Mary Ruddle Burris

Mary Ruddle Burris, an extraordinary spirit who graced the world with her laughter and love, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexander, NC on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on April 25, 1955, in Flint, MI, Mary was a remarkable individual, known for her warm heart, adventurous spirit, and an unparalleled zest for life.

For over 30 years, Mary dedicated her talents as a computer assistant for NOAA, where she played her part in ensuring our planet's health. However, her true career was not just measured in years but in experiences cherished with family and friends. A proud veteran, she served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, carrying the values of duty and devotion into every aspect of her life.

Mary was one of a kind, a vibrant soul who found joy in the quirky and the eccentric. She embraced her passions wholeheartedly, from her love for dragons, to her fondness for rock concerts and festivals. Beside her friends, she devoured life, one delectable morsel at a time, with bacon as a favorite and chocolate cake as her last indulgence. Her friends will forever remember her infectious smile and the way she never met a stranger, turning acquaintances into cherished companions with her warm heart.

A founding member of the “LOL Gang,” Mary reveled in exploring her favorite restaurants and savored every adventure that came her way. Her spirit was bright and fun, illuminating the lives of everyone she encountered. To know Mary was to love her, a sentiment echoed by all, and those fortunate enough to call her a friend will carry the warmth of her laughter and the strength of her friendship with them always. A lifelong love of reading, especially romance novels, further revealed the deeply romantic heart she possessed.

Mary is survived by her adoring family, including her father, Von Ruddle; her children, Lisa Raplee of Asheville, Stephanie Neal (Billy) of Greenville, TN, April Cole of Titusville, FL, Cheyenne Gerringer (Shannon) of Alexander, and Amanda Gerringer of Asheville. She was a beloved sister to Ken Thompson (Lori Ann) of Mackinac Island, MI, and Bruce Thompson (Marsha) of Flower Mound, TX, and a cherished grandmother to her six grandchildren: Jesse Raplee, Gary Simpson, Savannah Bourque, Emily Neal, and Joey & Justin Banks, as well as two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Ezmee. Her legacy of love will also be carried on by a host of wonderful friends, particularly Anita Warren and Tammy Scott.

In her passing, Mary rejoins her beloved husband, Darrell Burris; her mother, Mary Thompson; and her stepfather, Charlie Thompson, intertwining their spirits once again. A memorial gathering in celebration of Mary’s vibrant life will take place on December 1, 2025, at Wells Funeral Home in Candler, NC, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All are welcome to come and share stories and memories of the unique life of Mary Burris.

Mary Ruddle Burris lived boldly, loved fiercely, and brought joy to everyone around her. Though she may have departed from this earthly realm, her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her, igniting the same sense of adventure and love within them, urging everyone to embrace life with the same passion she always did.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Texas Roadhouse crew for their continued love and acts of kindness shown to Mary.

The care of Mrs. Burris has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.