Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 31, 2022

Mary Elizabeth Ratchford Bass was born at Charlotte Memorial Hospital on October 22, 1946, to parents Fred & Margaret Ratchford of Charlotte. After graduating Myers Park High School in 1965 she attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. In the summer of 1965, Mary met Wayne Bass on a double date with friends. They hit it off immediately and by the end of the evening Wayne had Mary’s number and so their 57-year love story began. They married the following year on Mary’s 20^th birthday. Wayne’s service in the Army took them to Germany in1968. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1970 they started their family. Mary was a devoted mother to her two daughters. Once her girls were grown, Mary began working at Queens University where she forged great relationships and became the “go to” across campus for over 15 years. After living in North Wilkesboro for seven years when the children were young and falling back in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains, she and Wayne built the family cabin in Blowing Rock, NC. They enjoyed splitting their time between Charlotte and Blowing Rock, where Mary enjoyed connecting with old and new friends through being a faithful member of Blowing Rock Methodist church. During this time, she was a committed and constant caregiver to both of her parents and became a doting Mimi of three beautiful grandchildren.

Mary’s life was grounded in her deep faith and in recent years, she cherished her participation at MPUMC in The Builders Sunday School Class, The Women’s Choir and annual Christmas concert and a women’s small group. Sunday morning worship was a highlight of the week.

Over the past ten years living across the street from MPUMC at the Carlton, Mary relished her time with her wonderful neighbors and enjoyed the fellowship with her Carlton family.

Mary is survived by her husband, Wayne of Charlotte, her daughter Ashley Bass Brietz (Jay Brietz) of Charlotte, Lindsey Bass (Will Beacom) of Virginia, her three grandchildren Sullivan Dill, Jake and Emily Brietz and her brother Fred Ratchford of Virginia.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Myers Park United Methodist Church with the family receiving friends following the service at Jubilee Hall at MPUMC. The service will be livestreamed.

Memorials may be made to MPUMC Music Ministry, 1501 Queens Road Charlotte, NC 28207or Blowing Rock Methodist Church, P.O. Box 352 Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.