Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1513547
Page 18 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, December 21-December 27, 2023 Products and Services We Offer ~ Cemetery Monuments ~ Bronze Plaques ~ Granite Signs ~ Cremation Products ~ Pet Markers ~ Cleaning & Restoration 1113 POLKVILLE ROAD • SHELBY, NC R IVERHIL L MONUMENT CO. Monuments of Distinction 704-481-1198 www.riverhillmonuments.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1957 Austin Painter In the tender embrace of eternal peace, Austin Painter transitioned from this life at the age of 31 on Sunday December 3, 2023. Austin was the devot- ed father of Avalynn Marie Painter, Averlee Lucy Kay Painter, and Wrenlee Amelia Painter. Austin found solace in the artistry of carpentry. Hailey Moore is the lov- ing mother of Avalynn and Averlee. Reflecting on Austin's life, we fondly recall a soul cherished by his mother, Lisa Metcalf Jenkins, and dad, Bryan Keith Jenkins. His brothers, Kameron Chase Painter, Bryson Keith Jenkins, and Joseph Blake Painter, along with his sis- ters, Kaylin Lucy Brooke Jenkins and Mackenzie Elizabeth Painter, weave their memories into the tap- estry of his legacy. Austin's journey is further embraced by his father, Barry Kenneth Painter, stepmother, Emily Ann Painter, and grand- parents Larry Jenkins, Coy Painter, and Ronald and Trudy Pecoul. As we honor Austin's memory, we ten- derly remember his grand- parents Sanford and Lucy Metcalf, Peggy Painter, and Becky Jenkins, whose foot- steps he now follows. An extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends will cherish Austin's mem- ories. A celebration of Austin's life was held at Big Level Baptist Church Cemetery December 10 under the guiding words of Rev. Timmy Metcalf. Judy Bridges Judy "Mama Possum" Bridges, age 80, of Ellenboro, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Judy was born September 17, 1943 in Rutherford County to the late Wilburn Gunter and Lenora "Peggy" Powell. She was a graduate of Chase High School and a past member of Calvary Baptist Church of Ellenboro. She worked at Walmart for over 20 years and at Forest City Elementary School for several years. In addition to her par- ents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bridges; stepfather, James Powell; brothers, Tony Gunter and Arnold Goforth and her sister, Susie Melton. Those left to treasure her memory include her chil- dren, Ivan Bridges (Brenda) of Ellenboro, Betty Bridges (Tim) of Forest City and Derek Bridges of Ellenboro, sister, Barbara Austin (Mel) of Patterson; five grandchil- dren, one special grand- daughter, one great-grand- son, Leo Tirella and a num- ber of nieces and nephews. The funeral was held December 15 at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Whiteside officiating. An online guest registry is available at www.harrel- sonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Marv Klassen Marv Klassen, age 73, of Rutherfordton, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Marv was born October 1, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Roy Harvey Klassen and Nellie Craig Klassen. He served his country honorably during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Marine Corps. Marv was the owner and oper- ator of K & K Tool and Machine in Spindale for 25 years. He was a mem- ber of Spindale Fellowship Holiness Church. In addition to his par- ents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Larry Klassen and by his brother, Mike Klassen. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 53 years, Kathy Klassen; sons, Joe Klassen (Robin) of Rutherfordton and Johnny Klassen (Kendra) of Charlotte; three grand- children. The funeral was held December 15 with Rev. Chad Sisk and Rev. Ricky Poteat officiating. Military Honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Memorial donations requested to Shriners Children's Hospital, https:// donate.lovetotherescue.org An online guest reg- istry is available at www. harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Melanie Rice Csukker Melanie Brooke Rice Csukker, age 40, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023. Melanie was born October 8, 1983 in Rutherford County to Angela Horn Jackson who resides in Henrietta and to the late Ricky Rice. She loved taking care of her family and was a ded- icated homemaker. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by brothers, Harley and Cody Rice. Besides her moth- er, those left to cherish her memory are her hus- band, Joshua Csukker; daughter, Dakota Rayne Rice Csukker of the home; stepmother, Wendi Burke (Jerry) of Forest City; step- father, Terry Jackson; step- children, Austin, Kristina and Allyson Csukker; one step-grandchild, broth- er, Jonathon Sheldon (Monica) of Cliffside; step- sister, Tanya Jackson of Henrietta; four stepbrothers and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation was held December 14 at Harrelson Funeral Home. Memorial donations requested to Go Fund Me; https://gofund.me/5cbf2748 An online guest reg- istry is available at www. harrelsonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Herman Turner Herman Turner, age 91, of Forest City, went to his heavenly home, Thursday, December 14, 2023. Herman was born March 30, 1932 in Rutherford County to the late Darvin Turner and Estelle Sisk Turner. He was a gradu- ate of Tri-High School and served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He owned and oper- ated Turner's Radio and TV Repair for several years and worked at Burlington Industries for many years before retirement. In his retirement years, he enjoyed being a self-employed tool and hardware salesman. He was a member of Caroleen Missionary Methodist Church (Grace Missionary Methodist). In addition to his par- ents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Ensley Turner; broth- ers, David, Bill and Donald Turner; sisters, Margaret Head, Debra Coffee and brother-in-law, Monroe Ensley. Those left to cher- ish his memory include his daughter, Meloney Turner Overcash (Thad) of Forest City; brothers, Frank Turner (Helen), Brannon Turner (Etta Mae), Broadus Turner (Aileen); sisters, Myra Conner, Christine Hodge, Patsy Edwards (Lewis); sis- ter-in-law, Midgie Ensley and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral was held December 19 at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mike Elgin officiating. Military honors were conducted at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations request- ed to Community Pet Center, 861 Piney Ridge Rd., Forest City, NC 28043. An online guest registry is available at www.harrel- sonfuneralhome.com Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Joshua Hudson Ruppe Joshua Hudson Ruppe, age 49, of Rutherfordton passed away Sunday December 10, 2023. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Larry Nash Ruppe and Glenette Henson Ruppe. He was a gradu- ate of Chase High School, Isothermal Community College, and UNC Charlotte. While at UNC Charlotte, he met his wife of 24 years, Jennifer Shuping Ruppe. Vocationally, Josh was employed as Director of Operations for A&E Engineering, Inc. In addition to his wife Jennifer and daughters Caroline and Lauren, Josh's memory will be cherished by his sister Holly Waldrop (David) and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, one great-nephew, countless friends, and coworkers. A celebration of Josh's life was held December 15 at Spindale United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Marshburn officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spindale United Methodist Church in his memory. Rutherford Weekly offers the printing of obituaries in our paper as a community service and free of charge for Rutherford County residents and the immediate area. The obituary may include a picture if the image is of print quality. We request that the obituary is limited to 150 words and we will edit the obituaries due to space. The obituary will include preceded family members, surviving family members, funeral service information, memorials, and the name of the funeral home serving the family. The obituaries will not include names of grandchildren, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, or pets. We only accept obituaries from licensed funeral homes. The deadline is Monday at 10AM prior to Thursdays publication. Please have your funeral home send us your loved ones' obituaries to events@rutherfordweekly.com Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries ©Community First Media Community First Media Have you ever wondered what our world would be like if Jesus had never been born? Of course, on the surface there would be no reason for a Christmas celebration. That means no decorated Christmas trees, tinsel, lights, Christmas carols or family gatherings. Much deeper than missing all the festivities of this season, would be the eternal ramifi cations. If Jesus had never been born, then we would have no chance of salvation from our sins. The primary reason that Jesus came to this world was for the redemption of mankind. He is the Savior of the world and God's love gift to a lost and dying people. Without his birth, death and resurrection we would be left in our sinfulness, without hope, and waiting for God's judgement. Another blessing of Jesus coming to his earth is that he identifi es with us. Just imagine the Godchild being hungry. Jesus took upon himself the form a servant and was made in the likeness of man and yet without sin. He knows what it is to grow tired and weary. Jesus was acquainted with our grief and sorrow when his lost his dear loved one, Lazarus. Therefore, as the incarnate God he understands our sadness when death enters our life. He feels and relates to all our infi rmities. If Christ had never been born, then we would have never been able to witness the perfection of God. Jesus is the embodiment of God's love, mercy, holiness, truth and grace. He was called Immanuel, which means, "God with us." C.S. Lewis in his book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was referring to the curse that had been placed on Narnia, when he wrote, "It is winter in Narnia," said Mr. Tumnus, "and has been for ever so long…. always winter, but never Christmas." Truly without Jesus' birth, life would be one continual winter, but never Christmas. LANNY FUNCHESS -FUNERAL DIRECTOR- Points To Ponder WHAT IF JESUS WAS NEVER BORN? "Quality Service with Compassionate Care" Harrelson Funeral & Cremation Services 1251 U.S. Hwy 221-A, Forest City, NC 828-657-6383 www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com