Mary Ruth Matze Setzer of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Mrs. Setzer was born in South Boston, Va., graduated from C.H. Friend High School, and received her degree in Christian Education from Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, N.C. She married Bobby Ray Setzer of Raeford, N.C., in 1961.
Mrs. Setzer was one of North Carolina’s foremost artists, working in all media and across genres. She won numerous awards for her artwork and her work has been exhibited in many galleries, museums, and private collections. She taught art classes for many years at the Mooresville Gallery, worked in interior design, and was employed by Gibson Greeting Cards. Mrs. Setzer had an encyclopedic knowledge of North Carolina flora and fauna, particularly mountain wildflowers. She was a member of the Mooresville Arts Guild, the Artists Guild of Statesville, and Iredell County Arts. She and her husband were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Mooresville. Mrs. Setzer was curious about many subjects, and traveling enhanced her curiosity. She made several cross-country trips, and was particularly fond of the Outer Banks, where the Matze family held reunions several times a year. She had a great sense of humor, and many of her relatives and friends considered her a walking party. She also had a deep love for her family and never forgot her roots in South Boston. She was a contributor to the South Boston Sports Hall of Fame, and presenter of the Matze Family Scholarship to Halifax County athletes.
Mrs. Setzer was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Setzer; parents William M. and Blanche L. Matze; brothers Mervin Matze (Caroline), Kenneth Matze (Kay), E. Luther Matze (Fran), Douglas Matze (Florence), and William Matze (Dody); sister Margaret Matze Lipe (Thomas); niece Mary Jo Lewis; and sister-in-law Janice Pickler.
She is survived by nieces Barbara Lipinski, Robin Sibold, Debbie Williams, Vivian Kidder, Amy Duncan, Susan Cheever, and Mary Lou Matze; nephews Douglas Matze, Melvin Matze, William (Jay) Matze, Steven Matze, Stuart Matze, and Thomas Lipe; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Inman.
A service of remembrance will be held at a future time.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mrs. Setzer. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.