Rebecca Ann (McDaniel) Harter

Rebecca Ann McDaniel Harter, age 76, of Asheville, NC, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at her home.

Becky was born on June 21, 1947, in New Albany, Indiana, to the late Joseph Earl McDaniel and Thelma Ruth Sands McDaniel.

She was a class valedictorian at New Albany High School, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 1969.  Her marriage to husband, Randy, followed soon after her graduation, and after a honeymoon in the Smokies and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, she began graduate work at Purdue University that summer and completed her Master’s degree there in 1971.

Becky taught first grade for five years in Indiana, and was then home with her children for thirteen years.  In 1984, she and her family moved from West Lafayette, IN, to Asheville, NC. She taught sixth grade in Buncombe County, NC from 1987-2007.  She was named Teacher of the Year for Charles C. Bell Elementary and the Reynolds District, and was one of two finalists for the Buncombe County Teacher of the Year Award in 1997. Her sweet and humble spirit impacted hundreds of students and colleagues.

Becky enjoyed reading, playing the piano, cheering on the Carolina Tarheels, and most of all she loved being with her family.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband Randy, son Clark Harter and his wife Emily of Morrisville, NC, Kelly Jorro and her husband Steven of Carmel, Indiana, Carey Kytta and her husband Brian of Arden, NC, sister Deborah Kmeic of Jacksonville, Florida, eight grandchildren - Ruth, Noah, Isaac, and Sarah Harter, Luke and Nathan Jorro, and Tyler and Easton Kytta, and many extended family members.

The family will celebrate Becky’s life in a private, intimate service of worship prior to receiving family and friends in the Atrium of First Baptist Church in Asheville, from 3 PM to 5 PM, on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Those interested may choose to make a donation to the Buncombe County Public Library in Becky’s honor.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”  I Peter 3:8

Online condolences may be left at: www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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