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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Peg T. Ziegler

Peg T. Ziegler

Peg T. ZieglerDr. Peggy Jean Tucker "Peg" Ziegler, 89, died peacefully at her Atlanta home on September 17, 2025. Born April 18, 1936 in Trussville, Alabama, Peg was the daughter of Lester Pierce Tucker and Velma Helen Towers. She graduated from Judson College in...

Bruce E. Caldwell

Bruce E. Caldwell

Bruce E. CaldwellBruce Edward Caldwell, of Easley, SC, beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle passed away at home on October 3, 2025, at the age of 74. In addition to the love of his family, Bruce was a highly respected figure in the world of music and education....

Bob L. Wykle

Bob L. Wykle

Bob L. WykleBob Wykle was an extraordinary man. Dr. Robert Lee Wykle, lovingly referred to as “Bob,” of Tobaccoville, NC, and Franklin, NC, transitioned from his earthly body to join the space-time continuum on February 21st, 2026. He passed away at Woltz Hospice Home...