Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

Kate D. Welch

by | June 12, 2026 | 1957, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Kate D. WelchKate Deitz Welch, 91, of Bryson City peacefully passed from this earthly life on June 6, 2026, at home with her family present. Kate was born March 15, 1935, to the late Hoyle and Inez Deitz of Dillsboro. She graduated from Western Carolina University in...
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Sally M. Monteith

by | June 12, 2026 | 1941, 1955, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Sally M. MonteithSally Campbell, age 108, a Jackson County high school English and Journalism teacher for 34 years died at her home on Friday, June 5th. A native and lifelong resident of Sylva, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Ida Monteith and the wife of...
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Philip D. Buchahan

by | June 12, 2026 | 1966, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Philip D. BuchahanPhilip Dean Buchanan was born on Dec. 26, 1943 in the lovely town of Sylva in the North Carolina mountains to Thomas Dewey Buchanan and Inez Vesta Carver Buchanan. He attended Western Carolina University for his undergraduate work. Here, his...
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James A Valkenaar Jr

James A Valkenaar Jr

James A Valkenaar Jr James (Jim) Valkenaar of Loudon, Tennessee passed away on October 3, 2003 after a twenty-year struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, the youngest of three children, he moved with his family to south Florida in the early...

Raymond Eugene “Gene” Propst

Raymond Eugene “Gene” Propst

Raymond Eugene “Gene” PropstRaymond Eugene (Gene) Propst, 77, of Germanton, N.C., passed away of natural causes on Sept. 26.He is survived by two daughters, Samantha Louise Propst and Molly Propst Vitelli, son-in-law Michael Christopher Vitelli, two grand dogs, Bella...

Nanette G Holland

Nanette G Holland

Nanette G Holland   Nanette Gibson Holland, 59, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Nanette was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert and Gundeline Nichtl Gibson and she grew up in Annville, Pennsylvania. Nanette was also preceded...