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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Aubrey J. Coward

Aubrey J. Coward

Aubrey J. CowardAubrey James Coward passed away of cancer on Monday, February 16, in the early morning, at home. Aubrey was much beloved and survived by his wife of 50 years, Julia; his sister Patricia Fetzer; his uncle James Cox; his son Evan (Christina Manee),...

Sarah L. Buchanan

Sarah L. Buchanan

Sarah L. BuchananSarah Louise Whitmire Buchanan, 84, formerly of Little Switzerland, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Chapel Hill, NC, with her devoted husband, Ray Buchanan, by her side. Born on March 28, 1941, in Transylvania County,...

Bill H. Ballard

Bill H. Ballard

Bill H. BallardWilliam "Bill" H. Ballard, 93, passed away February 24, 2026, in Asheville. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary (Johnson) Ballard; three sons: Todd, John, and David; two grandsons: Reese and Brody; and two daughters- in- law: Michelle and...