Mary Kay Rathbone

Mary Kay Rathbone, 44, of Fletcher, North Carolina, sadly passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. She was born in Jackson County, NC, on March 6, 1982.

Mary grew up in Jackson County and graduated from Smoky Mountain High School in 2001. After graduating, Mary found employment for ten years with Haywood Vocational Opportunities. She had a huge heart and a loving spirit, a giver by nature who loved to take care of other people, which led her to a position she loved, waiting tables at Longhorn’s, where she quickly found friends amongst the other staff.

Aside from caring for others, Mary loved animals, especially dogs! Due to her calm nature, she found animals drawn to her and that provided a sense of comfort to Mary. She was always thinking of what she could do for others, or what gifts she could give, anything she could do to make someone’s day better, she’d do it. Mary spent many years of her life cared for by those with Haywood County Social Services, who treated Mary just like family. Which is exactly what she found with them, and an abundance of friends she made endless memories with that they will cherish for a lifetime. In the words of those who knew her best, “Mary was a special person, made other’s laugh, and you could tell her anything. Her heart was heavy, so God gave her an eternal heart for giving.”

May God Bless the Memory of Mary Kay Rathbone.

Left to mourn her passing is her mother, Betty McClure; sister’s, Margaret Rathbone, Christy (Carl) Osborne; a brother, Kevin Rathbone; aunt’s, Cindy and Katie; uncle’s, Buddy (Connie) and Red; beloved caregiver, Sandy Kilgore; adored friends, Kim Waddell, and Kathy Campbell; as well as many other relatives and friends and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a humane society of your choice in Mary’s honor.

Mary kay Rathbone is in the care of Wells Funeral Homes in Waynesville, NC. Mary’s family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date.

Mary kay Rathbone is in the care of Wells Funeral Homes in Waynesville, NC. Mary’s family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date.