Person Page - 1322

     Jesse Norwood was buried at Prospect View Cemetery, Pierce, Pierce Co., Nebraska.¹⁰ He was born on September 22, 1883 at Nelson, Nuckolls Co., Nebraska.^3,9 He married Minnie Gertrude Caldwell on January 29, 1908 at Hastings, Adams Co., Nebraska.⁶ Jesse Norwood died on July 17, 1951 at Colfax Co., Nebraska, at age 67.^7,8 He Pierce, Neb. - Jess Norwood, about 70, a resident of Pierce about three years and a former banker at Thedford for many years, ended his own life by shooting himself through the heart Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Norwood was found dead by Sheriff Edward J. Patach of Schuyler, on a county road five miles east and three miles north of Schuyler. His body was in his automobile. Sheriff Patach and County Attorney Francis R. O'Brien of Colfax county, after investigating, informed Sheriff Harman Kuhl of Pierce that the death was evidently suicide and indicated that an inquest would not be necessary. Mr. Norwood left Pierce about 10 o'clock Tuesday morning in his car. Shortly after noon Tuesday Sheriff Kuhl was asked to make a search for him, because of Mr. Norwood's feeble health. Members of his family believed that he would be unable to drive farther than Norfolk. Sheriff Kohl came to Norfolk and asked the state safety patrol to aid in the search. A request that they be on the lookout for Mr. Norwood was broadcast to other officials by the patrol. Mr. Norwood was found shortly after 1 o'clock by Sheriff Patach and Sheriff Kuhl was notified of the circumstances shortly before 3 p.m. Mr. Norwood is survived by his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Ortel Hamer, of Pierce, and one son, Denver Norwood, of Omaha. Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoon at Pierce. on July 18, 1951.⁸

     Her Social Security Number was 506-50-8317.⁷ Lulu Norwood was buried at Edgar Cemetery, Edgar, Clay Co., Nebraska.^4,5 She was born on December 11, 1881 at Nuckolls Co., Nebraska.^8,7 She died on December 12, 1969 at Nelson, Nuckolls Co., Nebraska, at age 88.⁴ She Miss Lulu Norwood, 88, native of Nuckolls County and a teacher in Nebraska and elsewhere until retirement from her professional career, died Friday at Nelson. Services were held Monday, December 15 at 10 a.m. in the Christian Church of Edgar of which she was a member and burial was in the Edgar Cemetery. The Rev. Victor O. Schwarz officiated with the McLaughlin Funeral Home of Fairfield in charge. Miss Norwood attended rural schools in Nuckolls County and was a graduate of Cotner College in Lincoln. She taught in the rural schools of Nuckolls and Clay Counties and was music supervisor in public schools of Ritchey, Missouri and Gays Mills, Wisconsin, retiring in 1943 when she moved to Fairfield to make her home with her cousin, Irvine Oldham and continue to teach piano. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Mrs. Mabel Norwood of Carthage, Missouri. on December 18, 1969.⁴

     Mabel Anderson was buried at Park Cemetery, 801 Baker Blvd., Carthage, Jasper Co., Missouri.² Her Social Security Number was 490-68-1310.³ She was born on May 14, 1895 at Wisconsin.^4,3,2 As of June 10, 1914,her married name was Norwood.¹ She married Earl Norwood, son of Nathaniel Taylor Norwood and L. D. R. "Eldie" Oldham, on June 10, 1914.¹ Mabel Anderson died on March 4, 1991 at Missouri at age 95.^3,2

     Eldora "Dora" Haskins was buried at Gays Mills Cemetery, Gays Mills, Crawford Co., Wisconsin.⁴ She was born on January 27, 1883 at Gays Mills, Crawford Co., Wisconsin.^3,4 As of July 12, 1919,her married name was Norwood.³ She married Clifford Howard Norwood, son of Nathaniel Taylor Norwood and L. D. R. "Eldie" Oldham, on July 12, 1919 at Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa.³ Eldora "Dora" Haskins died on May 4, 1949 at Wisconsin at age 66.⁴

     Minnie Gertrude Caldwell was buried at Prospect View Cemetery, Pierce, Pierce Co., Nebraska.⁴ She was born on February 15, 1885 at Nuckolls Co., Nebraska.^5,4 As of January 29, 1908,her married name was Norwood.² She married Jesse Norwood, son of Nathaniel Taylor Norwood and L. D. R. "Eldie" Oldham, on January 29, 1908 at Hastings, Adams Co., Nebraska.² Minnie Gertrude Caldwell died on February 8, 1958 at Pierce Co., Nebraska, at age 72.^4,3 She C. E. Caldwell of Edgar received a message Saturday evening that his sister Mrs. Gertrude Norwood of Pierce had passed away. Mrs. Norwood is survived by one son and a daughter and her brother and other relatives. Funeral services and burial were on Tuesday afternoon at Pierce. on February 13, 1958.³

     Her Social Security Number was 505-28-9820.⁵ Wilma Norwood was buried at Prospect View Cemetery, Pierce, Pierce Co., Nebraska.⁶ She was born on May 3, 1912 at Knox Co., Nebraska.^6,4,5 As of May 4, 1936,her married name was Hamer.³ She married Ortell Christian Hamer on May 4, 1936 at Clay Co., South Dakota.^3,7 As of 1969,her married name was Patent.⁸ Wilma Norwood married George Patent in 1969.⁸ Wilma Norwood died on October 28, 1996 at Nebraska at age 84.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 505-09-7569.⁹ Denver Caldwell Norwood was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bremerton, Kitsap Co., Washington.^10,3 He was born on March 10, 1915 at Niobrara Township, Knox Co., Nebraska.^9,10,3,5 He married Lucille Josephine Rozmarin on December 24, 1938 at Lincoln, Lancaster Co., Nebraska.^6,11 Denver Caldwell Norwood and Lucille Josephine Rozmarin were divorced in April, 1943 at Nebraska.¹² Denver Caldwell Norwood married Matilda B. Vogel in 1948 at Douglas Co., Nebraska.^12,4,6 Denver Caldwell Norwood died on May 13, 1961 at Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, at age 46.^10,3,4 He Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in Omaha for Denver Norwood, age 46, who died at his home of a heart attack, Saturday at 5110 Evans St., Omaha. Survivors are his wife Mathilda (Vogel-Langemeier) and one son, Scott. on May 18, 1961.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 231-38-9377.¹² Alvin Keith Overstreet was buried at Saint Johns Episcopal Church Cemetery, 197 Mountain Road, Halifax, Halifax Co., Virginia.^4,5,8 He was born on March 2, 1937 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{12,4,5,6,7,9,10} He married Catherine Coggin "Cathy" Marshall on June 25, 1960 at Waynesboro, Augusta Co., Virginia.⁷ Alvin Keith Overstreet and Catherine Coggin "Cathy" Marshall were divorced on May 13, 1986 at Halifax Co., Virginia.⁹ Alvin Keith Overstreet married Wanda Sue Harris on June 1, 1986 at Halifax Co., Virginia.^5,7,8 Alvin Keith Overstreet died on January 15, 1989 at South Boston, Halifax Co., Virginia, at age 51.^12,4,5,8 He Mr. Alvin Keith Overstreet, 51, of South Boston, died Sunday, January 15, 1989, in a South Boston hospital. He is survived by his wife, Mr. Wanda Harris Overstreet, South Boston; two daughters, Mr. Karen O. Price, N.Y. and Miss Kristi Overstreet, Greenville, N.C; one step-son, Mr. Scott Sheble, Springfield, Va; his mother, Mr. Mary Jane Overstreet, Ft. Royal; one sister, Mrs. Connie Gilmore, Roanoke. Mr. Overstreet was owner and operator of the Community Pharmacy, a 1950 graduate of the University of Richmond, a 1981 graduate of MCV School of Pharmacy, a member of Halifax Co. High School Booster Club and a former member of the Halifax Co. Rescue Squad. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he was a member of the Vestry Lay Reader, a member of the Choir and Teasurer. He was a member of the South Boston School Board for 17 years, a member of the Community for Control, be was affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees and Sertoma. Funeral services will be held at St John’s Episcopal Church. Burial in church cemetery. on January 16, 1989.⁸

     Connie Sue Overstreet was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^2,7 Her Social Security Number was 227-50-8981.⁹ She was born on February 19, 1941 at Front Royal, Warren Co., Virginia.^9,4,5,6,7 As of January 7, 1967,her married name was Gilmore.⁴ She married Richard Earl Gilmore on January 7, 1967 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4 Connie Sue Overstreet died on September 7, 2004 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 63.^2,9,10,7 She Connie Overstreet Gilmore, 63, of Roanoke, died Tuesday morning, September 7, 2004 at her residence. Connie was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where she had served as a Deacon and Elder and was a retired school teacher from the Roanoke City Schools, having taught at Belmont, Morningside and Virginia Heights Elementary schools. She was preceded in death by her parents, R. A. (Tom) and Mary Jane Elmore Overstreet; and her brother, A. Keith Overstreet. Surviving is her devoted and loving husband, Richard E. Gilmore; her sons, David Gilmore and wife, Melissa of Lynchburg, Geoff Gilmore of Alexandria; her grandson, William (Will) Gilmore; a sister-in-law, Cathy Overstreet of Nags Head, N.C; nieces, Karen Overstreet, Kristi Whitcomb; uncles, Norman Elmore and wife, Lucille, Roger Elmore and wife, Leah, Sherwood Bousman, all of Roanoke; aunt, Annah Lee Crawford of Roanoke. Interment in Evergreen Burial Park. on September 9, 2004.²

     Lucille Thirman Wood Lucille Thirman Wood Elmore, 95, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman E. Elmore; daughter, Sharon Leigh Cottrell; parents; five brothers; four sisters; and former husband, Horace W. Cottrell. Lucille was a member of North Roanoke Baptist Church and was retired from Roanoke City Schools. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Sharon Cottrell; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Richard Woods; granddaughters, Jennifer Bodensiek (Edwin), Jessica Woods (Andrew), Jordyn Parker (Alex) and Kendra Carroll (Brandon); grandson, Kameron Cottrell; and great-grandchildren, Evan and Chase Bodensiek, Lucie Krasny and Graham Carroll. The family would like to thank the staff of Our Lady of the Valley, where Lucille resided for the past three years, and also to Good Samaritan Hospice, for the wonderful care and support they provided. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.³ She was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4 She was born on November 2, 1921 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,4,5 As of January 6, 1979,her married name was Elmore.¹ She married Col. Norman Ethelbert Elmore, son of Bonnie Waldo Elmore and Mary Jane Raines, on January 6, 1979 at Troutville, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,3 Lucille Thirman Wood died on June 2, 2017 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 95.^3,4

     Rev. Robert Earl Crawford was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,2 His Social Security Number was 147-09-6168.⁷ He was born on August 19, 1908 at Wynnewood, Garvin Co., Oklahoma.^6,2,4,5,7 He married Annah Lee Elmore, daughter of Bonnie Waldo Elmore and Mary Jane Raines, on January 25, 1986 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4 Rev. Robert Earl Crawford died on August 21, 1997 at Blacksburg, Virginia, at age 89.^6,3,2,7 He CRAWFORD, The Reverend Robert Earl, 89, of Blacksburg, passed away Thursday night, August 21, 1997, at his home. A native of Oklahoma, he graduated from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill. and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. (B.D. and Th.M. in Theology and Greek New Testament). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Baskin Crawford. Surviving are his wife, Annah Lee Clingenpeel Crawford; and his children, Oakley Hamilton Crawford and his wife, Arlene, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and their children, Susan of Minneapolis, Minn. and Brian of Fort Collins, Colo; Robert Earl Crawford Jr. and his wife, Betty Burke, of Roanoke, and their child, Clare Lin; Helena Crawford Sams and her husband, Frank Sams of Vinton, and their children, Audra Sczerba and her husband, Dan, of Vinton, and Michael Sams of Atlanta, Ga; Daniel Baskin Crawford and his friend, Mary Bishop, of Roanoke; James Philip Crawford and his wife, Cathy, of Roanoke; and his stepchildren, Jerry Dale Clingenpeel and his wife, June, of Singapore; Andrew Elmore Clingenpeel and his wife, Connie; and his stepgrandchildren, Craig, Dana, Brian and Amy; and one great-stepgrandchild. Reverend Crawford, through tireless example and compassion, taught many to seek the common ground, to love everyone, both inside the fold and without. His 50-plus years in the ministry included 32 years of pastorates at Garden City Baptist Church and Cambria Baptist Church, from which he retired in 1981. He has been Moderator of each of the five Associations he served in, as well as serving on various committees. He was active in youth work in all of his ministries, as well at the PTA. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. on August 23, 1997.²

     Sherwood Beverly Bousman was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,4 His Social Security Number was 229-24-7031.⁸ He was born on April 28, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^8,5,6 He married Jeannine O'Neil Elmore, daughter of Bonnie Waldo Elmore and Mary Jane Raines, on September 17, 1949 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,2,5 Sherwood Beverly Bousman died on September 4, 2010 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 82.^8,3,7 He Sherwood B. Bousman, 82, of Roanoke, died on Saturday, September 4, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannine E. Bousman; brother, Thomas E. Bousman and sister, Dorothy B. Smith. Sherwood retired as a Division Manager of Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company and was a member of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church. Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Neil S. and Debbie Bousman of Harrisville, N.Y. and Timothy I. and Miriam Bousman of Mt. Sinai, N.Y; two grandchildren, Kenneth S. and Tracey L. Bousman and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Richard Fife officiating. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100. on September 5, 2010.³

     Bertha Ann Branson was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ Her Social Security Number was 239-84-4318.⁶ She was born on August 2, 1889 at Washington Co., Virginia.^3,6,4,5 As of August 2, 1909,her married name was Gearhart.⁴ She married Maurice Morgan Gearhart, son of William Harvey "Buzz" Gearheart and Virginia Isabell Conner, on August 2, 1909 at Washington Co., Virginia.⁴ Bertha Ann Branson and Maurice Morgan Gearhart were divorced on November 15, 1945 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ Bertha Ann Branson died on January 10, 1981 at Salisbury, Rowan Co., North Carolina, at age 91.^3,5

     Howard Neal Gearhart was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Durham, Durham Co., North Carolina.^4,7 He was born on August 8, 1910 at Roanoke, Virginia; His death certificate has a birth date of Aug 10, 1910.^4,7,8 He married Alice Lee Canada on December 15, 1934 at Durham Co., North Carolina.^3,4,13,5 Howard Neal Gearhart died on October 11, 1965 at Durham, Durham Co., North Carolina, at age 55.^4,5,7 He Howard Neal Gearhart, formerly of Roanoke, died Monday at his home in Durham, N.C. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Alice Canada Gearhart; a son, John H. Gearhart, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. William M. Rexrode, Durham; his mother, Mrs. Bertha A. Gearhart, Roanoke; three brothers, Berkley Andrew Gearhart and Doris Duke Gearhart, Charleston, S.C; Lester Bogle Gearhart, Salem; two sisters, Mrs. Claude G. Bruce, Salisbury, N.C; Mrs. Paul C. Sowder, Roanoke. on October 12, 1965.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 250-09-6217.⁴ Berkeley Andrew Gearhart was buried at Carolina Memorial Park, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, Charleston Co., South Carolina.^11,5 He married Irene Louise Singletary.^12,5 Berkeley Andrew Gearhart was born on June 14, 1912 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,11,10,13,6 He died on April 6, 1974 at Charleston Co., South Carolina, at age 61.^4,11,5,13 He Berkeley Andrew Gearhart, 61, died in a local hospital after a long illness. He was born in Roanoke, Va., a son of Bertha B. Gearhart and the late Morris Gearhart. He was a shipping clerk for 43 years with Swift Meat Co. Surviving are his mother; his widow, Mrs. Irene Singletary Gearhart; daughters, Mrs. Al (Charlotte) McCants of Manassas, Va. and Miss Ellen Gearhart of Charleston Heights; two sisters, Mrs. Claude Bruce of Salisbury, N.C. and Mrs. Paul Sowder of Roanoke, Va; two brothers, Lester Gearhart of Roanoke, Va. and Duke Gearhart of Charleston. Burial in Carolina Memorial Gardens. on April 7, 1974.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 225-10-7129.¹³ Lester Bogle Gearhart was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,7 He was born on September 18, 1914 at East Radford, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{13,5,6,7,14,8} He married Hazel Virginia Higgs on April 13, 1941 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,6 Lester Bogle Gearhart died on April 30, 1982 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 67.^13,5,7,14

     His Social Security Number was 248-64-7475.⁵ Doris Duke Gearhart was buried at Carolina Memorial Gardens, Charleston Co., South Carolina.^6,1 He was born on August 28, 1916 at Radford, Virginia.^1,5,6,11,12 He married Nannie Marie "Nan" Taylor on April 1, 1950 at Arlington, Virginia.³ Doris Duke Gearhart and Nannie Marie "Nan" Taylor were divorced on May 3, 1952 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Doris Duke Gearhart married Berta "Betty" Amueller circa 1956.^1,13 Doris Duke Gearhart died on August 2, 2004 at South Carolina at age 87.^1,5,6,12 He D. Duke Gearhart, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Retired) entered into eternal rest the morning of Monday, August 2, 2004, husband of Berta "Betty" Amueller Gearhart, for 48 years. Residence of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Mr. Gearhart was born August 28, 1916 in Radford, Virginia, the son of the late Maurice Gearhart and Bertha Branson Gearhart. Mr. Gearhart was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. He was a United States Air Force Veteran serving during World War II and retiring after 30 years as a Chief Master Sergeant where he served in New Guinea, Germany, and many bases in the United States and also retired after 17 years of service at the Charleston Air Force Base, 437th Aerial Port Squadron. Mr. Gearhart was a member of the Goose Creek Lions Club, a life member of Goose Creek Masonic Lodge No. 401, a member of the Royal "Z" Bowling League and Marrington Bowling League and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Surviving are his wife, Berta "Betty" Amueller Gearhart of Goose Creek; a son, Michael A. Gearhart and wife Tamara of Spartanburg, S.C; a daughter, Carol G. Stewart and husband, Jeff of Atlanta, Ga; two sisters, Mary Virginia Sowder of Roanoke, Va. and Muriel Bruce of Salisbury, N.C; three grandchildren, Kyle Gearhart of Spartanburg, S.C; Rebecca Gearhart of Spartanburg, S.C. and Ashlie Rossi of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Gearhart was predeceased by three brothers, Neal Gearhart of Durham, N.C., Berkeley A. Gearhart of North Charleston, S.C., and Lester B. Gearhart of Roanoke, Va. on August 4, 2004.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 228-12-2143.¹⁰ Muriel Thelma Gearhart was buried at Rowan Memorial Park, 4126 U.S. Highway 601 N, Salisbury, Rowan Co., North Carolina.^3,11 She was born on November 13, 1920 at Radford, Virginia.^3,11,10,5 As of August 21, 1943,her married name was Lester.⁴ She married Samuel Maynard Lester on August 21, 1943 at Washington, D.C..⁴ As of circa 1953,her married name was Bruce.¹² Muriel Thelma Gearhart married Claude Garland Bruce circa 1953.^6,2,12,3 Muriel Thelma Gearhart and Samuel Maynard Lester were divorced on February 19, 1953 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹³ Muriel Thelma Gearhart died on April 13, 2010 at Salisbury, Rowan Co., North Carolina, at age 89.^3,11,10 She SALISBURY - Muriel Gearhart Bruce, 89, of Salisbury, died Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at Genesis HealthCare after a period of declining health. Born Nov. 13, 1920, in Radford, Va., she was a daughter of the late Maurice M. and Bertha Branson Gearhart. Her family moved to Roanoke, Va., in the late 1920s where Mrs. Bruce was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School. After the start of World War II, she moved to Washington, D.C., beginning her career in Federal Service. After the war, Mrs. Bruce served Veterans Administration Hospitals in Lexington, Ky., Roanoke, Va., and the VA Medical Center in Salisbury beginning in 1953. Mrs. Bruce retired from the Veterans Administration in 1983. Mrs. Bruce was a member of Enon Baptist Church. She was also a 25-year member of the North Carolina Chapter of the Eastern Star. In years past, Mrs. Bruce loved to dance, roller figure skate and play the violin. She enjoyed horseback riding, swimming and gardening and mostly the fellowship of friends, neighbors and family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by her husband, Claude G. Bruce, on Sept. 22, 2000; her brothers, Neal Gearhart, Berkeley Gearhart, Lester Gearhart and Doris Gearhart; her sister, Mary Gearhart Sowder; and her niece, Judy Sowder Thurmond. Surviving are her sons, Eddie Bruce and his wife, Gail, of Cleveland, Claude Bruce and his wife, Karen, of Lewisville, Michael Bruce and his wife, Betty, of Advance and Jan G. Bruce and his wife, Pat, of Roanoke, Va; one granddaughter, English Rupert, of Roanoke, Va; one grandson, Scott Bruce of Salisbury; and two great-grandchildren, Rhea and Rio of Roanoke, Va. Mrs. Bruce's obituary would not be complete without loving mention of her friend, assistant, her companion and caretaker, Pam Dean, and Pam's mother, Peggy Crews, who have been an important and inspirational part of her life since 1999. Graveside services will be conducted at Rowan Memorial Park. on April 15, 2010.³

     Mary Virginia "Chink" Gearhart was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,7 Her Social Security Number was 224-24-8172.¹¹ She was born on April 4, 1923 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,11,7 As of July 12, 1947,her married name was Sowder.⁹ She married Paul Cleophas Sowder, son of Claude Earnest Sowder and Essie Goldie Aldridge, on July 12, 1947 at Leaksville, Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^{3,4,12,7,9,13} Mary Virginia "Chink" Gearhart died on December 21, 2009 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 86.^4,14,11,7 She Mary Gearhart (Chink) Sowder, 86, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009. She was predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Bertha Gearhart; husband, Paul C. Sowder; daughter, Judy S. Thurman; and four brothers, Neal, Berkley, Lester and Doris Gearhart. She is survived by her sister, Muriel G. Bruce, of Salisbury, N.C. "Chink" was employed by the Radford Silk Mill during World War II, Roanoke Telephone Company and retired from the Salem Veterans Hospital. She will be greatly missed by special niece, Doris "Dorsey" Smith and husband, William D. Duncan, of Timberlake, N.C; and other nieces and nephews. on December 23, 2009.⁴

     Berta "Betty" Amueller Spartanburg, SC - Berta Gearhart, 82, wife of 48 years to the late D. Duke Gearhart, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Retired), entered into eternal rest on the morning of Monday, December 16, 2013. Betty was born January 21, 1931 in Oberweikertshofen, Germany, and later became a very proud Naturalized Citizen of the USA in 1956. She was a current resident of Eden Terrace, and formerly of Goose Creek, SC. Prior to her relocation to Spartanburg, Betty was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Royal "Z" Bowling League and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Betty is survived by her son, Michael A. Gearhart (Tamara) of Spartanburg, SC; a daughter, Carol A. Stewart of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Kyle and Rebecca Gearhart of Spartanburg, SC, and Ashlie Rossi of Atlanta, GA. Also surviving in Germany are two sisters, Pepi Kipka (Erick) and Syglinde Wagoner; three nieces, Gabrielle, Regina, and Brigette; and one nephew, Gerhard; and their children. The family wishes to thank the staff at Eden Terrace of Spartanburg and Regency Hospice for their tender, loving care provided to their beloved mother, oma, and friend. Graveside services will immediately follow in the Carolina Memorial Gardens.² She was buried at Carolina Memorial Gardens, Charleston Co., South Carolina.² She was born on January 21, 1931 at Oberweikertshofen, Germany.² As of circa 1956,her married name was Gearhart.¹ She married Doris Duke Gearhart, son of Maurice Morgan Gearhart and Bertha Ann Branson, circa 1956.^1,2 Berta "Betty" Amueller died on December 16, 2013 at Spartanburg, Spartanburg Co., South Carolina, at age 82.²