Sadly, our church has experienced the loss of two members since our last newsletter: Linda Laughrun and Freida Ponder.

May they Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory

Remembering Linda Laughrun

Shared by Susan Kiser: “Linda Laughrun passed away at the age of 76 after a period of declining health resulting from Myasthenia Gravis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Banks Laughrun and Ralph Laughrun. Linda was a native of Yancey County and graduated from East Yancey High School and Warren Wilson College and attended UNC-Chapel Hill.

“Her annual pilgrimage to Topsail Beach with longtime friends from her Warren Wilson and Chapel Hill days became a ritual she anticipated every May.

“Linda was an administrative assistant in Athletics at Mars Hill University for more than twenty years. Her work there became a true purpose in her life, and her devotion to student athletes was reflected in the affectionate name they called her, “Miz Linda,” and the contact they maintained with her long after they left Mars Hill. Especially important to her was her “adopted son,” Dan Fasslerwho assumed responsibility for her care as her health worsened.

“Linda was an avid advocate for caring for animals, and she adored her canine “family” of Mastiffs, and finally her cat, Garfield, and her invincible three- legged dog, Dixie. Linda loved living in her neighborhood in Mars Hill, and in recent years, Mars Hill UMC became an important part of her life, as did her volunteer work at Haywood Street.

“She will be missed!” Linda’s final arrangements are still being decided. ~~~

Linda Laughrun

We celebrate the life and legacy of Linda and her lasting legacy on our church and community.

Remembering Freida Allen Ponder

From Freida’s obituary: “Freida Allen Ponder, 72, of Mars Hill passed away on May 31, 2022. She was a dedicated schoolteacher in the Madison County Schools for 25 years where she was awarded Teacher of the Year twice during her career. She was a published author of three novels: Only the Lonely, Laura Of Cataloochee, and The Magic of Everyday Lives.

“She is survived by her loving, faithful husband of 50 years – Forrest Ponder Jr.; her daughter Kelley Wheeler, her son-in-law Matthew Wheeler; her son Brian Ponder, and her daughter-in-law Brittany Ponder. She is also survived by her four precious granddaughters Eden Wheeler, Amelia, Evelyn, and Josephine Ponder, and her brother Michael Allen and wife Rosemary.

“A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service at 2:00 pm with Reverend D. Harry Culbertson Jr. and Reverend Lisa Hartzog officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. A private burial with her family will be held at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.”