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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Sandra P. Craft

Sandra P. Craft

Sandra P. CraftSandra Price Craft passed away on November 28, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 73. She graduated from Garinger High School 1970 and Western Carolina University in 1974. She taught in the public and private school systems. She also...

Hal E. West

Hal E. West

Hal E. WestHal Epps West, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Clyde, North Carolina, on December 11, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on October 9, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina, Hal lived a life...

Justin C. Troester

Justin C. Troester

Justin C. TroesterIt is with heavy hearts that we announce that Justin Christopher Troester passed away on November 26, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina. Justin was born on September 2, 1982, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While his early years were spent near the...