Claudine Rhew

Asheville - Claudine Rhew passed from this world into the arms of Christ where she joined her beautiful daughter Deane Nesbitt, her husband Jim Rhew and her mother and father Lucy and Claude Brown. Claudine is survived by her grandson Chad Nesbitt, his wife Nancy Nesbitt, and great granddaughter Savannah Nesbitt. Claudine was a true Southern Belle and one of the last of the Greatest Generation. In the 1930's, she helped her father (a bootlegger, run the family business- the Newfound Grocery Store during the Great Depression. Later she worked at Kresses in downtown Asheville while she attended Cecil's College. After graduating with a degree in business, she began working at the Enka Plant during World War II. While the men went to war, Claudine became a plant supervisor at Enka where men, unable to go to war, worked under her which was very rare in the 1940's. In the early 1950's through the 60's Claudine began her own business and opened a bar where she met the love of her life Jim Rhew. After marrying, they started WNC Parking Lot Services which is still running to this day. In the 1980's the two owned Waste Tech- a garbage pick-up service, as well as the West Asheville Laundromat, Jim Dandy's Ice Cream, and the Kangaroos Convenience Store. Claudine was known for her class, elegant style, and her hilarious dry sense of humor. She was a professional business woman who put God and her family first. Claudine always took care of her employees and helped them in times of need. She was a "straight shooter" in every sense of the words. She carried a pistol everywhere she went and would put you in your place if needed. She was loved, adored, and respected by her family. We will miss her beautiful light, wit, and love of life. We would like to especially thank our head nurses Kim Ragan, Faye Craig, and Carrie Green for the love and care through the years. Also thank you to Michelle, Pat, and Tosha. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday Sept 28th at 2pm, Anders-Rice on Patton Ave with a private graveside service at a later time. Flowers are appreciated and donations can be made to honor her life to Trinity Baptist Church.