Betty Gryder

Elizabeth “Betty” Gryder, 88, formerly of Asheville, passed away at her home in Bakersville, NC, on Monday, September 25, 2017. Born in Wilmington, NC, Betty was a daughter of the late Maybelle Davis. Betty moved to Asheville where she married her husband and raised their five children. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Crawford Gryder; her son, Stephen Brian Gryder; and her brother, Doug Davis. Mrs. Gryder is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Watkins (Larry), Nancy Gryder (Pam), and Cathy Bradburn (Max); her son, Matthew Gryder (Tammy); her sisters, Joyce and Fay; her brother-in-law, Dan; her grandchildren, Josh, Shannon, Chase, and Ethan; and many other family members and friends. Betty was a beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend to many. She enjoyed creating beauty through her seamstress work and gardening. She was the CFO for many years of Mars Hill Dry Kiln, which she owned and operated with her husband, taught Sunday School, was active in PTA, and always welcomed the neighborhood children into their home. Betty was an inspiration to many through her Christian walk of faith, through her daily devotions, through her loving kindness and her humor. A Celebration of Life service to honor Mrs. Gryder will be on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Groce Funeral Home Chapel on Patton Avenue in Asheville with the Rev. Pam Vesely officiating. Inurnment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Her family will receive friends before the service from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Mitchell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 236 Hospital Dr., Spruce Pine, NC 28777, or to your local hospice center.