All Obituaries

Betsy Thomas Woodruff age 76 of West Jefferson, NC passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at her home. She was born in Wayne County, NC to the late Cooper and Edna Gurley Thomas. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Jimmy Thomas, two nieces, Kim Thomas and Corey Thomas. Betsy was a self-made woman, losing her father at a young age, she helped her mother and brothers run and maintain the family farm, putting herself through college and traveling extensively...

Carl Franklin Simmons, age 86 of West Jefferson died Monday, July 15, 2019 at Ashe Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Simmons was born May 27, 1933 in Caldwell County to the late Thomas and Effie Greene Simmons.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his son, Terry Freeman Simmons and 5 brothers and 6 sisters.  Mr. Simmons was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of West Jefferson.  He was also a charter member of the Ashe County Rescue Squad, a member of...

Mary W. May, age 83 of Lansing, died Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Margate Health and Rehab Center.  Mrs. May was born Saturday, October 12, 1935 in Ashe County to the late Samuel Columbus and Bessie Phillips Watson.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Dawes May as well as four sisters, Ora, Rita, Katherine  and Louise.  One brother, Howard also preceded her in death.  Mary enjoyed reading, quilting and working in her...

Ina Mae Poe Brooks, age 92 of West Jefferson passed away the evening of Monday, July 8, 2019 at Ashe Memorial Hospital.  Mrs. Brooks was born in Ashe County on Monday, September 6, 1926 to the late James William and Mamie Clara Eller Poe.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Garney Brooks.  Mrs. Brooks retired from Sprague Electric company, she enjoyed her flowers and gardening as well as quilting and needlepoint. ...

  Pearl James Ashley, age 93 of Jefferson, died Monday, July 8, 2019 at Margate Health and Rehab Center.  Mrs. Ashley was born May 27, 1926 in Ashe County to Samuel and Myrtle Sturgill James.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ashley, brothers, Frank, Vance and Wade James and sister, Maude James. Mrs. Ashley was a beloved teacher for many years.  She was a faithful member of Jefferson United Methodist Church.  Memorial...

Mr. William Gregory “Pete” Howell, age 60 of Jefferson, died on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Howell was born on February 18, 1959 in Ashe County to Charles and Maggie Harless Howell. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, Arthur “Alt” and Guessie Howell and George and Ida Harless. Mr. Howell was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church. He was a member of Jefferson Fire Department. Mr. Howell enjoyed fishing...

Rev. Willis Donald Rash, age 86 of Creston passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. Rev. Rash was born on June 20, 1933 in Lancaster, PA to Roby Eugene and Bonnie Elizabeth Latham Rash. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and four brothers.  Rev. Rash was a member of Ben Bolen Baptist Church. He was an ordained Baptist minister and a former pastor of the church. He was known as a hard worker.  Rev. Rash is survived...

Beulah Beatrice Brown Hartzog, age 90 of West Jefferson, died Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Margate Health and Rehab Center.  Mrs. Hartzog was born October 17, 1928 in Ashe County to the late James and Celia Osborne Brown.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Hartzog, son, Stephen Hartzog, sisters, Chessie Kemp and Faye Brown.  Beulah loved working in the cafeteria at Fleetwood Elementary School and spending time with her...

Mr. Kenneth Fields Bower, better known as "Ken" age 96 of West Jefferson passed away the evening of Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.  Mr. Bower was born in Ashe County, North Carolina on Saturday, September 2, 1922 to the late George Cecil and Hattie Bare Bower.  In addition to his parents Mr. Bower was also preceded in death by his wife Ophelia Calloway Bower, two brothers, Paul and Pell Bower as well as two sisters, Ruby Little and Ann...

Kristopher Micheal Greer, age 45 of Fleetwood, died Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Watauga Medical Center.  Kristopher was born August 27, 1973 in Caldwell County to Gary and Judy Grogan Greer.  He loved working on his Chevelle and spending time with his family. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Robert Wiles.  Burial will follow in Beaver Creek Christian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 –...