We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, March 13

Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.

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Obituaries For Wednesday, March 13

Funeral services for Margaret Smith, age 85 of Cookeville, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday March 14 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Bobby Davis will officiate. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Margaret passed away Monday March 11 at NHC of Cookeville. Her family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 – 7 p.m. and again Thursday from 9 a.m. until service time.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Judy Carolyn Dillon, 77 of Livingston, will be held at 11am on Thursday, March 14 at Hall’s Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Memorial Gardens. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at the age of 77 in her home. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children. Born on July 5th, 1946, on Highland Mountain, Judy is the daughter of the late Dewey & Illa Cantrell Carr and sister to Mable Copeland, Helen Garrett and Dewell Carr who all preceded her in death. She attended Tennessee Tech University where she received Bachelor, Masters, & Educational Specialist degrees. Judy was known for her years teaching students she dearly loved, a generous heart, and unwavering strength. She touched the lives of many with her generosity and compassion. Judy married the love of her life, Aron Dillon, on November 9, 1963, and they shared 65 years of joy and companionship together including their courtship at Pleasant Valley Elementary. Their love is a source of inspiration to all who know them. As a devoted mother, Judy cherished her role in raising her children: Ginger, Eric & Sara. She instilled in them values of hard work, honesty, resilience, and love that will continue to live on through generations. She is an example to them of how to live your life for Christ. Judy found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, Forest, Wade, Nate, Luke, Sadie, Preston, Parker and Brad, whom she adored dearly. She will be missed by some very special friends: Patsy & Jimmy Cumby and Diane Mabry. In addition to her family, Judy had a passion for traveling to new places and learning new things. She found solace in reading her Bible and sharing her love for Christ with others. Her zest for life was contagious, and she always approached each day with a smile. She was a daredevil and enjoyed ziplining, scary roller coasters and high-flying obstacle courses. Judy will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory will forever live on in our hearts. Though she may no longer be with us physically, her memory will continue to guide and inspire us. Family will welcome family & friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, March 13th from 5 PM to 9 PM.

A funeral service for Betty Jo Lynn, 89, of Cookeville, will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Smith Chapel Cemetery, Cookeville. She passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center while surrounded by family. She was born on March 2, 1935 to the late John and Brina Phann in Jackson County, and was a 1952 graduate of Jackson County High School. Shortly after graduation, she married James Lynn. They were happy together for the next seventy-one years. They had two children Jerry (Tena) Lynn and Connie (Randy) Kinnaird, three grandchildren Emily (Jeff) Elliott, J.D. Lynn, and Sara (Waymond) Gardner, and one great-granddaughter Carol Lynn Elliott. She is leaving behind two sisters Sue Loftis and Katherine Hix and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Brina Phann; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Lynn; and brother, Jack Phann. Betty Jo was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, and granny who turned a house into a home that everyone loved visiting. She was a fantastic cook, seamstress, and an innovative problem solver who did everything with excellence. Most of all, she loved her family deeply and well. She was a member of Algood Church of God since its beginning in 1973. A woman of deep faith and love for her Lord, she taught Sunday School for decades and preached frequently. Known to so many as Sister Lynn, she devoted hours to study and prayer for lessons and sermons and loved her church family as her own. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, and again on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00AM at Presley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Smith Chapel Cemetery.

Funeral services for Wayne Gunther “Rambler” Muhsemann, age 66 of Clarkrange, will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarkrange Cemetery. He passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Cumberland Medical Center. Wayne is survived by his: Wife, Susan (Allred) Muhsemann; Daughter, Shanna Gunter and husband Chris “Julio;” Son, Steven “Shovel” Muhsemann and wife Kylene; Grandchildren, Lizzy, Bella and Amanda; Siblings, Vera Siems, Gretchen Metcalf, Greg Muhsemann and wife Pam; Brother-in-law, Kenny and Gail Allred; Sister-in-law, Debbie and Bob Boeck; Special Friends, Wayne “Hammer” Maddle, Jimmy “Rabbit” Gunter and Gerald “Shakey” Deck; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his: Father, Gunther “George” Muhsemann; Mother, Ethel Emmaline (Snyder) Muhsemann; Nephew, Ron “EverReady” Siems; Father and Mother-in-law, Clayton and Helen Allred; Brother-in-law, Gordon Dey; Special Friends, Frankie Hargis, Roger “Bull” Gunter and Dwayne “Duck Tape” Ramsey. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations towards funeral expenses. Donations can be left at Jennings Funeral Homes or mail to the funeral home at P.O. Box 765, Jamestown, TN 38556.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Ralph Edward Allen, known affectionately as Ralph to his friends and family, 89 of Cookeville, will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Ralph will be laid to rest with military honors at Shipley Cemetery, where he will be accorded the respect and recognition he deserves for his service to his country. He passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024, at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Born on September 23, 1934, in Jackson County, Ralph’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering integrity, love for his family, and dedication to his country. Ralph was a proud veteran of the Korean War, having served his nation with honor in the US Air Force. He continued his commitment to service in the Tennessee Army National Guard. His work ethic was unparalleled, which was evident in his lifelong dedication to farming. Ralph also spent many years as a skilled timber cutter and diesel mechanic, professions that benefited from his hardworking and meticulous nature. Family was the cornerstone of Ralph’s life. He is survived by his loving daughters, Rafetta Harvel and her husband Mike, Regina Phillips and her husband Mark, and Karen Gentry; his sons, Lowery Allen and his wife Cindy, and Roger Allen and his wife Angie, and son-in-law Tommy McNeal. Ralph’s legacy also includes twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Dewey Allen and Leora Huddleston Allen; his daughter, Patricia McNeal; his sisters, Lillian Robinson, Sue Williams, and Marie Maxwell; an infant brother; and his son-in-law, Keith Gentry. His family takes solace in knowing that he is reunited with his loved ones who have gone before him. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Funeral services for Eola (Jackson) Owens, age 74 of Jamestown, will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Mt. Carmel Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. She passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Livingston Regional Hospital. Eola is survived by her: Daughter, Marsha Dillard and husband Timothy; Son, John Owens and wife Judy; Grandson, Bocephus Beaty; Sister, Carolyn Faye Dixon; Brother-in-law, Tuck Beaty; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her: Father, Theodore Roosevelt Jackson Turner; Mother, Martha Ellen (Dodson) Jackson; Sisters, Mary Etta Beaty, Nancy Jackson; Brothers, James Edward Jackson, Paul Jackson, John Jackson; Brother-in-law, Gene Dixon; Special Friend, Troy Ivester. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Mt. Carmel Freewill Baptist Church.

A Graveside service and interment for Roy Martin Walker, 89, of Cartersville, Georgia, formerly of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00pm at Stone Seminary Cemetery in Cookeville. He went to be with his Jesus on March 10, 2024. Roy was born on March 9, 1935, in Cookeville, to Cordell and Pearl Moore Walker. Roy was a practical jokester at heart who lived a life filled with laughter and love. When just a teenager, he met the love of his life, the late Jimmie Evelyn Judd Walker. Family recalls the two meeting when Jimmie accompanied her family from Florida to Tennessee to attend a family reunion. By the end of this fateful trip, both of their lives were changed. As Jimmie and her family drove away, Roy stood waving goodbye as long as he could see the car in the distance. And, it wasn’t long before he followed her to Florida, and the two started their life together on May 16, 1954. Roy’s devotion to his family was only second to his devotion to his Jesus. A godly man, Roy loved being surrounded by family and God’s creation. He spent his life farming, gardening, birdwatching, and raising a God-fearing family. While he moved away from the mountains of his youth, his children can attest he never forgot how to drive those winding roads, and in retirement, he and Jimmie built two cabins in Cashiers, North Carolina, where he could continue to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Roy’s life and legacy will continue to be treasured by son, Keith (Dridre) of Cartersville; daughter Ronda (Eddie) of Eatonton, Georgia; sisters, Betty Grimsley of Monterey, and Mildred Judd of Cookeville, and Sister-in-Law Margaret Walker also of Cookeville; Grandchildren, Scott (Kayla) Walker of Adairsville, Shannon Johnson of Rome, Dennis (Crystal), Matthew (Kimberly) Pickel of Milledgeville, Christopher (Jessica) Pickel of St. Peter’s, Missouri, and Brian Pickel of Bessemer, Alabama; Great Grandchildren, Natalee (Matt) Sensing, Davin, Hendlee, Alexander, Abigail, Peyton, Phoenix, and Lauren Pickel; Great-Great Grandchildren, Aiden and Mason Sensing. When Jesus called Roy home, he was reunited with his parents, his sweetheart Jimmie, and his brother David.

Funeral services for Mable Grasty, age 79 of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 2 pm at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Mrs. Grasty passed away Monday, March 11, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends Thursday from 12 noon until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial services for Ms. Elizabeth Jean Anderson, age 77 of Cookeville, will be conducted 6:00pm Friday, March 15, 2024 at Locust Grove Church of Christ. She passed away February 2, 2024 at her residence. Jean was born March 8, 1946 in Cookeville, to the late Garland Virgil and Bonnie Estell Underwood Anderson. She was a retired Pepsi Bottling Company employee. She was a faithful member of a group of friends known as the “Breakfast Club” who met daily to enjoy coffee at McDonald’s. In her younger years, she loved trips to Florida with friends. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by brothers Ronnie Anderson and Robert Anderson. Jean is survived by her three brothers and their siblings Donald and Lucille Anderson of Cookeville, Gary and Kathy Anderson of Lebanon, Ricky and Sharon Anderson of Cookeville; Sister: Kathy Lamb of Monterey; Nieces: Amy and George McCready, Autumn Lamb and Lori Harris; Nephews: David and Melinda Anderson, Brent and Jan Anderson, Jason Harris. The family will receive friends after 4:00pm Friday at the church.

Funeral Services for Nicolos Juan Felipe, age 16 of Cookeville will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 10AM until 1PM at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Guatemala at a later date. Nicolos died suddenly Monday, March 11, 2024 in Cookeville. He was born May 16, 2007 in Guatemala to his parents, Miquel Juan Francisco and Fabiana Felipe Martin.

A Memorial service for Theresia Ellen Grogg, 81 of Cookeville, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. She passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born Tuesday, March 10, 1942 in Greenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Leo Goubeaux and the late Mary Beyke Goubeaux. Theresia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She raised her 5 children by herself while working and always providing for her children. She never missed one of their practices or ball games. She always nurtured her children, but was terribly scared when they got sick. Theresia loved her family, and enjoyed the gatherings during Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. She was an awesome cook, cake decorator, even making several wedding cakes. She enjoyed going to the beach and loved eating at Calabash Seafood Restaurant. She worked at Fentress Industries as a seamstress and at Russell Stover’s Candies. She enjoyed sewing, making most of her children’s clothing. She never knew a stranger. Theresia was a member of the Catholic Church and loved the Lord. Jimmy was her favorite child! Actually, her favorite was who ever was doting on her at that time. Surviving are 3 sons Eric (Betty) Grogg of GA, James “Jimmy” Grogg of Monterey, Mike (Sandra) Grogg of Hendersonville; 1 daughter Rhonda Marie Tinch of Crossville; grandchildren Melissa Miller, Justin Laster, Jameson Laster, Tyler Tinch, Erin Grogg, and Ashlyn Grogg; great-grandchildren Dawson Miller, Melyssa Grogg, Masien Shelton, Lydian Laster, Jaylee Laster, Gavin Laster, and Jacob Laster; Special friends Mary LaPeer and Debbie Klem; siblings Larry (Jeanettia) Goubeaux, Doris (Dennis) Brown, and Cecil (Diane) Goubeaux; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Theresia was preceded in death by daughter Robin Laster, siblings Joan Franks, and George Goubeaux. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.

A memorial service for Mr. James Rhea “Jim” Slatten, age 70 of Rock Island, a native of White County, will be conducted 1:00pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. He passed away Saturday morning, February 24, 2024 in the emergency room of St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville. Jim was born December 23, 1953 in Sparta, to the late William Wade and Mildred Marie Boyd Slatten, Jr. In honor of Jim’s wishes, Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation. The family will receive friends after 11:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Hunter Funeral Home.

A gathering to celebrate Robert Harshaw, 55 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, March 16th at 2:30pm at Country Inn & Suites in Cookeville. A gentle man of kindness and selflessness, he passed away on March 3, 2024, in Cookeville. Born on September 8, 1968, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Robert’s journey was one of resilience and compassion, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Raised by his grandparents in Franklin, KY, Robert attended the local high school. Despite facing a challenging upbringing and battling various disabilities, Robert’s spirit remained unbroken, and his heart, ever expansive. He proudly served for 4.5 years with the Putnam Co. Volunteer Fire Department and the Putnam County Rescue Squad. His commitment to helping others in their times of need was a testament to his character-a man who always placed the well-being of others above his own. Family was the cornerstone of Robert’s world, particularly his cherished grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Overby; sons, Raymond (Mackenzey) Brock and Michael (Becky) Reichert; and his treasured grandchildren, Evan Brock, Keydon Brock, Emma Reichert, Reigha Brock, and Micah Reichert. Robert also leaves behind a sister, Regina Hogans; cousins, Mike and Leo; an aunt, Ann Harshaw; and his best friend, Mike Hamilton, with Mike’s son Logan, whom Robert held dear as if he were his own son. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Betty Harshaw; and by grandparents, Anne Elizabeth Carter Harshaw and Vaughn George Washington Harshaw. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, who found in him an endless source of love and support.

The family of Tom Furtsch, 84 of Cookeville,, will receive friends and share stories Sunday, March 17, from 1-3 pm at Father Tom’s Pub, 32 N. Cedar, Cookeville. He passed away Friday March 8, 2024, after a brief illness. Tom was born November 2, 1939 in Roanoke, Virginia and raised in Blacksburg by his parents Catherine Jane Kline (1906-1998) and Edward Frank Furtsch (1906-1986). He graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1957 and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a BS in Chemistry. After receiving a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, Tom settled in Cookeville in 1971. He had a fulfilling career as a professor of chemistry at the Tennessee Technological University where his passion was teaching the history of science. After his retirement in 2011, he began a new adventure opening Father Tom’s Pub. Tom was energized by his daily interactions with friends and staff at the Pub. Tom enjoyed travelling with his wife, playing golf, talking about politics and current events, his many beloved pets, and listening to loud classical music. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Cynthia Furtsch Kitchen of Virginia Beach, VA. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jennifer Williams, daughters Alison Furtsch Aytes (Jonathan) of Knoxville, and Christa Furtsch Rogers (S.R.) of Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you honor Tom’s memory by donating to, or volunteering with: A.A.R.F. of Cookeville, 377 W. Jackson St#11, Cookeville, TN 38501, (aarf-tn.com), or the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501 (cookeville-tn.gov/Animal-Shelter), or any Liberal or Progressive political campaign you support, especially by being sure to vote. And finally, remember Tom by being kind to one another and enjoying the small moments with the people you love.

A Memorial Gathering for Mrs. Marcia King, age 65, of Baxter will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, between the hours of 1:00-4:00pm at The Maxwell Farm Event Venue (6464 Nash Road, Baxter, TN). Mrs. King, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, in Nashville.

Celebration of life for Patrick Omalley Basler, 73 of Jackson County, will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024 beginning at 5 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Gainesboro with Bro. Randy Heady officiating. He was born June 25, 1950 in California and he passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at his residence in Jackson County. He was the son of Paul and Penny Basler. Mr. Patrick was a business owner in the insurance industry. Survivors include his life partner Tata Henderson of Whitleyville; and sons, Jared and Matthew Basler.

Graveside services and interment for Larry Stevon Click, 85 of Cookeville, will be held Friday March 22nd at 10 am at Crest Lawn Cemetery in Cookeville. He passed away on March 4, 2024 in Knoxville. He was born in 1938 in Mt. Jackson Virginia in the beautiful rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley to the late Marlin Frederick Click and the late Mary Catherine Moomaw Click. He graduated from Triplett High School in Mt. Jackson, Virginia and enrolled at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1957. There he earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering. He also received a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964. Starting in October 1964, he served as an assistant professor (and later associate professor) and Extension Agricultural Engineer at Penn State. In March 1971, he joined the Tennessee Tech University faculty as an associate professor of Agricultural Engineering where he served in varying capacities including serving as the department Chairman from 1976 until the fall of 1980 when he stepped down to focus on what he enjoyed most, advising and teaching students. He loved challenging his students to bring out their best. His students often commented that he was tough but fair. He continued teaching full time until May 2004 when he retired. He was honored with numerous teaching awards at the department, university and regional/national levels. In 1986, he received the Delta Tau Alpha National Outstanding Teacher/Advisor Award. In 1981 he was given the NACTA Teacher Fellow and Regional Outstanding Teacher Award, and in 2002, he was honored with the NACTA John Deere Award for the Southern Region. He also received numerous awards from students including the 1983 School of Agriculture Students’ Choice Award and the 1987-88, 1989-90, 1993-94, and 1997-98 School of Agriculture “Student Selected” Outstanding Faculty Award. He truly loved having the opportunity to teach and advise students. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Aliene Bowles Click. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Click Ard and Derek Ard of Knoxville, his son and daughter-in-law Dr. Steven Click and Cheryl Saylor Click of Cookeville, and his four grandchildren, Brice and Alyssa Ard and Rachel and Zoe Click. His family will receive friends Thursday March 21st from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. The public is invited. Memorial donations may be made to the Larry S. Click Endowed Agriculture scholarship fund c/o Tennessee Tech University, University Advancement, Larry S Click Endowed Agricultural Scholarship, PO Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505, 931-372-3206. Make checks payable to TTU Foundation and include “Larry S Click Scholarship (in Memorial)” in the note.

A memorial service for Mrs. Myrna Alane Barlow Hight, age 81 of Sparta, will be conducted at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Cummingsville United Methodist Church. Al Schieber will officiate. She passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at NHC of Sparta. Myrna was born on Valentine’s Day 1943 in the Hickory Valley Community of White County to the late Martin Hubert and Eunice Gamble Barlow, I. She was a former farmer and retired from J.C. Penney’s. She enjoyed working in her flowers and gardening. She loved reading and cooking for her family but most of all she loved being Grannie. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband Bob Hight and daughter-in-law Connie White. Survivors include her son Jeffery White of Ringold, GA; Daughter: Jennifer Butler of Sparta; Grandchildren: Justin (Kelly) White, Robert Butler and Julia Maynard, Jordan White and Caylee (Zackery) Frisbee; Great-grandchildren: Jaxson Butler, Reagan Butler, Remmi Butler, Rylan Butler, Casyn Frisbee and Sawyer Frisbee; Brother: Martin Barlow. There will no visitation prior to the service.