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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – August 7, 2018

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

Mr. Michael Hayden 
(August 13, 1984 – July 31, 2018) 

    Michael Hayden, lovingly referred to as Hayden, age 33, of Boone, NC passed away Tuesday night, July 31, 2018. Michael was an unfortunate victim of a senseless tragedy while he was living in West Palm Beach, Florida. 
    
    Michael was a 2003 graduate of Watauga High School. There, he participated on both the soccer and wrestling teams. He also enjoyed golf, skiing, snowboarding, off-roading, charter fishing,scuba diving, marksmanship, cooking and was a highly talented AV and auto technician.
    
    As many know, Michael showed a sincere interest in the well-being of others. He was generous, funny, kind hearted and exceedingly authentic in his relationships. 
    
    Michael was survived by his mother, and best friend, Neeta Brown Hayden, one sister, Maryah Hayden, one half-brother, Jason Hayden, his maternal grandmother, Gladys Brown, his aunts and uncles, Keeta Norris and husband Baxter, Billie Jo Maines and Steve Brown, cousins, Brittnai Mains Washburn and husband Matthew, Candace Brown Shultz and husband Kevin, Ashley Brown Thurman and husband Dillon, Jeremy Spencer Mains and Casey Miller and wife Carrie. 
    He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Paul Brown.
    
    A void will forever be felt in the hearts of those who knew Michael. His gentle spirit that brought comfort to all will live on forever. 
    
    The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:30 until 8 PM at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. 
    Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday morning, August 7, 2018 at 11 am at the Cove Creek Baptist Church Mausoleum. Officiating will be Rev. Terry Carver. 
    A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday evening, August 7, 2018 at 6 PM at the Boone Golf Club.
    Flowers are accepted and appreciated. A memorial fund in Michaels memory will be established at a later date.
    Online condolences may be shared with Michaels family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

 

Mr. Allen Trivette 
(May 09, 1950 – August 1, 2018) 

    Allen Trivette, cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Born May 9, 1950 to the late Harvey Lester and Stella Rae Phillips Trivette, he spent his entire 68 years of life as a proud resident of Watauga County. Allen initially followed in his fathers footsteps and began his 48 years of service to others by working in a grocery store. After a few years, he took a risk to start his own business, Allen Trivettes 194 Tire Service, which grew and thrived over the next 45 years. He also served as a Watauga County Commissioner and on numerous school and athletic committees. When not working at the tire store, Allen could be found enjoying his beloved farm and all the animals that call it home and spending joyful time with his grandchildren. 
    
    Allen was well-known throughout Watauga County. The words used most often to describe him were hard-working, kind, and humble. He rarely missed a full-day of work, even after retiring, and inspired that same work ethic in those around him. Allens approach to life was truly one of kindness and humility. In an overwhelming outpouring of love and support, Allen has been referred to as a pillar of the community who gave generous attention and service throughout his life. 
    
    Allen is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jane Trivette. They met in high school and have been together ever since. Allens greatest pride was his three children, Allen Trivette, Jr., Angie Wright, Ed.D. and husband CD, and Amy Trivette, M.D., and five grandchildren, Cameron Trivette, Max and Sofie Wright, and Murphy and Baker Propst. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Ashley, in 1976. He is also survived by one sister, Dottie Morsette, two brothers, Mike Trivette and wife Brenda, and Danny Trivette and wife Bonnie, a special Aunt, Elsie Hodgson, and a number of nieces and nephews. 
    
    Memorial services for Mr. Allen Trivette will be conducted Saturday morning, August 4, 2018 at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Smith. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 pm until 8 pm at the First Presbyterian Church.
    
    In keeping with Allens desire to always be in service of others, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Watauga High School Booster Club, Football Program, 300 Pioneer Drive, Boone, NC 28607 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Watauga County Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Trivette family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Trivette family.

 

Rita Elizabeth Kauflin Basel 
(December 12, 1927 – August 2, 2018) 

    Rita Elizabeth Kauflin Basel, 90, of University Village, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018. Born December 27, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, she was a daughter of Anthony and Cecelia Kuhn Kauflin. Mrs. Basel was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. She retired as a supervisor from Southern Bell. Always civic minded, Mrs. Basel was active with various ladies groups, including the Garden Club and the Quilters Guild. Her favorite pastime was knitting hats for newborn babies at Watauga Medical Center and knitting hats and scarves for the Hunger Coalition. 
    Mrs. Basel is survived by her daughters, Katherine Lovato of Mechanicsville, VA, Barbara Anne Cook and husband, Greg, of Newberry, FL, Patty Marie Varga and husband, Danny, of Margate, FL, Sandra Basel of Vilas, Lynda Orth and husband, Jim, of Jacksonville, FL, and Cynthia Evans of Mt. Airy; son, Michael Basel and wife, Michelle, of Jonesboro, TN; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and her brother, John Kauflin of Dayton, OH. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Basel; and four brothers and four sisters. 
    A funeral Mass will be conducted Tuesday morning, August 7th at 10 oclock at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Matthew Codd. Graveside services will follow at Mountlawn Memorial Park and Gardens. 

 

Rebecca Badger Houck 
(December 13, 1949 – August 3, 2018) 

    Rebecca Jane Badger Houck, 68, of North Wilkesboro, passed away following a lengthy illness at Margate Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jefferson on Friday, August 3, 2018. 
    
    Becky, as she was most well know, was born in Ashe County on December 13, 1949 to James and Erma Hart Badger. She was a graduate of the UNC-Charlotte School of Nursing and obtained a Masters’ Degree from ASU. During her nursing career, she taught and was co-founder of the nursing program at Wilkes Community College, was an industrial nurse at Tyson in Wilkesboro and at the Alexander Correctional Institute, worked with Hospice, and was a mental health nurse at Ashe Memorial Hospital and the Ashe County Health Department. 
    
    Mrs. Houck was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Badger; and her husband, Michael Dean Houck. 
    
    Rebecca is survived by her son, Ryan Badger Houck and wife, Devon, and two grandchildren, Claire Elise and Keaton Ryan Houck, all of Fleetwood; brother, J. Michael Badger (Jackie) of Jefferson; sisters, Lois Badger Miller (Matthew)and Jennifer Badger Holman (Danny) of Wilkesboro; and several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. 
    
    A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday afternoon, August 6th from 2 until 4 o’clock at Badgers Funeral Home in West Jefferson. 
    
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 
    
    Becky’s family would like to give a special thanks to Cathy Clark, FNP, and Dr. Edward J. Miller of Mount Jefferson Family Practice in Jefferson, Caldwell Hospice, and the staff of the Jack and Shirley Robbins Hospice House in Hudson, NC.
    
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory and Badger Funeral Home is serving the Houck family.

    Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to St. Elizabeth Catholic, 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, NC 28607. 
    The family wishes to express their gratitude to Medi Home Health and Hospice and to all caregivers who graciously tended to Rita. 
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Basel family.

 

Barbara Matheson Hartley 
(June 09, 1944 – August 5, 2018) 

    Barbara Matheson Hartley, age 74, of Boone, passed away Sunday evening, August 5, 2018 at Watauga Medical Center. Born June 9, 1944 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Sterling and Patty May Smith. Barbara was a member of Meat Camp Baptist Church. She retired from Watauga Medical Center where she worked as a telemetry tech and operating room secretary. 
    
    Barbara was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Toughest Woman Ever, as so many people have said. She exemplified this by cooking for her family and friends even when she was not well enough, checking on her children and grandchildren, even talking on the phone may have been hard at times, sharing recipes on Facebook, even if she could not eat it, making sure the nurses that came to the house had goodie bags as they left, asking everyone she came in contact with how they were, even while lying in ICU, and most importantly, making sure her friends and family knew how blessed she was, and that they were the reason she was fighting so hard. She was a witness to all of how important God was to her, and how she never gave up, and to always say I Love You every chance you get. 
    
    The family would like to say a special thank you to the entire staff of Watauga Medical Center, Dr. Debra Taylor, Dr. Michael Meadows and Dr. Andrew Hordes as well as Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care and Medi-Home Health and Hospice. 
    Thank you for loving her an providing such excellent care.
    
    Barbara is survived by her husband of 21 years, Tommy Hartley; daughters, Dixie Sorrow and husband, Stephen, of Boone, Ponza Millaway and husband, Charlie, of Zionville, Sonya Long and fiancé, Steve Day, of Fleetwood; and son, Jeffrey Matheson and wife, Libby, of Laurel Springs. She was loved by her grandchildren, Amber Osteen and Aubrey Goss, both of Boone, Makenzie Presnell of Zionville, Katie Matheson of Laurel Springs, Ryan Goss and Quentin Long, both of Boone, and Ben Matheson of Laurel Springs; and seven great-grandchildren, and by her special friend, Peggy B. Hayes of Conway, SC.
    
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Ebert; brother, Bobby Smith; and husband, Beacher L. Matheson. 
    Funeral services for Barbara Matheson Hartley will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor Mike Townsend. Graveside services will be private. 
    
    The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Austin & Barnes. 
    
    The family suggests memorials to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645; to Medi-Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, NC 28607; or to the Grandfather Home for Children, 
    PO Box 1, Barium Springs, NC 28010. 
    
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com 
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hartley family

 

Robert Lee Ross, Jr.

May 27, 1971 – August 01, 2018

Robert Lee Ross, Jr., age 47, of 176 Wildcat Road, Deep Gap, passed away Wednesday morning, August 1, 2018, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Robert is survived by his guardian, Della Blanton of Kings Mountain, and his friends and staff of R.H.A. Healthcare in Deep Gap.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert Lee Ross, Sr. and Sarah Bethea Ross.

Graveside services for Robert Lee Ross, Jr. will conducted at a later date.

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

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

 

 

Robert Taft Bumgarner

November 04, 1937 – August 01, 2018

Robert Taft Bumgarner, age 80, of Wilkesboro, NC, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, surrounded by his family.

Born November 4, 1937, Bob was the beloved son of the late David Taft Bumgarner and Margaret Cloninger Bumgarner of Lenoir; husband of Pinkie Bumgarner of Wilkesboro; father of Mark D. (Aimee) Bumgarner of Weaverville and Tracy N. Bumgarner of Lenoir, step-father of Robin M. Metz of Wilkesboro and brother of Betty B. (Bill) Williams of Lenoir. He is survived also by five grandchildren: Sara H. Huskins, Matthew R. Huskins, Kathryn M. Bumgarner, Andrew B. Bumgarner and Benjamin D. Bumgarner; two step-grandsons, Chandler B. Metz and Quinton D. Metz; a niece and nephew, a great-niece, and many special friends.

Bob graduated from Lenoir High School and attended Berea College in Kentucky before being hired onto the survey crew at Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation in 1957. He was later promoted to Director of Data Processing in the corporate office before being named Watauga District Manager in 1972 and moving to Boone. Working at BREMCo his entire career, Bob retired in 1995.

As a young man, Bob served as president of the Lenoir Jaycees and was named North Carolina Man of the Year. He is also remembered for having pledged the first African-American member of the Jaycees, Sam Patterson. After moving to Boone, Bob became an active member of the local Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award.

Always an avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed fly fishing and golf. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, but his greatest passion was his faith in Christ. Bob was an active member of Boone United Methodist Church and, more recently having moved to Wilkesboro in 2017, the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro. Bob was actively involved in the Walk to Emmaus holding many leadership roles including Community Lay Director of the SONrise Emmaus Community in Tennessee.

A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 1:30pm on August 11, at the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro, located at 401 6th Street, with Dr. Tim Roberts and Reverend Ted Henry presiding. Friends may visit with the family after the service in the church’s Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro.

Reins-Sturdavant Funeral Home, in North Wilkesboro, is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.

 

 

Margaret Taylor Derrick

October 29, 1946 – August 05, 2018

Margaret Taylor Derrick, age 71, of Blowing Rock, NC, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018, at Inverness of Spartanburg in South Carolina.

Margaret was born October 29, 1946, in Concord, North Carolina, daughter of the late George Bower Taylor, Sr. and Jennie Lynn Wright Taylor. She was the retired owner and operator of Derrick Plastics for over 30 years. She had a great love for travel and always had a bag packed. Having achieved the rank of Life Master with ACBL, Margaret was well known as a very strong Bridge Player, who competitively played in duplicate bridge tournaments.  She loved her pet dogs and was the happiest when surrounded by her friends and family.

Margaret is survived by her son, Reed Derrick and wife Mandy of Spartanburg, South Carolina; one granddaughter, Arabella Derrick of Spartanburg; one brother, George Bower Taylor, Jr. and wife Lou of Marietta, Georgia; nephews, Bower, Zach, and Drew Taylor, all of Atlanta, Georgia, and her mother-in-law, Lois Mae Heaton Becker of Pekin, Illinois.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Randal Louis Becker.

Funeral services for Margaret Taylor Derrick will be conducted Friday morning, August 10, 2018, at 10:30 AM, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Angels in Belmont, PO Box 710, Belmont, North Carolina, 28012-0710.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements

 

Gloria Winebarger

January 9, 1928 – July 31, 2018

Gloria Winebarger, age 90 of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at The Waters at Roan Highlands Nursing Center in Roan Mountain, TN.
She was born on January 9, 1928 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of Elisha Ferguson and Pansy Supthin Ferguson.
Gloria enjoyed flower gardening, bird watching and feeding the hummingbirds. 
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband: Virgil Winebarger, Three Sons; Robert, Paul and Eddie Winebarger; Five Brothers: Charles, Sam, Harvey, Cleve and Morris; Five Sisters: Mary, Venna, Polly, Hazel and Ramona
Gloria leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Carlene (Burnie) Guinn of Newland, NC; Brother: Grady (Sandy) Ferguson of Seattle, WA, Sisters: Carolyn Gould of Salem OR. And Flo Merrill of California.
Grandsons; Richard (Sharon) Guinn, David (Marina) Guinn, Paul Lee (Carla) Winebarger; Granddaughters; Dawn (Jason) Hicks and Kristie Winebarger
9 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren
Services for Gloria Winebarger will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 beginning at 3:00 pm from the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. John McCoury officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the Ferguson Cemetery, Newland NC
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association 
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Roan Highland for the loving care they provided.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Winebarger family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net
The care of Gloria and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

 
Welda Coffey Bennett
January 24, 1931 – August 2, 2018

Welda Coffey Bennett, age 87, of Linville, NC passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018 in Sunrise Beach, MO.

She was born on January 24, 1931 in Linville, North Carolina, to the late Ira Coffey and Gladys Cook Coffey.

She was preceded in death by her: Parents; her husband SFC Russell Bennett; one sister, Wilma Greene; three brothers: Douglas Coffey, Hundley Coffey, and Boyd Coffey.

Welda enjoyed all types of crafts, and gardening. She repurposed everything and never met a thrift store she didn’t love. She loved to sing hymns while working. Welda loved to play games and was a fierce competitor, especially in Rook. She was also an avid Atlanta Braves and Duke basketball fan. Her life’s passion was her family and she loved every minute spent with them.

Welda leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Linda Vanlandingham of New Tazewell, TN; Daughter, Ann (Dennis) Reilly of Sunrise Beach, MO; Son, Russell (Karen) Bennett II of Peoria, IL; Sister, Alice (Bob) Glenn of Spruce Pine, NC, Grandchildren, Amy (Todd) Owens, Dr. Amanda (Jason) Suhy, Arin Vanlandingham, Dr. Alex (Shannon) Vanlandingham, Patrick Parker, Dr. Kelly (Oren) Peterson, Ashleigh (Kellen) Bennett, Allison McKee, Jennifer Teubel, Carrie Logsdon, Abbey Logsdon; 8 Great-Grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Services for Welda Coffey Bennett will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 beginning at 12:00 pm from the Linville Evangelical Methodist Church with Dr. Ken Harper officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 am on Tuesday at Linville Evangelical Methodist Church up until the service hour.
Interment will follow in Tanglewood Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to:St Jude Children’s Research Hospital;https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html and Wounded Warrior Project, Inc;https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Bennett family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net

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

 

 
Edith Marie Sawyer
January 6, 1924 – August 2, 2018

Edith Marie Sawyer 94
Born 1924 in Webster Groves, MO
Died 2018 in Plumtree, NC
Preceded in death by Parents, Harrie and Julia Williams, Husband William Sawyer as well as 6 siblings Louise Barnes, Grace Newman, Harriet Williams, Harry (Bud) Williams, Oscar Williams and Alice Williams.
Survived by:
Sons, John Sawyer (Donna) of Breinigsville, PA, Rick Sawyer (Lane) of Eugene, OR
Daughters, Peggy Powers (Dave) of Marina Del Rey, CA, Nancy Christensen (Tom) of Plumtree, NC and Judi Sawyer of Roan Mountain, TN
Grandchildren: Michael Christensen (Renae), Dale Christensen (Amy), Paul Christensen (Katy), Joy Powers Tucker (Sam), Christen Powers Arbelo (Pablo)
13 Great Grandchildren
She was a member of Kendall Presbyterian Church, Miami, FL 
She loved to play tennis, and played until she was 90 years old. 
Inurnment will be in Ohio
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Of The Blue Ridge
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, 28777
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Sawyer family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Edith and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.