Mary Elizabeth Rattz Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Woodell Rattz, 87, of Sanford, NC passed away in the morning hours of Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Bayberry Retirement Inn.

Elizabeth was born in Lee County, NC on December 3rd to the late William "Jack" Hampton Woodell and the late Marie Margaret Spivey Woodell Atkins. In addition to her parents and her step father Shelton Atkins, she was preceded in death by her husband Sherwood "Woody" Maxwell Rattz; daughter Deborah "Debbie" Rattz Hurley; daughter-in-law Lisa Hash Rattz and step-brother Johnny Atkins.

After being awarded her high school diploma from Sanford Central High School Elizabeth worked at a local spinning mill and then subsequently retired from Triangle Brick. During her retirement Elizabeth loved to travel, predominantly with her cousin Mitzi Wilsey and with her family, one of her favorite places to visit was to the United States Virgin Islands.

Aside from travel she absolutely loved to read, puzzle, and dote on her many grandchildren. She is survived by her sons Jimbo Rattz and wife Kelli of St. John, USVI, Richard Rattz of Sanford, NC; son-in-law Lynn Hurley of Sanford, NC; grandchildren Sami Rattz, Jenni Belle Rattz and husband Trent Fredricks, Lindsey Hurley Holt and husband Brian, Jordan Hurley, Carlin Rattz, Justin Rattz and great-grandchildren Logan, Anna Belle, Jaxon, and Leo.

A graveside service will be held at Lee Memory Gardens on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Doug Houston officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside in the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Bayberry Retirement Inn in Sanford, NC, where Elizabeth spent the end of her retirement at living with many newfound friends. Donations may be made payable to "Blue Ridge Senior Care" with memo of "Bayberry Retirement Inn" and mailed to: Bayberry Retirement Inn, 2002 Woodland Ave. Sanford, NC, 27330.