Mary Katherine Whetsel

Mary Katherine “Kate” (Taylor) Whetsel, 83, of Radford, VA, formerly from Starnes Bluff, VA, passed peacefully; surrounded by family, Saturday, February 28th, 2026.

She was one of 7 siblings, born to Anna Ruth (Sparks) Taylor and Henry Vernard Taylor of Starnes Bluff, Scott County, VA. They preceded her in death along with her 3 brothers and 2 sisters; Frank Taylor, Henry Taylor, Gene Taylor; Bernice (Taylor) Jones and June (Taylor) Hixon; Brother-in-laws; William (Bill) Whetsel, Jr., Don Whetsel and Dale Whetsel; Sister-in-laws; Wanda (Whetsel) Blevins and Barbara (Whetsel) Taylor; her niece Linda Blevins and 2 nephews; Dennis Whetsel and Robbie Whetsel. Kate was also preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Lee (Bob) Whetsel and by her precious daughter, Tammy Lea Whetsel.

Kate Whetsel was married to her loving husband Bob Whetsel for 50 amazing years. Bob & Kate spent most of their lives working, as Owners of Whetsel’s Ice Cream in Roanoke, VA; Whetsel’s Market in Montvale, VA; Country Boy Drive Inn, in Christiansburg,VA; Sonic Drive Inn, in Pulaski, VA and Kate’s Cleaning Services & Construction just to name a few. While she was a talented cook and entrepreneur, her heart was always with children. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was so great that she came out of retirement to work as their elementary school lunch lady—a role that allowed her to brighten the lives of countless students and staff over the years.

Kate is survived by; Sister Florence (Taylor) Franscisco, Sister-in-laws Katheryn (Whetsel) Countiss, Rita (Whetsel) Serra, and Brother-in-law Charles Whetsel.

Also survived by her 2 children and his spouse; Dr.Robert (Rob) Carlton Whetsel and wife Dr.Ruth Barratt; Daughter Anna Marie Whetsel Rucker. She was an adored Mamaw to 5 grandchildren; Jason Lee Whetsel; Niycoka Lynn (Whetsel) Friend and husband Jonathan Friend; Joshua Johnston, Zac Johnston and wife Jozlyn (Lewis) Johnston, Donavan Whetsel Rucker and her granddaughter by heart Tiesha Perry. Surviving Great-grandchildren: Holdien Sheppard, Destiny Washington, Richard Perry, Jr., Keymoni Kimbrough, Bryanna Perry, Payton Dowdy, Mahnya Mosier, Olivia Leeson, Trynt Johnston, Aubree Perry, Jayce Johnston, Samuel Whetsel, Jett Johnston, Sawyer Johnston, and Evan Perry. Kate had 1 great-great grand daughter Emily Sheppard. There were countless Nieces and Nephews whom she loved dearly! There were also an enormous number of the grandkid’s friends and previous young employees who called Kate Whetsel “Mamaw”; those were family by love.

Services are currently in planning.