Betty GashCandler - Betty Louise Austin Shields Gash, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2017, at Pisgah Manor Nursing Home. She was born on April 26, 1928 to the late James Franklin and Inez Elizabeth Teague Austin in Buncombe County, where she resided. Glen, Edna, Alice, Bill, Germa, Kenny, and Charles, her siblings, all predeceased her. She was preceded by husbands, William Delbert Shields and Thurlow Simms Gash. She is survived by a special niece, Janet, special nephews, Lyle and Gary and by special great nieces and nephews: Mark, Candace, Angie, David, Jennifer and Wesley. Numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive. Betty graduated from West Buncombe High School in 1945 and from Berea College, Berea, KY in 1952 where she earned the B.A. Biology degree. Her vocation was teaching junior high math and science in the Asheville City Schools from which she retired.She enjoyed flowers, reading, learning, working crossword puzzles, traveling and spending time with friends and family and participated in the Allemanders Square Dancing Team; her partner and friend was John Manchester.Betty was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and they visited and cared for her until the end. Previously, she was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. A special thanks to all the staff at Pisgah Manor for their care and kindness to Betty over the past fifteen years of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Trinity Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Berea College to fund a new Natural Science & Health Building, Attn: Dorothy Morgan, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, memo on check: NSHBldg.A Joyful Memorial Celebration of her life will be Saturday, February 11, 2017, 11:00 AM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 17 Shawnee Trail, Asheville, NC 28805. In Betty's handwritten notes, you are invited to share memories of her. You are invited to a reception following the service where the family will greet friends. Anders-Rice Funeral Home ( www.andersrice.com) is serving the family of Betty Gash.