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.
Forest Donald Wyant
Nov 21, 2025
Forest Donald "Don" Wyant, 90, of Hickory, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. Born October 1, 1935 at home, he was the son of the late Arney and Edith Goodnight Wyant. Don was a graduate of the last class of Banoak High School in 1953.
He proudly served in the United States Army as...
Martha Silver Johnson
Nov 20, 2025
Martha Silver Johnson, December 27, 1933 - November 20, 2025, 91, of Valdese, North Carolina passed away at home surrounded by her family.
She retired from Broughton hospital. She loved family, friends, animals, and campsite seeing with her beloved husband. She dearly loved God and church.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Billy Joe Johnson, a daughter and son,...
Carroll Dean Buff
Nov 16, 2025
Carroll Dean Buff, 80, of Hickory died Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Carolina Caring. Born June 24th, 1945 he was the son of the late Buford and Beddie Buff. He was an active member of Startown First Baptist Church where he spent years serving as a Sunday School teacher and youth director.
His loving wife of 48 years, Sharon Buff; his...
Michael Andrew Carlo Gerlits
Nov 14, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Andrew Carlo Gerlits, who unexpectedly left us on November 14, 2025, at the age of 47. Born on October 30, 1978, Michael was the beloved son of Joyce Elaine Hull Gerlits and John Clinton Gerlits and little brother to Craig Gerlits.
After his graduation from West Lincoln High in 1996, Michael acquired...
Judith “Judy” Panaro
Nov 14, 2025
Judith “Judy” Panaro, 62, of Hickory, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025. She was born November 12, 1963, in Queens, New York. Judy was an avid New York Giants football fan and loved baking, she was known for making delicious cakes that everyone enjoyed.
Judy is survived by her son, Thomas Panaro and wife Drew, and their son, Brendan; her son,...
Mary Catherine Cranford
Nov 14, 2025
Mary Catherine Cranford, 77, of Hickory passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at Carolina Caring. Born August 30th, 1948 she was the daughter of the late Demond and Mattie Clawson. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed.
Her children, James Holsclaw, Misty Crawford, Yvette Campbell; step-children, Dennis Cranford, Lynette Whitfield and Margo Cranford; her grandchildren, Brannon...
William "Billy" Ross Whitmire
Nov 14, 2025
William (Billy) Ross Whitmire, 77, of Newton, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born on June 8, 1948, he was the son of the late Charles Robert Whitmire and Odessa Whitmire.
Billy loved his family above all else. He cherished his grandchildren and took great joy in watching his grandson wrestle in high school. He...
Bobby Joe Gosnell
Nov 10, 2025
Bobby Joe Gosnell, 67, of Connelly Springs died Monday, November 10, 2025 at Carolina Caring. Born September 8th, 1958 he was the son of Ernest and Lucille Gosnell. He loved to joke and haggle with people and he loved to lighten the mood in the room to make everyone happy, even when he was in pain. He also loved spending...
Jeffrey Charles Faulkner
Nov 4, 2025
Jeffrey Charles Faulkner, 51, of Lincolnton passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in his home. Born, March 31st, 1974 he was the son of the late Johnny Leonard Faulkner Sr. and Brenda Diane Faulkner.
He is survived by his brothers Johnny Faulkner (Lisa), and Tommy Faulkner (Crystal); his neices: Hannah Faulkner, Amber Gizowski (Clay), Alison Collins; and his nephew James Robert...
Anita Barker Franklin
Nov 2, 2025
Anita Barker Franklin, 53, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her home.
Born September 19, 1972, in Valdese, North Carolina, Anita was known for her love of crafting, traveling, and spending time at the beach and the river. She enjoyed fishing and found joy in being outdoors. Anita deeply loved her children and cherished the holidays, always embracing...
Linda Settlemyre
Nov 2, 2025
Linda Kaye Settlemyre, 79, of Newton, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Born January 15, 1946, in Newton, NC, Linda was a registered nurse for over 40 years. She took great pride in her work as a geriatric nurse and was a strong advocate for her patients. During her career, she served as Assistant Director of...
Joseph Paul Sardinas
Nov 1, 2025
Joseph Paul Sardinas, 57, of Hickory, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Sherrills Ford Hospice House.
Born in Tampa, Florida, on March 23, 1968, he was the son of Sue Sardinas. Joseph was a devoted father and a committed member of his community.
He is survived by his wife, Donna McCracken-Sardinas; his children, Grant Sardinas, Gavin...
Christopher Shea Houser
Oct 25, 2025
Christopher Shea Houser, 40, of Newton, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Born October 9, 1985, in Hickory, NC, Christopher was known for his kind heart and love of animals, especially his pets and puppies. He enjoyed spending time in nature, watching movies, and trying new restaurants. Christopher had a special way of connecting with others, often sharing scripture through text...
Irene Hinson
Oct 24, 2025
EVELYN IRENE THORNTON HINSON
May 27, 1925 – October 24, 2025
Evelyn Irene Thornton Hinson, 100, was called to her heavenly home on October 24, 2025. She was born the fifth of six children to John Eldridge Thornton and Pearl Boyd Thornton, grew up in Maiden, and graduated from Maiden High School in 1942. She was a member of the first girls...
Angela Michelle Willis
Oct 23, 2025
Angela Michelle Willis, 56, of Hickory died Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born September 29th, 1969 she was the daughter of the late Howard Schronce and Barbara Jean Whitmire.
Her brother, Todd Bauguess (Tina); her sister, Tanya Hefner; her son, Christopher Rudisill (Lenona); her daughter, Tiffany Zuleg (Tyler); her best friends, Annette Rudisill, Jane Wilson and Ruby...
David Burl Mize
Oct 21, 2025
David “Dave” Burl Mize, of Conover, passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born on September 19, 1950, in McArthur, West Virginia, to the late William Burl Mize and Annie Lee Lilly.
David proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War. For his honorable service, he...
J Jesus Oliva Ceballos
Oct 21, 2025
J. Jesús Oliva Ceballos, de 73 años, de Conover, nació el 14 de junio de 1952 y falleció el martes 21 de octubre de 2025 en su hogar.
La familia recibirá a sus amigos el jueves 30 de octubre de 2025, de 3:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m., en la Capilla de Jenkins Funeral Home.
Por favor firme el libro de visitas en...
Linda Hefner Brady
Oct 20, 2025
Linda Hefner Brady, 86, died Monday, October 20, 2025 at Hunter Hill Assisted Living. Born January 27, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Berman and Marie Hefner.
Her son, Doug Brady and his wife, Nancy of Newton; her brother, Dale Hefner and his wife, Vickie of Newton; her sister-in-law Wilda Brady of Troutman and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins...
Mark Allan Poplawski
Oct 19, 2025
Mark Poplawski passed away on October 19, 2025, born, November 17, 1951.
A proud U.S. Marine and dedicated public servant, Mr. Poplawski devoted more than thirty years to government service. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Aloysius Church and a cherished member of his community.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Tonkin Poplawski; daughters Marya DiPerna (Frank) and Elizabeth...
Debra Propst
Oct 17, 2025
Debra Diane Propst, 67, of Hickory passed away Friday, October 17, 2025 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born November 22, 1957 in Tennessee, she was the daughter of late Oliver Wiggins and the late Minnie Belle Turner.
She is survived by her brother, Raymond Wiggins; and nieces and nephews.
Her husband, Clyde Propst; daughter, Ladonna Wiggins; parents; and two brothers Jackie Wiggins...
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