Gerald LeRoy Kirstein, age 72 , of Medford, OR, died Thursday, May 12, 2022.    Jerry was the son of the late LeRoy Kirstein and Helen Rhinehart Kirstein. He was a native of Orlando, FL.   Jerry loved music, travelling and wrote a book about music. He lived in many places during his life including Brazil, Germany and France. Jerry spoke four languages fluently.   Survivors include;   Life Partner Carol Sparks and his daughters Leslie Kirstein and Renee...

Darlene McClellan Wallace, age 65, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills. She was the daughter of James McClellan and Lillian Lynch McClellan, and a native of Rutherford County. Darlene loved her cat Molly. She was a loving, daughter, sister, and aunt, and she will be dearly missed. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Michael Wallace, and one brother, Jimmy McClellan. In addition to her parents Darlene is survived by...

Spencer Len Arrowood, age 61, of Morganton, formerly of Ellenboro, died Monday, May 9, 2022, at his residence.  Len was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Arrowood and his brother Buck Arrowood. He was a native of Rutherford County.   Len is survived by his mother, Bernice Arrowood, two sisters, Gayle Haynes and husband Eric, Myra Dalton and husband Scott, and many nieces and nephews.  There will be a private, family only, graveside service in honor of Len. An...

Phala Mae Altman, age 69, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills.  She was the daughter of the late Wayman and Melba Robinson. Phala was a native of Dothan, Alabama. She was a homemaker.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Tony Robinson. Survivors include, her husband, Alexander (Al) Altman III, two sons, Bryan Altman, Alexander (Lex) Altman, IV, one brother, Haskell Robinson, two sisters,...

Angela Annette Bridges, affectionately known as “Tater-head,” age 56, of Union Mills, died Friday, May 6, 2022 at her residence.     Angela was the daughter of the late Everette and Nelma Hardin Rhodes and a native of Rutherford County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Cochran.   Angela worked in production for several local industries until her retirement. She was a member of the Spindale Church of the Brethren. She...

Ruby Searcey Brooks, age 91, of Forest City, NC, died Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills.  She was the daughter of the late Vance Searcey and the late Estelle Moore Searcey, and a native of Rutherford County.  Ruby was the widow of the late Lewis Ray Brooks, and she was preceded in death by her sister Mary Buchanan and brother Bobby Searcey. She is  survived by one daughter, Myra Brooks Hamrick and her husband Randy, one son, Alan Brooks, three...

Reverend William E. Swink, age 73, of Rutherfordton, NC, went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills. He was the son of the late Mat and Alice Swink, and he was a native of Abbeville County, SC. William surrendered to preach at the age of 16 and dedicated his entire life to serving the Lord. He served on the Board of Directors for the NC Baptist State Convention. William retired after serving as the preacher at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for 18...

Dorothy "Dot" Buchanan, age 94, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills. She was the daughter of the late Jesse and Dora Owens, and she was a native of Spartanburg County, SC. Dot was a member of Southern Baptist Church. She attended Spartanburg High School and she also went to Queen's College. Dot and her husband started a rug company and worked there until retirement. She loved her family, cooking, playing...

Margaret Louise Wallace, age 85, of Ellenboro, NC, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at her home.  She was the daughter of the late Julius Franklin Lane and the late Bertha Conner Lane. Margaret was a native of Rutherford County and was the widow of the late Don Wallace. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by one brother, Junior Lane.  She is survived by one daughter, Judy Jackson, (Johnny Jackson) of Ellenboro, three stepdaughters, Donna Regal (Darcy)...

Karen Heffner Cuthbertson, age 61, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Monday, April 18, 2022, at Atrium Health Cleveland  in Shelby, NC. She was the daughter of Raymond Heffner and the late Elizabeth Lane Heffner, and she was a native of Rutherford County. Karen had a passion for helping animals, and she was very active with the Rutherford County Humane Society until her health would no longer allow her to do so. Karen was a loving, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and...