Rachel Ann Eskridge, 82, of Riverhill Dr., died Friday, April 4, 2014, at Hospice at Wendover.  A native of Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Foy and Anna Mae Blanton Lemons.  She retired after 30 years with Rutherford and Gaston County Public Schools, as a Home Economist.  She was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church. 

SURVIVED:  She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Maurice “Gene” Eskridge, of the home; niece, Cornelia Putnam and husband Dan of Shelby; nephews, James Eskridge Jr. and wife Lark of Shelby, Dr. David Jordan and wife Wanda of Burlington, Dr. Thomas Jordan and wife Patty of Springfield, Missouri, and Richard Wright of Naples, Fl; and faithful caregiver of 13 years, Bonnie Pearson of Shelby.

SERVICES:  A graveside service will be held Sunday, 3PM, at Sharon United Methodist Church Cemetery

VISITATION:  The family will receive friends following the service, in the cemetery.

CLERGY: Rev. April Abernethy

MEMORIALS: Viola Nolan Blanton Scholarship Fund, 871 College Ave., Shelby, NC  28152 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC  28150

FUNERAL HOME:    Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby