Mary R. Stikeleather
August 2, 1931 - August 16, 2025 (Age 94)
Mary Ruth Vaughn Stikeleather passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1931, a daughter of the late Joe and Sarah Vaughan.
Mary Ruth left behind a legacy of grace, warmth, and unwavering love. She was a woman whose calm spirit and steady heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A proud graduate of Bain High School’s Class of 1949, Mary Ruth went on to attend business school and built a dedicated career as a secretary with Southern Life Insurance, which later became Life of Georgia Life Insurance. Her professionalism and quiet strength were hallmarks of her work and her life.
Mary Ruth was a devoted member of Hope Community Fellowship, where her faith flourished and her love for worship was evident in every gathering. She found joy in baking for others, sharing her creations with care and kindness. But above all, she was happiest in her garden—her sanctuary—where she nurtured life with the same tenderness she gave to her family and friends.
She will be remembered most vividly in the yard, hands in the soil, surrounded by blooms and peace. Her love for her Christian family was deep and unwavering, and her role as a mother was one she embraced with humility, strength, and endless affection.
Mary Ruth was never angry, always calm, level-headed, and loving. Her presence was a source of comfort, her wisdom a quiet guide, and her heart a wellspring of generosity.
Her legacy lives on in every flower she planted, every recipe she shared, and every life she touched with her gentle spirit.
Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Ernest Jerrell Stikeleather; three sisters, Rachel Austen, Tharza Stegall, and Patsy Hill; and her brother, Earl Vaughan. She is survived by her two sons, David "Jeff" Stikeleather (Julie), and Ernest "Jerry" Stikeleather, Jr. (Joanne, dec.); grandsons, Jacob Stikeleather (Lacie) and Michael Foltz; and great grandson, Kolton Stikeleather.
A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. A funeral service will occur Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. Mary will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens following the service.