Garlene S. Rich

Garlene S. Rich, age 94 of Asheboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home. 

Garlene was born on July 30, 1929 in Randolph County to Jesse and Eula Yow Sykes. Garlene was a graduate of Asheboro High School and attended Asheboro Business School. She worked at First National Bank for 45 years starting as a teller and finishing as an Executive Vice President and personnel director. While working, Garlene was the state president of the America Bank Women’s Association and received in 1986 the first Athena Award from the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, as well as, being inducted into the Red Jacket Club. After retiring from First National Bank, Garlene worked for a number of years at Pugh Funeral Home and also worked at the volunteer center. She was a long-time member at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and more recently attended at Balfour Baptist Church. Garlene truly loved life and was a well-known pianist and organist. She loved to travel and one of her favorite trips was with her husband when they drove to Alaska. Garlene was a godly, loving wife, mother, and sister. In addition to her parents, Garlene is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Reid Rich; sister, Rufine Beane; and brothers, Leon and Tony Sykes. 

Garlene is survived by her son, Reid H. Rich, Jr. (Karen) of Asheboro, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bryant Madren and Rev. Mark Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow the service at Giles Chapel Cemetery, 1627 Giles Chapel Rd., Asheboro. A meal will be provided following the burial at Balfour Baptist Church Fellowship hall, 1642 N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro, for anyone wishing to share memories with the family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Garlene’s memory to Balfour Baptist Church or to the organization of the donor’s choice. Reid and Karen would like to thank Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home for the excellent and loving care given to Garlene during her illness.    

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