Elizabeth Sholl Purdy
March 9, 1970 ~ August 29, 2015
Rolesville
Elizabeth Anne “Beth” Sholl Purdy of Rolesville, passed from this life on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Beth is the beloved mother of Logan James (10) and Sophia Rose (8), dear wife of William James Purdy, cherished daughter of Dale and Rosemarie Sholl, all of Rolesville, niece of Joanne Higgins, Raleigh, and loving friend to all who knew her.
She will be remembered for the glow of her wonderful smile, the depth of her friendships, the sunshine of her positive spirit, and the wit and intelligence of her keen mind. She possessed the remarkable gifts of joy, laughter, humor, and strength.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Centerville, Ohio, where her spirit and musicality led her to be drum major of her high school band for two years. Beth graduated from Vanderbilt University, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and manager of the men’s lacrosse team. She earned her graduate degree in Information Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She was employed by the University of Michigan and later by DPI in Raleigh. Colleagues from both institutions remember her for the drive and ability she demonstrated in her work, her smile, her sense of humor, and the strong support she offered them.
Her favorite role was being mom to Logan and Sophia. She always had time to sing a song in the car, dance a dance in the kitchen, play the latest game, or simply snuggle with them and be happy. Hers was the home with toys on the driveway and kids from the neighborhood always welcome to play and laugh.
Her avid interests were music, history, books, politics, and mind challenges of all kinds.
In addition to Beth’s Raleigh family and friends, she leaves her uncle, John W. Simione, wife, Zandra, of Columbus, Ohio; and cousins, Amy Happ and children, Columbus, Ohio, Kevin Higgins, wife, Angie, Evansville, Indiana, and Kate Higgins, Asheville.
A celebration of Beth’s life will be shared at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of the Neuse, Raleigh, at 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Please join us to remember Beth’s life, joyfully lived. Donations in Beth’s memory may be made to Transitions LifeCare.
We all are made of stars; Beth’s stars shone brilliant and strong. Sing your joyful song, dearest Beth.
A service of Bright Funeral & Cremation Center, Wake Forest, NC (919-556-5811)
Gertrude Hall Wright
Raleigh
Gertrude Hall Wright, 80, of Raleigh died Saturday, August 29, 2015, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. She was born in Wake County to the late Robert William Rogers and Gertrude Watkins Rogers.
Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2015, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Barham officiating. Entombment was at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Wright is survived by her daughter, Angelia Wright of Raleigh; sons, Danny Charles Wright of Raleigh, Preston Wade Wright and wife, Michelle, of Louisburg, Matthew Douglas Wright and wife, Amy, of Raleigh; grandchildren, Nick Lamm and wife, Christy, of St. Augustine, Florida, Brandon Meeks and Jonathon Meeks, both of Creedmoor, Garrett Wright of Louisburg, Patrick Barletta of Pinckney, Michigan, Zachary Wright and Julia Wright, both of Raleigh; and sister, Lillian Cole of Raleigh. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Howard Wright, to whom she was a loving and devoted wife for 62 years; sisters, Maggie Lee Raynor, Betty Zane Moore; and brother, Bruce William Rogers.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Donald J. Kroohs Jr.
Wake Forest
Donald J. Kroohs Jr., a Wake Forest resident since 2009, died suddenly August 28, 2015, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham. He was 67.
He was born in the Bronx, the son of the late Donald and Irene Kroohs. He grew up in Putnam Valley and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1966.
Mr. Kroohs served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantryman Badge, among other military honors. Following his military service, he lived in Wappingers Falls and worked for the New York Telephone Company, later Verizon, until his retirement in 2002.
After moving to Wake Forest, he became an active and devoted member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8466 in Wake Forest, American Legion Post 187 in Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation. He was an avid fisherman and a diehard fan of the New York Yankees.
Donald will always be remembered for his generous spirit and his love for his family, friends and country.
Survivors include his daughter, Jill Fitzpatrick, and her husband, Sean, of Wake Forest; two grandchildren, Skylar and Ryan Fitzpatrick; four brothers, John Kroohs Sr., and his wife, Alice, of Mahopac, Kevin Kroohs and his wife, Lisa, of Putnam Valley, Dwayne Kroohs of Kingston, and Jim Jackson and his girlfriend, Nancy Stellato, of Putnam Valley; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, many friends and his dog, Buttercup. His son, Scott Vincent Kroohs, died in 1996.
A memorial service with military honors was held at 5 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, September 2, 2015, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A memorial service in New York will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association or the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Betty Winecoff Crowell
Youngsville
Betty Winecoff Crowell of Youngsville was born in 1927 in Kannapolis. She was the youngest of seven siblings and lived humbly on a farm with her Christ devoted family until adulthood. She married Clyde Crowell and had two daughters, Trish Crowell and Susan Estes.
Throughout her life, Betty did whatever she could to love and nurture those in need. She lived a simple life, being an owner at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio before she went to work for Hudson-Belk as a make-up artist. She supported her two daughters and husband, doing whatever she could to serve them. She was sacrificial for her family, often times sacrificing treating herself to provide for her loved ones. It was an example that her family admired, and they now implement in their own lives toward others. Often times her daughter’s friends called her “Mama Crowell” because she always loved on them like a mother genuinely would.
Betty lived long enough to see four grandchildren: Brandy Hudgins Dickerson, Bryan Crowell Estes, Jessica Lynne Sullivan, and Zachary Alexander Hudgins. Two she witnessed becoming married. She was baptized and recommitted to Christ in 2013.
Betty’s long journey ended August 29th, 2015, and she peacefully followed her late husband to be with the sovereign Lord.
Her dear family is saddened that she will be gone for a short time, but is joyous that she is in heaven and will be seen again.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2015, at Journey Church, 3500 Spring Forest Road Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Micah Ayden Gaus
May 9, 2005 – August 29, 2015
Wake Forest
Micah Ayden Gaus, age 10, of Wake Forest succumbed to Ependymoma of the brain and spine following a long five and a half years of courageous battle. Prior to his diagnosis, Micah loved travel, swimming, the beach and soccer and, of course, spending time with his family as well as friends. His wonderful smile, his “sense of tumor” and wit remained with him through his diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and struggle to regain his physical capabilities. Micah inspired many with his “Never Ever Give Up” attitude. He was willing to share his challenges so others would grow and become more accepting of those faced with physical disabilities. Along with his mother Elissa, Micah created a legacy on video for those preparing for a tracheostomy, offering reassurance that life will be “ok” afterwards. He appeared in a video debuted at the Carolina Theater by Chris Rosati’s BIGG Challenge: Superheroes in the Hospital.
With the love and support from the Duke University men’s soccer team and coaching staff, Micah’s love of soccer blossomed, becoming an official team player and presented with his own jersey. While professing his distain of school, Micah loved attending Brassfield Elementary and greatly enjoyed his classmates and friends, teasing his teachers and staff with “eye rolls” and long-running banter year to year. In March Micah was recognized by the superintendent of the Wake County School Board for his determination and perseverance.
The family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals who became part of his daily life and of course, his home health nurses and the support and love of so many.
Micah is survived by his incredible mother, Elissa Gaus; his grandmother, Suzanne Johnson Gaus; “Bodyguard,” Edwin Roberts; grandfather, Timothy Gaus; his aunt and uncle, Taylor and Edward Kirby; along with his many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who showered him with love and support.
There will be a private family visitation at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest. The public is encouraged to join the Superhero Celebration of Micah’s life by coming as your favorite superhero or wearing Duke Blue on Saturday, September 5, at 2 p.m. at the Wakefield High School Auditorium, Wakefield Pines Drive, Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to one of the following charities: Children’s Flight of Hope, 1101 Aviation Parkway, Suite D, Morrisville, NC 27560 (childrensflightofhope.org); Super Cooper’s Little Red Wagon Foundation, 710 Market Street, Suite 45, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (supercooperswagon.org); Me Fine Foundation, 5100 US Hwy 70 E, Princeton, NC 27569 (mefinefoundation.org); Meg’s Smile, 105 Hickory Glen Lane, Holly Springs, NC 27540 (megssmile.org); or Harlan’s Heroes, 1646 W. Highway 160, PMB8190, Fort Mill, SC 29708 (harlansheroes.com).
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Sandra Kaye Nicholson
Wake Forest
Born to James Daniel and Elsie Nadine Whitley Nicholson on July 20, 1948, at her Grandmother Whitley’s home in Bethel, Sandra Kaye Nicholson passed away at her home in Wake Forest on August 26, 2015.
She graduated from J.H. Rose High School in 1966 and earned a BS and Masters degrees in science from East Carolina University. She taught ninth grade physical science in Garner for thirteen years before earning a degree in Pharmacy from UNC Chapel Hill, after which she practiced in Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, Raleigh, Durham,and in Anchorage, Alaska.
Sandy had many talents which she shared generously throughout her life. She learned to play the piano at her mother’s insistence. At age 8, she was not pleased to spend the prescribed hours of practice it would take to develop the talent. But in her adult life she often blessed her mother for the many Sunday afternoons she persistently sat on the sofa listening to making sure that the lessons were completed. By the time she was in high school she was playing for Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church. She continued to offer this gift at her home church and at various other churches where she attended throughout her life; most recently Covenant Community Church.
Beyond music Sandy’s joys and talents were varied. She had an unquenchable interest in exploring both the physical and spiritual worlds. She enjoyed good food, cooking, crossword puzzles, jumbles, card games, woodworking, photography, reading, shopping, camping, and travel. She was an insatiable collector. She loved kitties. She loved telling (and hearing) a good story. Her laughter was infectious.
Her interest in others was always genuine. Her acceptance and love of friends was steadfast and unconditional. Sandy didn’t have any “used to be friends.” Her friendships were lifelong regardless of distance or the passage of time. She offered so much to so many. Her friends will miss her dearly.
Her greatest passion was for Christ and his teachings. She never ceased to study His word. Her witness was in quietly living out his teachings and sharing her faith. In recent years her most frequent comment about her declining health was, “God always grants us grace for the journey.”
Sandy is survived by her aunts, Jean Conner and Dorothy English; many cousins; her dearest friend and companion of 34 years, Mary Beth Dierickx; and her son, Paul Dierickx, and his wife, Kristen, and their children, Peyton and Gibson.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Irene R. Hardister
Rolesville
Irene Rutkowski Hardister, 82, of Rolesville passed away on Monday, August 24, 2015. She was born in Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Mary Rutkowski, and was a retired registered nurse.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 o’clock Saturday morning, August 29, 2015, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
Mrs. Hardister is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Hardister; children, Karen Sue Phares and husband, Cliff, of Orange, Texas, Lynn Marie Mizell and husband, Danny Slye, of Charleston, South Carolina, Mary Patricia Burkhart and husband, Scott, of Loveland, Colorado, David Joseph Hardister and wife, Deborah, of Youngsville, Steven Scott Hardister, of Rolesville, and Paul Anthony Hardister of Pasadena, California; grandchildren, Corrie, Benjamin, Jonathan, Christine, Jeremy, Megan, Josiah, Ryan, Emily and Stephanie; and great-grandchildren, Jude and Luke. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Gregory A. Mizell Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Alan Joseph ‘Jody’ Rushton Jr.
Wake Forest
Alan “Jody” Rushton, 38, of Wake Forest died Friday, August 21, 2015. He was born in Saint Petersburg, Florida, the son of Barbara Jean Reed Rushton and Alan Joseph Rushton Sr. Alan was employed as a technician with GE Aviation.
Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, August 29, 2015, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Alan is survived by his wife, Crystal Harner Rushton; daughter, Taylor Rushton; sons, Alan “A.J.” Rushton and Alex Rushton, all of Wake Forest, and Brennan Smiley of New Port Richie, Florida; his mother, Barbara Rushton of Largo, Florida; and his father, Alan Rushton and wife, Judy, of Beaufort, South Carolina.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family at 1117 Chamberwell Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Cynthia C. Chapman
Raleigh
Cynthia Carroll Chapman, 46, of Raleigh passed away Monday, August 31, 2015. She was born in Wake County and was a registered nurse at Wilson Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon, September 4, 2015, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wake Forest Cemetery.
Cynthia is survived by her husband, Gary Chapman; sons, Max Derringer and wife, Kandace, of Clayton, Hunter Derringer and wife, Mallory, of Griffin, Jacob Derringer and girlfriend, Emily Allen, of Raleigh, and Bobby Derringer and girlfriend, Laura Edwards, of Greenville; step-children, Nina Chapman and Adam Chapman of Raleigh; her parents, Vicki and Dwight Carroll of Raleigh; sisters, Teresa Jones of Hampton, Virginia, and Jane Smith of Cary; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Derringer Education Fund at http://www.gofundme.com/3w36jbec
Friends may visit with the family from 6 to 8 Thursday evening at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest. (919-556-5811)
