Mary Ruth Johnson McFadden

Early in the morning on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Mary Ruth Johnson McFadden, age 81, left her earthly body and entered into heaven to be with her son, her parents, siblings, and many others who were waiting for her to join them in heaven.

Mary was born to the late Curtis and Julia “Pearl” Johnson on February 7, 1944 in Kingsport, Tennessee. She attended Dobyns-Bennett High School, which she loved and was very proud of. Mary retired from Westinghouse / Eaton Cutler-Hammer where she worked as a buyer of raw metal. Through the years, she attended classes at UNCA. Earlier in her life, for many years, she and her family were members at Bent Creek Baptist Church, where Mary was a Sunday School teacher. She and her husband later became members of Sardis United Methodist Church, which she loved and attended until she was no longer able to attend due to her health.

Mary loved her family. Through the years, she was a Brownie leader, she participated in concessions at the Venable Community Center where all three of her sons played little league baseball, she made time to sew, she loved working in her yard, decorating her house, and was a natural at cooking. She was known for the delicious meals she could whip up. Mary loved to read and for most of her life, she always had some book going and would often read into the wee hours of the morning – books of history, fiction, and sometimes both. One of her favorite things was taking big family trips to the beach and family camping trips in Western North Carolina. She also had a great love for her friends & for many years met up with them once a month for a game night of cards.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her son Jon, sisters Wanda and Juanita, and brother David.

Mary leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Guy, who served in the United States Air Force. They were very much in love and truly were as one. She also leaves behind daughter Beverly, sons Chuck and Michael, brother Curtis, grandchildren Drew, Emily, Nick, Devon, Taylor, Nathan, Brandon, five great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mary was a fearless woman who was filled with gratitude and love for all the many things she was blessed with in life.

The family would like to express gratitude to Four Seasons Hospice for the excellent, kind, and professional care they gave Mom while she was in their care.

The family will have a small private service in the Chapel at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain at noon on Monday, June 9. Rev. Mark McFadden will officiate.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.