Local obituaries for Catawba County, NC.
Obituaries act as quiet reminders of the finite nature of our lives. Yet, for those who have recently experienced the death of a family member or friend, an obituary means so much more. It is a bittersweet reminder of all we've lost, but it can also help us to remember all we enjoyed while they were alive. If you have recently lost someone you love, we hope that you will accept our condolences.
Jane Kay Mason
Feb 8, 2026
Jane Kay Mason, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born May 9, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Harry B. Leonard and Helen McCann Leonard.
She is survived by her daughter Liesl Armstrong-Slone, and her husband Bobby Slone, and her son Dustin Armstrong, and her grandchildren Elyse and Chad.
The family will...
Ramona Afimia Nastase
Feb 6, 2026
Ramona Afimia Nastase, 39, of Hickory, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at her residence.
Born May 26, 1986, Ramona was a loving wife, devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She will be remembered for her strong faith, kind heart, and deep love for her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Viorel Balan and Maria Gheorghe; and her grandparents, Petru...
James Kees
Feb 3, 2026
James Franklin Kees, 87, of Hickory, N.C. passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 3,2026 surrounded by his family. Born October 7, 1938 in Statesville, N.C., James was the son of the late Turner Harrison Kees and Willie Myers Kees. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sons Ricky and Brent Kees and a niece Sandra(Sam)...
Mary Ann Gregory
Jan 31, 2026
Mary Ann Gregory, 78, of Hickory, died January 31 st , 2026 at Trinity Ridge. Born June 23rd, 1947, in Atlanta, GA, she was the daughter of the late John Wesley Pittman and Doris Blanche Pittman. She received her bachelor’s degree from Queens University and her master’s degree from Appalachian State University. She taught in Catawba County Schools with most...
Rafael Magos Mera
Jan 29, 2026
Rafael Magos Mera, de 54 años, de Hickory, falleció el jueves 29 de enero de 2026 en el Catawba Valley Medical Center. Nació el 29 de julio de 1971 y fue hijo de los fallecidos Rafael Magos Rojo y Teresa Mera Islas.
Le sobreviven sus seres queridos de la familia Magos Mera.
La familia llevará a cabo un servicio privado en una...
Eugene Alan Atkins
Jan 28, 2026
Eugene Alan Atkins, 75, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at his residence. Born January 1st, 1951 he was the son of the late Eugene and Leona Atkins.
His sister, Deborah Campbell (Phil); his nephews, Jeff Atkins (Gloria) and Chris Townsend; great-nieces and nephews, Olivia Drake (Matthew), Emily Atkins, Shelbie Strickland (Devin), Payton Townsend, Raegan Townsend; and his great-great nieces and nephews,...
Darrin Oneil Fisher
Jan 28, 2026
Darrin Oneil Fisher, 57, of Conover, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Hibriten Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation. Born February 9, 1968, in Nassau, New York.
Darrin worked at Case Farms for over 30 years, where he was known as a dedicated and hardworking employee. Outside of work, he loved fishing and spending time outdoors.
Darrin is survived by his wife, Viviana...
Pete Edgar Prince
Jan 27, 2026
Gordon Edgar Prince (Pete), 59 of Hickory, passed away at home Tuesday, January 27,2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Born, August 16, 1966, he was the son of Billie Andrew Prince and Brenda Kay Hamilton who both preceded him in death.
His wife of 33 years, Carla Roxanne Yount Prince, survives him. Other surviving family includes a sister, Wanda Goble...
George William "Rocky" Spencer
Jan 27, 2026
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, George William "Rocky" Spencer of Hickory, North Carolina, went to meet his Savior.
Born December 17, 1951, he was the son of the late George Washington and Helen Lutz Spencer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Kay Blevins.
Rocky never met a stranger. He retired from HSM and enjoyed...
Terry Wayne Mooneyham
Jan 24, 2026
Terry Wayne Mooneyham, 63, went to meet Jesus early Saturday, January 24, 2026, at The Greens in Viewmont while under hospice care.
Terry attended Fred T. Foard High School and later obtained his GED. He spent many years driving long-haul trucks until health issues made it impossible for him to continue.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lewis and...
Idalia Pineda
Jan 20, 2026
Idalia Pineda, 69, of Newton, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, surrounded by love.
Born on August 15, 1956, in Mexico, Idalia was a faithful servant of God, devoted wife, loving mother, fiercely proud grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a force to be reckoned with, strong-willed and resilient. She carried a softness that showed...
Donna "Kay" DelVechio
Jan 18, 2026
Donna "Kay" DelVechio, 69, of Newton passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Catawba Valley Medical . Born, June 30th, 1956 she was the daughter of the late Forest and Carmen Whitener, aka "Daddy and Mother Whitener".
She is survived by her sons, Jody DelVechio, wife Amber, and Chad DelVechio, wife Michelle; her grandchildren, Jaydon, Katlyn, Brady, and Bria; her great...
Sarah Mae Bonds
Jan 16, 2026
Sarah Mae Bonds, 73, of Hickory, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026.
Born September 29, 1952, in Blacksburg, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Johnny Bonds Sr. and Virginia Lee Bonds.
Sarah was a woman of deep faith who loved God and her church. Her faith guided her life, and helping others was central to who she was. God...
Bonnie Sue Elam
Jan 15, 2026
Bonnie Sue Elam, 84, of Claremont, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at her residence. Born June 8, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Dock and Mary Lou Canipe.
Bonnie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family and the time spent with them. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her...
James Franklin Kalkwarf
Jan 14, 2026
James Franklin Kalkwarf, 83, passed peacefully from his earthly life to his eternal home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Born on March 7, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Karl and Alice (Sebek) Kalkwarf, he grew up in Crete, Nebraska.
A Catawba County, NC, resident for 55 years, Jim was well-respected locally and beyond for his Christian values, volunteerism, and professional integrity, retiring...
Wanda Elaine (Wilson) Johnson
Jan 14, 2026
Wanda Elaine (Wilson) Johnson, loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, died on Tuesday, January 14th 2026.
Wanda was born on August 10, 1955 to Ray and Maggie (Brittain) Wilson of Hildebran. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jimmy Wilson. Left to honor her memory are her husband, Larry Johnson, son Travis (Shannon) Evans, daughter Stacey (Walter)...
Gary Dean "Catfish" Deaton
Jan 13, 2026
Gary Dean Deaton, 77, of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his residence. Born September 7, 1948, he was the son of the late George Propst and Nora Deaton.
Gary had a deep love for his country and proudly served in the United States Army as a Vietnam veteran with the 4th Infantry Division. He enjoyed drag racing and...
Helen Lail Smith
Jan 12, 2026
Helen Lail Smith, 77, of Valdese, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at UNC Health Blue Ridge. Born July 23, 1948, she was the daughter of the late James Leonard Lail and Mary Frazier Lail.
She is survived by her sisters, Libby Helms and husband Bobby of Lincolnton, and Genny Lail of Mountain View; her brothers, Bill Lail of Vale, Richard...
Margaret Bowman Warren
Jan 10, 2026
Margaret Bowman Warren, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 65 years, Joseph Warren.
Born in Hickory, North Carolina, Margaret lived a life marked by warmth, kindness, and a generous spirit. She truly never met a stranger and was known for her welcoming heart and deep love...
James Ray Howard
Jan 10, 2026
James Ray Howard, 92, of Newton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Carolina Caring. He was born September 30, 1933, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Andrew and Birdie Mae Howard.
James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was guided by faith and love for his family. He honorably served his country in...
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Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service offers a collection of obituaries for Newton, NC & throughout Catawba County. With services throughout North Carolina that are updated regularly. Find local Newton, NC obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
