Class Notes

Rev. William Clyde Birch Obituary passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Born in Cincinnati, OH, Bill worked as a Minister of Word and Sacraments in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 30 years, retiring in 2008. He was a pastor of several churches throughout the Mid-West, including Cincinnati, OH (as a student Pastor); Hanover, OH; Steelville, MO; St. Louis, MO; Howe, IN (as an Interim Pastor). Bill also served as a Guardian ad Lidem for the State of Minnesota for one year. After retiring and moving to Fort Wayne, he also served at Trinity Presbyterian Church as their Parish Associate. Surviving are his loving wife, Rev. Susan Guyer Birch; brothers, Robert (Louise) Birch of FL, Roy (Eleanor) Birch of WI; nephews, James (Deborah) Birch of OH and Eric Birch of WI; nieces, Deborah (Steven) Browne of OH, Amy (Matthew) Brueck of WI, Erin (Marc) Schreiber of MO and Brittany Guyer of MO and several great-nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Cecelia Birch. Services: A Memorial Service will be Saturday, 11 am, January 19, 2013 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 9600 St. Joe Rd. with calling one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Boyd officiating. Calling will also be Friday, Jan. 18, 4-7 pm at the church. Committal service will be at St. John’s Cemetery on Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio.

Stephen Clarke Bishop, 70, a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a resident of Franklin, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 11, 2017. Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 12 years who was at his side when he passed, Jane Bishop of Franklin; three sisters, Beth Bishop, Dolly Bishop Hope, and Margaret Bishop Kennedy; nieces, Sarah Kennedy, Patricia Lynn Melton, Jennifer Parent, Bree Parent and Alicia Wurth; a sister-in-law; Anne Kleppinger and nephew, Paul Alan Hoffman. Visitation will be observed on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2017 at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with dismissal following visitation. Stephen will be laid to rest in the National Memorial Park Cemetery in Falls Church, Virginia. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.

It is with great sadness that the family of Jayne Caryl (Smith) Carie, of Fruita, CO, announce her passing after a 25 year struggle with Breast Cancer at HopeWest Hospice, Grand Junction on June 3, 2018, at the age of 73 years. Jayne will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 49 years, Earl “Lee” Carie (Geologist, Land Manager BLM) and fondly remembered by her brother, Luther E. Smith, her sister, Janet Smith Leech and their spouses, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. Their son, Todd LeRoy Carie, whom they raised in Grand Junction, preceded his mother in death in 2005. Born in North Carolina on July 20, to Helen and Luther E. Smith, she was raised in Bel Air, MD, graduating from Bel Air High School and attending college at Maryville College, Maryville, TN, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Biology. Her work in this field included employment at National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland and University of California-Riverside as a Biology Research Assistant. During her married life, she lived in Rockville, Maryland, Washington D.C., Riverside, California, Grand Junction and Craig, Colorado, finally returning to Fruita with her husband to retire. Both Janye and Lee were longtime winter residents of Ajo, Arizona and enjoyed RV traveling throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. After moving to Grand Junction in 1976, Jayne became involved in wide range of community, philanthropic and social activities. She was an environmental activist, a leader in various breast cancer support groups, involved with the American Association of University Women and member of the First Congregational Church of Grand Junction. Jayne was an integral part of her broader community through active participation in numerous service and community projects. She was passionate particularly about the environment and women empowerment through education which is the focus of a group P.E.O. with her membership of many years. As a natural leader, Jayne used her interest and talent in a number of tactile arts by teaching and enjoying hobbies in quilting groups, calligraphy worshops, and other artistic pursuits. On a personal side, Jayne was a spiritual woman who often attended contemplative workshops, and demonstrated the wonderful gift of listening to friends and family. Jayne was “constant” in her friendships as a most trusted friend to many, with an engaging and welcoming personality to those new to the area or to whom she met through others. Always with a smile and time to talk, share and teach, Jayne provided support and generously offered help to new potential craft friends. She demonstrated her caring compassionate nature as a treasured wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Jayne will be greatly missed by all her family members and many friends across the country but surely those in Ajo, Arizona, and the Grand Junction and Fruita areas. Burial and memorial services will be held at a later date with final internment at Elmwood Cemetery, Fruita, CO. Contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 6th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Thomas Letten Ellis, formally of New Bern, passed away September 4, 2018 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born in Chicago, Illinois January 23, 1946, his family moved to Etowah, Tennessee in 1953 and then to Maryville, Tennessee in 1959. Tom was a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and later attended the University of Tennessee, majoring in accounting. After passing the CPA exam, he had a forty year career in public and private accounting, a profession that he dearly loved. Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marialice Ellis; son and daughter-in-law Scott and Ali Ellis son and daughter-in-law Andy and Holly Ellis; six grandchildren: Allen, Jacob, Anna Claire, Sophie, Emma Caroline and Jackson Ellis; brother and sister-in-law Drs. Steve and Carol Ellis. Tom was a member of the ACBL, earning his Life Master in bridge in 2008 and a Silver Life Master in 2015. He truly enjoyed the competition at the bridge table and all of the partners he played with for twelve years, both at the Deane Hill Bridge Center and the Everett Senior Center. Upon returning to Maryville in July of 1987, Tom became involved in the Maryville Little League with his two sons, assisting with coaching and the financial end. He was a master in keeping the score books and even kept the score books at the Smoky Mountain Softball Classic for many years. Tom was a regular hiking partner with the late Margaret Stephenson, hiking all of the trails in the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains. He kept a detailed journal of the hikes and the folks he hiked with. A celebration of life service was held Saturday, September 15, 2018 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Andrew’s Outreach Program or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to give a special thanks to the staff at Chestnut House, Asbury Place and Avalon Hospice. Memorial Funeral Home in Maryville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made by visiting www.maryvillememorialfuneralhome.com

On March 19, 2011 Linda A. (nee Paulson) of Bellmawr, NJ passed away at the age 64 yrs. Loving mother of Heather Caruso and Erik Johnson. Survived by her mother Mae Paulson, sister Jean Peterman, brothers Michael, David and Larry Paulson and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Linda was a member of the New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Woodbury and was a volunteer at Mission Teens in Magnolia. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation with the family on Sat. April 9, 2011 from Noon to 1pm followed by a memorial service 1pm at New Life Christian Fellowship Church, 301 Colonial Ave., Woodbury, NJ 08096. Arrangements by the: ORA L. WOOSTER FH 51 Park Blvd. Clementon, NJ 08021 In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations to the church at the above address.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sally Jean Hinchman (Kansas City, Missouri), who passed away on January 17, 2020, at the age of 73, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Cary Hinchman and Louise Hinchman; her siblings, Nancy Gay (Charles) and David C Hinchman; her nephews, Steve Gay (Mary Ellen) and Brook Hinchman (Tamara); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Malia, Annalise, Lorelei, Rothko and Walden; and her cousin James Finley (Joyce).

MARENGO – James, Karen Gayl, passed away at her home in Marengo, IN, on the evening of Monday, May 20, 2013. Karen was perhaps best known as the Head Children’s Librarian for the Louisville Free Public Library system, for whom she worked for many years until her retirement. At the time she retired, she was the Head of Collection Development. The Library community, unwilling to let her leave, asked her to work with the Library Foundation for whom she wrote grants. During her career, she occasionally taught classes in Children’s Literature at Spalding University, as well as, at the University of Louisville. A member of the American Library Association and the Kentucky Library Association, she was a frequent presenter at conferences. She also twice served as a judge for the Caldecott and Newbery Book Awards, and she wrote book reviews for Library Journal. During her work with children she demonstrated her talents as a fine puppeteer, and as a masterly story teller. She was an inexhaustible reader, and she was a member of an on-going book discussion group for 24 years. Trained in Art History and Painting in her early years in college, she was a fine artist in oils and she created beautiful collages. She was also a founding member and a board member of the Lost River Market and Deli, a food cooperative, which is located in Paoli, IN. Karen is survived by her husband, Timothy James Hellner, with whom she shared a truly remarkable companionship for 37 years. She lived with her spouse and her beloved cats on their rural acreage, surrounded by trees, in a home that they built themselves. She was a wonderfully attractive, refined and intelligent person who invariably impressed all who knew her. She was deeply admired by many, friends and acquaintances, alike. It is trivial to say that she will be greatly missed. Although raised as a Presbyterian, a Mass will be said for her at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Bardstown, KY. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. –

Ralph A. Johnson, formerly of New Albany, Ohio passed away at his home in Aiken, South Carolina surrounded by friends and family on October 5, 2019 from complications of ALS. Dr. Johnson is the former Superintendent of New Albany Schools and the Director of Leadership at the ESC of Central Ohio. He was born April 7, 1947 in New York City to the late Ralph A. Johnson Sr. and Grace Marion (Coggins) Johnson. He is survived by his adored wife Terry Lynn (Wise) Johnson formerly of Upper Arlington, Ohio, his sister Grace Hanser and brother Kenneth. He completed his PhD at Ohio University. He graduated from high school at The Stony Brook School in New York. He was the Co-Captain of his high school football and wrestling team. He went on to Captain his college wrestling team, and was four time state collegiate champion and two-time SEC conference champion. Until his illness Dr. Johnson was Director of Leadership at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio where he provided executive training for practicing school superintendents as well as a variety of consulting services to school boards. Dr. Johnson has also served as the former Superintendent In Residence at The Ohio State University, College of Education. At Ohio State, he was responsible for coordinating the accelerated licensure program for Ohio Superintendents and directing the National Academy of Superintendents. He served for 13 years as Superintendent of New Albany Schools. New Albany has consistently ranked among the leading school districts in Ohio. Dr. Johnson led several funding campaigns that resulted in the successful construction of a new 200-acre campus with thirteen buildings and a new performing arts center. He is especially proud of his collaboration with fellow educator Bill Resch in the creation of a 90 acre nationally recognized nature preserve adjacent to the campus that serves as a teaching laboratory. Upon his retirement, the community established an endowment in his name with the New Albany Community Foundation to further advance art and leadership programs for students. Dr. Johnson has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education. He has presented at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) national conferences; the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA); the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA); and has served as a consultant to numerous school districts in the Midwest. Dr. Johnson served on the Executive Board of the Ohio Alliance for Adequate School funding; the Executive Board of the Franklin County Educational Council, the Executive Board of the New Albany Community Foundation, ex officio; the Metropolitan Educational Council, the Executive Board and Past President of the Ohio Franklin County Superintendents’ Association, and the Advisory Board (Kitchen Cabinet) to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio. Dr. Johnson served on several education commissions in Ohio, as well as a Board Member of KIPP, Central Ohio. He was a founding Board member of the New Albany Community Foundation. Dr. Johnson received numerous recognitions: John G. McCoy Award, by the Founder and Past Chairman of the Board of Bank One for public service to the community in helping to develop the $18,000,000 New Albany Performing Arts Center. New Albany City Council Recognition for “Leadership in Developing the New Albany School Campus.” Ohio House of Representative Resolution and New Albany Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award for “Service to Community in Leading the School District to the designation of ‘Excellent with Distinction.” He was also awarded the Ohio Arts Council Administrator of the Year Award for “Leadership in the Arts” in developing the Alliance for the Arts and playing a leadership role in helping to develop the New Albany Performing Arts Center. The national University Council for Educational Administration recognized him for “Excellence in Educational Leadership” as New Albany’s Superintendent. Dr. Johnson has been chief consultant to numerous school districts in Ohio facilitating executive level searches. One of his most satisfying accomplishments has been to help former students and colleagues advance to leadership positions. Dr. Johnson co-authored with Charles Parsons Ohio Superintendent Evaluation System. He also authored a monograph for Treasurer evaluations, The Ohio Treasurers Evaluation System. Dr. Johnson was a member the New Albany Country Club, The Reserve Club at Woodside, Aiken S.C., and Sam’s Club. At his request, no services will be held. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com

Katherine Yoder Joseph of East Palestine passed away, Sunday, October 25, 2020. She was born in Salem City Hospital on September 1, 1946, a daughter of the late Leonard Greiner Yoder and Dorothy Rivers Yoder. Katherine was a graduate of East Palestine High School. She graduated from Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee with a BA degree in Chemistry in 1968. She earned a master’s degree in Library Science from The University of Kentucky and later did further graduate work, earning a Five-Year Specialist Certificate in Library Science from Kent State University. She worked as a librarian at The University of Alabama, at Chemical Abstracts in Columbus, Ohio and later worked as a chemical analyst. Katherine was a sweet person and enjoyed many volunteering endeavors. She served as a docent at the Salem Historical Society and Museum (Ohio) particularly with the Third Grade Program giving many tours. She also was a volunteer in the East Palestine Elementary School library and the library in the Salem Regional Medical Center. Katherine also was a volunteer driver for many years with the local FISH program that served people in the community who were unable to drive. Katherine was a faithful Christian and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbiana, Ohio. She was blessed with a beautiful, classical voice and in 1968 was selected as a soloist in the performance of the “Messiah” at the University of Kentucky. She enjoyed singing in choirs and performing solos in church as long as she was able. Katherine was preceded in death by her grandparents, Enos Yoder and Rose Anna Greiner Yoder; Robert Ernest Rivers and Emma Kate Parker Rivers. She was married at her parents’ home in East Palestine in 1972 and is survived by her daughter, Beverly Joseph Horsley, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Ronald Jewett Horsley III; her sister, Anne Yoder McDonald, brother-in-law, Henry McDonald III, and nephew, Henry Hampton McDonald IV. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family services were held at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine, Ohio. She will be interred in the Glenwood City Cemetery in Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her church, First Presbyterian Church, 28 East Park Ave., Columbiana, OH or The Salem Historical Society and Museum, 239 South Lundy Ave., Salem, OH. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com

Robert Murray (Bob) Lucas, Jr., 81, or Athens, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, with his wife of 52 years, Marsha, at his side, thus ending a life rich in love, deep and abiding faith, and service to his Lord. Born on March 3, 1938, in Swissvale, Penn., he was a son of the late Ruth Hill and Robert Lucas, Sr. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Leslie David (Les) Lucas. He was a graduate of Swissvale High School where he played baseball and was president of the student council. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956, serving as a radio operator in Alaska and Tampa, Fla. Upon being discharged, Bob enrolled in Maryville College, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Bible and Christian Education. While a student, he played trombone in the school’s marching band, The Highlanders. The most important event of his college career was meeting his future wife, Marsha Burkart. The couple married on June 10, 1967, and raised three wonderful children, Jon, Sean and Dawn. Bob worked as an adjuster with Liberty Mutual Insurance until his call to the ministry led him to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1974 with a Master of Theology degree. His service to his Lord began with his duties as a chaplain at Fort Hood, Texas, with the United States Army from 1975 to 1977. With more than 28 years in the ministry of Jesus Christ, Bob served Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, including serving as pastor of Mars Hill Presbyterian Church in Athens from 1994 to 2000, where he returned after his retirement and was well-loved until his death. After his retirement in 2002, Bob served as interim pastor and pulpit supply in several churches throughout East Tennessee, including First Presbyterian Church in Etowah. Bob loved music of all kinds and wrote a book of music which includes the hymn, “God Raised Him from the Dead.” He also wrote a hymn to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Mars Hill. He also enjoyed cheering for his Pittsburgh Steelers, dining out with family and friends, the Mars Hill choir and discussing theology and God’s graciousness. His cheerful and content nature led him to membership in the Athens Optimist Club. Known as a good listener and compassionate pastor, Bob cultivated many friendships throughout each community in which he lived. More than anything else in his life, Bob loved being “GrandBob” and “BobBob” to his five grandchildren and visited with them as often as possible. Survivors in addition to his wife, Marsha, include their three children and spouses, Dawn Michelle Lucas and her husband Sean of Loganvill, GA, Jonathan Robert Lucas and his wife Shayla of Longwood, Fla., Sean Richard Lucas of Cape Coral, Fla.; grandchildren Emma Grace Lucas, Trinity Faith Lucas, Kylie Marie Lucas, Tyler Jesse Simmons and Austin Lucas Simmons; one brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth Lucas and his wife; sister-in-law, Carol Beth Godwin and her husband Mike; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends, including his church families. A memorial service will be conducted, 1:00pm, Friday, January 3, 2020 at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church with Dr. Crawford (Ford) King officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. The family suggests memorials may be made to Mars Hill Presbyterian Church; 205 N. Jackson St.; Athens, TN 37303.

Douglas B. McGruther ’68 died October 28, 2019. He was retired from a distinguished career with the New Jersey Department of Human Services where he held several Senior management positions. He leaves his wife, Linda, and a daughter and son.

Cole Piper, 74, died Thursday, August 26 in Chautauqua, New York. Cole shared his warmth, generosity, wisdom, and easy laughter with everyone he met and treated all people with kindness. He lived a wonderful life-he was an extraordinary husband and father, and he leaves a legacy of leadership and love.

Born in 1946 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cole moved to Tennessee to attend Maryville College. It was a formative choice. He planted deep Tennessee roots, and he remained devoted to his alma mater for the rest of his days, most recently serving as the College’s Board Chair.

Cole’s life-long passion for history took him back to Pennsylvania for a few years after college to teach high school history, but he soon returned to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. In the early1970s, he began working in the distribution center of Proffitt’s Department Stores, and though he had a great mind for business and worked his way up to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, the relationships he built with coworkers in his more than 25 years at Proffitt’s meant the most to Cole. After retiring from Proffitt’s in 1999, his second career led him back to teaching. For 20 years, he taught various courses in the University of Tennessee’s Retail and Consumer Sciences Department. At Maryville College, he facilitated ropes courses through the Mountain Challenge program, supervised the nonprofit leadership certificate program, and taught marketing. In all these academic endeavors, it was getting to know the students that he enjoyed the most.

Cole was committed to institutions that make a positive difference in the lives of others. He was a longtime member of Knoxville’s Church Street United Methodist Church. He was a past Chairman of both the Knoxville Utilities Board and Blount County United Way. He also served on the Advisory Boards of Emerald Youth Foundation, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Holston Home for Children, Episcopal School of Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, and Asbury Center.

Cole is survived by Sue, his wife of 31 years, and their two children Caroline and Austin, and by his daughters Jackie and Amy. He is also survived by his brother Tom and sister-in-law Sally.

A memorial service will be held at Church Street United Methodist Church at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emerald Youth Foundation: 865-637-3227 or Church Street’s Benevolence Fund: 865-524-3048.

Cole Piper lived fully. He kept us laughing, and his integrity, generosity, and the joy he brought us all will remain.

Cole Piper, 74, died Thursday, August 26 in Chautauqua, New York. Cole shared his warmth, generosity, wisdom, and easy laughter with everyone he met and treated all people with kindness. He lived a wonderful life-he was an extraordinary husband and father, and he leaves a legacy of leadership and love. Born in 1946 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cole moved to Tennessee to attend Maryville College. It was a formative choice. He planted deep Tennessee roots, and he remained devoted to his alma mater for the rest of his days, most recently serving as the College’s Board Chair. Cole’s life-long passion for history took him back to Pennsylvania for a few years after college to teach high school history, but he soon returned to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. In the early1970s, he began working in the distribution center of Proffitt’s Department Stores, and though he had a great mind for business and worked his way up to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, the relationships he built with coworkers in his more than 25 years at Proffitt’s meant the most to Cole. After retiring from Proffitt’s in 1999, his second career led him back to teaching. For 20 years, he taught various courses in the University of Tennessee’s Retail and Consumer Sciences Department. At Maryville College, he facilitated ropes courses through the Mountain Challenge program, supervised the nonprofit leadership certificate program, and taught marketing. In all these academic endeavors, it was getting to know the students that he enjoyed the most. Cole was committed to institutions that make a positive difference in the lives of others. He was a longtime member of Knoxville’s Church Street United Methodist Church. He was a past Chairman of both the Knoxville Utilities Board and Blount County United Way. He also served on the Advisory Boards of Emerald Youth Foundation, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Holston Home for Children, Episcopal School of Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, and Asbury Center. Cole is survived by Sue, his wife of 31 years, and their two children Caroline and Austin, and by his daughters Jackie and Amy. He is also survived by his brother Tom and sister-in-law Sally. A memorial service will be held at Church Street United Methodist Church at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emerald Youth Foundation: 865-637-3227 or Church Street’s Benevolence Fund: 865-524-3048. Cole Piper lived fully. He kept us laughing, and his integrity, generosity, and the joy he brought us all will remain.

Entered into rest suddenly in Santa Rosa, CA on August 2, 2014. Dearly beloved wife of forty-four years of Dan Ramage of Santa Rosa, loving mother of Jenn Ramage (Steve Palopoli) of Los Gatos, CA and Wendy Ramage of Santa Rosa, and adored grandmother of Frankie Palopoli. Also survived by one sister, Alma (Lew) Hardy of Washington; two brothers, Stephen (Kimberly) Hannah and Paul (Karen) Hannah, both of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Maryville, TN, she was 68 years old. Wanda was a graduate of Maryville College class of 1968; proudly having made the Dean’s Honor List and served on the Debate Team each college year. An avid member of the Presbyterian Church at the time, following graduation, she worked for a year on a special project sponsored by the Board of National Missions. In 1969 Wanda relocated west to explore the possibility of a church vocation at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. It was there, in Berkeley, where she would meet her future husband whom she wed in San Anselmo in 1970. Wanda and Dan spent their youth residing throughout the Bay Area. In 1973, they made Santa Rosa their home and added two daughters to their marriage. An active mother, Wanda put family first in the rearing of her daughters and, over the years, enjoyed many family vacations in the Tahoe Basin. She directed Youth and Children’s Programs at Christ Church United Methodist, was a Teacher’s Aide and then served as School Secretary at Village Elementary, 1984-1989. She also took pride several summers in bringing International Exchange Students into Host Families throughout Santa Rosa. All of this led to Wanda obtaining her Teaching Credential at Sonoma State. She was employed eighteen years by the Mark West Union School District, first at San Miguel Elementary and then at Mark West Elementary. She retired from teaching in 2008 and returned to her first love and priority, family. She was a fierce Health Care Advocate and compassionate caregiver to Wendy. To these efforts, Wanda brought complete and full devotion. A special highlight of her retirement years was the birth of her granddaughter. Wanda’s sudden passing in August leaves behind a devoted family, many friends, neighbors and colleagues, who all feel the tremendous gift of her life.

Charles Ridings graduated to HEAVEN on September 30, 2016. He was in Chattanooga Memorial Hospital being treated for heart failure when Jesus took him from his wife Peggy's loving arms. Charlie, as many called him, married Peggy after they met in his church in Hixson (Chattanooga) and they have been together over 20 loving years. Peggy was constantly assisting Charles in dealing with his physical disabilities in a loving manner. Peggy was driving Charlie to the hospital on Thursday when one of his three heart stents failed and she called 911 to have him immediately transported to Memorial Hospital where he passed from this earth at 6 p.m. Born on December 14th, 1945, at Doctors Hospital in Maryville, Tennessee, Charles began a valiant effort to overcome his physical handicap with mental excellence and a humble, sweet attitude. He was a team member of the Rocky Branch Beavers (Elementary), Walland Indians (High School) and Maryville Scot's (College) basketball and football teams serving as equipment manager and trainer. Charlie survived many surgeries and braces (with funding assistance from the March of Dimes) growing up in Rocky Branch, Tennessee. He played all sports with his left arm and leg while moving his right limbs at a somewhat slower pace. He tried everything as the elder brother leading his brother and sisters to excellence in athletics and fishing! He was our HERO. Charles served as a missionary in Korea after completing his religion studies at Johnson Bible College. He had completed his BS in English education at Maryville College and wanted to expand his service career by spreading the love of Jesus in Asia. After completing that assignment he went to work for the Tennessee Department Human Services as a social worker. He completed additional service work and education chemistry at Pellissippi in preparation for an application with the TVA as a laboratory specialist. He retired from TVA after 25 years of service and spent the remainder of his life with his church, North River Christian Church in Middle Valley, raising his African Violets and taking Peggy on vacations to places like Hawaii. Charles was President of the African Violet Association and he and Peggy had memorable trips displaying the flowers at conventions throughout the U.S. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Avory (BUS) Ridings; sister Janice Ridings Andrews (Dan). In addition to Peggy, Charles is survived by his mother, Geneva Ridings; brother, Richard Ridings (Sharon); sister, Sherry Koerner (Kim); uncle, Bill Ridings (Rose); stepdaughter, Cheryl (Brian) Ault; step-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Zachary Ault; and all the cousins and children. Memorial Services were held at North Chapel Chattanooga Funeral Home 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, Tenn. 37343 on Sunday, October 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. with Service at 4 p.m. At a later date a Memorial Service will be held at his childhood church Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist for those who could not make the Hixson service. In lieu of flowers, Charles would want donations made to the March of Dimes, or the African Violet Association.

Laurie Waller Rupe, class of 1968, died early on March 12, 2024. She lived in Wauwatosa, WI, and was predeceased by her husband Orus Rupe, ’68, who died in 2004. She is survived by a daughter, a son, three grand grandsons, a brother, and a sister. Laurie was a teacher in Racine, WI, and coordinator for the Middle School Academy, a school for disruptive students. Her job included efforts to advocate for more slots to enroll students who needed special attention and to minimize the interaction of gangs in the school district. In a totally different role, she owned a used bookstore in Racine and later worked at Barnes and Noble where she was the beloved story lady. She loved to travel to see the places she had studied about as a History Major and had read about in thousands of books. At Maryville she was a friend to all and an enemy to none.

Margaret Susan (Peggy) Davis Saz was born January 1, 1947. She passed away in the company of her beloved cousins, Marian Kimrey and Jessica Recicar on February 18, 2022, at Bailey Family Center for Caring. Peggy proudly attended Evelyn Hamblen Elementary School and Ketterlinus Junior High School before eventually graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1964. At SAHS, Peggy received the Most Dependable superlative, through her support of all school activities, particularly the Yellow Jacket football and basketball teams, through the Pep Club and her devoted attendance at games. In fact, along with family, friends, and her beloved SAHS classmates, sports remained one of her greatest interests throughout her life. At Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, she met her husband, Walter V. (Wally) Saz. They were married in St. Augustine in 1968 and were married for almost 25 years. They lived in New York and in Cleveland, Ohio for several years before returning to St. Augustine in 1979, where Peggy taught in local schools, retiring from Gamble Rogers Middle School in 2006. Spanning so many years, though, was her deep love for the Florida Gators. Peggy knew every player’s name and number, and she was probably almost as knowledgeable about the game as many referees. Her contagious joy and enthusiasm on Game Day always added to the fun. Above all, she loved being the mother to her son, Davis. They shared a love of spending time on the water. Peggy enjoyed watching Davis surf, knee board and swim with his close friends. They also shared a love of traveling to destinations such as The Abaco’s, Colorado, and Hawaii. Peggy was a Florida girl, who caught her own bait with a cast net, combed the beaches for unusual shells, and loved to fish any way she could, from a boat, the shore, or the dock of her beloved home on the Summer Haven River. When she missed a phone call, her voicemail recording was, “You probably caught me fishin’.” Peggy Saz was a humble local legend, loved for her honesty, decency, self-effacement, and lack of pretentiousness or artifice. As she grew older, her girlish sense of humor and quiet love of fun never left her. She was preceded in death by her parents, the former sheriff L.O. Davis and Nina Sterchi Davis, her husband, Wally, and her son, Davis.

Dennis Kelly Steward, 73 of Largo, Florida, died Friday October 20, 2017. He was born in California on May 11, 1944 and came to this area in 2003 from Lawrenceville, GA (Atlanta area). Dennis graduated Carson Long Military Accademy and attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He also attended Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church. Dennis spent his childhood in Port Royal, PA, until he attended Carson Long Accademy. He met his wife, Margaret (Hay) at Maryville and married in 1969. He was known for his computer skills and a willingness to help anyone in need. Dennis is preceded in death by parents, David and Mary Steward. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 48 years; a son Robert (Seminole, FL); and a sister, Davena Steward (Port Royal, PA). Dennis is also survived by numerous friends both in Georgia and locally.

Linda McClair Stone passed away August 28, 2012.

Sandra B. Wright, "Sandy," beloved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2014, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, January 1, 1947, the only child of the late Clarence H. and Frances C. Boatman. Sandy graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) with a B.A. in Music Education in 1967. She was a certified music teacher in several states, and most recently taught for 25 years at Immanuel Lutheran School in Colorado Springs. Family, friends, and church were the centers of her life. She loved music, both vocal and handbell, and her passion was sharing the joy of music with everyone. She was a founding member of Pike's Peak Ringers. As Music Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church, she led vocal and handbell choirs for both children and adults. She is survived by her husband, Cliff Wright of Colorado Springs, daughter Donna Cook, and granddaughter Madie of Dallas, Texas, as well as beloved friends, whom she always referred to as her family.