Obituaries
Edwina Jane Woodruff
November 23, 2017
Edwina Jane Woodruff of Knoxville, TN, passed away at home on Friday November 10, 2017, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born November 25, 1933, she passed just shy of her 84th birthday. Edwina was born in Wichita, Kansas, and was a long-time resident of Lakewood, California before retiring from McDonald Douglas Aircraft and relocating to Knoxville, TN in 1997. Edwina worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft for nearly 26 years where she served as a Senior Military Buyer. One of her fondest memories was having the privilege of being a VIP guest on the maiden flight of the KC-10 Inflight Refueling Mission in the mid-’80’s. Edwina, who was known as “Ed” to family and friends, was known for her wit and wisdom. She was a lover of dogs and spent her last years with her companion “Cassie,” who was a rescue dog. She is survived by four sons, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and will be laid to rest with her husband, Teddy Jack Woodruff, at a date and time to be determined. She will be deeply missed by those who cared about her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of the TN Valley located at 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or online at www.humanesocietytennessee.com.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. Contacts are 865-6WE-CARE [693-2273] and www.cremationoptionsinc.com
Bobbie Jeanne “Kitty” Catlett Peck, 87, of Knoxville, Tennessee,
August 10, 2017
formerly of Jefferson City, Tennessee, walked home with Jesus on August 2, 2017 from Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (or according to Kitty, “The Presbyterian Hospital”), surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Kitty is preceded in death by her mother, Robbye B. Catlett, and her father, Charles A. Catlett of Jefferson City, Tennessee. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Betty Catlett; son and daughter-in-law, Hank and Debbie Peck; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jack Mooney; daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and Matt Hill; son, John Peck; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Katie and Jack Little; grandson, James Peck; granddaughters, Chelsea and Alexandra Hill; nephews, Chuck and Ben Catlett; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
All who knew Kitty know that she loved with her whole heart. She encouraged others with her kind and gentle spirit, never failed to put others first, was tenacious in seeking God, remained constant in finding the good, and fought hard for those she loved and the values she held dear.
Kitty was a proud alumna and loyal supporter of Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City. In Knoxville, she was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden since 1959, where she gleefully served as longtime deacon, youth leader, Sunday school teacher and choir singer extraordinaire.
She beautified Knoxville through her active membership in The Deane Hill Garden Club, cared deeply for others through her volunteer efforts with Mobile Meals and was active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.
Her tinkling laugh sparkling the lives of those around her, Kitty enjoyed gathering for breakfast with her friends, sitting on her front porch (rain or shine) and gardening; she delighted in making beautiful things, cooking and brightening the world through music. She loved a good cup of black coffee, taking a walk with her cocker spaniel and exploring new places. Kitty also loved the little things, like a well-set table, a proper manicure before Sunday church, good hair days and laughing with her family.
Among all she did and all she accomplished throughout her lifetime, Kitty was most proud of the family and friends she held close to her heart. Gathering with those dearest to her, sharing meals, adventures and laughter – finding joy in community, companionship and service, she radiated light to all who knew her.
Kitty’s family received friends at Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville Sunday, August 6 at 3 p.m. The receiving of friends was followed by a celebration of Kitty’s life at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Kitty’s memory, contributions can be made to the D’Armond Fund at Carson-Newman University or to Comcare of Greeneville, Tennessee, an agency that serves individuals with developmental delays.
Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com
Joseph George Bendoraitis,
February 8, 2017
age 87, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017, surrounded by loved ones in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1929, to parents, George Matthew and Della (Adele) Bendoraitis. A child of Lithuanian immigrants, he cherished the opportunities that his parents and his country provided him.
As a chemist for Mobil Oil for 41 years, Dr. J.G. Bendoraitis was a pioneer in the development of synthetic motor oil for ExxonMobil in Paulsboro, New Jersey. A member of the American Chemical Society, he authored many scientific papers and is named on numerous patents. Joseph earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Temple University, a Master of Science from Lehigh University, and a Bachelor of Science from Wilkes College.
He is survived by his sister, Ann Marie Shallow of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A model uncle, Joe was devoted to his nieces and nephews: Liz Stowers and husband, Wes; Tom Shallow and wife, Karen; Patrice Shallow; John Shallow and wife, Anne; James Shallow and wife, Carol; Jerome Shallow; and Joel Shallow and wife, Natalie.
Uncle Joe’s legacy will endure through his grandnieces and grandnephews: Lisa Stowers Rottmann and husband, Ed; Rachel Stowers Kinney and husband, Marc; Nicholas Shallow, Molly Shallow, Andie Shallow, Bendor Shallow, and Samuel Shallow.
Memorial gifts may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral to help complete the new cathedral’s Saint Joseph’s Chapel or to the Helen Ross McNabb Center.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 South Northshore Drive. Funeral Mass will follow immediately at 6 p.m.
He will be buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, during a private ceremony on Monday, February 13, 2017.
Harold E. Rider,
January 18, 2017
age 74, of Knoxville, passed away on January 13, 2017, at Parkwest Medical Center. Harold was a Program Manager at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, a division of Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, TN. Prior to that Mr. Rider worked for West Building Materials in Atlanta, GA. for several years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott, his mother, Jewel, his father William, and his oldest brother, Frank Rider. Harold is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan; children David, Don and his wife, Teresa, and Jimmy Rider; grandchildren Justin and Christian; brother, John and wife Faye, sister-in-law Barbara; several nieces and nephews; and many loving friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with family receiving friends afterwards.
Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Rider family: www.clickfh.com
Gregory Kenton Maples, Jr.
January 11, 2017
age 58, of Union, KY, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016 at his residence following an illness. He was the owner of A.A. Demolition, a member of the home builder association and the Better Business Bureau. Greg was also awarded 2015 demolition contractor of the year. His father, Gregory Kenton Maples, Sr., preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Bays Maples; and sisters, Laura Madge Maples and Elizabeth Frances Maples. Services for Greg will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 645 Saint John Court, Knoxville, TN 37934. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to St. John Neumann Church Choir.
SHEEHAN IV, Thomas Joseph,
November 22, 2016
known lovingly to his family and friends as Tommy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, 13 November 2016 in Knoxville, TN. He was 39 years old; the son of Tom and Fournet Sheehan. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1996 and went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University, later transferring to Roane State Community College where he graduated with a degree in Health Sciences. Tommy is survived by his loving parents, Tom and Fournet Sheehan residing in Knoxville, TN. His sister, Jessica, brother in law, John, as well as their children, Kate and Jack, residing in Co. Cork, Ireland. Tommy leaves his maternal Grandmother, Joan Lowther of Ft. Wayne, IN, Aunt Jana and Uncle Jim LaBorde and their children, Allison and Tyler of Ft. Wayne, IN; Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Charlie Frederick of Fairfield, PA; Cousin Ben Heslin, his wife Ali and their daughter Maggie, Raleigh, NC; Cousin Katy Pagan, her husband Pablo and their 3 children of Hagerstown, MD. Uncle Wallace and Aunt Cathy Storch and their children from Manheim, PA; Uncle Douglas Michael Storch of Ft. Wayne, IN as well as many other loving Cousins and friends. Tommy is preceded in death by his paternal Grandpar-ents, Thomas J. Sheehan Jr and Margaret Sheehan formerly of Lititiz, PA; maternal Great-Grand-parents, John N. Shores and his wife Ruth Lord Shores of Cambridge, MD and niece Peyton Jane O’Callaghan of Co. Cork Ireland. Tommy’s laughter, sense of humor, light heartedness and love shone through him every single day. He was passionate about learning; an avid reader, and an ardent astrologist. Despite the struggles he endured through-out his life, the light from Tommy’s soul, along with his fantastic sense of humor, loving spirit and caring nature will always be remembered by those that were fortunate enough to know him and love him. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma So-ciety (https://www.lls.org/). There is a Celebration of Life service planned for Spring, 2017. Ar-rangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com
• FOSTER, Kenneth Roger,
August 31, 2016
76, of Knoxville, died August 25, 2016, at his home in Farragut. Mr. Foster was born January 2, 1940, in Whitley City, Kentucky, to Corbett and Nora (King) Foster. He received a Doctorate of Math Education from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and was a Professor of Mathematics at both the College and High School levels. After teaching, he spent nearly 40 years as an Executive in the Coal and Natural Gas industries. He served as Executive Vice President for The Coal Creek Company and after retirement, served on the company’s Board of Directors. He enjoyed bowling and playing golf with his friends and family. He enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Wilda Foster of Knox-ville; sons Kenneth Roger II and Kyle Russell and their spouses; and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Corbett Foster and mother, Nora Foster. He will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, www.knoxrmhc.org A reception will be held on Sunday, September, 11th from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Milestones Event Center next door to the Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike. www.clickfh.com
OVERBEY, Mrs. Barbara Current
August 17, 2016
86, of Statesville, N.C., passed away, Aug. 8, 2016, at Iredell Me-morial Hos-pital. Mrs. Overbey was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Statesville. She and was the daughter of the late Dr. Wil-liam Clyde Current and Ruth Wade MacDonald Current. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Raleigh, N.C., and Stratford College in Danville, Va. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church and was married to the late Daniel A. Overbey III, who passed away Oct. 12, 1992. She lived much of her life in Dur-ham, N.C., where she worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Alex Jones Interiors and Duke University Hospital, where she retired. Twenty years ago she moved back to Statesville, where she renewed many longtime friendships and made ma-ny more. She was an avid Bridge player and played with several Bridge groups. She was a member of a very special group of women who met on Friday nights called the “Grannies.” She was a member of the Wo-men’s Civic Club of Statesville, was a PTA mother, Girl Scout leader, Church Circle leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham. She is survived by her sister, Ruth “Sissie” Davis Current Dodd; her son, John William “Bill” Overbey (Deborah); two daughters, Re-becca Wade Overbey and Susan Current Overbey Davidson (Marty); six grandchildren, Ashley O Gordon (Tyler), John W. Overbey Jr., David Rosa-rio, Grace Ro-sario, Stephanie D. Welch (Jack) and Christopher J. Davidson; three great grandchildren with two more expected next month; one brother-in-law, James “Jim” Milner Overbey; and three nieces and one nephew. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Ruth Davis Current and two sisters, Mary Anne Current Hocutt and Billie Rose Current Mills. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church of States-ville. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville. The family visited with friends Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Statesville youth groups and online condolences may be sent to the family www.nicholsonfunerals.com/ Nicholson Funeral Home of Statesville is serving the family.
