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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Nov. 30, 2016

Eleanor K. Church (Sept. 18, 1939 – Nov. 29, 2016)

 Mrs. Eleanor Kimberlin Church, age 77, of Tater Hill Road, Zionville, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 29, 2016 at her home. Born September 18, 1939 in Johnson County Tennessee, she was a daughter of the late Clifford (Coopie) and Maude Kimberlin. Eleanor worked for many years at Shadowline and retired from Appalachian State University in Boone. She loved working with children and served as a substitute teacher after retirement.

Throughout her life she led many youth group activities as a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught Bible drills, Vacation Bible School and Sunday School at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Zionville, N.C. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, family and many dear friends over the years. Eleanor was a tireless worker who was very willing to help those in need and contributed regularly to the community. For the last several years she was an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Mountain City.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Church, one son, Martin (Marty) Church and wife Carrie Dillon of Boone, four grandchildren; Weston Church, Benjamin Church, Willow Dillon and Hawk Dillon, one sister, Peggy Church of Vilas, one brother, James Kimberlin and wife Jeanette of Virginia, and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant grandchildren, Maya Olivia Dillon, Phoenix Dillon and two infant siblings.

Memorial services for Mrs. Eleanor Church will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Mountain City. The family will receive friends Friday evening, December 2, from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 3385 Roan Creek Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.

Online condolences may be shared with the Church family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Church family.

Virginia Dare Triplett Elliott (July 14, 1926 – Nov. 28, 2016)

Mrs. Virginia Dare Triplett Elliott age 90, of Fleetwood, NC died Monday, November 28, 2016 at Margate Health and Rehab Center.

elliottMrs. Elliott was born on July 14, 1926 in Watauga County to Harley Bloom and Willa Cook Triplett. After her mothers passing when she was only 6 years old, Dare helped take care of her brothers and sisters. She had perfect attendance for most of her school years. Her hobbies included crocheting, quilting, sewing, gardening and cooking. She was a member of Big Flatts Baptist Church.

Mrs. Elliott is survived by: 2 Sons, Thomas Elliott and wife Anita of Fleetwood and Danny Elliott of Spruce Pine, Daughter, Deborah Miller of Fleetwood, Sister, Marie Teague of Boone, Brother, Lee Triplett of Boone also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 step-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Elliott was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, U. G. Elliott, three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00 am at Badger Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Garry Watson and Rev. Ricky Parlier. Burial will follow in Big Flatts Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service.

Flowers will be appreciated, or memorials may be made to Ashe Services for Aging, 180 Chattyrob Lane West Jefferson, NC 28694 or Big Flatts Baptist Church Building Fund. 

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home, in West Jefferson, is in charge of the arrangements.

Loyce Ragan Graybeal (Jan. 25, 1945 – Nov. 28, 2016)

Loyce Ragan Graybeal, 71, of 5755 Howard’s Creek Road, Boone, passed away Monday evening, November 28, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center.

Loyce is survived by her husband, Thomas “Tom” Graybeal of the home; five daughters, Mechelle Moore and husband Rob and Lori Bryan and husband Greg, all of Boone, Monica Kesterson and husband Ken of Painted Post, New York, Tommie Jo Graybeal of Hickory, and Holly Graybeal of Boone; one sister, Joyce Beach of Boone, and two brothers, Robert Ragan and wife Glenda, and Bill Ragan and wife Rita, all of Boone. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert Ford Ragan and Ruby Hess McNeil Ragan, and a granddaughter, Kelsey Bryan.

Funeral services for Loyce Ragan Graybeal will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 3, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Rich Mountain Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Carter Moretz.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St.Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be sent to the Graybeal family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Mrs. Patricia Susan C. Stoddard (Oct. 13, 1928 – Nov. 27, 2016)

Patricia Susan Creagh Stoddard, age 88, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Watauga Medical Center.

Services will be Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at St. Elizabeth of The Hill Country Catholic Church.

Fred Vaughn Hartley, Jr. (Sept. 8, 1940 – Nov. 27, 2016)

Fred Vaughn Hartley, Jr., 76, of 166 Birch Drive Extension, Blowing Rock, passed away Sunday evening, November 27, 2016, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

hartleyMr. Hartley was born September 8, 1940 in Watauga County, a son of the late Fred Vaughn Hartley, Sr. and Helen Buxton Hartley. He was a retired painter. Vaughn loved Blowing Rock and he loved these mountains. He loved fishing, hunting and gathering ginseng and enjoyed telling stories of his experiences over the years. Vaughn was a voracious reader and kept the Blowing Rock library busy. He was known for his rascally sense of humor and unique knowledge of the area and its people.

Mr. Hartley is survived by his wife, Diana Greene Hartley of the home; two sons, Scott Hartley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Logan Hartley of Seattle, Washington; one daughter, Paula Hartley Vesey and husband Mark of Carey, North Carolina; four grandsons, Merlin Hartley, Brett Matheson, Dylan Matheson, Richard Hartley; three sisters, Candace Coffey and husband Perry, Betty Greene, and Ruthie Klutz and husband Tommy, all of Blowing Rock, and one brother, Kenneth Hartley of Boone. He is also survived by one aunt, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Melissa Hartley Foster.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, December 1, 2016, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Hartley family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Marie Scott Isaacs (May 26, 1922 – Nov. 25, 2016)

marie-isaacs-1480083970Marie Scott Isaacs, age 94, of Newland passed away on November 25, 2016 at her residence.

She was born May 26, 1922 in Franklin, NC a daughter of the late George D.and Minnie Cabe Scott.

Marie was a teacher and Home Ec. Agent with N.C.State University Extension Services and a Home Ec. Agent with Macon and Avery Counties.

She was a member of Newland Presbyterian Church.

Along with her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her: husband, Mack S. Isaacs and her sisters, Virginia S. Wiggins and Dorothy S. Vick.

Marie has left to cherish her memory her: Nephews, Mark Vick and Mike Isaacs; nieces, Marie Vick and Marcye Ollis; sister-in-law, Marie Isaacs.

Funeral services for Marie Scott Isaacs will be conducted on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Newland Presbyterian Church with Michael McKee officiating. Interment will follow in the Newland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until the services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice and Palliative Care at PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

The care of Marie and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

Betty Jean Greene (Oct. 5, 1941 – Nov. 24, 2016)

Betty Jean Greene, of Bolens Creek in Burnsville, went home to be with her Savior on Thursday, November 24, 2016.

Betty was born on October 5, 1941 to Troy Guy and Margie Mann Guy in Avery County, NC.

betty-greene-1480083916Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her: first husband, Clifford Vern Greene, Sr.; son, Clifford Vern Greene, Jr.; daughter, Melissa Jean Ponder; sister, Loy Clawson; brother, Warren Guy; great grandson, Zaiden Ponder; sisters-in-law, Willis Guy and Patsy Greene Young; as well as her mother-in-law, Alice Woody Greene.

Those left to cherish her memory are her: husband of 38 years, Claude Greene of the home; beloved son Timothy Greene and wife Yana of Spruce Pine; step-daughter whom she had raised and loved as her own, Michelle Wheeler and husband Adam of Spruce Pine; granddaughters, Hannah Greene, Tiffany McFalls, April Greene, Kimberley Greene, Lily Greene; grandsons, Clifford Greene III, Nicklous Greene, Trebor Ponder, Jeremiah Ponder, Austin Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Gracie Ward, Rebekah Ward, Zane Ponder, Alana Ward, Haylei Greene, Kylie McFalls, Hailey Ward, Karter Ponder, Kynlie Ponder, Brayden Ponder, Vern Greene IV, Eliza Greene, Jaxton Ponder, Carter Schell; sisters, Blanche Trivette of Elk Park, Shirley Lambert and husband Fred of Butler, TN, Judy Hartley and husband Dennis also of Butler, TN.; brothers, Wesley Guy of Butler, TN, Ricky Guy and wife Susan of Marion, NC; sister-in-law, Willamae Joy Guy of Lexington, NC. Betty was also loved very much by her many nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to her.

Betty was previously the owner of Grace Manufacturing and co-owner of Bi-Rite Shoe Mart in Spruce Pine, but retired from PNC of NC in Granite Falls as Sewing Manager in 2008.

Betty was a talented painter, displaying and selling her artwork in several galleries.

She was a current member of Concord Baptist Church in Burnsville, but had also served as Sunday school teacher at Flat Springs Baptist, Temple Baptist, Emmanuel Baptist and Bethel Baptist through the years.

Her pastor, Bradley Boone will officiate services for Betty Greene along with Billy Robinson on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. Brian Miller, pastor of Flat Springs Baptist Church will officiate interment services on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the Flat Springs Cemetery in Elk Park, NC.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Ruby Culler Jones (July 14, 1926 – Nov. 23, 2016)

Ruby Culler Jones, 90, of Clint Norris Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 23, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center.

Ruby was born July 14, 1926 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Grover Frank Culler and Josie Pennell Culler. She was a member of Rich Mountain Baptist Church.

jonesRuby is survived by three daughters, Earlene Yates and husband Burl of Boone, Linda Hodges and husband Finley of Vilas, and Gail Lambert and husband Allen of Boone; two sons, John B. Jones of Boone, and Ben Jones and wife Karen of Vilas; two granddaughters, Becky Bautista and Chastiney Elliott; seven grandsons, Mark Hodges, David Hodges, Allen Lambert, Aaron Hodges, Joseph Hodges, Jeremy Jones, and Jacob Jones; four great-granddaughters, Abby Hodges, Anna Hodges, Carys Jones, and Claren Elise Elliott; four great-grandsons, Nathan and Adam Hodges, Kaege Jones, and Lawson Jones; one great great-granddaughter, Paisley Hodges, one sister, Carolyn Miller of High Point and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Thomas Jones; one grandson, Thomas Frank Yates; one granddaughter, Susan Ellen Yates; four sisters, and four brothers.

Funeral services for Ruby Culler Jones will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 27, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Wynn Greer. Burial will follow in the Culler Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

Online condolences may be sent to the Jones family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Cathryne Lucinda Benfield (Aug. 9, 1947 – Nov. 23, 2016)

Cathryne Lucinda Benfield, age 69, of Newland passed away on November 23, 2016 at her residence.

She was born August 9, 1947 in McDowell County, NC a daughter of the late George Robert and Maple Lucinda Daniels Sells.

Cathryne was the manager at Vaughns Nursery and enjoyed crafts, bird watching and fishing.

Along with her parents, Cathryne was preceded in death by her: husband, Ronald J. Benfield; brother, Ralph Sells.

Cathryne has left to cherish her memory her: son, Robbie Benfield of Newland; sister, Pam Sells of Newland; granddaughters, Caitlen Benfield of Elizabethton, Molly Buchanan of Banner Elk; several nephews and a niece.

A Celebration Life for Cathryne Benfield will be Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

The care of Cathryne and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

Larry E. Faulkner (Dec. 27, 1949 – Nov. 22, 2016)

Larry E. Faulkner, 66, of Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 22, 2016, at his home.

Larry was born December 27, 1949, in Burlington, North Carolina, a son of the late James L. Faulkner and Lessie Wagoner Faulkner. He was a retired CPA for Dixon Odom in Sanford, North Carolina, and a member of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock.

Larry is survived by his wife Linda J. Faulkner of the home; one son Jim Faulkner and wife Heather of Davidson; one daughter Kim Faulkner-Russell and husband Robb of Salida, Colorado; two grandsons Bridger Russell and Bowman Russell, both of Salida, Colorado; and one brother.

Private memorial services for Larry E. Faulkner will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blowing Rock Community Library, PO Box 166, Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605, or to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ellen Kathleen Reese (May 21, 1924 – Nov. 21, 2016)

bigreese-obit-pic-1Ellen Kathleen Reese, 92, of Vilas, died Monday, November 21, 2016 in Anderson, South Carolina. Born May 31, 1924 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Asa L Reese, Sr. and Kate Swift Reese. Kathleen was a graduate of Bethel High School and was employed as a seamstress at Shadowline of Boone for 43 years, until the age of 80 years old and that business closing in 2004. She was a life-long member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school classes for many years.

Ms. Reese is survived by her son, Randy Hart and wife, Myra, of Anderson, SC; brother, Clint Reese and wife, Maude, of Cary; sisters, Gladys Shoun of Toledo, OH, Betty Shoun of Vilas and Dorcas Hodges of Vilas; grandchildren, Melanie Horton of Anderson, SC and Leah Drake of Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Brock, Jacob, and Tate Horton, all of Anderson, SC.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 27, at 3 o’clock, at Beaver Dam Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 until 3 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow in the Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Watauga County School System Scholarship Fund, in care of the Watauga County Board of Education, 175 Pioneer Trail, Boone, NC 29607.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Reese family.

 

Mildred Harman Guynn (Jan. 4, 1927 – Nov. 20, 2016)

Mildred Harman Guynn, age 89, of Hade Smith Drive, Banner Elk, passed away Sunday evening, November 20, 2016, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Mildred was born January 4, 1927 in Titusville, Florida, daughter of the late Hurst Harold Harman, Sr. and Dorothy Wilson Harman. She was a homemaker and longtime member of Jehovah’s Witness in Newland.

Mildred is survived by one son, Joe Murray of Banner Elk.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband W.C. Guynn.

There will be no services for Mildred Harman Guynn.

Online condolences may be sent to the Guynn family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

George Larkin Pennell (June 26, 1931 – Nov. 18, 2016)

george-pennellGeorge Larkin Pennell, age 85, of 1130 Briarwood Lane, Boone, passed away Friday afternoon, November 18, 2016, at his home.

George was born June 26, 1931 in Watauga County, a son of the late Henry Clay Pennell and Pearl Greer Pennell. He was a retired spray painter for Vermont American in Boone, and a member of Proffitts Grove Baptist Church.

George is survived by his wife, Patsy Norris Pennell of the home; three sisters, Geneva Stinson and husband Sidney of Vero Beach, Florida, Betty Cole and husband Franklin of Vilas, and Judy Blake and husband Jack of Sunset Beach, North Carolina; two brothers, Lawrence Pennell and wife Janine of Canyon Lake, California, and Eugene Pennell of Zionville; three sisters-in-law, Bertha Norris Struzak of Strongsville, Ohio, Millie Norris Vogel of Norman, Oklahoma, and Betty Norris Leger of Quebec, Canada, and two brothers-in-law, Ronda Ray Norris of Mentor, Ohio and Frank Dee Norris of Lenoir. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
 addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Blanche Trivette.

Graveside services and burial for George Larkin Pennell will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 20, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hopewell Community Cemetery in Boone. Officiating will be Reverend Virginia Peurifoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the Pennell family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

James H. “Jim” Branam (March 21, 1921 – Nov. 17, 2016)

jim-branamJames H. “Jim” Branam, age 95, of Bamboo Road, Boone, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 17, 2016, at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation of Springwood in Winston-Salem.

Jem was born March 21, 1921 in Franklin, West Virginia, son of the late James Alfred Branam and Fannie Elizabeth Fritz Branam. He was a retired production control manager for IRC/TRW, Inc. in Boone.

Jim is survived by his sister, Teresa Hopkins of Montgomery, West Virginia; three nieces, Shelia Hudson of Charleston, West Virginia, Ethel White and husband Reverend James Paul White of Powelton, West Virginia, and Betty Jo Dorsey and husband Randy; four nephews, Alfred Payne and wife Jeanie of West Virginia, Randy Sigler and wife Joyce of Summerville, West Virginia, Walt Sigler of Summerville, and Pete Shear of Summerville; one daughter-in-law, Pauline Branam of Santa Ana, California, and his close friends Richard and Mary Gentry of Boone, Melba Watson of Boone, and David Teague of Boone. He is also survived by one grandson and one granddaughter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Berniece Hornbuckle Branam, and one son, Jim Branam.

Military graveside rites and burial for James H. “Jim” Branam will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, November 22, 2016, at 1:00 o’clock, at Kanawah Valley Memorial Gardens in Glasgow, West Virginia.

Friends may pay their respects to the Branam family anytime on Sunday at Hampton Funeral Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Branam family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Carl O. Erickson (May 21, 1924 – Nov. 17, 2016)

Carl Oscar Erickson passed away peacefully on November 17, 2016. He was born on May 21, 1924 in Ames Iowa to Elmer and Helen Erickson. He was the eldest of 4 children. When he was one, his parents moved to the mountains of North Carolina to improve his mother’s health. His visiting uncle described their new home as “not having a flat place to set a table”.

bigyoung-carlCarl and his siblings grew up on Bent Road near Spruce Pine NC. He told many interesting stories of life on the Toe River. In 1942 after high school he joined the Army Air Corp and was immediately deployed to the Pacific Theater. He told the story of being barely 18 years old and getting on a ship in Norfolk, VA. They did not know whether they were going to Europe or the Pacific until they woke up the second day and because of the position of the sun, they realized they were headed to the Pacific. They rode for forty days and finally reached their west India destination. He spent his years in service on Wake Island studying weather conditions for fuel deliveries.

After 4 years of service to his country, he graduated from Gilford College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then graduated with a Masters in Meteorology from the University of Chicago.

Carl worked as a meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington DC from 1949 to 1983 after which he retired to return home to care for his elderly father.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Carl began volunteering, delivering meals on wheels and preparing tax returns for the Senior Center in Newland. It was there that he met the love of his life, Vivian Hartley Greene. They married in 1989 and made their home on Carl’s family farm on Bent Road.

Carl was a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Spruce Pine where he served as elder and treasurer.

Mr. Erickson is survived by his wife, Vivian Hartley Erickson; daughters, Molly Holden and husband, Wayne, Martha Hill and Amy Brown and husband, Dennis, all of Newland; sons, Thomas Greene of Newland and John Greene and fiancé, Carrie Stewart, of Spruce Pine; sister, Louise Danielsson and husband, Lars, of Sweden; l6 grandchildren, l7 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joan Erickson of PA; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nina Case; and brothers, Kent and Leif Erickson.

A memorial service will be held on November 27, 2016 at Pine Grove United Methodist Church, 53 Pine Grove Road in Spruce Pine. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Pine Grove UMC with a memorial service immediately following.

Memorial gifts honoring Carl’s life can be made to Pine Grove United Methodist Church, 53 Pine Grove Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Erickson family.

Muriel D. Griffin (Feb. 16, 1921 – Nov. 17, 2016)

muriel-griffin-1479473272Muriel D. Griffin, age 95, of Newland passed away on November 17, 2016 at Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care in Hudson, North Carolina.

A native of Vermont, she was born February 16, 1921 a daughter of the late Delbert C.and Almeda Dezotel.

She was a member of the Newland Presbyterian Church and enjoyed photography and gardening.

For many years she owned and operated the Shoppe on the Square in Newland.

Along with her parents, Muriel was preceded in death by her: husband, Raymond G. Griffin; granddaughter, Christina D. Griffin; step son, Raymond Griffin; daughter in law, Mary Griffin; step grandson, Raymond L. Griffin.

Muriel has left to cherish her memory her: son, Robert Griffin of Newland; Granddaughters, Michelle Evans, and her husband, Tim, of Boone, Karen Griffin of Blowing Rock; grandson, Aaron Griffin of Jefferson; great grandchildren: Summer Griffin, Samantha Stikes, Kimberly Evans, Timothy Evans, Hunter Griffin, Avery Griffin, and Jacob Griffin.

Funeral services for Muriel D. Griffin will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Newland Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mike McKee officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Lawn Cemetery in Boone. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Newland Presbyterian Church PO Box 579 Newland, NC 28657.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Judy Elizabeth Owens (Jan. 12, 1949 – Nov. 16, 2016)

judy-owens-1479389141Judy Elizabeth Owens, age 67, of Linville passed away on November 16, 2016 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

She was born January 12, 1949 in Carter County, Tenn., a daughter of the late Gurnie and Sara Jane Berry English.

Judy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ and enjoyed anything involving crafts, especially knitting.

She worked for the Avery County School System as a Cook.

Along with her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her: brother, Ronnie English; sister, Mary Holtsclaw.

Judy has left to cherish her memory her: husband, Joe Owens of the home; son, Joe Owens, Jr. and wife Alice of Spruce Pine; brother, Jerry English and wife Lorenne of Elizabethton; sister-in-law, Eula May King of Linville.

Funeral services for Judy Elizabeth Owens will be conducted on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Grandfather Chapel with Rev. David Atkins and Dr. Ken Harper officiating. Interment services will follow in the Tanglewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

The care of Judy and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

Nancy Jo Jarvis Robinson (Aug. 26, 1947 – Nov. 15, 2016)

bigrobinson-nancyNancy Jo Jarvis Robinson, age 69, of Hickory Lane, Boone, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 15, 2016. Born August 26, 1947 in Ashland, Kentucky, she was a daughter of Wilson Orvil and Beatrice Barnhill Jarvis. Nancy was member of Howards Creek Baptist Church. Family was the center of her life. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed preparing meals for family gatherings. Nancy was a loving nanny to the children she tended and in her spare time, she enjoyed reading and knitting afghans for family and friends.

Mrs. Robinson is survived by her husband, James Mick Robinson; sons, Paul M. Robinson and wife Brandy, of Huntsville, TX., Joseph W. Robinson and wife Lisa, of Winchester, KY, and James M. Robinson of Georgetown, KY; daughter, Nancy Michelle Helton and husband, Timothy, of Peru; six grandchildren; Austin Michael Robinson, Hannah Rose Robinson, Megan Helton, Lauran Helton, John Michael Adams and Autumn Lea Adams; sister, Ann Smith and husband, John, of Russell, KY; and her father-in-law, Ellis Robinson and wife, Betty, of Paintsville, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services for Nancy Jo Robinson will be conducted Saturday morning, November 19, 2016, at 11 oclock at Howards Creek Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Chris Reynolds.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Howards Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 240 Howards Creek Rd., Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Robinson family.

James J. Eller (Jan. 20, 1925 – Nov. 14, 2016)

Mr. James J. Eller, age 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday evening, November 14, 2016. He was born in Watauga County, January 20, 1925 to the late James and Janie Smith Eller. He was a veteran of World War II and retired from IRC of Boone.

bigeller-j-12He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Proffit Wilson Eller; son, James C. Eller and wife Diann, daughter Carol Eller Rankhorn and husband Michael; two stepdaughters Karen Krider and husband Jerry and Becky McGonigal and husband Bill; by three grandchildren, four step-grandchildren 2 great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Stella Jean of New York and by multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his children, Annie Wilcox Eller, four brothers and eight sisters.

Services for Mr. James J. Eller will be conducted Friday afternoon, November 18th at 2 oclock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Harold Bennett. Graveside services with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 will follow at the Browns Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon prior to the service from 1 oclock until 2 oclock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the Eller family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Eller family.

Donald C. Allen (April 27, 1947 – Nov. 13, 2016)

Donald (Don) C. Allen passed away surrounded by those who loved him at his home in Linville Falls, North Carolina on November 13, 2016. He was born in Auburn, Indiana to Wendell and Ruth Allen on April 27, 1947, their fourth child and only son.

After graduating from Ashley High School in 1965, he joined the US Navy, and spent the next four years on the USS Hector, touring the South Pacific during the Vietnam War. Prior to his last tour of duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Midge Biggerstaff. The two created a love-filled home in Indiana where they raised three children, Michael, Daniel and Jean. After retiring, having worked at Group Dekko for 32 years, Don and Midge moved to Linville Falls, North Carolina, where they fulfilled their lifelong dream of building a log cabin in the mountains.

Don was active in the choir of every church he attended. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, playing a game of cards, or talking over a cup of hot tea. He was one of the kindest people you would ever meet as he never knew a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Midge Allen, his son and son-in-law, Daniel Allen and Jory Edmunds of Austin, Texas, his daughter and son-in-law Jean and Robert Walker, of New Castle Indiana, and two grandsons Paxton, and Parker Walker of New Castle, Indiana, sister Janice Norman of Hudson, Indiana, and nieces and nephews across the country.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, two of his sisters, Marcia Luttman and Harriett Armstrong, and his son, Michael Allen. Calling will be from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 19th at Johnson’s Funeral Home in Hudson, Indiana. A service celebrating Donald’s life will begin at 2:00 pm. Burial services will follow at Mt. Zion’s Cemetery in Pleasant Lake, Indiana where he will be laid to rest.

The local care of Don and his family was entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Delores Combs Robinson (June 19, 1950 – Nov. 12, 2016)

Delores Combs Robinson, age 66, of Mast Gap Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Saturday morning, November 12, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center.

combs-robinsonDelores was born June 19, 1950 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Willard and Ella Faye Harmon Combs. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church.

Mrs. Robinson is survived by one sister, Vickie Combs Greene and husband Dana, of Sugar Grove; one nephew, Jordan Greene and wife Mary of Denver, North Carolina; two nieces, Carla Parker and husband Corey, and Keri Lawrence all of Sugar Grove; four great nieces, Maddie Parker, Anabel Parker, and Anberlynn Lawrence, all of Sugar Grove and Selene Greene of Denver, North Carolina, and two great nephews, Alex Greene of Denver, North Carolina and Asher Flahart of Sugar Grove.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Robinson.

Funeral services for Mrs. Delores Combs Robinson will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, November 15, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Westside Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend David Ward. Burial will follow in the Guy Combs Cemetery.

The family will receive Tuesday afternoon, from 1 until 2 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westside Baptist Church, P.O. Box 142, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 28679 or to the Guy Combs Cemetery, in care of Lois Combs, 1066 Moretz Road, Mountain City, Tennessee, 37683.

Online condolences may be sent to the Robinson family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.