Rheta Micol Robinson

Mrs. Rheta Micol Robinson, 85, of Valdese, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at her residence, following a short period of declining health. Rheta was born on December 10, 1933 in Burke County to Waldensian parents, the late Edward Micol Sr. and Margaret Gardiol Micol. She was a retired school teacher working for many years in the Burke County Public School System and was a lifelong member of the Waldenisan Presbyterian Church. Rheta served on the Presbyterian Womens Council for many years including as President/Moderator in 1969 and 1989, and was also a dedicated Circle #4 member, serving as Chair several times and in some years the Bible Study Leader. She served as docent on the Church Historical Committee, and as Ruling Elder she served as Clerk of the Session in 1998, only the second woman at that time to serve in that capacity. She was instrumental in organizing and guiding the Jet Set, a group of retirees at WPC. In 1998 Rheta received the Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership Award. In the 1980's Rheta authored " Rheta's Ramblings" for the Morganton News Herald, a column on life in Valdese. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Charles Fletcher, her second husband, Ralph Duane Robinson and one grandson, Christian Shull. Survivors include her three children, Raye Lynn Fletcher Longhini and husband Douglas of New Bern, NC, Randolph Micol Fletcher and wife Tracy of Chapel Hill, NC and Ruth Fletcher Gage and husband Christos of Beverly Hills, CA. Also surviving is a brother, Eddie Micol Jr. of Valdese , a sister, Emily Micol Hargrove of Chapel Hill, three grandchildren; Nicholas Micol Shull, Madeleine Epley and husband Mitchell, and Avery Micol Fletcher, three great-grandchildren; Zoey Elizabeth Shull, Simon Converse Shull and Kiara Gayle Shull, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick and Rev. Field Russell offficiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be sent to the Burke Community Foundation ( Christian's Fund), 205 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655, the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, 109 Main St. E., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Robinson family.