Kenneth Umbach, age 85, of Murphy passed away Friday, September 26, 2014 in Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.  Kenneth was a native of Cincinnati, OH, but had lived in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Murphy March 18, 2001.  He had worked as an advertising manager for Cincinnati Milacron and he had also worked as a sales representative for ABC Publishing retiring in 1992. Kenneth was a well-known artist in the area and taught Acrylic Painting at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

He was the son of the late Louis and Florence Kripendorf Umbach. He was also preceded in death by his son, Stephen Umbach.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Umbach; a step-son, Trey Riley of Indianapolis, IN; a brother, Louis Umbach of Wooster, OH; and a granddaughter, Jennifer McClanahan.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Kenneth Umbach to the American Cancer Society, Cherokee County, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, NC  28801 or to the  John C. Campbell Folk School, 1 Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC  28902.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.