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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Mary L. Ordway

Mary L. Ordway

Mary L. OrdwayMary Louise Ordway, 75, of Asheville, NC passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025 at her home. Louise was born on November 10, 1949 in Sylva, NC to the late Ethan Allen Ordway and Lorraine Baldwin. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Duncan and...

Patricia “Pat” W. Game

Patricia “Pat” W. Game

Patricia "Patt" W. GameWith sorrow we announce the death of Patricia (Pat) Wright Game after a valiant fight with heart failure and kidney disease. She died peacefully and we want to recognize the staff at Elizabeth House hospice and the care team at Advent hospital....

Sharon J. Bryson

Sharon J. Bryson

Sharon J. BrysonSharon J. Bryson, 83, of Arden, NC, peacefully entered her heavenly home on October 21, 2025, at 10:10 p.m from the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville due to a brain bleed. Born and raised in Murphy, NC, Sharon lived a life marked by compassion, faith,...