Obituaries

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

Catherine M. Lowder

by | June 29, 2026 | 1968, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Catherine M. LowderCHARLOTTE - Catherine M. Lowder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 14, 1946, and was the daughter of James F. Lowder and Ruth H. Lowder. Cathy graduated from Hickory High School and...
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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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Bill A. Melton

Bill A. Melton

Bill A. MeltonWilliam Alexander Melton, Jr., affectionately known as Bill, was born on February 18, 1942, in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Lois and William Alexander Melton, Sr., and grew up alongside his brother, Bobby Lee Melton. From...

Nick C. Kelso

Nick C. Kelso

Nicholas C. KelsoNicholas Kelso, 59, of Flanders, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 28, 2026. Nick was born on December 27, 1966, in Duluth, Minnesota. He lived in Flanders for over 27 years, where he raised his family. Nick was a graduate of Western...

Carolyn “Susie” Ball

Carolyn “Susie” Ball

Carolyn "Susie" BallCarolyn Ball Stewart—Susie—passed away in her home on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and family. She was the devoted daughter of Benjamin Franklin Ball and Merle Flynn Ball. Susie is survived by her husband Tom Stewart, her best...