Derek Cheek, Shawn Bryant and Mark Bentley. Burial will be in Aquone Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Murphy.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
    You may send tributes to the Ladd family at www.townson-rose.com.

    Ruth Galloway Gibson, 92, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at her residence.
    She was born in Clay County, and was the daughter of the late George Strube and Carrie Smart Galloway.
    Ruth was a homemaker. She enjoyed quilting and yard work. She was a past president of Women’s AGLOW. Ruth was part of the jail ministry and loved to sing.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Wallace Gibson; brother, Frank Galloway; son-in-law, Marvin Raper; and grandson, Todd Gibson.
    She is survived by her son, Wallace Gibson of Canton, Ga.; daughter, Terry Raper of Murphy; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Pat Garrett and Aud Brown officiate. Burial was in Union Memory Gardens in Blairsville, Ga. Pallbearers were Jerry Decker, Tara Raper-Sena, Laurie Gibson, Derek Sena, Tony Gibson, Nathan Raper, Christopher Raper and Frank Galloway Jr.
    The family received friends from noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Warrior Veterans Outreach, P.O. Box 134, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Gibson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.