Charles Ray Kirby
Mar 29, 2026
Charles Ray Kirby, 70, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his home. Born October 26, 1955, he was the son of the late Vance Astor Kirby and Norma Alice Kirby.
He was a wonderful husband, a devoted father, and a loving Papaw. A good and loyal friend to many, Charles was caring, witty, and full of humor, bringing...
Kenneth James Knight Sr.
Mar 28, 2026
Kenneth James Knight Sr., 71, of Newton, finished his final project on Saturday, March 28, 2026, passing peacefully at his daughter's home. Born June 13, 1954, he was the son of the late Jessie James Knight and Thelma Louise Knight.
Kenneth was an avid gardener and a skilled machinist who loved working with his hands. He was rarely idle, always tending...
Betty Jean Knight
Mar 17, 2026
Betty Jean Knight, 71, of Newton, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Born on October 25, 1954, she was the daughter of the late William Bedwell and Mary Young Bedwell.
Betty was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Discovery Church in Newton. She had a special love...
Carol Ann Benetti
Mar 12, 2026
On March 12, 2026, Carol A. Benetti went to be with her Lord and Savior. Born December 17, 1939, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the late Caesar Benetti and Maria Silva, she was a light to the world.
Known by many names, including “Momma”, “Carolann”, “Sis”, and more that only she, her friends, and loved ones know. Carol was a loving...
Dorothy "Dottie" Ann Smith
Mar 9, 2026
Dorothy Ann “Dottie” Reed Smith, 79, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at 9:32 AM in Mooresville, North Carolina. Dottie was born on August 10, 1946, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Elmer Reed and Hope Weremay.
Known for her sense of humor and strong Rhode Island accent, Dottie had a gift for bringing smiles to those around her. She especially...
Virginia Marie Rodriguez
Mar 4, 2026
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Most people knew her simply as Jean, a name that became synonymous with unwavering love, steadfast faith, and quiet resilience. She deeply loved Jesus and found comfort and joy in reading...
Russell Paul McCall
Mar 3, 2026
Russell Paul McCall, 65, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Born March 10th, 1960, he was the son of Roger Dale McCall and Patsy Pruitt.
He is survived by his daughter, Amber Henson and her children; his mother, Patsy Smart Pruitt; his wife, Bobbie Jean McCall and her children; his brothers, Roger Dale McCall and his son,...
Serene Cheyenne Felts
Mar 2, 2026
On March 2, 2026, Serene Cheyenne Felts passed away at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem. She succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in downtown Hickory, NC. Serene was 7 ½ years old (she would insist the ½ be added).
Serene “Bean” was born at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC, on...
Christopher Roy Painter
Feb 26, 2026
Christopher Roy Painter, 45, of Statesville, North Carolina, formerly of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026. Born July 18, 1980, he was the son of Roy N. Painter and Carol J. (Cogley) Painter.
He is survived by his children, Timberland, C. Painter of Spokane, WA and Jocelyn L. Painter of Statesville, NC; his parents, Roy N. and Carol J....
David Wayne Queen
Feb 18, 2026
David Wayne Queen, 68, of Newton, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice House. Born Saturday, January 21, 1958, he was the son of David Franklin Queen and Carolyn Smith Rozelle.
David was a man who truly lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, drag racing with his brother, and was known as...
Betty Jolley Rector
Feb 17, 2026
Heaven gained the sweetest angel on February 17th, 2026 when Betty Jolley Rector of Bethlehem went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born October 23rd, 1935 to the late Charlie and Lillie Darty Jolley.
She was known by many names which includes “The Doll Lady”, “Ms. Betty”, and her absolute favorite; “Grandmommie”. Betty was a staple in the...
Lori Marie Thornton
Feb 16, 2026
Lori Marie Thornton, born October 21, 1962, at The Anthony N. Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany, New York, passed away surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to her.
Lori was raised in Colonie, New York, and later proudly embraced life as a military wife while living in Fulda, Germany. She also made a home in Rome, New...
Jasper Trent Hughes
Feb 15, 2026
Jasper Trent Hughes, 69, of Maiden, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice House. Born October 29th, 1956, he was the son of the late Ruthel Hughes and Margaret Hughes.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Faye Abernathy-Hughes of the home; his sister, Shelby Culbreth of York, SC; his brother, Danny Hughes (Kaye) of York,...
Amanda Judd Starnes Inman
Feb 14, 2026
Amanda Judd Starnes Inman, 86, of Hickory, NC, passed away on February 14, 2026. Born on October 16, 1939, in Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Hugh Judd and Beth Vance Judd. Her family moved from Mexico, living in Utah and Arizona before settling in Reno, NV. She met her first husband in Reno, where he was serving...
Brian Samuel Eugene Johnson
Feb 8, 2026
Brian Samuel Eugene Johnson, 27, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born July 7, 1998, he was the son of Brian Keith Johnson and Lakea Nicole Cromwell.
Brian had a deep love of the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He treasured time spent with family and friends and will be remembered for his love...
Galen Craig Beamon
Feb 3, 2026
Galen Craig Beamon, 75, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Valdese. Born on March 16, 1950, he was the son of the late Paul Eugene Beamon and Vearl Virginia Beamon.
Craig is survived by his son, Eric Beamon, and daughter-in-law, Leah Beamon of Morganton; his beloved grandchildren, Gabriel and Ari Beamon, both of...
Garrell Reitzel
Jan 27, 2026
Garrell Reitzel, 80, of Catawba County, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Catawba Memorial Hospital in Hickory, NC.
Garrell was a proud Veteran and served in the United States Army. He then worked as an upholsterer for Drexel Furniture. He was a skilled bass guitarist and bandmember for the "High Tones" playing at local dance halls, like "The...
Russell Thomas McNeill
Jan 25, 2026
Russell Thomas McNeill, 81, of Vale, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born September 28, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of Lewis Archie McNeill and Hazel McNeill.
Russell proudly served his country in the United States Army before dedicating many years to law enforcement. He was a former Assistant Chief with the...
Mary Elizabeth McDaris
Jan 25, 2026
Mary Elizabeth Harris McDaris, 62, of Granite Falls passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at her home. Born November 27th, 1963, she was the daughter of Luther Decalvous Harris and Earlene Lois Harris.
She is survived by her husband, Mickey McDaris of the home; her sons, Luke McDaris (LaTricia) of Sawmill and Casey McDaris of the home; her granddaughters, Olivia McDaris...
Audrey Ann Wilfong
Jan 20, 2026
Audrey Ann (Dutchess) Wilfong (66) passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. She was born on January 1, 1960, in Catawba County, to the late Virginia Ann Wilfong and Oliver Pope Jr.
Audrey was known for her beauty, her radiant smile, and her warm, loving heart. She brought comfort, joy, and peace to all who knew her through her kind spirit,...