Mary Ruth Norton, 85, of Arden, went to be home with the Lord, Monday, April 27, 2026. She was the daughter of the late William Albert and Ellen Louise Green Gentry. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, of 50 years, Pastor George Carson Norton, and a sister, Lois Lance. Along with her husband, they founded the North Buncombe First Church of God in Weaverville, NC. and she served alongside him his entire ministry.

Mary, who was a mother to all, is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Kuykendall (Tighe); son, Mark Norton (Sharon); grandchildren, Marissa Murry, Daniel Norton and Seth Kuykendall; great grandchildren, Mariah and Mayah Murry and a brother, David Gentry.

As an active member of missionary trips and women's church groups, she fabricated a beautiful network of faith for all who were graced by her presence. Mary stood strong in her works and still managed to keep the clothes pressed and kitchen clean. Her love for caring kept everyone inspired and she instilled the true value of life in every interaction. She was a true woman of God and the best role model any country family could ask for. She was a blessing.

A funeral service will be held 1:00pm Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Pastors David Watson and Raymond Cantrell will officiate. The burial will follow in the Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.