Clara “Cissy” Williams, 75, of Hayesville passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was born in Alexandria, Indiana and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cissy later met her future husband in Indianapolis, whom she was happily married to for 53 years. She worked throughout her life as a jewelry and costume designer. She worked locally with the Licklog Players and the Peacock Playhouse. She was a mother and caregiver to her two sons and many other family members. Cissy moved to Clay County in 1992.

She was the daughter of the late Relfe and Clara Haney Woodruff and the wife of the late Rea Colfax Williams Jr., who died November 5, 2016. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Christopher and Gregory Williams; and two brothers, J.B. and Garland Woodruff.

Surviving are a son, Geoffrey Williams of Hayesville; a sister, Sandra Moore of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a few nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Gene Ponkauskas, 79, of Hayesville passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Joliet, Illinois. Gene served in the United States Air Force. He met his wife, Myrna, in California in 1972 and married December 31, 1975. He enjoyed playing golf and kept busy with woodworking and many projects around the house. Gene enjoyed rescuing Dobermans and giving them a good life.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Lucille Schwab Ponkauskas. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Mike Ponkauskas.

Surviving are his loving wife of almost 45 years, Myrna; two daughters, Melissa Ruille and husband, Joseph of Hemet, California and Cindy Martinez of Corona, California; six sisters, Rosemary, Genny, Beverly, Stella, Pamela, and Joanne; a brother, Richard; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Gene Ponkauskas to any local animal rescue organization.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Jackson “Jack” Wood Jr., 67, of Marble passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Nantahala, where he had lived most of his life. Jack worked in tunnel construction for W.L. Hailey & Company. He later went on to become a machinist with OMC.

He was the son of the late Ralph Jackson Sr. and Evelyn Morgan Wood and the husband of the late Mary Plumer Wood. He was also preceded in death by a son, Daniel Jeremy Wood, who died March 10, 2006.

Surviving are a son, Jason K. Wood and wife, Christy of Nantahala; and a brother, Bart Wood and wife, Lora of Nantahala.

No services are planned at this time.

An inurnment will take place at Aquone Community Cemetery at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Addison Matthew Wareham, 92, of Placida, Florida passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Venice Regional Bayfront Health.

He was born on March 2, 1927 in Lake Linden, Michigan.

Mr. Wareham served in the US Navy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion.

He was known as “Mr. Fix-It” and could design anything as well, including a two-story home in the mountains of North Carolina. He had a special ability to make people laugh. Singing in the Church Choir and in a mixed chorus known as ENCORE were favorite activities.

He was ultra conservative, yet he contributed anonymously to many philanthropic causes.

He was the son of the late Raymond and Esther Wareham. He was also preceded in death by a son, Greg.

He is survived by his partner of 9+ years, Virginia “Toni” D. Samsel; his daughter, Marcia Stockard; and three grandchildren.

Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 in the Rowland Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Marble.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, PO Box 495126, Port Charlotte, FL 33949.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of local arrangements.

Joyce Allen, 87, of Murphy passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, where she worked for Community Bank for 29 years before moving to Florida. She then worked at Bank of America for 14 years before retiring to Murphy in 1995. Joyce was a dedicated animal lover and supported local animal rescue organizations and also rescued many animals herself. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed cooking.

She was the daughter of the late George Lyman and Evelyn Harper Alcorn and the wife of the late Howard Ulma Allen, who died July 31, 2001.

Surviving are a brother, Gehrig A. Alcorn and wife, Robyn of Colorado; and several special nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Joyce Allen to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906 or Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 US Highway 64 West, Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Lamont (Monty) Johnson, 62 of Murphy passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019 following an extended battle with cancer.  Monty was a native of Warren, Michigan, born in Detroit.  He was a Vietnam veteran having proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.  Monty was a U. S. Merchant Marine Officer and for over 25 years, worked on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers as well as the inter-coastal waterways as a tugboat captain.  He held a 1600 ton ocean going license but preferred the inland waterways for their scenic beauty.  Prior to deciding upon his career on the waterways, Monty sampled various careers that involved traveling; truck driving, limo driving, and car transport.  Detroit was in his blood.  He was also a master carpenter (but kept this to himself so he did not get recruited by friends and neighbors.)

Survivors include his wife, friend and companion of 30 years Melody Ann Bond-Johnson of Murphy; his mother Reba Henry and brother Kim Johnson both of Las Vegas.  He is also leaving behind his four legged buddies; Rita, Ruby, Munchkin, Spray and Tuks.  He was preceded in death by his father, Wilmont Johnson of Michigan; his first wife Donna Chupa and his younger brother, Duane Johnson; both of Detroit.

Monty lived an amazing life; enjoying every opportunity and his adventures to the fullest.  He never met anyone who remained a stranger for long with his big smile, hearty laugh and generous heart.  Heaven has a new captain; keeping St. Peter busy laughing and supervising those who will listen at the Pearly Gates.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for two locations; Murphy, North Carolina and Sarasota, Florida.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lamont Johnson to his favorite local animal charity, Valley River Humane Society, P.O.Box 658, Murphy, NC, 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy is in charge of arrangements.

Doris Elaine Magruder, age 76 of Mineral Bluff, GA passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.

She was born in Cherokee County, NC to the late William and Lelia Brown Raper. Doris was a bookkeeper. She loved to garden and take care of her flowers. Doris also loved interior decorating.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Magruder; one son, Troy Williams; one daughter, Mina Ryan; one brother, Joe Rafier; two sisters, Barbara Porteus and Darlene Ball; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 pm, Friday, July 12, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Keith Mashburn will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 10 am – 12 pm, Friday, July 12, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral

Travis Gene McGrady, age 41 of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at his residence.

He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Robert and Linda McGrady.

He is survived by his companion, Athena Cook of 13 years; one son, Robert Helton; one stepson; four daughters; three brothers, Mickey, Jason, and Shawn McGrady; one sister, Robin Whitener; and many beloved family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 on Tuesday, July 16 at Little Brasstown Baptist Church. The Memorial Service will be held at 6:00pm. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick Leroy Foland, age 78 of Hayesville, NC passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Dayton, Ohio to the late Frederick O. and Lula Mae Roberts Foland. He was an Army veteran. He was a long time meat manager at Kroger while he lived in Ohio and at Publix while living in Florida. He loved fast cars, loved to grill, and loved to joke.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 35 years, Marjorie Foland, who he greatly missed; and his sister, Georgia Ann Parsons.

He is survived by his two sisters, Sharon Lee Smith and Barbara Ellen Foland; special nieces, Ashley Nishimura and husband Toshiya, Taylor Burns and husband Ty, and Tami Baughman and husband Buzz; and many other nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.