Obituaries

Jul 2, 2024

Larry Wayne Gates, age 74, of Niota went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at his residence. A native and long time resident of McMinn County, formerly of Ten Mile, he was the son of the late Tom Ben and Alma Geneva Hearon Gates. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to fish with...

Jun 30, 2024

GLADYS ANITA FORTSCH, age 87 of Athens TN, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Starr Regional Medical Center of Athens. She was born in Zwolle, La. , resident of Athens since 1973 , a daughter of the late Earl and Cleola Quarles and preceded in death by her husband: Thomas Francis "Tom" Fortsch Sr. and Brother: Earl Quarles and...

Jun 27, 2024

Kimberly “Kim” Louise Lunsford Swallows, 62, of Athens, transitioned into eternal peace at her sister’s home on June 27, 2024.

A native of McMinn County, where she resided most of her life. Kim was the youngest daughter of the late Hobert M. and Cinderella Robinson Lunsford. She was also preceded in death by siblings, Nicky Lunsford, Darnell Lunsford, Burnadean Lunsford Thurman.

Kim...

Jun 24, 2024

KENNETH EARL CAGLE, age 81 of Athens, Tenn. passed away Monday, June 24, 2024, at his residence. He was native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, a son of the late Earl and Mary Crabtree Cagle, and preceded in death by his wife: Catherine "Cathy" Fischer Cagle. He was a retired teacher at the McMinn County Career Technical Center and...

Jun 23, 2024

John Robert Ivens, age 77 of Athens passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his residence.

A native and resident of Athens he was a son of the late, Vance Leon and Virginia Sue Ditmore Ivens and was preceded in death by his first wife Debbie Russell Ivens and his second wife Mary Jean White Ivens, brother Gerald Ivens; Daughter-in-law, Tina...

Jun 18, 2024

Paula Diane Marksbury, age 70 of Athens TN, passed away June 18, 2024 at Starr Regional Medical Center in Athens. Paula was a graduate of Miami of Ohio in 1976. Paula was a amazing Glass Fusion Artist and was a member of many Craft Guilds, where her work was honored and awarded. Paula's glass is treasured in many homes and...

Jun 16, 2024

Kenneth (Ken) Gene Crabtree, age 79 of Athens passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Lifecare Center of Athens. A native of Baltimore, Maryland and a resident of McMinn County most of his life, he was the son of the late Clifford Bryant and Julia Corine Wallis Crabtree. He was a member of the Athens VFW. He enjoyed vacationing at...

Jun 9, 2024

LESTER HOWARD EDMONSON, age 70 of Athens, TN passed away June 9, 2024 at his residence. A native and lifelong residence of McMinn County, Lester was the son of the late Luther and Glaydis Coleman Edmonson. He was a faithful member of Mount Harmony Baptist Church #2 in Riceville, TN where he served as a deacon. He loved to hunt...

Jun 5, 2024

LINDA LUCILLE LLOYD,  age 77  of Athens, Tenn. passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in Sweetwater Hospital in Sweetwater, Tenn.  She was a native of Rockwood, Tenn., resident of McMinn County, Tenn. most of her life and preceded in death by her Husband: Roscoe E. Lloyd,  mother: Helen Marie Brogden, Son: Calvin (Patricia Gail  Lloyd   Daughter, Ruby Roy, Stepson:...

Jun 4, 2024

SARA LOIS STURGILL ARMSTRONG, age 89 of Niota, Tenn. passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at her residence. She a native of Solway, Tenn. resident most of her life in Visalia, California where she and her husband Jay owned and operated an orange grove and had an olive grove, she was a resident of McMinn County, Tenn., a daughter of...

Jun 2, 2024

Carolyn J. Rucker, age 79 of Athens, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024 at her home peacefully surrounded by her family.  A native of Etowah and a resident of Athens, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Joe M. and Lillian Regina Russell Ingram. She enjoyed shopping and gardening, but her true love was being at home and taking...

May 28, 2024

James Wesley Stephens, (Jim), age 80, of Englewood, TN, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Starr Regional Medical Center, Athens, TN. He was a native of Decherd, TN, resident of McMinn County since 2007, a son of the late Lonnie and Marie Hill Stephens and preceded in death by infant son Felix Wesley Stephens. He earned a Masters degree...

May 26, 2024

Betty Jo Pierce, age 90 of Athens, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024 at her residence. A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County.  She was the daughter of the late Benjamin L and Elva Ritchie Ditmore.  Betty worked for McMinn County Ford Motor Company for many years, as well as Farm Bureau of McMinn County.  Betty was known for...

May 24, 2024

Charleah Madalynn Shepherd, 2 months of age, passed away on May 24, 2024 in her home. She was the beloved daughter of Bradley Allan Shepherd and Taylor Michelle Thomas. Charleah was born on March 18, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was very passionate about her bottles; she did not miss a meal, and she ate a couple in between. She loved...

May 20, 2024

Heaven has welcomed another angel.  Ann Harrill, 75 of Loudon, went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2024.  She was born on August 31, 1948 in Mascot, Tennessee.  Ann, formerly of Knoxville and Mascot, Tennessee, was preceded in death by her parents: Robert Sr and Elsie Satterfield.  Infant daughter: Angela Faye Ford.  Sister: Mary Romines and Carolyn Kupekus....

May 17, 2024

Joseph "Joey" Allen, age 42, of Athens, passed away Friday, May 17, 2024 at Parkridge Medical Center. A resident of McMinn County most of his life, he was a member of Eastanallee Baptist Church and attended Mount Harmony Baptist Church. He was an employee of Mills Products. He enjoyed cooking, and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping and boating...

May 16, 2024

William "Bill" Ernest Tickel, III age 73 of Athens fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday May 16, 2024 at his residence.A native of Bexar County, Texas and a resident of McMinn County since 1987, he was a son of the late William Ernest, Jr. and Mittie Gordon Boyett Tickel and was preceded in death by his first wife Judy...

May 8, 2024

BRENDA KAY  DINGESS,  age 59 of Etowah, Tenn passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at her residence. She was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, Tenn., a daughter of the late James Marshall Wells  and Mary Helen  Cornett and preceded in death by Sister:  Cristi Dawn Wells. She was an employee of  WalMart and was a member of...

May 8, 2024

MAUDE CORDELIA "CORDY" CATES,  age 84 of Athens, Tenn. passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Cordy was born in  Athens, Tenn.  to the late James and Virginia Lee Cates. She was valedictorian of her class at Cook High School and also a graduate of Knoxville College and served in the United States Air Force. She retired...

May 7, 2024