Louise G. Trotter
Pickens — Louise Gilstrap Trotter, 85, widow of Gus Andrew Trotter, died May 6, 2012 at Majesty Health and Rehab in Easley.
Born in Pickens to the late James and Ellen Brooks Gilstrap, Mrs. Trotter was a seamstress for Easley Textile, and a member of Cove Creek Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, quilting and cooking for those that she loved.
Surviving are three daughters, Janie Oakley (Larry) of Clyde, N.C., Evelyn Groomes of Pickens, and Sandy Owens (Don) of Simpsonville; two brothers, Charles Gilstrap of Dacusville, and Don Gilstrap of Easley; a sister, Doris Looper of Piedmont; seven grandchildren, Dr. Terry Davis, Pam Bolding, Toni Fraley, Scott Davis, Craig and Brent Watkins, and Lesley Davis; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was pre-deceased by eight brothers and seven sisters.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with Rev. Doyle Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina – Pickens, 900 East Main Street, Suite E, Easley, SC 29640.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Marshall Waldrop
Ware Shoals — Marshall Elbert Waldrop, 78, husband of Evelyn Webb Waldrop, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Greenwood.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Roy and Allien Brucke Waldrop, Mr. Waldrop retired from the Wahalla Police Department and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home, are two sisters, Martha Miller and Sarah Hickey, both of Pickens; four step-children, Brenda Hamilton (Ken), Rickey Jennings (Linda), Sharon Dabney (Reeves) and Beverly Brown (Dwain); 24 grandchildren, Tabitha Hawkins, Ricky Turner, Kendra Green, Sonya Hutson, Chad Jennings, Sherrie Johnson, Sunshine Jackson, Mindy Mobley, Tiffany Jennings, McKenzie Brown, Hope Turner, Blake Turner, Jacob Hawkins, Sarah Turner, David Turner, Branden Hamilton, Chance Jennings, John Jennings, Breanna Green, Savannah Noblitt, Darron Mobley, Courtney Mobley, Lillian Jennings and Lilly Jennings .
In addition to his parents, Mr. Waldrop was predeceased by a daughter, Kathy Allene Turner and a brother, T.F. Waldrop.
Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5 in Greenlawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Marcus Bishop officiating.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Funke and Dr. Lanford, and their staff at HospiceCare of the Piedmont in Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to Mount Gallager Baptist Church Family Life Center, 11570 Indian Mound Road, Ware Shoals, SC 29692; The Cancer Center of Greenwood, 1325 Spring Street, Greenwood, SC 29646; or to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

George I. Newton

Liberty — Mr. George Isaac Newton, 81, husband of the late Jo Nell Herron Newton, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at his home.
Born in Florida, a son of the late J.C. and Lucy D. Newton, Mr. Newton was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, owner of Easley Builders Supply/Newton’s Ace Hardware and attended First Wesleyan Church, Central. George was listed in Who’s Who Young Men of America in the 1960’s, later serving on many boards such as Easley Combined Utility Commisioner, Chairman of the Board for Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority, the South Carolina Board of Independent Colleges and Trustee Emeritus of Southern Wesleyan University.
Surviving are a son, George Donald Newton and his wife, Linda, of Easley; a daughter, Saundra Renee Newton of the home; a sister, Frances N. Hammond of Central; and two grandchildren, Patrick Evan Newton of Easley and his fiancée Melanie Waters, and Elizabeth Newton Greenwood and her husband, Eric, of Greer.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Newton was predeceased by a brother, Benjamin D. Newton and a sister, Elizabeth N. Webb.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Escort of Honor were the board members of Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority.
Memorials may be made to Southern Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 1020, Central, SC 29630 or to the charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Newton’s caregiver, Nellie Karr of Liberty.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

 
Earl Rutz

Liberty — Earl Louis Rutz, Jr., 77, of 210 Richwood Dr., died Wednesday at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens.
Born in San Diego, Calif., he was the husband of Wanda Christine Kelley Rutz of the home and a son of the late Earl Louis Rutz, Sr. and the late Lillian Winifred Couch Rutz Malandrez. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, enjoyed woodworking and was of the Catholic faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Karen Granger(Kenneth) of Liberty; two sons, Don W. Rutz(Sharon) and Ricky W Rutz(Lee Ann), both of Easley; a sister, Joan Victory(Bob) of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; a brother, Harry Rutz(Judy) of Illinois; a son in law, Bobby Granger of Easley; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Paula Lynn Granger; and a brother, Lionel Rutz.
A visitation for Mr. Rutz was held Friday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Liberty Mortuary.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
 
Roy Hostetler
Liberty — Leroy “Roy” Hostetler, 70, of 144 Rice’s Creek Church Road, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
Born in Lakeland, Fla., he was the son of the late Elbert and Clara Reynolds Hostetler. Mr. Hostetler attended Five Point Fellowship in Easley.
Surviving is his wife of the home, Susan Waldrop Hostetler; two sons, Christopher Hostetler of Liberty and Shane Hostetler of Lakeland, Fla.; a stepson, Joshua Morgan of Liberty; two daughters, Susie Dickens of Creede, Colo. and Angela Hostetler of Lakeland, Fla.; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; and a sister, Jeanette Roberts of Homosassa Springs, Fla.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Richie Hostetler.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Hostetler family.

Teddy Brushwood
Easley — Nicholas Theodore “Teddy” Brushwood, 14, of 519 Shadow Oaks Drive, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012.
Teddy was born on Aug. 20, 1997, in Lexington to Daniel and Belinda Faye Bowen Brushwood. He was a member of The Boy Scouts of America Troop 51 where he was working towards his Eagle Scout, and was attending Potter’s Clay Fellowship Church.
In addition to his parents Teddy is survived by a sister, Amanda Marie Brushwood; a brother, Christopher Maxwell Brushwood; grandparents, Doris Jean Cox of Anderson, Donald Brushwood, Sr. of Anderson and Norita Burton of Suffolk, Va. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Bobby Bowen.
A service to celebrate Teddy’s life was held on Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to The Boy Scouts of America, Attn: Blue Ridge Council of Boy Scouts of America, 1 Park Plaza Greenville, SC 29607.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Brushwood family.

Michelle Lea Young
Easley — Michelle Lea Young, 42, of 101 Sequoia Court, died Friday, April 27, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Greenville County, Michelle was the daughter of Virgina Hipps Young and the late Samuel David Young.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, is a brother, Sammy Young of Easley.
Memorial services were at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6 at Carolina Community Chuch in Liberty with the Rev. John Wayne Revis and the Rev. Roger Quinn officiating.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.

Charlotte V. Doria
Easley — Charlotte Valeria Skwiot Doria, 84, of 132 Rounded Wing Drive, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012.
Born in New Britain, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Valeria Switaj Skwiot. Mrs. Doria was retired from Stanley Works Federal Credit Union in New Britain, Conn. and was a member of St. Lukes Catholic Church in Easley.
Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Joseph Anthony Doria; a daughter, Paula Rosa of Glastenbury, Conn.; a son, Daniel Doria of Liberty; three grandchildren; a sister, Theresa Lerner of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and a brother, Edward Skwiot of Tremont, Ga.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Britain, Conn.
Memorials may be made to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 West Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29680.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Doria family.

Billy Joe Connelly
Pickens — Billy Joe Connelly, 75, of 604 Cove Creek Road, died Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Rev. Ernest Connelly and Millie Ann Atkins Connelly. Mr. Connelly was retired from Ryobi and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving is his wife of the home, Alberta Bryant; children, Curtis Bryant (Natasha) of Pickens, Billy Wayne Bryant (Patty) of Pickens, Teri Connelly Kirkland of Greenville and Rhonda Connelly Gouge of Pickens; grandchildren, Maddison and Todd Bryant, Sonny, Justin and Heather Gouge; sisters, Geraldine Chastain and Connie Sue Parrish both of Pickens; and brothers, Russell Connelly and Roger Connelly both of Pickens.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 8 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Dillard Funerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Connelly family.

Faye M. Cathcart
Pickens — Faye McJunkin Cathcart, 87, wife of the late Earl Cathcart, died Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Julius and Mary Keith McJunkin. Mrs. Cathcart was retired from Sangamo Electric and was a member of Midway Baptist Church.
Surviving are her children, Linda Driscoll and Rheda Ledford both of Greenville, Harold Cathcart of Pickens, James Cathcart of Easley, Ray Cathcart of East Huron, Ohio and Tim Cathcart of Pickens; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Betty Ross of Six Mile; and a brother, Lloyd McJunkin of Rosman, N.C.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sisters and seven brothers.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 8 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Griffin Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church, 1200 Midway Rd., Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cathcart family.

Donald L. Hutto

Easley — Mr. Donald Lee Hutto, 60, husband of Sandra Revis Hutto, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 at his home.
Born in Greenville County, a son of the late Mallory and Myrtle Goss Hutto, Mr. Hutto retired from manufacturing. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two sons, Michael Hutto (Latisha) and Josh Hutto, all of Easley; two grandchildren, Jacob and Abby Hutto and one sister.
Memorial services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 8 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Stuart Houston officiating.
Memorials may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville, SC 29615.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which assisting the family.

ELVIRA LOUISE BROWN
Clemson — Elvira Louise Brown, 96, died on Saturday, April 28, 2012.  She was a member of the Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, and prior to her retirement she was head of the English Department of Pickens High School. 
She is survived by her children Bruce of Greenville, Melvin, Jr. (Charlotte) of Birmingham, Ala., four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
Louise was preceded in death by her husband Col. Melvin Brown, her parents George and Viola Arnsmeyer, and her sister Mary Drane. 
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of ResCare Home Care and Interim Hospice for their help in the time of need. 
A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC on Tuesday, May 15 at 9 a.m.  Since there will be no local service, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Bertha Blackston
Easley — Bertha Waters Blackston, 96, Easley, wife of the late Burris G. Blackston, died on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Foothills Presbyterian Home.
Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Perry and Maggie Rhodes Waters, Mrs. Blackston was formerly employed with Robinson Company and later with Belk’s of Easley. She was a charter member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church and was also the oldest current member. One of her greatest joys was studying and teaching the Bible. She taught Sunday School at both Easley First Baptist and Calvary Hill for a total of more than 50 years. Mrs. Blackston was also active in other aspects of church life including missions organizations and the church choir.
Surviving are a daughter, Phinalia Hunter and husband, Jack; a brother, Fred Waters; three grandchildren, Wendell Hunter (Susann), Kevin Hunter (Kim) and Carole H. Brooks (Alan); five great-grandchildren, Bridgette Brooks, Skye Brooks, Monika Brooks, William Hunter and Robert Hunter; and a step-great-grandson, Tate Griffin.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Blackston was predeceased by two brothers, Rufus Waters and Manning Waters, and by four sisters, Mary W. Breazeale, Naomi W. Earle, Donnie W. Shirley and Ruth W. Wilson.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry Dillworth, the Rev. Tom Jones and the Rev. Dave Shorter officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The body is at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown and will be place in the church at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday where the family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. David Chang and to the staffs of both Magnolias of Easley and Foothills Presbyterian for their compassionate care of Mrs. Blackston.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund or to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering c/o Calvary Hill Baptist Church, 501 Rampey Street, Easley, SC 29640.
The family is at the home of Phinalia and Jack Hunter, 113 Pineview Drive, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.