Archived
April 25, 2008
Alva Rennie Brantz
Mrs. Alva Rennie Brantz, 88, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 in Ft. Collins, Colo.
She was born May 13, 1919 in West Hartford, Ct., the daughter of William and Mary Rennie, both born in Alva, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
Alva Rennie graduated from West Hartford High School. She married Edward Brantz in 1941 in Avon, Ct., while Edward was attending Hartford Seminary. In 1945, Alva and Ed moved and their two young sons moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Edward directed the South Omaha YMCA. The following year the Brantz family moved to Ralston, Nebraska, outside Omaha, where Ed served as pastor for Ralston’s First Community Church. Alva taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, participated in numerous church activities, and lovingly raised her children.
In 1957, Alva and Ed and their three children moved to Great Bend, Kansas. Edward served as pastor of the First Congregational Church and Alva continued her active role in the church fellowship by teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and carrying out all the responsibilities that fall to a minister’s wife.
Seven years later, in 1963, Edward and Alva moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where Edward started a new Congregational Church. Alva not only continued her varied roles in the church, but she also participated actively in Hawaii’s League of Women Voters, and the environmentally oriented Life of the Land organization.
In 1976 she and Edward moved to Denver, Colo., where Edward worked for the U.S. Labor Department’s CETA program and served as interim pastor for several churches.
After Edward’s death in 1984, Alva and her sister, Dorothy, traveled widely for a number of years, visiting Scotland, England, Scandinavia, Israel, and China. She and Dorothy also spent a number of winters in Hawaii attending Elder Hostel programs. Alva volunteered for years in service organizations like JeffCo Action in Lakewood, Co. During her last two years she lived in assisted living facilities in Ft. Collins, Colo.
Surviving are her sons, Rennie Brantz, his wife Lana, and son Douglas of Boone, N.C.; Malcolm Brantz, his wife Sue, and their children Stephen and Cassie of Littleton, Colo.; and her daughter, Claudia Karp, her husband Robert, and children Keegan, Garrett, and Ethan of Ft. Collins, Colo.
Also surviving are her two older sisters, Dorothy Astman of Long Island, New York; and Mrs. Vi Sanders of Columbus, Ohio.
Alva was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Hall Brantz, in 1984.
A family memorial service will be held in Estes Park, Colo., in July.
Dr. Frank T. Roberts, Jr.
Dr. Frank T. Roberts, Jr., USAF (Retired), 59, of Boone, died Sunday, April 20,2008, at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born August 20, 1948 in Forsyth County, a son of the late Frank T. Roberts, Sr. and Edith Whicker Roberts.
At the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, he received his undergraduate degree in 1970 and graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1976.
Following his graduation, he entered the United States Air Force, where he retired after 20 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Always wanting to retire in Boone, he finally realized his dream of opening his own dental practice in 2000. Dr. Roberts’ passion was gardening. He was a Master Gardener, preserving native plant life, especially wild-flowers, in Boone and the surrounding area. Another passion was preserving old recipes and trying them out. Most of all, Dr. Roberts loved his family dearly. He was a devoted husband and father.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Millspaugh Roberts; one son, F. Tedder Roberts, III; one daughter, Erin Roberts, all of Boone; one sister, Anne Samsel and husband, Jim, of Raleigh; one sister-in-law, Jan Hayes and husband, Frank, of Boone; his mother-in-law, Lillian W. Laughorn of Boone; one niece, Carlton Cook Walker and husband, Steve, of McConnellsburg, Pa.; and one great-niece, Anna Catherine Walker, also of McConnellsburg.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, April 27, 2008, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Gordon Noble.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service, at Hampton Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Crossnore School at, P.O. Box 249, Crossnore, N.C. 28616, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Roberts family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
April 23, 2008
Horace Ray Coffey
Mr. Horace Ray Coffey, 84, of Lenoir, N.C., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. 
He was born Feb. 22, 1924 in Avery County, to the late Sherman J. and Buena Coffey.
Mr. Coffey was a retired supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service for 33 years of service. He was one of the first members of CCC Camp at Mortimer and Mt. Mitchell. He was a member of Hartland Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Doris Pope Phillips Coffey; seven sons, Jerry G. Coffey and wife, Geraldine, Lester R. Coffey, both of Santee, S.C., Danny Coffey and wife, Robin, Terry Coffey, Jeffery Coffey and wife, Beth, all of Lenoir, Dale H. Coffey and wife, Vickie, of Newton and Steve Coffey and wife, Lisa, of Boone; one daughter, Mrs. Jesse (Linda) Greer of Lenoir; five sisters, Carolyn Morgan of Matthews, N.C., Delores Gragg of Beckley, West Virginia, Doris Setzer of Lenoir, Lorraine Corley of Hudson and Mildred Holland of Goldsboro, N.C.; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Coffey; two brothers, Cuba Coffey and William Coffey; five sisters, Onie Gragg, Colleen Annas, Cenie Coffey, Mollie Jones and Ollie Hollander.
Services will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Hartland Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Steve Parker. The body will be placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel.
Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Coffey, Eric Coffey, Josh Coffey, Lloyd Coffey, Jr., Pat Pritchard and Ken Coffey. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Morrow and Dr. Chris Coffey.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com. Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
April 21, 2008
Davis Irvin “D.I.” Carter
Mr. Davis Irvin “D.I.” Carter, 86, of Fayetteville, Ga., passed away at home, on April 16, 2008.
He was born on April 15, 1922, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William O. Carter.
Mr. Carter served his country honorably and faithfully in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was retired from General Motors and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was also a 50-year Master Mason.
Survivors include a daughter, Pat McElroy, and husband Howell, of Fayetteville; two sons, Billy Carter of Virginia Beach, Va. and Tommy Carter and wife, Patsy, of Stockbridge; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Hirsch and husband Dave, of Senoia, Barbara Sprayberry and husband Joe, of Lithonia, Mary Elizabeth Gower of Buford, and Grace Wallace and husband, Alvin, of McDonough; brothers, Charlie Carter and wife, Louise, of Lynn Haven, Fla., and Jack Carter and wife, Darlene, of Loganville; sisters-in-law, Orbie Ward and husband, Linville, of Boone, N.C., Lennis Snyder and husband, Allen, of Mountain City, Tenn.; and brother-in-law, Dexter Trivette and wife, Willaree, of Sugar Grove, N.C.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Blanche Trivette Carter; and two grandsons, Matthew Stuart and Clark Howell McElroy, III.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Barbara, Twiggy, Cindy and the Hospice Advantage for their assistance during the past weeks.
Services were held in the chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ga., on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Phil Bevel and Pastor Dannie Hix officiating. A Masonic graveside service followed at Forest Hill Memorial Gardens in Forest Park, Ga. Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ga., were in charge of the arrangements.
Ralph H. Greene
Mr. Ralph H. Greene, 94, of James Hayes Road, Deep Gap, the Triplett Community, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.
He was born Jan. 27, 1914 in Watauga County, a son of the late Copna Horton Greene and Fannie Norris Greene. Mr. Greene was a retired sawmill operator and logger.
Survivors include five sons, Wayne Greene and wife, Phyllis, of Fairchild, Wisc., Donald Greene of Chicago, Ill., Blaine Greene and wife, Maggie, of Arvada, Colo., Larry Greene and wife, Pat, of Boone, and J.B. Greene and wife, Margie, of Lenoir; two daughters, Vivian Carr and husband, Roger, of Kerrville, Tex., and Patsy Greene of Collinsville, Va.; one brother, Buster Greene of Lenoir; three sisters, Mary Achterkirchen of Madison, N.C., Doris Smith of Lenoir, and Dollie Jordan and husband, Dick, of Deep Gap. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Hayes Greene; three daughters, Patricia Greene, Betsy Greene, and Jeanette Jones; three sisters, Ruth Greene, Bonnie Smith, and Denise Payne; one brother, Reed Greene; three half-sisters, Evie Payne, Pearl Hendricks and Margie Hamby; and a granddaughter, Audrey Deihl.
Services will be conducted Tuesday morning, April 22, 2008, at 11:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Mike Barefoot. Burial will follow in Mount View Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com. Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Ruth Presnell Greer
Mrs. Ruth Presnell Greer, 96, of Lenoir, died Friday morning, April 18, 2008 at the Lenoir Living Center.
She was born August 26, 1911 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Joe and Etta Isaacs Presnell. Mrs. Greer was of the Baptist faith and was a homemaker.
Surviving are three daughters, Juanita Helen Teems and husband, Ray, of Columbia, S.C., Louise G. Kincaid and husband, Ben, of Lenoir, and Patricia Sue Lapinske and husband, Jim, of Burke, Va.; one son, Ted Raymond Greer and wife, Genoise, of Lenoir; one sister, Addie Danner; ten grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Raymond Greer; one son, Ned Greer; one grandson, Ben Kincaid, Jr.; one brother, Burett Presnell; and one sister, Flo Taylor.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 4:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Lawrence Robertson. Burial followed in the Greer Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.
On line condolences may be sent to the Greer family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Greer family.
Tabitha “Tabbiey” Marie Hilton
Miss Tabitha “Tabbiey” Marie Hilton, 21, of Deep Gap, died Friday morning, April 18, 2008 in Boone.
She was born in Durham County on Sept. 27, 1986, to Ralph B. Hilton and Rebecca Harward Flores.
Miss Hilton loved to sing, music, was a great lover of animals, she loved Tigger and her favorite color was purple. Tabbiey was a free spirited young lady and liked to do things her own way. She loved all her brothers and sisters but above all she loved her mom and dad. She will truly be missed by all who loved her.
Survivors include her father, Ralph B. Hilton of Deep Gap; her mother and step-father, Rebecca L. and Rogelio Flores of Clayton; paternal grandparents, William and Alta Lamb of Goldsboro; maternal grandfather, Bobby Lee Harward of Durham; one brother, Rogelio Andrew Flores of Clayton; two sisters, Jennifer Diane Hilton of Jefferson, Sara Andrea Flores of Clayton; one nephew, Jonathan Ryan Hernrick; and several cousins, aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Zula Marie Harward.
Services will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Badger Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Herb Parunak.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2008 prior to the funeral service at Badger Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Ashe County Humane Society, PO Box 1776, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694.
Condolences may be sent to the family and can be viewed through our website www.badgerfuneralhome.com.
Badger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William F. Koerschner, Jr.
Col. William F. Koerschner, Jr., US Air Force (Retired), 88, of Wonderland Drive, Blowing Rock, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and attended Akron University where he met his future wife Marty. Upon graduating, he was called to duty and spent World War II, training fighter pilots. Later in his career he was assigned to a highly classified unit charged with obtaining samples of all foreign nuclear detonations. In 1961, Col. Koerschner was operations chief when the Russians detonated 33 warheads in just over 40 days. These were all atmospheric tests.
After a career of 30 years, Col. Koerschner retired with his wife Marty to Hampton Roads, Va. Several years later, they payed a visit to Bill and Joyce Mason in Blowing Rock. The four of them had been stationed in Japan together after the war. The Koerschners immediately fell in love with Blowing Rock. Two weeks later they sold their house and moved here. Bill and Marty (who received the Blowing Rock Woman of the Year award in 1987) devoted themselves to volunteer work in the town. A longtime member of the Blowing Rock Rotary Club, Bill also founded and directed the Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Committee (BRAAC) for 25 years.
The appearance of Blowing Rock today, with its profusion of flowers, attractive lamp post lighting and tasteful signage was brought about largely by his vision. Each year thousands of flowers are planted in hanging baskets, window boxes, flower beds, and at all the entrances to town. Many of these areas were formerly weedy plots. In the beginning many of the flowers were watered by “the Co.” himself. He could be seen about town, two trash bins of water in the hatchback of his car, or wielding a weedwacker at the 321 bypass into Blowing Rock.
He was also a frequent letter writer, firing off missives to the DOT regarding their use of a “roto-riper” on the roadsides. The utility company was also on his “list” for the severe tree damage caused by their poor trimming practices. Recently, he finally won a protracted battle to clean up the metal junk pile along 321 into Boone.
In 1987, in a competition sponsored by Keep North Carolina Beautiful, Blowing Rock won second place for most beautiful small town. Col. Koerschner accepted the award on behalf of BRAAC. He was honored with the prestigious Governor’s Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer service, given for “his work with BRAAC and programs and projects of the Blowing Rock Rotary Club.” The award was presented in Greensboro by Governor Jim Hunt who said, “It is your volunteer spirit that makes North Carolina a great place to live and raise a family.”
Like many of the “greatest generation” he had a strong sense of duty and high moral standards. Always in pursuit of a better world, he will be remembered for his innovative sprit and his dedication to the beauty and preservation of nature.
Col. Koerschner is survived by one son, William F. Koerschner, III and wife, Robyn, of Farmington, New Mexico; one daughter, Carol Ann Rothberg and husband, Burton, of Princeton, New Jersey; one grandson, Justin Rothberg of New York City; two granddaughters, Kathryn Koerschner of Farmington, New Mexico, and Zoe Rothberg of New York City; and his dear friend and companion of eight years, Carolyn Beattie.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Elizabeth Mercher Koerschner; his father and mother, William F. Koerschner, Sr. and Hannah Hunsicker Koerschner; and one sister.
At his request, there will be no memorial or funeral services for Col. Koerschner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in his memory, to The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Chapter, 4705 University Drive, Suite 290, Durham, N.C. 27707.
Online condolences may be sent to the Koerschner family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Olive Triplett Mast
Mrs. Olive Triplett Mast, 90, of Doe Drive, Boone, died Sunday morning, April 20, 2008, at Glenbridge Health and Rehab.
She was born May 23, 1917 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Charlie and Lester Addie Parker Triplett.
Mrs. Mast was of the Baptist faith and was a homemaker.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary M. Preslar of Charlotte and Kathryn Mast of Burlington; one granddaughter, Shannon Peck and husband, Russell, of Charlotte; one grandson, Anthony Preslar of Charlotte; a number of nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Anna Lee Keller and Helen Triplett of Boone.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband, Gilbert F. Mast; two sisters, Ola T. Thompson and Chloe Storie; and three brothers, H. Coaker Triplett, F. Hooper Triplett and Luther H. Triplett.
Services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Mark Chaney. Entombment will be private.
The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon prior to the service from 1 o’clock until 2 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
The family respectfully requests no food or flowers, and suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, Post Office Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216; or to the American Lung Association, 3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 190, Raleigh, N.C. 27607.
On line condolences may be sent to the Mast family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Mast family.
Patricia Bryant “Pat” Taylor
Mrs. Patricia Bryant “Pat” Taylor, 66, of George Eggers Road, Banner Elk, died Thursday morning, April 17, 2008 at Watauga Medical Center. 
She was born June 25, 1941 in Marion County, S.C., to David Samuel and Elsie Smith Bryant.
Mrs. Taylor was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Boone. She formerly owned and operated Log House Florist and Patricia’s High Country Florist and was co-owner of the Big Ridge Tree Farm.
She was a loving wife and mother.
Survivors include her husband of 24 years, Thad Arney Taylor; four daughters, Gail Howe and husband, Alan, and Connie Gioscio and husband, Frank, all of Boone, Sylvia Wilson and husband, Edward, of Granite Falls and Cheryl James and husband, Craig, of Wise, Va.; three sons, Ronnie Taylor and wife, Martha, of Hudson, Eddie Taylor and wife, Becky, of Patterson and Greg Taylor of Hudson; nine grandchildren, David Spalding, Lynsy Howe, Lauren and Frankie Gioscio, Scott, Matt and Andy Wilson, Kasey Taylor and Matt Taylor; and two great-grandchildren, Cayley and Leah Wilson; one brother, Hugh Bryant and wife, Lib, of Sumter, S.C.; and three sisters, Margaret Byrant Denny and husband, Gene, of Conway, S.C., Linda Bryant Lynn and Joe Dubois of Marion, S.C. and Judy Bryant Phillips and husband. Bill. of Pineville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, David, Alton, Ira and Larry Bryant; and two sisters, Libby Bryant Lively and Ila Mae Bryant Hayes.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, officiated by Pastor Tim Smith and Vicar Dave Wegner. Graveside rites and burial followed Sunday evening at 5 o’clock at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir.
Memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund, 115 East King Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be made to the Taylor family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Taylor family.
Barbara McKaraher Winkler
Mrs. Barbara McKaraher Winkler, 65, of 315 Bear Pen Ridge Park Road, Blowing Rock, and St. Augustine, Fla., died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at her home.
She was born March 21, 1943 in Watauga County, a daughter of Mary Coffey Lawrence and the late George McKaraher.
Mrs. Winkler attended Appalachian Elementary and graduated from Appalachian High School in Boone. She was a former resident of Norfolk, Va., New London, Conn., and Portsmouth, Va. Mrs. Winkler was a retired assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Appalachian State University, and was of the Presbyterian faith.
In addition to her mother, Mrs. Winkler is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Winkler; two sons, William Lee Winkler, Jr. and wife, Janta, of Boone, Chris Winkler and wife, Jennifer, of Seattle, Wash.; one grandson, Christopher Winkler of Seattle, Wash.; two granddaughters, Ann Winkler of Boone and Rebecca Grace Winkler of Seattle, Wash.; one sister, Linda K. McKaraher of Bethlehem; one brother, Dr. Charles W. McKaraher and wife, Anne, of Hickory; and one brother-in-law, Dickie Winkler of Deep Gap. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jack Winkler.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, April 20, 2008, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Melanie Childers. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seby B. Jones Cancer Center, P.O. Box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Winkler family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.
|
Get Firefox