Elva Alexander Lanning

Asheville - Elva Alexander Lanning, 89, of 76 W. Oakview Rd. went to her heavenly home Monday May 1, 2006 at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge after a brief illness. A native of Asheville, she retired from American Enka Corporation after 43 years of service. She was a member of the West Asheville Baptist Church and past member of the Holiday Ramblers RV Club. She was a daughter of the late Bron Vasque and Bessie Maxwell Alexander and the widow of the late Horace Lee Lanning who passed away April 21, 2001. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Pauline Higgins, Ruby McBee and twin brothers, Troy and Coy Alexander. Elva was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She loved camping, crafts, gardening and being with all of her family. She loved going to church and loved attending Mountain Care Adult Day Care. Surviving are two daughters, Judy Cathcart of Asheville and Doris Dotsy Penland and her husband Gary Pete of Asheville; sister, Elizabeth Alexander of Asheville; grandchildren, Vicki Frank and husband Terry of Marion, Gregory Lee Cathcart and wife Angie of Asheville, Stephen Todd Cathcart and wife Angela of Candler, Krista Whitson and husband Jeff of Candler, Kevin Penland of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Karen Griffin and husband James of Asheville; great grandchildren, Patrick and Lindsey Frank, Miranda Cathcart, Dakota Cathcart, Tyler Foster and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Also surviving is Pepper her little buddy who she adored. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. David Tucker, Rev. Dr. James Johnson and Rev. Dr. Johnny Tiller officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 P. M. Thursday at the funeral home. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated, those desiring to make a memorial contribution, should consider: West Asheville Baptist Church Building Fund, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 or to Care Partners MountainCare Adult Day Care Services, 68A Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of The Laurels of Greentree Ridge for her care during the last month and the MountainCare Staff for all the love and care given to her during the last five years.