Mary Phillips Moretz of Boone, passed away from her earthly life on Sunday, August 25, 2024.  She was born to the late J. D.  and Edna Lyons Phillips on November 7,1928.  She was so proud of her birth date because she shared it with her hero, Rev. Billy Graham.  She was a lifelong resident of Watauga County, and was raised by her grandparents, Julia and Ben Phillips.  She loved both her parents and grandparents and shared many stories of her childhood and upbringing.  Her grandparents had already raised two sons, and Mary was "their daughter" and they gave her much love and saw that she was given a good education.

She married Cecil Moretz on June 27, 1943, just before he joined the Army and was shipped overseas. Mary considered herself a simple country lady and had such a caring, meek heart for her family and her community.  Anyone who had the honor to sit at her table could attest to her great ability to cook and bake anything.  She loved sharing with her family and neighbors. Her meals could be thrown together in no time: all the recipes were stored in her memory, as with most country cooks. She could freeze, can, pickle, salt cure, and prepare anything and it was always good. Her feelings would be hurt if you didn't eat two or more helpings.  She excelled at sewing, quilting, gardening, as well as helping run the dairy and farm, step by step with her husband. Mary also was gifted with the processing of pork, beef, and deer each year. She was truly  a pioneer mountain lady. Many times, she stated she gave up her education and a career in order to serve her God and raise her children, whom she loved dearly, along with her grands and great grands. They in turn always served and honored her until the very end. It was our honor to aid in her care.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband, a brother Ray Stansberry, sisters J. Ann Mikeal (Max), and Retha Worth.  Cecil had a total of 9 brothers and sisters, and Mary is the last of the spouses for this family. Another generation is gone but will never be forgotten.

She is survived by one son, Warren (Greta) Moretz, a daughter Joyce (Larry) Young. Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren include Emily (Ben) Moretz Wells, Adelaide, Clara, and Wyatt of their home.  Derek (Caroline) Moretz, Olivia and Leland of their home.  Scotty (Susan) Moretz and Briggs and Baker of their home. Daughter of Joyce Young, Sarah (David) Block and Colette and Henry of their home and grandson Daniel Stout.  She is also survived by a special sister and brother-in-law, June and Frank South, Doris Stansberry and several nieces and nephews and spouses.

The family is especially thankful for the excellent care provided by Joyce, Larry, Deloyce Greene, and the staff of Glenbridge Nursing Home Facility, Medi Home Hospice and Ryland Sherwood. These caregivers truly reflect the face and posture of Jesus. The family also wishes to thank the entire community and friends for the many acts of kindness extended over the years. Names will not be listed because it would take too long.

Services will be held at Hampton's Funeral Home Chapel, Sunday, Sept.1, 2024, at 4:45 for visitation the funeral to be held after that led by Dr. Larry Young.

The family respectfully requests that no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice at 400 Shadow Line Dr. Unit 101, Boone, NC.  28607.

The entire staff of Hampton's Funeral Service are to be thanked for their assistance and friendship.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.