Obituary of Peggy Rymer Kirkpatrick

WEST ASHEVILLE – Peggy Rymer Kirkpatrick, age 89, of West Asheville died Monday, January 18, 2021.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born on April 18, 1931 in Buncombe to the late James Royce and Gertie Metcalf Rymer; she had lived all of her life in Buncombe County. A graduate of Lee Edwards High School class of 1949; Peggy retired from K Mart as personnel manager. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church. A very active member of the Kiwanis Club; she loved helping with the Terrific Kids Program. Peggy was also active in many community organizations; including the Salvation Army where she loved “ringing the bell”.

She was the wife of the late Troy Burleson who died in 1970 and Tom Kirkpatrick, Sr. who died in 1997. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Richard Rymer.

Surviving are her daughter Carole Ponder and husband Rev. Walter Ponder of Mars Hill; brother, Frank Rymer and wife June of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister-in-law, Shirley Rymer of Candler; grandchildren, Wally Ponder, Angela Springsteen and husband Rev. Greg Springsteen; Rev. Adam Ponder and wife Dana, Andrew Ponder and wife Emily and Andrea Ponder; great grandchildren, Makayla, Lexi, Olivia, Taylor, Sierra, Zeus, Anna Grace, Ansli, Avari, Adason, Ashdan, Anderson, Kohen, Kolby, Logan and Morgan; and long-time friend and neighbor, Betty Jones.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Green Hills Cemetery.  Grandson, Rev. Adam Ponder and Rev. Dr. Branton Burleson will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 or H3 Collective, (Homes for Foster Children) 50 Hyder Lane, Weaverville, NC 28787.

Per the family, masks are required.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.