Mary Ruth Epler

Fayetteville, NC - Mary Ruth Mashburn Epler (92) took her leave from this earth into the arms of Jesus on November 4, 2024, in her home surrounded by loved ones.
Born July 14, 1932, in Vass, NC to Grover and Etta Mashburn, she was the baby of two brothers and five sisters. Thanks to them, her husband and boys, she was spoiled rotten, and they wouldn't have had it any other way.
Among her many professions, being a loving wife and mother was the most productive and satisfying of all. Next would be her role as Grandma and Mammie to four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The ability to be and make a friend was a gift she was blessed with. Ruth was a humble servant of her Lord and all who knew her. She was a willing helper until her death in any way she was needed.
Self-taught, she was a masterful cook. Many delicious meals were shared at her table by thousands of friends and loved ones, and everything she served was prepared with love and it was always a decadent feast.
With a true servant's heart, she was a faithful Sunday School and choir member at Calvary Assembly and Northwood Temple Churches her entire adult life. Ruth loved to volunteer for work with vacation bible school, children's nursery and cooking for the sick and bereaved. She never said no to anything she truly felt called by the Lord to do.
Left to honor and cherish the memory of love and life are her loving and devoted husband of almost 70 years, Norman C. Epler, Sr., her two adoring sons, Norman C. (Chuck) Epler, Jr. and wife Pam, Larry M. Epler and wife Lori, all of Fayetteville. To carry on her legacy are her blessed grandchildren, Matthew C. Epler (fiancée Kelly), Caroline E. Bryan (Jimmy), Megan E. Epler and Caleb M. Epler. Grandma Ruth and Mammie will be missed also by her great grandchildren (the apples of her eye), Nathan, Jacob and Ava Clair Epler, Noah Anderson and Savannah Bryan.
In addition to her parents, preceding her in death are brothers Edgar and Pete and sisters, Lillian, Callie, Maude, Georgia and Sadie.
Mourning her passing and celebrating her homegoing, with the immediate family, are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances. A very special niece, Brenda Hodges loved and treated her like a mother and has been especially helpful to her in her declining years.
The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Ruth's (and Norman's) special caregivers, Danelle, Neadra, Lilly and the boss lady, Roginia. We could not have asked for more from these wonderfully compassionate ladies. They will always be part of the Epler family.
A celebration of Ruth's life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:45 am in the Northwood Temple Church main sanctuary, conducted by Dr. Rev. John Hedgepeth and Rev. Mark Finn. A time of visitation will begin at 11:00 am. The laying to rest of Mary Ruth Epler at Lafayette Cemetery will follow the service at 1:30 pm, conducted by Dr. Rev. Hedgepeth.
Flowers are welcome, as she did love them, but if a contribution is preferred, please make it to Northwood Temple Church or Gideon's International in her memory.
Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com
The family is gratefully being served by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mary Ruth (Mashburn) Epler, please visit our floral store.