Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations

08/03/2026

RANDY LEE STILLWELL

Randy Lee Stillwell, 71 of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on August 29th, 1954, in Catawba County, Randy was the son of the late Herbert Ellis and Effie Mae Young Stillwell.

Randy cherished his family and friends. He also loved his business and employees of 40 years at Contract Seating Inc. Furniture. Randy loved his previous beach house at North Myrtle and the many good times he had there. He was a lifetime fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. He was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. Randy was also a devout Christian and loved his Lord.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, David Ellis Stillwell and his bird, Pete.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 43 years, Helen Nance Stillwell; his son, Clay Stillwell and wife, Julia; his daughter, Ashley Stillwell and Cale Lineberger; 3 grandchildren, Paige Whitener and husband, Logan, Ashlee Stillwell, and Brandon Wilt; his brother, Danny Stillwell and wife, Sandy; his sister, Cathy Johnson and husband, Keith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his precious dog, Ginger. He is also survived by his wife’s family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 7th, 2026, at Catawba Funeral Home at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Brown officiating. He will be laid to rest at Catawba Memorial Park following the service.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Randy’s name.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Stillwell Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

07/23/2026

BLANCHE LUELLEN ISENHOUR HEFNER

HICKORY – Blanche Luellen Isenhour Hefner, 101 of Hickory went home to be with the Lord on July 22, 2026.

Born on March 1, 1925 in Catawba County she was the daughter of the late Philo and Vertie Lail Isenhour. Blanche was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She was a very active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she took part of quilting, potpie dinners, Sunday School, Bible study, Golden Agers and ladies circle. She enjoyed working in her garden, spending time with her family and visiting friends at nursing homes or anyone in need.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward Odell Hefner; brothers, Marshall, James, John, Marvin, Guy, Ray; sisters, Pearl, Willie, Margy; and granddaughter, Dawn Gay Fulbright.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Shelby Fulbright and husband Claude, Donald Hefner and wife Sandra; grandchildren, Brian Fulbright and wife Cathy, Kimerly Cloninger and husband Jerome, Jeremy Hefner and wife Tracey; great-grandchildren, Walker Fulbright, Samuel Fulbright and wife Peyton, Beth Yost and husband Brent, Aimee Leger and husband Brooks, Jeremiah Cloninger and wife Autumn, Ella Cloninger, Ezekiel Cloninger, Jacob Hefner (Rebekah), Maddy Hefner; great-great-grandchildren; Remi Lou Yost, Deliah Ray Yost, Wyatt Yost, Burke Leger, Boone Leger, Amelia Cloninger and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2 PM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Frank and Rev. Eric Hauss officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior from 1 PM – 1 :45 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 6175 St. Peter’s Church Rd, Conover, NC 28613.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Hefner Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

07/21/2026

Preplanning and Prepaying: What's the Difference?

📝 Preplanning allows you to make your wishes known and document the details that matter most to you.

💲 Prepaying funds those plans and can help protect your family from future price increases by locking in today's costs.

For example, a funeral and cemetery plan that costs $10,000 today could cost approximately:

📅 $12,167 in 5 years
📅 $14,802 in 10 years

That's an increase of more than $4,800 over the next decade.

Planning ahead doesn't just provide peace of mind—it can also provide significant financial savings for the people you love most.

Contact us today to learn more about your preplanning and prepayment options.

07/19/2026

07/17/2026

People choose cremation for many different reasons, and every family's choice is personal.

Some find cremation to be simpler from an emotional standpoint, while others appreciate the flexibility it provides when planning memorial services and celebrations of life. Many families also consider cremation to be a more affordable option, and some choose it because of environmental considerations.

Whatever your reasons, there are many meaningful ways to honor and celebrate a life through cremation, including permanent memorialization options that provide a place for family and friends to gather, reflect, and remember.

If you're considering cremation or would like to learn more about your options, we're here to help guide you through the choices available to you and your family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/cremation/cremation-process

07/15/2026

What makes a Dignity Memorial® provider different?

Families who choose a Dignity Memorial provider have access to exclusive benefits designed to provide additional peace of mind and flexibility, including:

✔ Relocation Protection®
✔ Lifetime Flexibility®
✔ Purchase Protection Plan®
✔ National Transferability and more

These unique benefits help ensure your plans continue to meet your needs, no matter what the future may bring.

Call us today to learn more about these valuable protections and how preplanning can provide confidence and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=585941389316520

07/11/2026

Choosing a final resting place is an important part of creating a lasting legacy.

Whether you prefer traditional in-ground burial, above-ground entombment, or a cremation option, cemetery property provides a permanent place for family and friends to visit, remember, and reflect for generations to come.

Dignity Memorial® cemeteries offer a wide range of memorialization and burial options to honor every life, tradition, and personal preference. Our caring professionals are here to help you select the property that best fits your wishes, your family's needs, and your cultural traditions.

Watch this video to learn more about the different cemetery property options available and discover the choice that's right for you and your loved ones.

There are several types of cemetery properties and different burial options. Learn more about in-ground and aboveground options for you and your loved one.

07/10/2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Anita C. Rhoney, who passed away on July 9, 2026, at the age of 91.

Anita was born on April 20, 1935, to Bela Franklin Childres and Minnie Mull Childres.

Throughout her life, she was cherished by her family and friends and will be remembered for her love, kindness, creativity, and the many memories she shared with those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by her siblings: Rondel Childres, David Childres, Gene Childres, Hal Childres, Roger Childres, Arlene Morris, and Mary Wilson.

She is survived by her children: Charles Rhoney and wife Joni, Don Rhoney and wife Sherry, Barry Rhoney and wife Tammy, and Ashley Rhoney and wife Sherry. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Deeda: Sara Patterson, Kellie Rhoney (Diane), Rachel Rhoney, Rebekah Stephens (Kyle), Patrick Rhoney (Mindy), Aaron Rhoney (Faith), Lindsey Simpkins (Christian), Brittany Donkle (Mitchell), Kaylan Rhoney and Chase Rhoney.
Fourteen great grandchildren: Charli and Ben Patterson, Harper, Hunter and Greyson Stephens, C**t and Liam Rhoney, Levi and Addison Rhoney, Bryson and Braxton Simpkins, Emory Rhoney, Oxleigh and Griffin Donkle.

Anita’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the love she shared with her family.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 14th from 11:00am-12:00pm at Catawba Funeral Home, followed by a private graveside service for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton NC 28658.

The Rhoney Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

07/10/2026

Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

By preplanning and prepaying your funeral and burial expenses, you can ease the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones during an already difficult time while locking in today's pricing.

Planning ahead allows you to document your personal wishes—from meaningful readings and favorite songs to special mementos and cemetery property selections—ensuring your life is celebrated exactly as you envision it.

Most importantly, preplanning provides peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are known, your plans are in place, and the costs are covered.

If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of preplanning, we're here to help guide you every step of the way.

Pre-need funeral insurance makes sure that your family doesn’t have to carry the financial burden of a funeral. Contact a Dignity Memorial professional to learn all of your pre-need insurance options.