All Obituaries

  Mrs. Virginia “Dare” Ward, 78, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family. Dare was born April 10, 1947, in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Adie and Glady Harmon. Dare was a devoted wife and the foundation of a family built on love. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a fierce and unconditional love that knew no limits. Being their mother, ...

Arthur Blaine Ward passed away on 13 March 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born on the 28 th of September 1948 to Martha and Blaine Ward of Sugar Grove NC.   Arthur was a simple man who loved the lord and was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he enjoyed services and fellowship. He was a master carpenter for 35 years completing many projects in Watauga County and the surrounding area. Through Ward Construction he touched so many lives and left a legacy ...

Barbara (Bobbie) Bingham Townsend, 88, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on March 11, 2026. A lifelong resident of Watauga County, Bobbie was born in the Vilas community to a large, loving family of 11 brothers and sisters. Bobbie married the love of her life, Ted Townsend, in 1955. Bobbie and Ted recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just before Christmas in 2025. Bobbie and Ted loved to travel, especially after they both retired from Appalachian State ...

Martha Jane Parker (Jane), age 81, of Kimberly Lane, Boone, passed away March 8, 2026, at her home. Born June 18,1944, in Watauga County, she was the daughter of David and Grace Hollars Norris. Mrs. Parker is survived by her husband, Joseph K. Parker (Butch); daughter, Kimberly Parker and partner, Ellen Dunn, of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, John Parker and wife, Gayle of Greensboro; and sisters-in-law Kathleen Norris of Van Couver, WA and Helen Gebhardt of Jamestown, NC. Jane worked as a ...

Kitzi Jo Burkett, 57-and-a-day, of Boone, NC passed quietly and independently on March 4, 2026 while in hospice care in Winston-Salem. Kitzi was born in Boone on March 3, 1969, to Harold and Mary Jo Burkett, becoming a little sister to her two brothers, Randall and Donny, which completed the Burkett family. We all knew Kitzi in different capacities, situations, and seasons of life – which makes each of our relationships and memories unique. You may have spotted Kitzi in pigtails ...

Leigh Ann Duda, 62, a devoted mother and friend to all, passed away in Boone, NC, comforted by her loved ones on October 31, 2025. She was born in Sycamore, Illinois, and was the daughter to Robert and Mary Smith. Leigh Ann is survived by her son, Zach Duda, her loving stepfather Larry Havens, and extended family.  Leigh Ann was authentically herself, always showing up for those in need. Throughout her life, she built up her community by volunteering at local soup kitchens in ...

Mark Jason Duda, 67, of Boone, North Carolina, passed away at Carolinas Medical Center on September 20, 2025.  He was born in Marin, California, and was the son of Robert and Donna Duda.  He is survived by his wife Leigh Ann Duda, son Zach Duda, and his brothers and sister.  Mark showed exemplary kindness and compassion and held a lifelong love for helping others. In 2015, his bravery saved a young boy's life when he administered CPR, earning him a Meritorious Service Award ...

Grayson Lovill Trivette, 85, of Boone, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. He was born July 4, 1940, in Boone to the late Ossie Proffitt and Ray Trivette. Grayson was married for 60 years to Mary Phyllis Canter Trivette of Boone, NC. Together they built a life centered around family and faith. He loved spending time outdoors fishing, farming, and caring for his cows, and he especially treasured time with his family. In 1989, Grayson gave his life to Christ, and in 2021 ...

James Robert ‘Bobby’ Greer, age 58, of Seven Oaks Road, Boone, passed away Thursday morning, February 26, 2026 at Forsyth Medical Center. Born July 5, 1967 in Watauga County, he was the son of James Council and Ethel Faye Cornell Greer. Bobby dearly loved his Lord, his wife, Amy and his family. He courageously battled health issues for 8 years. An outstanding and detailed painter, Bobby owned and operated his company, Greer Painting or BGP as long as his health permitted. He and ...

Bill Horner died on February 25th in Boone, NC. He was preceded in death by his father Frederick Horner in 1969 and his mother Jean Smith Horner in 2009. He is survived by his brother Peter Horner and his wife Lisa Friedmann of Germantown, MD, and his sister Judith Winecoff and her husband Timothy Winecoff of Zionville, NC. He is also survived by his niece Leaflin Winecoff and the nephews - Vaughn Winecoff and Micah Winecoff. Bill was both on July 7th, 1948 but spent his early childhood in ...