Obituaries

Joan Healey Fricke, of Farragut,

beloved mother to 11 wonderful children, 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, commended her spirit to Christ and joined her beloved husband, David Fricke, of more than 55 years on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2025. She was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1932 to William and Harriet Healey. Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 24, beginning at 1 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass, beginning at 2 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37923. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Ladies of Charity at www.ladiesofcharityknox.org.

Jewell Bennett Shell, 86,

of Farragut, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sept. 3, 2025. She was a longtime member of Concord United Methodist Church, where she married her husband, Malcolm, on Sept. 8, 1961. They were the first couple married in the present-day chapel, which was then the church’s main worship facility. A graduate of Jellico High School, Jewell went on to graduate near the top of her class at the Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, earning her registered nurse designation. She later received a baccalaureate degree with honors from the University of Tennessee. She worked as a nurse educator at both the University of Tennessee Hospital School of Nursing and Fort Sanders Hospital School of Nursing, where she guided young students through pivotal and often challenging periods of their training. While visiting local hospitals, she frequently encountered her former students, many of whom went on to become nursing administrators. During her husband’s employment in Virginia, she served as a public health nurse with the Fairfax County Public Health Department, an experience she valued for the opportunities it provided to serve those who had “fallen through the cracks” of society, offering opportunities to turn sadness into hope and doubt into self-confidence. She also enjoyed golf, tennis and was an avid reader. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Malcolm; great-nephew Donald A. Prater, his wife, Julie, and their children; and Malcolm’s family, Max and Linda Shell, Rebecca and Roger Roberts, along with other nieces and nephews. The family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Concord United Methodist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Concord United Methodist Church or Holston United Methodist Home for Children in Greeneville, Tennessee. Jewell looks forward to the time when all the family will meet again beyond the sunset and have a glorious reunion.

David Merle White

David Merle White, age 80, of Farragut, Tennessee passed away at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025 with his family by his side. David was born on May 7,1945 in Farragut, a community where he lived almost the entirety of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents (Sarah and Willie), all six of his siblings (J.W., Ed, Bob, Annie, Pat, and, Johnny,) and his precious daughter, Cheryl White Pryor. David is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sandy, and their children, Angie White George (Chuck) and David Michael White. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Robert E. Pryor, Jr. and wife Nancy; Grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Shelby Pryor Gillin (Stuart), Andy Pryor (Lizzie), Cameron Bloomfield (Morgan), Cori Crocker (Yori), and Cliff Crocker; and multiple nieces and nephews and many close friends. A fixture in the Farragut community, David was a captain and All-Knoxville League defensive end on an undefeated Farragut High football team in 1963. He graduated from Farragut in 1964, the same year he and Sandy were named Mr. and Miss FHS. After marrying Sandy, David worked as a machinist at Y-12 in Oak Ridge before embarking on a career in commercial and residential real estate development for the next forty years. In 2022 he was elected by the residents of Farragut to serve on the town’s Board of Alderman as a representative of the South Ward. As an Alderman, David dedicated himself to protecting the town from overdevelopment and became an unwavering voice in the preservation of its heritage. During his career and community service David was known for his work ethic, dedication to his core principles, and extensive study of the rule of law. Although he experienced illness, loss, and tragedy in his personal life, he never showed his pain and approached each challenge with humor and quiet resolve. David was eager to reunite with his daughter Cheryl, who passed at the age of 31. In the wake of her passing, David served as an example of how to live life with an appreciation for each day and each person he loved. In his final days, he taught his family and friends how to face death with courage. A receiving of friends will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Click Funeral Home in Farragut from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow. A graveside service for family and close friends will take place at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery (5315 Kingston Pike) at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025. Pallbearers include, David Keck, Mike Tuell, Bill Hudson, Doug Horne, Cliff Crocker, and Steve Taylor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in David’s name to The FHS Education Foundation

Ardell (Troester) Dietzler

Ardell (Troester) Dietzler, 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was born in Guttenberg, Iowa, on Jan. 30, 1939, to the late Emil and Ruth Troester and grew up in Clayton County, Iowa. She loved to read, cook, quilt, sew, knit and crochet. Ardell met her husband, William (Bill), at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After graduating college, Ardell enjoyed teaching students in kindergarten through 12th grade (plus Sunday school classrooms) in Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Tennessee. She was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church. Ardell was an active member of American Association of University Women (AAUW), Red Hat Society, Bible study groups and many book clubs. She was an avid bridge player and always cherished dancing with her husband. Ardell was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and liked attending their activities and events. Ardell is survived by her three daughters, Christine Dietzler of Alpharetta, Georgia, Lori Dietzler (Kate Jones) of Atlanta and Jill Hardison (Derrick) of Roswell, Georgia; grandchildren, Jessica Howard (Caleb), Emily and Sarah Hughes, Joseph and Ella Hardison and Aaron Jones; great-grandchildren, Penelope and Pauline Howard; sisters, Betty Schwietert and Lorna Troester, both of Clayton County. Ardell was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill. The family would like to thank neighbors, friends and family for their tireless efforts in caring for her. A Celebration of Life Service will be held starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Faith Lutheran Church, 225 Jamestowne Blvd. in Farragut, Tennessee. The family will receive visitors following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ardell’s name to Faith Lutheran Church.

Michael Francis Cain

Michael Francis Cain, 78, of Farragut, Tennessee, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather whose passion, warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Born on Nov. 3, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Michael grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, where he developed a love for sports, playing hockey, baseball and high school football. He graduated from Fordson High School in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was in his high school homeroom where he met the love of his life, Martha, whom he married 61 years ago and shared a remarkable 65 years of companionship. Michael and Martha raised two children, Karen and Alex, instilling in them values of compassion, integrity and resilience. The family cherished summer vacations, traveling to beaches and historical sites across the country. Michael especially treasured time spent with his extensive family of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Michael dedicated 32 years to the Pontiac Division of General Motors, serving in roles such as District manager, Regional Fleet manager, Dealer Development manager and director of Motorsports. Michael and Martha were able to travel to many exciting locations around the world, compliments of General Motors. His love for motorsports was unparalleled, particularly his devotion to IndyCar and NASCAR. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Michael attended 68 Indianapolis 500 races starting in 1952, a passion he passed on to his son, Alex, with whom he shared 48 of those races. During his career, he forged friendships with racing legends Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Rusty Wallace and Roger Penske. Michael was a long-time supporter of the Farragut Admirals football program. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; their children, Karen Harmon (Jeff) and Alex Cain; grandchildren, Cherylann, Isabella, April and Anthony (Ashley); great-grandchildren, Oliver, Winston, Theodore, Felyx and Zoey; “great” uncles, Phillip Shashko and Ray “Teet” Stinnett; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Eva Chaushoff Cain; his brother, Thomas Cain; and many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins. Receiving of Family and Friends will be held at First Baptist Concord in Farragut beginning at 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with a service to follow at 7 p.m. Burial service will be at Benton Memorial Gardens in Benton, Tennessee, at 12 p.m., Friday June 20. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter or to Alzheimer’s-Dementia Research Program. A future celebration of life will be held in his hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, with the date still to be determined. Michael’s legacy of love, enthusiasm for life and devotion to family and friends will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends and community.

Lillian Ruth Hughes

Lillian Ruth Hughes, age 90, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2025. She was a member of Parkway Baptist Church. Lillian worked for Morton and Sweetser, Architects, for 24 years and then went on to work for TVA Public Safety Services for 10 years before retiring. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Headrick; husband, James M. Hughes; parents, Carl Olin and Etta Elrod; brothers, James T. Elrod, Olin D. Elrod, Richard Elrod and Robert G. Elrod; and sisters, Edna Johnson and Lola Broyles. She is survived by her stepchildren, Jimmy and Sandi Hughes of Maryville and Lisa and Todd Lawson of Lenoir City; step-grandchildren, Matthew Hughes of Maryville and Adam Hughes of Louisville; step-great-grandchild, Mason Hughes; brother, Jack W. Elrod of Knoxville; and special friends, Lisa, Bob and Robby Stinson, all of Knoxville. Family and friends paid their respects from 9 am to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 12, at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann. Family and friends gathered at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m., Friday, June 13, for a graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.rosefuneraltn.com

Joseph David Chalmers

Joseph David Chalmers, born Oct. 26, 1938, had a saying that applied far beyond a golf course: “keep it in the fairway!” Joe, who passed away April 23, 2025, will always be remembered for love of his family and the game of golf. Joe made Knoxville his home, but he learned to play golf on the other side of the world. His father was a diplomat who traveled the world with his family in tow. Golf set its hooks into him at an early age, and he was powerless to do anything but go along for the ride. Joe gave Tennessee amateur golf one of its most beloved tournaments, the Four-Ball, and ran it for more than 40 years. He championed the creation of the Senior Four-Ball, served two terms as president of Tennessee Golf Association and was an associate director of Southern Golf Association. He was a former board member at both Fox Den and Holston Hills country clubs, where he had been a member for more than 40 years and a multiple-time club champ. Now he plays the golden course in Heaven, surrounded by old friends and endless fairways. Joe was a retired commercial realtor holding a CCIM designation, was a Navy veteran and once named one of Knoxville’s Best Dressed Men. His passion for gardening, especially roses and orchids, brought him joy. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rita (Douglas) Chalmers, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma (1993); his son, Scott; and his brother, Jimmy. He also is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Robert Torbett; grandchildren, Kristin and Scott Torbett; and six great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Robbin, Russell and Jason Douglas; and sister-in-law, Becki Chalmers. He also leaves behind his adopted family: Tom and Laura Martin and his special gifts: Abby Rose (Yates), Caroline (Settje) and Erica (Shreve) Douglas. His strong and guiding hand will always be with us when we face life’s decisions. A special thanks to Dr. John Showalter, Tara Carroll, Margaret Keele and all the staff at Covenant Therapy and NHC Farragut. Big Joe, we will miss you so much. A private service for family and close friends begins at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at Veterans Cemetery Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. In lieu of flowers, Joe requested a donation to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation, to assist disabled servicemen and firefighters; or Tennessee Golf Foundation, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069

Donna Jean (Jewett) Hawn

Donna Jean (Jewett) Hawn, age 90 of Farragut, passed away Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. Donna was born in Juneau, Alaska, to the late Leo Julius and Helen Agnes (Laurie) Jewett. She worked for a short stint in the travel industry as a bookkeeper; however most of her life was dedicated to her husband, children and volunteer work. Donna was a proud member of the Farragut community and dedicated many hours to serving as a docent with Farragut Folklore Museum. She also was a longtime member of Philanthropic Educational Organization, a national organization where women motivate women. In her spare time she enjoyed working in crafts and needlework. She also enjoyed a good puzzle book. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde L. Hawn; her son, Kevin Hawn; and her sister, Marilyn Olsen. Mrs. Hawn is survived by her devoted children, Shannon (Robert) Coats of Kent, Washington, and Keith Hawn of Farragut; grandchildren, Imara, Khalil and Malik; and brother, Robert (Jeannie) Jewett of Silverton, Oregon. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Philanthropic Educational Organization online at https://www.peointernational.org/. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, in Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike in Farragut. To leave online condolences: www.clickfh.com