Cassie's Story

Born January 13, 1980, Cassandra Anne Rutledge, affectionately known as “Cassie” to her family and friends, was born with an endearing spirit. She is survived by her parents, Gene and Diane Rutledge, and an older brother, Hampton with whom she was very close. Cassie was an outgoing and friendly individual to everyone and easily recognized for her big bright smile and loud snort-filled laughter. Cassie was also close to her many aunts, uncles, and cousins enjoying yearly vacations and holidays with them. Cassie loved the beach – any beach; however, her heart belonged to the mountains of Western North Carolina. She loved all varieties of animals from domesticated to wild creatures, putting rolly-pollys and worms in her pockets as a small child, smothering the family dogs and cats, and becoming cautiously fascinated by the bears in the backyard as well as where she worked. Cassie was loyal to her many friends and loved encouraging them to enjoy life and one another.

She was active in sports as a cheerleader for Termites, Mites, and Midgets, Valley Springs Middle School, and T.C. Roberson High School where, as a senior, she was captain of the cheerleading team. She was also a Girl Scout for several years. At Roberson Cassie was involved in student government, voted Miss Blue and Gold in Senior Superlatives, and was an active tennis player. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville where she earned her BA in Literature and was a proud sister of Alpha Xi Delta.

She enjoyed working with homeowners and REALTORS at Champion Hills Golf Community, Coldwell Banker, the Cliffs at Walnut Cove, and her favorite job, Mountainair in Burnsville, NC. Her enthusiasm was infectious; Cassie would light up a room with her smile and laugh, turning strangers into friends.

She was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 11, but with support from family and friends, stayed active and lived life by her terms.

Cassie would love that an annual scholarship for a senior at T.C. Roberson High School is being established in her name and that research into diabetes is being publicized through her website. Her family and friends are honoring her memory with the establishment of The Cassie Rutledge Memorial Fund in her name through the Buncombe County Education Foundation.