Melva Ownbey Fisher

Melva Ownbey Fisher Fletcher – Melva Fisher, 90, departed this earthly life for a heavenly one on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Universal Healthcare Center. She was a native of Fletcher and a daughter of the late Melvin and Edith Vance. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Glenn Ownbey and Robert Fisher; a son, Allen Ownbey and a sister, Margaret Sams. Melva was a homemaker as well as a licensed practical nurse for many years in Asheville. She was known in the Buena Vista community as a loving and caring neighbor. She knew no bounds when a person was in need during a time of illness or sorrow. She was a devoted wife and mother and a "spoiler" of her beloved grandchildren. Melva spent the greatest portion of her last eight years in St. Augustine, FL, but in the spring of 2009 she returned to her beloved North Carolina mountains that she called home and the family that welcomed her with open arms. Her warm heart and lovely smile will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort knowing that she was a faithful Christian and is now at peace with the Lord. She is survived by a daughter, Georgia Wallen Koeth and her husband, Leonard, of St. Augustine, FL; a son, Ronald Ownbey and his wife, Lori, of Weaverville, NC; a sister, Lucile Doan of Bay City, MI and many nieces and nephews. She also had eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren that will always remember their "Nana" with love. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, January 25, 2010 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Four Seasons Compassion For Life, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.