Phyllis Blanton Norman, affectionately known to those who loved her as “Punkin,” of Rutherford County, North Carolina passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 57. Punkin was one of a kind. She was funny, strong-willed, and wonderfully stubborn, with a personality that could fill a room. She loved dogs and treasured the simple things in life, especially spending time with her friends and family. Those who knew Punkin knew there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Wayne D. Mitchem, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born Thursday, February 15, 1951 in Rutherford County to the late Earl C. Mitchem and Lottie Mae Carswell Mitchem. Wayne was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1971. He worked as a machinist for Timken for over thirty years. He was a long-time member of Victory Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC. Wayne, more than anything, enjoyed spending time wi

Howard Louie Patterson, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Howard was born Thursday, March 10, 1938 in Rutherford Cunty to the late Ernest Hugh Patterson and Frances Fowler Patterson. Howard loved horses, tractors, and wearing a cowboy hat. He also loved his family. Howard will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a son, Joey Lee Patterson. Those left to che

Susan H. Goode, age 60, of Forest City, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Susan was born Friday, December 3, 1965 in Rutherford County. She worked in textiles for several years and later for Walmart. Susan enjoyed reading the Bible and loved her family above everything else. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Joan Duncan Wright and by brothers, Vincent and James Hamrick. Those left to cherish her memory include her hus

Jane E. Ayres, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at her home. Jane was born Monday, June 9, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late Pete Burgess and Nellie Crow Burgess. She was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1959. She worked for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department in administration and communications for thirty-six years before retirement. Jane was a longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committe