Obituaries

Ardell (Troester) Dietzler

Ardell (Troester) Dietzler, 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was born in Guttenberg, Iowa, on Jan. 30, 1939, to the late Emil and Ruth Troester and grew up in Clayton County, Iowa. She loved to read, cook, quilt, sew, knit and crochet. Ardell met her husband, William (Bill), at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After graduating college, Ardell enjoyed teaching students in kindergarten through 12th grade (plus Sunday school classrooms) in Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Tennessee. She was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church. Ardell was an active member of American Association of University Women (AAUW), Red Hat Society, Bible study groups and many book clubs. She was an avid bridge player and always cherished dancing with her husband. Ardell was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and liked attending their activities and events. Ardell is survived by her three daughters, Christine Dietzler of Alpharetta, Georgia, Lori Dietzler (Kate Jones) of Atlanta and Jill Hardison (Derrick) of Roswell, Georgia; grandchildren, Jessica Howard (Caleb), Emily and Sarah Hughes, Joseph and Ella Hardison and Aaron Jones; great-grandchildren, Penelope and Pauline Howard; sisters, Betty Schwietert and Lorna Troester, both of Clayton County. Ardell was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill. The family would like to thank neighbors, friends and family for their tireless efforts in caring for her. A Celebration of Life Service will be held starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Faith Lutheran Church, 225 Jamestowne Blvd. in Farragut, Tennessee. The family will receive visitors following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ardell’s name to Faith Lutheran Church.

Michael Francis Cain

Michael Francis Cain, 78, of Farragut, Tennessee, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather whose passion, warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Born on Nov. 3, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Michael grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, where he developed a love for sports, playing hockey, baseball and high school football. He graduated from Fordson High School in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was in his high school homeroom where he met the love of his life, Martha, whom he married 61 years ago and shared a remarkable 65 years of companionship. Michael and Martha raised two children, Karen and Alex, instilling in them values of compassion, integrity and resilience. The family cherished summer vacations, traveling to beaches and historical sites across the country. Michael especially treasured time spent with his extensive family of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Michael dedicated 32 years to the Pontiac Division of General Motors, serving in roles such as District manager, Regional Fleet manager, Dealer Development manager and director of Motorsports. Michael and Martha were able to travel to many exciting locations around the world, compliments of General Motors. His love for motorsports was unparalleled, particularly his devotion to IndyCar and NASCAR. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Michael attended 68 Indianapolis 500 races starting in 1952, a passion he passed on to his son, Alex, with whom he shared 48 of those races. During his career, he forged friendships with racing legends Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Rusty Wallace and Roger Penske. Michael was a long-time supporter of the Farragut Admirals football program. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; their children, Karen Harmon (Jeff) and Alex Cain; grandchildren, Cherylann, Isabella, April and Anthony (Ashley); great-grandchildren, Oliver, Winston, Theodore, Felyx and Zoey; “great” uncles, Phillip Shashko and Ray “Teet” Stinnett; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Eva Chaushoff Cain; his brother, Thomas Cain; and many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins. Receiving of Family and Friends will be held at First Baptist Concord in Farragut beginning at 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with a service to follow at 7 p.m. Burial service will be at Benton Memorial Gardens in Benton, Tennessee, at 12 p.m., Friday June 20. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter or to Alzheimer’s-Dementia Research Program. A future celebration of life will be held in his hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, with the date still to be determined. Michael’s legacy of love, enthusiasm for life and devotion to family and friends will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends and community.

Lillian Ruth Hughes

Lillian Ruth Hughes, age 90, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2025. She was a member of Parkway Baptist Church. Lillian worked for Morton and Sweetser, Architects, for 24 years and then went on to work for TVA Public Safety Services for 10 years before retiring. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Headrick; husband, James M. Hughes; parents, Carl Olin and Etta Elrod; brothers, James T. Elrod, Olin D. Elrod, Richard Elrod and Robert G. Elrod; and sisters, Edna Johnson and Lola Broyles. She is survived by her stepchildren, Jimmy and Sandi Hughes of Maryville and Lisa and Todd Lawson of Lenoir City; step-grandchildren, Matthew Hughes of Maryville and Adam Hughes of Louisville; step-great-grandchild, Mason Hughes; brother, Jack W. Elrod of Knoxville; and special friends, Lisa, Bob and Robby Stinson, all of Knoxville. Family and friends paid their respects from 9 am to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 12, at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann. Family and friends gathered at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m., Friday, June 13, for a graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.rosefuneraltn.com

Joseph David Chalmers

Joseph David Chalmers, born Oct. 26, 1938, had a saying that applied far beyond a golf course: “keep it in the fairway!” Joe, who passed away April 23, 2025, will always be remembered for love of his family and the game of golf. Joe made Knoxville his home, but he learned to play golf on the other side of the world. His father was a diplomat who traveled the world with his family in tow. Golf set its hooks into him at an early age, and he was powerless to do anything but go along for the ride. Joe gave Tennessee amateur golf one of its most beloved tournaments, the Four-Ball, and ran it for more than 40 years. He championed the creation of the Senior Four-Ball, served two terms as president of Tennessee Golf Association and was an associate director of Southern Golf Association. He was a former board member at both Fox Den and Holston Hills country clubs, where he had been a member for more than 40 years and a multiple-time club champ. Now he plays the golden course in Heaven, surrounded by old friends and endless fairways. Joe was a retired commercial realtor holding a CCIM designation, was a Navy veteran and once named one of Knoxville’s Best Dressed Men. His passion for gardening, especially roses and orchids, brought him joy. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rita (Douglas) Chalmers, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma (1993); his son, Scott; and his brother, Jimmy. He also is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Robert Torbett; grandchildren, Kristin and Scott Torbett; and six great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Robbin, Russell and Jason Douglas; and sister-in-law, Becki Chalmers. He also leaves behind his adopted family: Tom and Laura Martin and his special gifts: Abby Rose (Yates), Caroline (Settje) and Erica (Shreve) Douglas. His strong and guiding hand will always be with us when we face life’s decisions. A special thanks to Dr. John Showalter, Tara Carroll, Margaret Keele and all the staff at Covenant Therapy and NHC Farragut. Big Joe, we will miss you so much. A private service for family and close friends begins at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at Veterans Cemetery Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. In lieu of flowers, Joe requested a donation to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation, to assist disabled servicemen and firefighters; or Tennessee Golf Foundation, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069

Donna Jean (Jewett) Hawn

Donna Jean (Jewett) Hawn, age 90 of Farragut, passed away Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. Donna was born in Juneau, Alaska, to the late Leo Julius and Helen Agnes (Laurie) Jewett. She worked for a short stint in the travel industry as a bookkeeper; however most of her life was dedicated to her husband, children and volunteer work. Donna was a proud member of the Farragut community and dedicated many hours to serving as a docent with Farragut Folklore Museum. She also was a longtime member of Philanthropic Educational Organization, a national organization where women motivate women. In her spare time she enjoyed working in crafts and needlework. She also enjoyed a good puzzle book. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde L. Hawn; her son, Kevin Hawn; and her sister, Marilyn Olsen. Mrs. Hawn is survived by her devoted children, Shannon (Robert) Coats of Kent, Washington, and Keith Hawn of Farragut; grandchildren, Imara, Khalil and Malik; and brother, Robert (Jeannie) Jewett of Silverton, Oregon. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Philanthropic Educational Organization online at https://www.peointernational.org/. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, in Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike in Farragut. To leave online condolences: www.clickfh.com

William “Skylar” Coffield

William “Skylar” Coffield, age 36, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, cast off his broken and limited earthly body and became the glorified version of himself — limitless and perfect. He is now in Glory where all things are made new. His family was at his side as he made the transition on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Fort Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City. He was born in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on Aug. 24, 1988, the son of Dr. James L. Coffield and Mona (Holloway) Coffield, who both survive him. Skylar lived in Dayton, Tennessee; Powell, Tennessee; Casselberry, Florida; and most recently in Lenoir City. He was a graduate of Winter Springs High School in Winter Springs, Florida. He loved and lived a big story, changing the lives of those who experienced his captivating soul. It proved to be difficult to live as a non-typical dreamer in this broken world. He was an autistic theologian who taught others about God and themselves. He was a member of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church in Farragut, Tennessee. Skylar is survived by his parents, Dr. Jim and Mona Coffield of Lenoir City; his brother, Pearce (Brelyn) Coffield of Lenoir City; his sister, Kim (Noah) Neagles of Knoxville, Tennessee; his aunt, Luana Holloway of Franklin, Kentucky; his uncle, Mike (Sherry) Coffield of Maryville; and his nephews, Cedar, Rowan and Zay. The family will receive friends in Dayton beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at Vanderwall Funeral Home. A graveside service at Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton will follow at 5 p.m., with the Rev. Seth Hammond, the Rev. Andrew Baughman and the Rev. Michael Palmer officiating, followed by a white dove release. A Celebration of Life for Skylar will be held at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, with visitation with the family one hour before the service. Please share your memories and photos of Skylar on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com. The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton. Skylar did not enjoy flowers, so in lieu of flowers please make generous contributions to one of the following organizations in his name: Joni & Friends of Knoxville or ACE ministries at Christ Covenant Church in Farragut.

Barbara Frances Schweitzer

Barbara Frances Schweitzer, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at the age of 83, following complications from Parkinson’s Disease. She was born on March 10, 1942, to Charles and Ruth Smith (Sauer) and grew up in Elgin, Illinois. She moved to Milwaukee in the early 1960s, where she spent most of her life until retiring to Knoxville in 2000. Barb worked as a budget planner at Bucyrus Erie from the mid-’60s until the late ’90s, but devoted her life to being a loving and engaged wife, mother and grandmother. She spent her early adult years enjoying life with friends playing in tavern softball and bowling leagues, and later developed a love for golf with her husband, Roy. A diehard Green Bay Packers fan, she often could be found with a green Packer-Backer drink in hand during football season. Barb and Roy loved traveling with friends to various casinos throughout the South and Midwest, and a quick trip to Cherokee was always on the calendar. Barb and her daughter enjoyed countless shopping trips to any mall within driving distance. She spent her later years playing in several ladies’ golf leagues, forming lasting and unbreakable friendships. She was the life of any party, and her contagious smile and laughter and infectious spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Barb is survived by her devoted husband, Elroy (Roy) Schweitzer; daughter, Danielle (Schweitzer) Lawrence; son-in-law, Kyle Lawrence; grandchildren, Lillian and Hudson Lawrence; as well as other loving family and friends. Arrangements will be made in the coming weeks, but the funeral will take place at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Lenoir City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Green Bay Packers Foundation.

Dr. Dava Headden Shoffner

Dr. Dava Headden Shoffner, devoted wife, mother and esteemed nursing professional, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 24, 2025, at the age of 84, with her husband of 63 years, Marty, by her side. Born on Oct. 3, 1940, in Trimble, Tennessee, Dava was the daughter of David P. and Lucille Headden. She married Martin L. Shoffner in 1962, and together they raised their three children in Farragut, Tennessee. Dava’s nursing career spanned decades, beginning with earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Memphis State University in 1962, her Master’s of Science degree in nursing in 1981 and her doctoral degree in 1988 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She taught at the UTK College of Nursing, specializing in women’s health for many years. As a clinician and educator, she inspired countless students and patients with her compassion and dedication. Dava also served in leadership roles with the Tennessee Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association, advocating for underserved communities and expanding access to care. Dava is survived by her husband, Marty; son, Mark; daughter, Anne; brother, Bert Headden; and grandchildren, Grace, Lucas and Colin. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott. Receiving of friends will be held from noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, followed by a service. Donations may be made to the Interfaith Health Clinic, UT Nursing Building Campaign or the Nature Conservancy.