A Simple Service

A Simple Service

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"Dignified... yet simple." Also located at:
700 S. New Hope Road
Gastonia, NC 28053
704.865.3451

515 N. Central Avenue
Belmont, NC 28012
704.825.5301

A Simple Service is a family-owned funeral home with a commitment and legacy of serving others, providing families with the utmost compassionate, dignified, and affordable care.

10/07/2026

Make your wishes clear before your family has to wonder. Preplanning at A Simple Service Burial and Cremation ensures your arrangements reflect your values. Talk with Funeral Director Chad Cotton today by calling (803) 283-3344.

10/06/2026

Kenneth Wayne Walton, 82, of Lancaster, SC, passed away on October 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Wayne spent his final days surrounded by family and loved ones.

Wayne was born in Beedeville, Arkansas, on February 17, 1944, to Theodore Elmodam Walton and Opal Estelee Eubanks Walton, who preceded him in death. After graduating from Newport High School in 1962, Wayne received a Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas Tech and a Master’s Degree from Arkansas State University. Wayne served the Lord faithfully his entire life, being a minister at the Lancaster church of Christ for 19 of those years. Life carried Wayne through several professions. Wayne joined the Army in 1966 and received an honorable discharge in 1972. He then worked as a high school music teacher, a minister of the Gospel, and an elementary school teacher before retiring. Wayne had a passion for gardening, fishing, John Deere, and most of all, a passion for God and his family.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by brothers John, Teddy, and Sam, and sisters Betty, Aunean, Sandra, and Nora.

Wayne is survived by his faithful and devoted wife of 57 years, Nancy, his three children, Wendy Allen (Dave Welch), Richard (Molly) Walton, and Capri (Bert) Bowman, 9 grandchildren, Anthony (Haley) Allen, Andrew (Audrey) Allen, Marena Allen, Alyssa Catoe, Kierstyn Catoe, Hunter Bowman (Sophia), Jessi Walton, Sadie Walton, and Jacob Walton, and 6 great-grandchildren, Kameron, Mia, Finley, Emerson, Shilo, and Georgia Kate. Wayne is also survived by his brother, Boyce Walton, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at A Simple Service Burial & Cremation (201 N. Catawba St., Lancaster, SC 29720) on Friday, October 9, from 7:00-9:00 pm, and at the Indian Land Church of Christ (635 Jim Wilson Rd., Indian Land, SC) on Saturday, October 10, from 9:00-10:30 am, with a service beginning at 10:30 am.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Agape Care and the staff of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation of Lancaster for their dedicated care for Wayne and the family.

Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below:

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/kenneth-walton/5752175/

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service – Lancaster, SC.

10/05/2026

Honor a life well lived with a Traditional Cremation, where every memory can be shared and cherished. For a dignified farewell without burial, call A Simple Service Burial and Cremation at (803) 283-3344 and meet with Funeral Director Chad Cotton.

10/02/2026

Loretta Humbert Bennett, affectionately known as "Ms. B", 84, of Lancaster, SC, peacefully gained her wings on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Lancaster Health & Rehabilitation.

A viewing will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, at A Simple Service Burial & Cremation (201 N. Catawba St., Lancaster, SC 29720). Ms. B's homegoing service information is forthcoming and will be held in Buffalo, NY, under the care of Alan R. Core Funeral Home Inc. (1933 Kensington Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215). She will be entombed at St. Matthews Cemetery, West Seneca, NY, immediately following her service.

Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below:

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/loretta-bennett/5751052/

Arrangements are under the care of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation - Lancaster, S

10/02/2026

They gave, and they served. When it's time to give back, A Simple Service Burial and Cremation will ensure Veterans in our care receive all the benefits they deserve. For Veterans' benefits, including military funeral honors, call (803) 283-3344. It would be an honor to serve!

Lynette Ann Smith-Leary (Fender) Obituary | A Simple Service Burial and Cremation | Lancaster, SC 10/01/2026

Lynette Smith-Leary 73, of Lancaster, SC, Affectionately known as Lyn; passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Lyn was born on Wednesday, December 10th, 1952, in Borger, TX, to the late Eldon Eugene Fender and Alice Betty Boldra Fender. She was a kindhearted woman who enjoyed nurturing and caring for others. She married the love of her life, her husband, Robert Wilson Leary, 26 years ago and built a one-of-a-kind love with a family she truly adored. Known for her sense of creativity, she was a lover of all forms of art. She was a potter and painter who enjoyed going to concerts and, of course, Broadway plays. In a selfless act of love, she enjoyed serving full-course meals to others, feeding each person delicious dishes served with lots of love. Lyn also liked to try new recipes and host parties. Being a creative woman who loved cooking and baking, she enjoyed adventure as well. She had lots of fun on a Cruise to Alaska, getting to see whales, along with a Cruise to Mexico and other exotic locations, like the Badlands, both sides of Niagara Falls, with numerous trips to Gatlinburg, visiting Las Vegas, and an exciting helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon. As someone who loved expressing herself and having fun, there was no love like the love she had for her family. She loved her grandchildren, dressing them, giving them gifts, spending quality time with them, and taking the time to teach them how to cook. With so many unforgettable Fender Christmas memories from year to year. She had so much love for family and friends from her neighborhood, tall club, and pool, including her co-workers. She worked a job she loved dearly, so getting paid was just a bonus for her. In her career, she did a lot of relocating to at least 8 different states and numerous cities. As a loving and respected caregiver who was a nursing home administrator, she cared for so many families and friends. She did a lot for the community, baking legions of delicious cookies for first responders, medical providers, neighbors, friends, and family. Leaving an impactful impression on the community, she was truly loved and will be missed dearly.

Left to cherish her memory are her Husband, Robert Wilson Leary; Daughters, Allison Nitschke, Nee Smith (Shane), Sons; Michael Leary (Brandie), William Leary, Sisters; Laura Carter, Nee Leary, Brothers; Eldon Fender (Tonia), Grand Children; Donovan Leary, Eric Leary, Tabitha Leary, Mason Leary, Bryson Leary, Lydia Leary, Willow Leary, and Cole Nitschke. Also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, Lynette will be cremated, and there will be Memorial service November 7, 2026 from 1pm – 4pm. Located at Panchitos FT. Mill, SC to celebrate her life and share loving memories.

online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below:

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/lynette-smith-leary/5750258/

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation – Lancaster, SC

Lynette Ann Smith-Leary (Fender) Obituary | A Simple Service Burial and Cremation | Lancaster, SC View Lynette Ann Smith-Leary (Fender)'s complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

10/01/2026

Bevin Ione (Buchanan) Vinton, 46, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, left this world peacefully on September 29, 2026, following a long and incredibly difficult journey with her health. She left on her own terms, surrounded by those who loved her, at Atrium Health Main in Charlotte.

Bevin was strong-willed, funny, creative, and unapologetically herself, with a personality and style that were entirely her own. Her wonderfully nerdy and creative spirit made her unmistakably Bevin. She found joy in Dungeons & Dragons, Harry Potter, Legos, rocks and crystals, making jewelry, and her love for animals. And, of course, she was rarely far from a good cup of coffee—with extra whipped cream.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brian Lee Buchanan and Deborah Elaine (Miller) Buchanan; her husband, James “Jimmy” Alexander Vinton; and multiple beloved fur babies who were a special part of her life.

Bevin is survived by her sister, Crispin (Michael) Metcalf; nieces Deborah (James) Nester, Barbara Stricker (Jason Burnside), Michelle Stricker (Daniel Besse), Amber Stricker (Thomas Mackey), Shelbie Metcalf, Zanna Vinton-Spatafora, and Sabrina Vinton-Spatafora; nephews Isaac (Heather) Walrath and Joshua Metcalf (Olivia Wortel); numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; other family members; and dear friends. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Luna, and her mother’s dog, Frankie, who were special parts of her life.

In accordance with her wishes, Bevin will be cremated, and no formal services will be held.

Be thou at peace, Bevin. May you finally have the peace you fought so hard for.

# # # & ooo, lots & lots

Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below:

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/bevin-vinton/5750900/

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation - Lancaster, SC.

09/30/2026

The sights, sounds, and feelings surrounding the funeral of a loved one last a lifetime. It's why families who worry about cost should never feel they have to compromise. A Simple Service Burial and Cremation can make it memorable. For pricing or arrangements, call (803) 283-3344.

09/29/2026

Dr. Manley Russell Finch, affectionately known as "Rusty", 65, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

In accordance with Rusty's wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held.

An official obituary is forthcoming and will be published at a later time.

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2026

Betty Lee Gregory Horton, 81, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Betty was born on Wednesday, October 4, 1944, in Lancaster County, SC, to the late Curtis Franklin and Athalee West Gregory. Throughout her life, Betty has always been known for her one-of-a-kind personality and loving heart. To know her was to love her, and you knew that in her presence you were always in for a great laugh and a hint of sarcasm. She was an independent, strong-willed person who did not sugarcoat the rims of her opinion. You always knew where you stood and knew you were loved. She married the love of her life, Elton, on July 1, 1966, and together created a legacy of love and a beautiful family. The two of them shared a love that some could only dream of having, and until his passing, they were inseparable. Betty loved to travel, especially to the mountains, and to enjoy family vacations with those she loved. A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many. Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Thomas Elton Horton, affectionately known as “Elton”; sister, Janice McCain; as well as her brother, Frankie Gregory.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Stacy Horton (Chris); son, John Horton (Allison); sister, Vicky Branham (Robert); grandchildren, Spencer Horton (Alondra), Laney Green (Brian); cherished friends, Patsy & Shayla Willis; also left to cherish her memory are countless friends who have held a special place in Betty’s heart.

In accordance with her wishes, Betty will be cremated, and no formal services will be held. Instead, she wanted to be remembered in happiness by the memories she made with so many.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Lancaster Senior Center.

Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below:

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/betty-horton/5749883/

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation – Lancaster, SC

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201 N. Catawba Street
Lancaster, SC
29720

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