Granny Ruth McMahan Epley, 92 of Morganton, NC passed away, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born on June 2, 1932 in Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Wilks and Mae McMahan. Ruth was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church where she loved serving the Lord. She enjoyed fishing, flowers, and woodworking, but her greatest joy was being Granny to all. Granny always looked for the best in everyone and always had a smile on her face. She was a great cook, and her family loved her biscuits and gravy and potato soup. Granny loved her family with all her heart. She always taught her family that if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right and that is how she lived her life.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Judy Epley Roberts and Peggy Epley Whalen; grandchildren, Dustin Epley (Jessica), Cody Epley, Chastity Edney Stapleton (Jethro), Jonathan Whalen (Brenna), Fred Whalen (Hollis), and Emily Connelly; great-grandchildren, Reid, Mack, Ayden, Avery, Hayden, Kathryn, and Whitley; brother, Charlie McMahan; sisters, Sally Phillips and Lettie Hoglen; daughter-in-law, Caroline Epley; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Granny was preceded in death by her husband, Mackie “Mack” Epley; son, Randy Epley; brothers, Carl, Wayne, and Floyd McMahan; and sisters, Bessie Wright and Evelyn Dalton.
The family will receive friends from 11am until noon, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at noon in the sanctuary with the Rev. Justin Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her beloved church, El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Granny Ruth McMahan Epley.
Judy and Chasity my heart is with you both, your mother and grandmother Blessed every life she touched including mine and God just called home one of His many Angels here on earth... Ruth you will be awfully missed, but I will see you again soon. Until another time, From my heart to all of yours much Love and Many Blessings...
She was a great friend and she always made you feel special she will be missed by so many people but heaven just gained a beautiful angel 😇 love you granny thank you for all your smiles and love ❤️
Our deepest sympathy to all. Praying for peace and comfort for all!
Judy and Family, Sending hugs and prayers. Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May the love of God bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Aunt Ruth was a amazing women. She loved her family and friends! She will be greatly missed. Praying for the family! Love you all!
Ruth was one of the most loving Christian ladies that I have ever known. She welcomed everyone in her life as if you were special. That ability is rare. She lived her life for Jesus and followed His guidance for her life. She wanted everyone to accept Gods Son! The Free gift to the world that in Jesus alone you are granted a life that never ends. Her greatest desire in this life was to give others the message of Jesus. That he is the way , the truth and the life. She wanted everyone to accept Gods free gift, just as she did so many years ago. To know her was to love her. And i am so thankful that i had the opportunity to be one who knew her. She will be greatly missed but not for long if we know Jesus as our savior!
Peggy, So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful granny to many including me when she told me not to bend over when I was pregnant. We all loved her as you do. She is in a much better place and at peace. Praying for you. Love you
Peggy, so sorry for your loss. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am going to miss my aunt she was a sweet and nice lady you couldn’t ask for a better person than she was .Betty Bivens