All Obituaries

Harold "Jerry" Ballenger, 86 of Lincolnton passed away on September 18, 2023 at Charlotte Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Jerry was born on November, 18, 1936 to the late Anne Reep and James Smiley Ballenger in Broward County, Florida.  He was a proud farmer who saw himself as a horse-loving cowboy too.  Jerry loved his family and always enjoyed spending time with them.  He was a proud veteran who served in both the U.S. Army and the National Guard. Jerry...

Tony Matthew Smith, 51, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023.  His family and all who knew him are deeply saddened by his sudden death. Tony loved to be outdoors and would wear shorts with a bright orange T-shirt year-round, even with snow on the ground.  When he wasn't spending time camping with his family in Myrtle Beach, he was searching for a new waterfall to take the family hiking to see.  Tony never met a stranger and was always willing to help...

Earnest Forney Lail, 87 of Vale, passed away on August 21, 2023 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC.  Earnest was born on August 18, 1936 in Cleveland County, NC. to the late Manley Roosevelt and Hessie Lail.  He was retired from Bosch (formerly Vermont-American) of Lincolnton.  Earnest enjoyed fixing cars and trucks.  He loved working in his shop building.  Earnest enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Earnest is survived by his...

Selma Mary McNeely Carter, 89 of Lincolnton, passed away on June 28, 2023 at her residence.  Selma was born on October 5, 1933 to the late Arther and Everlena Hastings McNeely in Cleveland County, NC.  Selma started out in the restaurant business at the age of 15.  She was a fixture and well known in Lincolnton's restaurant community.  Selma worked at Ramseur's and the Lincoln House restaurants during her early years.  She became a restaurant owner in...

     James Edward Hovis, Sr., 90 of Lincolnton passed away at his residence on May 13, 2023.  James was born on February 3, 1933 in Lincoln County to the late Waverly Jonas and Gladys Mamie Saine Hovis.  He was a proud veteran that served in the U.S. Navy.  After his service, he entered into the teaching profession.  James retired as principal of Asbury Elementary School.  He was a dedicated member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.    ...

Zora Ida Ledford Ballenger, 87 of Lincolnton passed away on April 7, 2023 at her residence.  Ida was born on April 29, 1935 to the late J.C. and Lillie Fortenberry Ledford in Lincoln County.  She worked as an accountant and bookkeeper for NAPA Auto Parts.  NAPA was known as Genuine Parts Co. originally.  Ida worked at their Charlotte office for 44 years before she retired.  She was a devoted member of Messiah United Methodist Church.  Ida loved to go to City...

     Edgar Roberto Puente Sandoval, 48 of Gastonia passed away at Atrium-Pineville on December 25, 2022.  Edgar was born on November 05, 1974 to the late Maria de Jesus Virginia Sandoval Pineda and Roberto Arturo Puente Gascon in Mexico City, Mexico.  In addition to his parents, Edgar was preceded in death by one brother, Ignacio Ruben Puente Sandoval.      Edgar is survived by four brothers and sisters; Veronica Escorcia Puente, Vanessa Puente...

Larry Dean Schronce, 80 of Lincolnton passed away at his residence on October 13, 2022.  Larry was born on September 4, 1942 in Lincoln County, NC to the late Ruby Ann Schronce and Richard Bachman.  He was known by many as “L.D.”.  Larry worked at Mohican Mills in the dye house for many years until he retired.  He was a devoted member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Hickory.   In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by two...

Dorothy Rose Alexander Keever, 95 of Lincolnton passed away on September 19, 2022 at Atrium - Lincoln.  Dorothy was born on February 25, 1927 in Gaston County, NC to the late Julius Pender and Hattie Estes Costner Alexander.  She was employed for many years as a bus driver for the school system.  Dorothy was a devoted member of Landers Chapel UMC.  She loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband,...

 Mr. Henry Elliott Loftin, age 89, of Vale, NC and formerly of Lincolnton, died Thursday, September 8, 2022.        The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm at Amity Baptist Church, 881 Amity Church Rd, Denver NC.  The funeral service will be held at Amity Baptist, Monday at 3:00 pm, with Son-in-law, Pastor Scott Whitesides and Rev. Robert Hill officiating.   Burial will be at Crouse Baptist...