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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – January 2, 2018

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

Richard M. “Dick” Hearn

May 05, 1930 – December 31, 2017

Richard M. “Dick” Hearn, age 87, of Blackberry Road, Boone, passed away Sunday evening, December 31, 2017, at The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock.

Dick was born May 5, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, son of the late Frances Norman Hearn and Eleanor Chandler Hearn. He was a retired Claims Superintendent for State Farm Insurance and served in the United States Army. Dick was very active and generous volunteering for the following organizations; Friends of the Watauga County Public Library, Middle Fork Greenway, Watauga Substance Abuse Prevention, High Country United Way, Adult Services Coalition, Juvenile Delinquent Prevention Committee, Watauga River Partners, Stream Doctors Kids in the Creek, Guardian Ad Lit, Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Cooperative Extension Advisory Board, Farm City Committee, Operation Medicine Cabinet, Reading & Rolling Library, Watauga Ed of Life Coalition, Project Life Saver, Adopt-A-Highway, and North Carolina Big Sweep Captions.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joan Hearn of the home; one son, Richard M. Hearn, Jr. and wife Lou of Winston-Salem; one daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Olmas of Dallas, Texas, and two granddaughters, Marie Hearn of High Point, and Marion Hearn of Winston-Salem. He is also survived by one niece and one nephew.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Hearn.

A Celebration of the Life for Richard M. “Dick” Hearn will be held Thursday afternoon, January 4, 2018, at 1:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middle Fork Greenway, PO Box 568, Boone, North Carolina, 28607 or to Friends of Watauga County Public Library, 140 Queen Street, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

 

Iris Proffitt Allen

August 19, 1950 – December 29, 2017

Iris Proffitt Allen, age 67, of Smoke Hollow Road, Charlotte, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Friday morning, December 29, 2017, at her home.

Iris was born August 19, 1950 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Bynum Glenn Proffitt and Margaret Wilson Proffitt. She was a hairdresser and a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Iris is survived by her son, Brian T. Allen; her daughter-in-law, Melanie C. Allen, one granddaughter, Lillian Iris Allen, and her grandson, Henry Wayne Allen, all of Salisbury; her sister, Patricia “Pat” Wellborn of Deep Gap; two brothers, James “Jim” Proffitt and wife Sharon of Weaverville, and Wayne Proffitt and wife Carol of Boone; one niece and special caregiver, Virginia “Gina” Russell and husband Don of Locust, and two nephews, Matthew Proffitt of Boone, and Remi Wellborn of Edinburg, Texas.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Odis Wellborn.

Funeral services for Iris Proffitt Allen will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, January 3, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Mike Townsend. Burial will follow in Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte.

The family will receive friends, Saturday afternoon, January 6, 2018, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, before the Celebration of Life, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Novant Health Hospice, PO Box 33549, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28233-3549, or to Hearts and Hammers, in care of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 7200 East WT Harris Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina, 28215.

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

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

 

Earlene Jones Yates

May 06, 1943 – December 28, 2017

Mrs. Earlene Jones Yates, age 74, of 870 Clint Norris Road, Boone, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Mrs. Yates is survived by her husband, Burl Yates, of Boone, one daughter, Becky Bautista and husband Abel, of Boone, two sisters, Gail Lambert and husband Allen, and Linda Hodges and husband Finley, two brothers, Ben Jones and wife Karen, and John Jones, all of Boone. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Earl Thomas Jones and Ruby Culler Jones.

Funeral services for Mrs. Earlene Jones Yates will be conducted Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 1:00 until 2:00, at the chapel. Pastor Gordon Noble will officiate. Burial will follow in Brown Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock at the chapel one hour prior to the service. 

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

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

 

Ruth Laughlin

April 12, 1935 – December 25, 2017

Ruth Laughlin, age 82, of Boone, passed away Monday, December 25, 2017, at Watauga Medical Center.

Ruth was born April 12, 1935 in Roanoke, Virginia, daughter of the late Earnest and Vercie Wood Laughlin. She was a retired Executive Training Consultant for Xerox Corporation and attended High Country Church of Christ. Ruth was a 1953 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School going on to earn a Masters Degree from Michigan State.

Ruth retired to Boone to own and operate Big Sky Lodge fulfilling a life long dream. She loved the Boone community and the many friends that she has in Boone. Ruth was an honored member and supporter of The Watauga Democratic Organization. She gave much of her time volunteering for the Hospitality House and various other service charities.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Celeste A. Fortier and her grandson, Louis Mark Fortier, V, both of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

A Celebration of the Life of Ruth Laughlin will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018, from 1:00 – until 4:00 o’clock, at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Chestnut Street, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605. The memorial service will begin at 2:30 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospitality House of Boone, 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Direct correspondence may be made with the family at ruthjlfoundation@gmail.com

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

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

 

Frank Woytek

July 09, 1942 – December 24, 2017

Frank Woytek, age 75, of Boone and Sarasota Florida passed away December 24, 2017 at his home in Boone.

Frank is survived by his sister Marina and brother-in-law Detlef, and nephew Christian and niece Antonia. He was preceded in death by his wife Monika.

Frank was a successful entrepreneur and investor. Born and raised in Germany, he immigrated to the United States in his late twenties with his beloved wife Monika, and built a successful cable television franchise in the Minneapolis area. After too many winters in Minnesota, Frank and Monika decided to move to warmer climes and split their time between Florida and North Carolina. 
Frank loved jazz and was an accomplished clarinet player. He enjoyed sport fishing on the Gulf of Mexico, and kept mentally fit by actively trading stocks. 

A memorial service for Frank Woytek will be held at a later date in Sarasota, Florida.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645 or www.caldwellhospice.org.

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

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

 

Pansy Fox Aldridge 
(June 22, 1930 – December 24, 2017) 
Pansy Viola Fox Aldridge, age 87 of Highway 105 South, Banner Elk, passed away Sunday morning, December 24, 2017, at her home. Born June 22, 1930 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Robe Adam and Ovela Barlow Fox. Her family was the love of her life. She enjoyed her flower gardens, travel, and Elvis. Pansy was Elvis Presleys #1 fan. 
    Mrs. Aldridge is survived by three sons, Billy Joe Bumgarner and wife, Marie, of Vilas, Frank Bumgarner and wife, Mary Jo, of Foscoe, and Boyce Bumgarner and wife, Loretta, of Abington, VA; brothers, Wade Fox and wife Emmy, of Marion and James Fox of Foscoe; sisters, Sue Gragg and husband, Dayton, of Blowing Rock and Rosemary Stamey and husband, Raymond, of Jonas Ridge; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special grand-daughter and caregiver, Stephanie; and special aunt, Mary Styles. 
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Melinda Byers; brothers, Denver and Gary Fox; sister and brother-in-law, Alvarita and Reed Barrier; and an infant grandson. 
    Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon, December 29th at 12:30 at Grace Baptist Church in Foscoe, officiated by Rev. Burl Greer, Rev. Bill Miller and Rev. Len Aldridge. The family will receive friends Friday from 11 until 12:30, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow in the Jestes Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Boone, NC 28607, or to the Jestes Cemetery Fund, in care of Catherine Bare, 236 Locust Lane, Boone, NC 28607. 
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Aldridge family.

 

Lillie W. Mast
(April 10, 1925 – December 23, 2017) 

Mrs. Lillie Watkins Mast, age 92, of Leisure Acres Lane, Boone, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017 at her home. Born April 10, 1925 in Rockingham County, she was a daughter of the late Daniel Robert and Mary Caroline Winsted Watkins. Lillie was a longtime member of Willowdale Baptist Church. She retired from Appalachian State University. Lillie enjoyed her family, flowers and gardening.
    She is survived by one daughter, Connie Mast Patterson and husband Mark of Germantown, TN, two sons, Dennis Lawson and Doug Mast both of Boone, and one grandson, Bradley Patterson. 
    In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Lawson, her second husband Bud James Mast, and two brothers, Douglas and Ralph Watkins. 
    Funeral services for Lillie Mast will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 1 PM at Willowdale Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from noon until 1PM. Officiating will be Rev. Eugene Braswell. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. 
    The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 PM until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
    Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Watauga County Unit, 441 Daniel Drive, Boone, NC 28607 or to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
    The family would like to thank the staff at Watauga Medical Center, The Foley Center, Glenbridge and Medicare Home Care for the care they provided during Lillie’s illness.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Mast family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Mast family.

 

Richard Reaves Harris
(June 02, 1939 – December 22, 2017) 

Richard Reaves Harris, age 78, of Highland Hall Rd., Boone, passed away Friday, December 22, 2017. Born June 2, 1939 in Lexington, he was a son of Sidney and Estelle Reaves Harris. Richard was a member of the Advent Christian Church in Boone. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. In 1965 Richard joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and served in both Richmond and Watauga Counties before retiring in 1991. He also owned and operated Harris Custom Frame Shop. 
     Mr. Harris is survived by his wife, Joanne Hayes Harris; daughter, Debbie Aldridge and husband David, of Rydal, GA, and son, Mark Harris and wife, Kathy, of Blowing Rock; step-son, Justin Townsend of Vilas and his girlfriend, Catherine Talley; and three grandsons, Matthew Aldridge and wife, Ellen, of Charlotte, and Kevin Harris and Chris Harris, both of Atlanta, GA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Rhea Hartley Harris and brother, Tommy Harris. 
    Memorial services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, December 28th, at 4 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Minister Gordon Noble. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3 until 4 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. In memory of Richard, memorials may be made to the Appalachian Regional Health System Foundation for the Parkinson Boxing Class, 336 Deerfield Road, Boone, NC 28607, or to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 
    Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harris family.

 

Cindy Lipford Smith

December 22, 1948 – December 28, 2017

Cynthia (Cindy) Lipford Smith, age 69, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.
She was born on December 22, 1948 in Mercer County, West Virginia, a daughter of Edna Lipford
Cindy retired from Life Care Center after many years of service. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. 
She truly loved Christmas and spending time with her grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Tony Gerald Smith; Grandparents; Avery and Ruth Lipford, Sister; Anna Smith
Cindy leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Son, Brian (Lisa) Smith of Newland, NC, Mother, Edna Lipford.Grandson; Dustin Smith and Girlfriend Haven Dennie of Newland, NC, Granddaughter Ashley (Corey) Willis of Banner Elk, NC, Sisters; Pam (Tim) Poteat of Mt. City, Tn, Melissa (Adam) Wilson of Mt. City, TN, Mary Stout of Morristown, TN, Brother: Tim Smith of Mt. City, TN
Services for Cindy Smith will be held on, Saturday, December 30, 2017 beginning at 7:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel of Rein-Sturdivant with Rev. Joe Ingham officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the Michael Cemetery Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 2:00PM 
The family would like to extend a special Thanks to the staff of Life Care Center.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Smith family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Cindy and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

Mildred B. Hartley

February 14, 1933 – December 31, 2017

Mildred B. Hartley, 84, of Newland, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
The care of Mildred and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland

 

 

Harry Dion Bare

September 1, 1929 – December 31, 2017

Harry Dion Bare, age 88, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at his home.

He was born on September 1, 1929 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of Frank and Macy Turbyfill Bare

He was preceded in death by his Parents; Wife Shirley Mae Bare, Two Brothers, Helton Bare, Bud Bare; Three Sisters, Beulah Adams, Edith Ward, Edna Oaks.

Harry attended Elk Park Baptist Church, He enjoyed fishing, hunting and farming.

Harry leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Son, Doug (Annetta) Bare of Elk Park, NC, Daughter, Connie (Bobby) Buchanan of Pineola, NC, Grandson, Timothy Bare of Elk Park, NC, Grandson, Chad (Cassandra) Bare of Newland, NC, Grandson, Daniel Bare of Charleston, SC, Granddaughter, Alesia Yarber of Boone, NC, Great-Grandson, Gavin Bare of Newland, NC, Great-Granddaughter, Ady Bare of Newland, NC.

Services for Harry Bare will be held on Wednesday January 3rd at 7 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 pm until the service hour on Wednesday January 3rd at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the Taylors Chapel Cemetery on Thursday Jaurary 4th at 11:00 AM

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

The care of Harry and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
(828) 733-2121