Mary Norris Bedenbaugh

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Mary Norris Bedenbaugh, 86, of Saluda, went home to the Lord she loved and so faithfully served.

A lifelong resident of Saluda County, Mary was the daughter of the late Myrtis Calk (L.D.) and “Bo” Norris. She was married to the late Keith Bedenbaugh, Sr. Mary was one of the last two surviving original charter members of Emmanuel Church, where she remained a member until her passing. She spent many years of her life working with her mother in their family restaurant, The Trail Café, and later worked in several local daycares until her retirement.

Mary loved her family second only to Jesus Christ and devoted her life to them. She found life’s greatest happiness in her grandchildren and enjoyed being able to keep them often and spending time with them. Known as “Granny” to her older grandchildren and “BeBe” to her younger grandchildren, she could play with them like no one else could.

In her younger years, Mary enjoyed trips to Lake Murray and Daytona Beach with her family. In her later years when she became crippled by arthritis, along with other health issues and could not get out much or attend church, Mary loved to talk on the phone to her family and friends and spent most days watching church services and music on tv. She “read the cover off of her Bible” and was a prayer warrior, inspiration, and shining example to all around her. Her family and those close to her will miss her sweet spirit and humble soul until reunited with her in heaven one day.

Surviving Mary are a son, Keith Bedenbaugh, Jr. (Tara) of Saluda; a daughter-in-law, Jeanette Bedenbaugh of Saluda; along with her grandchildren, Bryan Bedenbaugh (Tracey), Nikki Bedenbaugh, Kayla Adams (Patrick), Chad Adams (Amanda), Will Bedenbaugh (Alexandria), and Connor Bedenbaugh (Chelsey); and great-grandchildren, Delaney, Kaden, Naaman, Tanner, and Noah. Also surviving are her sisters, Ann Smiley and Susan Norris; brother, Alvin Norris; step-mother, Polly Norris-Ridings; other extended family and many special friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a son, “Butch” Bedenbaugh.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 21st at Emmanuel Church in Saluda. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 PM in the church. Mary, as a last testimony to her selfless spirit, was a donor to the USC School of Medicine.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Church, PO Box 594, Saluda, SC, or online to Jimmy Swygert Ministries at www.jsm.org.