Obituary of Hansel Frances Whitley

Hansel "Gretchen" Nichols Whitley, 91, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012. Born and raised in Robbinsville, NC, she was the daughter of the late Harrison and Faye Jones Nichols. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest James Whitley, three brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by her daughter Patrice Steinbrueck and her husband Steven of Sylva; granddaughter, Lisa Moussalli and her husband, Ali of Pamplin, VA and great grandson, Arlo; grandson, Scott Steinbrueck of Portland, OR; sisters, Erma Hallyburton of Robbinsville and Hildred Penton of Fort White, FL; niece, Agnes Chapman and her husband John of Monroe, NC; and several other nieces and nephews. Although she enjoyed many years in Florida and Pennsylvania, Gretchen was happy to return to her beloved mountains later in life. She was an amazing cook and seamstress and will always be remembered for her generous heart and smiling face. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jackson County Adult Day Care, 100 County Services Park, Sylva, NC 28779. . .