Kay Thompson Leibel, age 80, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at her home.

A native of Rutherford County, Kay was the daughter of the late A. R. Thompson, and the late Sue Taylor Thompson.

Kay was both a devoted, loving wife to Stanley for over 44 years and a loving stepmother to her 3 stepchildren. She was a graduate of R.S. Central High School, Gardner Webb University, and she got her master's degree from Akron University. Kay worked with the Rutherford Vocational Workshop and other social service organizations in Alaska, Calgary Canada and then as a licensed court mediator in Akron OH. After retirement she worked as a volunteer court mediator at the Rutherford County Court House. She also taught grade school at Dunbar Elementary in the mid 1960's.

She was a talented amateur actress acting in many performances by the Isothermal Community College Players and later with local theater groups in Calgary and Akron.

Kay loved traveling. She was an excellent bridge player and cook.

She was generous and kind to people in need and loved animals. There were usually several stray dogs in her care.

Kay had a keen sense of humor and joyous warm personality. She will be sorely missed.

Kay is survived by her husband, Ralph Stanley Leibel, one stepdaughter, Wendy Audrey Taylor, two stepsons, William Gerald Leibel, and Franklin Maxwell Leibel, three sisters, Brenda Thompson Moorman (Jim), Lou Thompson (Howard), Betty Thompson Huss (Jack).

A celebration of life is to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth Saving), P.O. Box 399, Lake Lure, NC 28746, or to Heart of the Foothills, www.heartofthefoothills.org/donate. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.