Wells Funeral Home & Cremation Services Obituaries

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, William H. Staib, Jr., age 77, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Mission Memorial Campus.A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he was a son of the late William Henry and Lorraine MacDonald Staib.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mindee Staib.  Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was the owner of Staib Insurance Agency in Waynesville for six years, and a Nationwide Insurance Manager for 30 years.  Bill was a substitute teacher in the Haywood County School system for ten years.  He was an active member of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church.  Bill and Vickie were foster parents for 12 years and fostered over 65 children.Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Vickie Staib; daughter, Arianah Staib; son, William H. "Billy" Staib, III, and his wife, Virginia; four granddaughters, Cora, Angel, Cristina and Connie; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Maggie Valley, Letitia Lynn Russell Faulkner, age 57, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at her residence.A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of Brenda and James Franklin and the late Hugh "Tommy" Russell.  In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Derek "Bull Dog" Russell.  Letitia enjoyed walking, hiking, swimming, painting, drawing, loved her animals and most of all being a mom.Letitia is survived by three daughters, Racheal Stinnett, Lauren Stinnett and Kristie Miller; four sons, Johnny Troughton, and his wife, Amanda, Jake Curry, and his wife, Rachel, Jonas Troughton and James Troughton; three sisters, Lurissia Moore, and her husband, Robert, Cherie Buchanan and Amy Russell; and twelve grandchildren.A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Green Hill cemetery.The care of Mrs. Faulkner has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Karl Robert Dehner, age 81, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022, at McCracken Rest Home.A native of Connecticut, Karl proudly served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam era as an aviation mechanic for several years.  Karl enjoyed art, crafts and coloring.  He enjoyed time with his grandkids.Karl is survived by his daughter, Annie Morris; and seven grandchildren.No formal services are planned.The care of Mr. Dehner has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Maggie Valley – Alaska Holland Presley, 98, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation.Alaska was born on September 23, 1923, in the Rainbow Springs Community of Macon County to the late Benjamin and Lula Russell Holland.  In death, Alaska joins her infant daughter Jaudon Suella Presley; two brothers, Clell and Wilson Holland; two sisters, Dallas Mathis and Grace Rhinehart; and her niece, Pat Messer.Alaska and her husband operated Presley’s Motor Court and Cafeteria along with Presley’s Campground.  In their early years, they also operated a dry cleaner business in Canton.  Alaska was an accomplished realtor and developed property in Prescott Park in Maggie Valley and Florida.  Alaska was most proud of owning Ghost Town in the Sky, which she still owned at her death.  She and her husband, Hubert, helped R.B. Coburn develop Ghost Town from the very beginning.  Her desire was to see a cross erected on Buck Mountain at Ghost Town, the love of her life.  Alaska’s parents and siblings all had businesses in Maggie Valley and were pioneers in establishing the town as a tourist destination in the 1950s.Left to cherish her memory are her nephew, Charles Holland, and his wife, Barbara, of Waynesville; great-nieces, Patti Messer Tucker, and her husband, Keith, Kim Holland Cutshaw, and her husband, Jeff, and Jill Holland McClure, and her husband, Ronnie; great-nephew, Kevin Messer, and his wife, Rhonda; four great-great-nephews, including Nathan Cutshaw, whom she was close to; and two great-great nieces.  Alaska also leaves behind two very close friends, Frankie Wood and Rose Prince.  The family would also like to give special thanks to Alaska’s friend and caretaker, Kim Smith Brock.Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park with Reverend Erma Bond and Deputy Randy Jenkins officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville, prior to the graveside service.The care of Ms. Presley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville – Lula Brock Ruff, 76, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.Leah was a native of Haywood County and a daughter of the late James Carroll Brock, Sr. and Sybil Tabor Brock.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Brock.  Leah worked at Hazelwood Presbyterian Church as a custodian. She loved word puzzles, reading, cross stitching, and working with her hands.  She was well known for “her homemade fudge” and a devoted mother and grandmother.She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Hank Ruff; one daughter, Susan Ruff of Canton; two sons, Thomas C. Ruff (Jennifer) of Goose Creek, South Carolina and James Ruff (Carolynn) of Summerville, South Carolina; a sister, Wanda Ammons of Waynesville; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Cameron Ruff; many nieces and nephews; and a dear family friend, Dolly Roberts.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville – Betty Beck Frady, 79, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at her residence.Betty was a native of Cherokee, North Carolina, and the daughter of the late Quentin and Dorothy Darden Beck; in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, John and Thomas Beck.  Betty was a proud member of the Cherokee and Chitimacha Tribes.  She was a 50-year employee with Haywood Electric Membership Corporation and served as the Executive Assistant to the General Manager.  Betty was a committed team member and took great pride in her position with Haywood EMC.  One of Betty’s favorite times of the year was Christmas.  All her friends and family would admire the time and detail that went into her beautifully wrapped presents.Betty is survived by her son, Robert Glenn "Bobby" Frady, II, of Lake Junaluska; sister-in-law, Rose Beck, of Maggie Valley; niece, Kimberly Beck O’Grady, and her husband, Bryan; nephew, Thomas "Tom" Beck, Jr., and his partner, Robin; her beloved dog, Frankie; and her cat "Miss Kitty", who was a feral that was taken in when it had an injured paw.A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville with Reverend Millard Grant officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: Herbert Tomlin “Tom” Wyche of Waynesville, NC joined the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 surrounded by family at his residence.  Tom was born on February 26, 1957 in High Point, NC to William (Bill) Evans Wyche and Jennie Tomlin Wyche.Tom is survived by his wife of 23 years, Lenell, of Waynesville; his daughter, Emily Allan, and her husband, Christopher, of Canton; his son, Zachary (Amelia Piotrowski) of Waynesville; his sister, Lucy Rapp, and her husband, Carl, of Graniteville, SC; four grandchildren, Lucas, Zane, Gracelynn, and “Bubba”; as well as an abundance of friends who loved him dearly.In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two brothers, William Evans Wyche, Jr., and Hugh Thomas Wyche.Tom was a member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church of Waynesville, NC.  He was also a member of the Sonoma Masonic Lodge (#0472) of Waynesville, NC and a Noble in the Oasis Shriners.Tom was a loyal husband, father, and friend who possessed unwavering patience and integrity.  He held friendships and relationships in high regard giving selflessly to those he loved.  Tom left an indelible mark on this world: his gentle spirit and compassion for others will be missed immensely.A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Waynesville, NC with the Reverend Ben Shaeffer officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Charles Curtis Parker, age 95, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022, at this home surrounded by his family.Charles was a lifelong resident of Haywood County and was a son of the late DB and Eva Mae Parker.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Parker, who died in 2016; all of his sisters and brothers.  Charles was a carpenter all his life.  He built a lot of houses in Haywood County and was also on the crew that built Ghost Town.  Charles loved working in his garden and canning.  He worked with his honeybees for over 30 years.  Charles was a servant of the Lord.  His favorite pastime was attending Canton’s Labor Day Celebration events and listening to gospel music.  Charles’s prize possession was his family whom he loved dearly.Charles is survived by two daughters, Shelia Mathis (Darrell), of Waynesville and Gloria Nelms, of Orlando, Florida; two sons, Roger Parker (Karen Haney), of Clyde and Tommy Parker (Michelle), of Canton; eight grandkids, Brian Nelms, Deirdre Simmons, Dawn Brugh, Kevin Nelms, Shannon Parker, Brad Riggins, Brandy Ball and Brooke Parrott; 28 great-grandkids, Whitney, Katlin, Amanda, Alisa, Autumn, Madison, Shane, Patra, Caitlin, Sydney, Emma, Cole, Logan, Cooper, Murphy, Nathan, Marissa, Julia, Allyson, Shelyn, Niki, Chris, Augie, Josh, Brenda, Aidan, Ariania and Christian;  and 12 great-great-grandkids.  Great-great grandson, Parker, his best bud who spent a lot of time playing with toys with him, helping care for him, eating a lot of cookies; and a special great-granddaughter, Whitney, who helped care for him.  Special thanks to caregiver, Melissa Woody.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Ferguson and Reverend Bobby Haney officiating.  Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, James L. Blanton, age 90, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Autumn Care of Waynesville.A native of Jackson County, he was a son of the late Lewis and Annie Cogdill Blanton.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Freda Worley Blanton, who died in 2015, and a son, Joe Blanton.  Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired from Norfolk Southern as an ASA Agent with 30 years of service.  He was a member of Woodland Baptist Church and enjoyed camping and fishing.Jim is survived by two sisters, Becky Israel and Marty Smith; one grandson, Todd Blanton; and one great-grandson, Brody Blanton.A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday April 4, 2022, at Green Hill Cemetery with Reverend Alan Davis and Reverend Josh Frazier officiating.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Ryan Marc Brown, age 41, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022, at his residence.A native of Haywood County he was a son of Yvonne Ball Brown and the late Robert Marvin Brown.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Flora Mae Ball, and paternal grandparents, Roxie and Marvin Brown and paternal uncle, Ronnie Brown.  Ryan was a member of Hemphill Baptist Church.  He loved anything and everything with electronics.  Ryan enjoyed carpentry work with his dad, fishing, watching movies, and tinkering.  He never met a stranger and loved taking care of people and helping others.  Ryan had a special giving heart.In addition to his mother, he is survived by his partner, Alyssa Hansen; daughter, Emma Hansen Brown, who was the love of his life; sister, Heather Terwillegar, and her husband, Matthew, of Watkinsville, Georgia; maternal grandfather, J. T. Ball; maternal aunt and uncle, Ricky and Lesa Ball; paternal aunts and uncles, Marlene and Bobby Messer, Bruce Brown and Jessica Brown; niece and nephew Madelyn and Ian Terwillegar; cousins, Andrew and Bethany Messer, Jason and Tasha Ball, Phil Price, and Mary Kate Allison-Rikard; three special great-aunts, Linda Ayers, Geraldine Parkins and Lois Ledford.Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Zachary Plemmons and Reverend Jerry Nelson officiating.  Burial will follow at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until service time at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Reverend Clarence "Bo" Padgett, age 86, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Haywood Lodge & Retirement Centers.A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late James Riley and Sophia McDowell Padgett.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Patricia Padgett, who died in 2015; and three brothers.  Bo retired as Commander of the United States Navy.  He was a Methodist Minister for 37 years and retired from the South Carolina Conference.  Bo was a member of Clyde Central United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed being with people, sitting on the porch and looking at the mountains, picking blackberries and picking the banjo.Bo is survived by a daughter, Pamela Floyd, and her husband, David, of Waynesville; son, Glen Padgett, and his wife, Karen, of Anderson, South Carolina; brother, Joe Padgett, of Forest City; four grandchildren, Drew Snyder, and his wife, Jenna, Lindsay Brown, and her husband, Joey, Eryn Gunning, and her husband, Elliott and Cameron Floyd; and four great-grandchildren, Emmet, Lily, Sophie and Beau.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Eddie Padgett officiating.

Obituary Preview: Age: 95 May 4, 1926 – March 28, 2022Hazel Alida Kolsrud passed away on March 28, 2022, at the Haywood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waynesville, North Carolina.Hazel Alida (Quanrude) Kolsrud was born on May 4, 1926, the daughter of Henry Melvin Quanrude and Agnes Finholt Quanrude. She was baptized, confirmed and married at the Big Canoe Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Decorah, Iowa. She received her elementary and middle school education in country schools in Allamakee County, Iowa and graduated from Waukon High school on May 9, 1944.She was hired as a bookkeeper at Waukon State bank in September of 1944 and continued there until 1977. She and her husband, Lloyd, moved to Muscatine, Iowa in 1977. Hazel became employed by HON Industries as an administrative secretary to the Vice-President of the company. She retired from HON in 1989.Hazel is survived by one son, Barry Kolsrud (Connie); daughter, Kaye Sebastyn (William); one grandson, Finn Kolsrud (fiancé Maddie Birchfield); brother-in-law, Bernard Kolsrud; and several nieces and nephews.Preceding her in death were her husband of 57 years, Lloyd; brother Harold (Ursula) Quanrude; sister, Palma (Nels) Quandahl; sister Vivian Quanrude; sister and brother in law, Caryl and Elmer Hager; sister and brother in law, Lila and Kal Kowalashin; brother and sister in law, John and Betty Kolsrud; sister and brother in law Jean and Charles Wiedenmann; two nephews, Laverne Quanrude and Steven Kolsrud.The family would like to thank the incredible and caring staff of Four Seasons Hospice (Flat Rock, NC) and the incredible and caring staff at Haywood Nursing and Rehabilitation (Waynesville, NC). The family is genuinely grateful for the love and dignity shown to our mother.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 785 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, NC. The family requests that masks are optional due to Covid guidelines. A private graveside service will be held later in the spring in Waukon, Iowa.

Obituary Preview: Winston-Salem, Helen Plott Luckadoo, age 98, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Brookridge Baptist Retirement Community.Helen was born in Waynesville to Grover Cleveland (Cody) Plott and Pauline McCracken Plott on April 18, 1923.  Helen and her twin brother, Haywood, were the youngest of Cody’s and Pauline’s six children.  Helen spent all of her childhood on Hazel Street in Waynesville.  She graduated from WTHS where she was a cheerleader, a member of the track team, and an outstanding basketball player.Wanting to do her part during World War II, Helen enlisted in the US Navy WAVES, serving for three years, 1944-1947.  After basic training, she was selected to attend the Navy Hospital Corps School at Bethesda Navy Hospital in Maryland. As Helen had hoped to attend nursing school immediately after high school, she was thrilled with this opportunity.  After graduation as a Corps WAVE, she was assigned to the US Naval Hospital in Parris Island, SC.  Two years later she was transferred to the US Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC.  In both assignments, she cared for servicemen wounded in WWII, as well as for their dependents needing medical care.  Also, during her Navy years, she was selected to join the Navy women’s basketball team.  Since all the other members of the team were women Marines, she was proud to represent the Navy.While serving in Charleston, Helen met her future husband, USMC SSgt. James B. “Lucky” Luckadoo.  He had recently returned from the Pacific and was serving as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island.  Helen and Lucky were married on Valentine’s Day, 1948.  As Lucky continued his military career, Helen followed to South Carolina, Waynesville (while Lucky was in Korea), Michigan, and North Carolina for several different tours of duty.  Their daughter, Paula was born in Parris Island; daughter, Laine, in Jacksonville, NC; and son, Bobby, in Riverview, MI.Helen returned to Waynesville in 1977, following Lucky’s death.  Although she had lived elsewhere for more than 25 years, she soon reconnected with childhood friends and made new ones.  After joining the Haywood Road Runners Club, she rediscovered her love of running and was blessed with many life-long friendships. Helen was employed for several years at Clyde Savings and Loan and then at Apple Realty.  She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Waynesville and the Sunday School class taught by Don and Jeff Norris.  Devoted to her monthly Bunco Bunch and her Saturday morning walking group, she was also an enthusiastic RummiKub player.In 2013, Helen moved to Winston-Salem to be closer to family.  Surprising no one, she adapted quickly to Independent-Living at Brookridge Baptist Retirement Community, where she found yet another group of new friends. Group outings, jigsaw puzzles, Bingo, and Rummikub filled her days until she was admitted to the nursing care unit at Brookridge in December 2020.In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by her siblings: Robert Plott, twin Haywood Plott, Anna Jean Plott Battle, Mary Pauline Plott Rhinehart, and Josephine Plott Raione; and their spouses: Ruth Plott, Wayne Battle, and Charles Rhinehart. Also, Helen was preceded in death by her children Laine Luckadoo and Bobby Luckadoo.Surviving Helen are daughter Paula Thomas, and son-in-law Wayne Thomas; grandchildren Sarah Thomas Williams, Alex Thomas (Alisa), all of Winston-Salem, and Brett Luckadoo; as well as six great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Micah, Samantha and Mia Thomas, and Reece and Caroline Williams.Helen is also survived by nieces and nephews Wayne Battle (Gay), Betsy Battle Arumi, Mary Jo Underhill, Carol Plott Horne, Cody Plott (Becky), Deborah Plott Masotti (John), Jonathan Plott (Diane), and David Plott (Judi).A private, family graveside service will be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, April 19, followed at 2:30 by a casual friends and family memorial reception at the Wells Events & Reception Center. Memorial gifts may be directed to an organization of the donor’s choice.  Those interested in donating a tree or outdoor bench to the City of Waynesville in memory of Helen may contact Julie Grasty, Public Service department at 828-456-3706The care of Mrs. Luckadoo has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Jeffrey Willard Clark, age 55, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late William Robert Clark and Joyce Suttles Hendrix.  In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by one brother, John Clark.  In his earlier years, Jeff was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed fishing the streams for beautiful brown and speckled trout, hunting ginseng, and gathering ramps for meals.  Jeff dearly loved his family and was always calling to make sure all was good.  As a final gesture of Jeff’s generosity, he was able to bless numerous individuals through his gift of organ donation.Jeff is survived by his father, Roger Dale Hendrix, and his wife, Maryann, of Waynesville; daughter, Jessie Clark, and her husband, Thomas Parsons, of Indiana; two sons, T.R. Clark, and his wife, Sydney, of Waynesville and Jeremy Clark, of Hookerton, North Carolina; two sisters, Mikell Clark-Webb, and her husband, Jacky, of Clyde and Krissy Sorrells, and her husband, Jimmy, of Waynesville; four brothers, Mark Hendrix, and his wife, Vickie, of Waynesville, Brian Clark, of Canton, Jay Reid, of Tennessee, and Anthony Reid, and his wife, Sandra, of Colombia, South America; four amazing grandchildren, Clayton, Mason, Zoey, and McKenzie; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Kelly Dotson officiating.  Burial will follow at Keenerville Christian Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: Lithonia, Georgia, Jeffrey Cherry, age 47, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.A native of Haywood County, he was the son of Jeffrey Cherry and the late Beryl Marie Lenoir Cherry.  In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Magdelene Lenoir Dunton.  He was employed by Steel Mart, Inc. and was a member of Jones Temple AME Zion Church.  He enjoyed being with his family and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan.In addition to his father, Jeffrey is survived by his son, Sayquon Ebrom; three sisters, Treshice Cherry-McDonald, Renee Cherry and Breeawn Cherry; one brother, Nigel Cherry; four grandchildren, Sayvion and SahRiya Ebrom, Braelon Thompson and Malea Faulkner; aunt, Benita Jones (Henry), uncle, Bart Lenoir; and two cousins Donna and Joyce Lenoir.A homegoing celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Jones Temple AME Zion Church with Reverend Walter Bryson officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.The care of Mr. Cherry has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Robert Stanley "Phil" Riley, 66, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 in the comfort of his home.A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Samuel L. Riley, Jr.  and Earlie Mae Cullins Riley.  He briefly served in the United States Army and later worked in the construction industry until health issues rendered him unable to do so.Phil was a proud member of Jones Temple AME Zion Church.  He enjoyed active sports, skateboarding, and driving his moped all throughout town but Phil’s biggest source of joy was visiting with family and friends sharing laughs and memories.Phil is survived by his four siblings; sister, Cheryl Tezino of Los Angeles, CA and three brothers; Samuel Riley of Asheville, NC, Ricky Riley (Mary) of Upatoi, GA and Fredrick Riley (Pearl) of Clayton, NC; along with several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Green Hill Cemetery with Reverend Walter Bryson officiating.The care of Mr. Riley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Don Ezebulon Evans, 82, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, peacefully at his home.A native of Haywood County he was a son of the late Thurman Atkins and Frankie Mae Rose Evans.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Caylor Evans, who died in 2018; two brothers, Lee and Arthur Evans; brother-in-law, Steve Allison; nieces, Linda Evans and Nancy Marie Evans; nephew, Gary Greene, and his wife, Caroline.  He retired from Dayco in 1996 with 37 years of service and attended Old Pathway Baptist Church.  Don enjoyed trout fishing and camping at Cataloochee as well as bass fishing and camping at Lake Fontana.  He took pride in gardening and giving the majority of the vegetables away to family and neighbors.  Don enjoyed the time that he spent with his son Scott, whether it was fishing, or just spending time together.  He took pleasure in visiting family and going to church.  Don was a humble, soft-spoken man that will be missed by his family and friends.Don is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Shelia Evans; son, Scott Evans, and his wife, Amy; two sisters, Easter Greene, and her husband, Earl and Barbara Allison; three brothers, Richard Evans, and his wife, Blanche, Jule Evans, and his wife, Linda and Junior Evans, and his wife, Brenda; sisters-in-law, Ruby and Linda Evans, Vickie and Louise Caylor; brothers-in-law, Hayden Caylor (Glenda), Willard Caylor (Alice) and Paul David Caylor (Laurel); a granddaughter, Jesse Ann Evans; and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Phillip Wyatt officiating.  Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time at the funeral home.  Serving as pallbearers will be Ronnie, Neal and Blake Evans, Kenny and Michael Greene, and Max Allison.

Obituary Preview: Crabtree Community, Betty Ruth Owenby James, age 83, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at CarePartners Solace Center.A native of Macon County, she was a daughter of the late Fate and Faye Duvall Owenby.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Owenby; five brothers, Jack, Vernon, Don, Morris and Joe Owenby.  Betty was a 1956 Clyde High School graduate and a basketball star.  She worked at the Clyde Post Office for 15 years.  Betty was an active member of Crabtree Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader and Acteens Director.  She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, waterskiing, traveling and spending time with her family and grandchildren.Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ray James; daughter, Denise Bottoms; son, Billy Ray James, Jr.; twin sister, Barbara Gaffney, and her husband, Tom; four grandchildren, Robert James, and his wife, Leanne, Jacob James, and his wife, Brooke, Jason Bottoms, and his wife, Anna and Steven Bottoms; two great-grandsons, Hank and Tucker; family members, Joe and Kim; and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2022, at Crabtree Baptist Church with Reverend Josh Evans officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the church.

Obituary Preview: On a beautiful Monday afternoon, a long and courageous fight against cancer.  Judy walked pain free from this life into the next.  She was met by the loving arms of her Savior and the love of her life, David.Judy was born in Newport News, Virginia and lived in Wilmington, North Carolina and Oak Ridge, Tennessee before the family came home to Waynesville.  Judy was raised between Waynesville and Fines Creek and was a graduate of Waynesville Township High School, with a major in music.  She first attended Mars Hill and then Western Carolina University, where she met the love of her life and was married in 1960.After college, Judy traveled the nation and was the proud wife of a Navy Aviator.  She would beam as she told memories of their time spent in places from Pensacola, Florida, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Corpus Christi, Texas and the west coast, which she claimed was her favorite.  Alameda, California and Whidbey Island, Washington bring in the top five.  They returned home to the mountains in 1983.She was a lifelong student and worked as a realtor and secretary but found her passion teaching elementary age students.  She taught at Central Elementary, Junaluska and Hazelwood schools.Judy was very active in her community and served on the Fines Creek Board, Fines Creek Fire Department Board and was over the Manna Food Bank program.  She always went above and beyond for her family, friends and community. She was exceptionally loving and kind and never met a stranger.  She would tell someone, “Just call me Mamaw, everyone does."She left a beautiful mark on this earth and leaves behind a host of family and friends to celebrate her memory and carry on her legacy.  Her quick wit and sense of humor will be missed, the way she lit up every room she walked into.  Judy lived the kind of life to aspire to and set an amazing example for all who knew her and loved her.Judy was the daughter of the late Ben Messer and Leila Kirkpatrick Mease and her husband, White Mease; in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, David Smith.Left to celebrate her life are son, Jefferson Smith, and his wife, Connie; daughters, Laura Shipman, Kazandra Flesch, and her husband, Brandon; grandchildren, Casey Burris, Abigail Shipman, Lleyton Shipman, Isaac Shipman; great-grandchildren, Kimberly Shuler, Colby Freeman, Lane, Alice and Adam Flesch; along with a multitude of adopted kids and grandkids that "Mamaw" adopted over the years that were as special as her family.The family would like to extend a special thank you to the office of Dr. Heaberlin, Haywood EMS and Haywood Hospice for the excellent care and compassion that has been shown over the last 18 months.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Laura Jones officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the funeral home.The care of Mrs. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Canton, John Fitzgerald, III, age 68, a native of New York City, but a long-time resident of Western North Carolina, left us on Monday, March 14, 2022.John was the son of the late John and Mary Ormsby Fitzgerald, and a loving husband to his wife of fourty years, Diane Flaherty Fitzgerald.  John deeply loved Diane, his fur babies:  Bosco, L.B., Rusty, Biggie Smalls and Tippett, as well as "some" people.  His life was full of great experiences, from being a Union pipe fitter in New York City with his Father; an accomplished formally trained chef; to an artist of considerable and unique talent.  He was an inspiration to many artists, especially those he met and helped show their art at his favorite hangout Frog Level Brewery, where the walls are covered with his colorful artwork.  John loved holding "court" with his friends and extended family there every Saturday.He left us too soon, after a short but stout fight with ALS, diagnosed less than a year ago.On Saturday, March 19, a gathering of friends and family will take place between 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville followed by Military Honors.  Burial will be held on Monday, March 21 at 12 noon at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Gene Wilson Messer, 84, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022.A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Brownlow and Rethea Sutton Messer.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Roslyn Hunter.  Gene proudly served for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a Master Sargent.  He was a finance manager with Ford Motor Company for 20 years and worked in New Mexico and Alaska at multiple dealerships.  Gene was of the Baptist faith and an avid reader.  He also enjoyed fly fishing at home and out West in the summertime.Gene is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marsha Ragsdale Messer.The care of Mr. Messer has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Frances L. Dobson FosterClyde – Frances Lucille Dobson Foster, 82, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation.Frances was a native of Jackson County and the daughter of the late, Clyde and Edna Coggins Dobson; in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Max Foster, who passed away in 2014.  Frances served as a licensed practical nurse for many years at Haywood Regional Medical Center.  She was a gifted seamstress and made many of the clothes her children wore throughout the years.  As a caretaker, Frances naturally was an amazing grandmother.  Some of her fondest memories were spending time with her beloved grand and great grandbabies.Frances is survived by her three daughters, Jannette Raulerson, of Ridge Manor, Florida, Jeanna Foster, of Maggie Valley, and Karen Wilson, of Clyde; four sons, Michael Dobson, and his wife, Zetta, of Burnsville, Randy Foster, of Dallas, Texas, Richard Foster, and his wife, Chrissy, of Ripley, Mississippi, and Calvin Foster, of Clyde; brother, Frank Dobson, and his wife, Dorothy, of Apopka, Florida; 23 grandchildren and 25 plus, great-grandchildren; and her grand dog, Maybelline.Frances will be laid to rest next to her husband, Johnny at Green Hill Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Maggie Valley, Wanda Faye Rogers McMahan, age 70, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022, at her residence.A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Odell Sharp and Geneva Rogers.  Wanda worked for Conmet for 15 years.  She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with her grandkids.Wanda is survived by her husband, of 55 years, Dale McMahan; two daughters, Karen Lynn McMahan and Myra Jane McMahan; sister, Jean Murray; brother, Larry Rogers; and three grandchildren, Dennis Charles Schultz, Bo Dale Wyatt and Hannah Noel Wyatt.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry Nelson and Reverend Millard Grant officiating.  Burial will follow at Setzer Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until service time at the funeral home.The care of Mrs. McMahan has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Mary Deane Rogers Davis, age 86, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022, peacefully at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Edward Roy and Ollie Mae Sprinkle Rogers.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Howell, who passed in 1972, and her second husband, William Jerry Davis; three brothers, Reeves, David, and Max Rogers, and her sister, Betty Seay.Mary is survived by her son, Richard "Dean" Howell, and his wife, Laura, of Waynesville; two daughters, Diane Lowe and Elaine Hyatt and her husband, Danny, all of Waynesville; two sisters, Jean Walker, and her husband, Jack and Frances Williams, all of Waynesville; four grandchildren, Luke Howell (Kalei), Ethan Howell (Brittney), Rachel Brown (Dan), and Brent Lowe (Sierra); and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Alyssa, Sylas, and Norah.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Zach Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.The care of Mrs. Davis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Obituary Preview: Waynesville, Karl Heinz Wingruber, 79, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 in the comfort of his home.Karl was a native of Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1953. His father, Karl H. Wingruber died at an early age and he was raised by his step father and mother, Markus and Maria Engelbrecht Reich. He served in the United States Marines and was employed by Champion Paper as a machine operator in the finishing room for over twenty years.Karl was very knowledgeable about the golden age of Hollywood, he was a John Wayne fan and knew all of the movies and plots. He also learned to speak English from watching the movies. He enjoyed college and pro football and basketball and loved his dogs. Karl’s greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Karl is survived by a daughter, Julie Natalka Keffer (Jerry); two sons, Karl H. Wingruber and Joe E. Wingruber; two sisters, Manya Hughes (Gary) and Helga; 3 grandsons, Jacob Darovitz, Jarrod Miller, and Michael Miller (Hannah); and 5 great-grandchildren, Austin, Alayna, Addison, Autmn, and Isabella Miller.Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Michael Miller officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.