Obituaries

Mary Lee was born at home in Erlanger, Kentucky, to Leonard and Marie Gabbard Byrd and welcomed by her older brothers, Junior and Marty.

A 1954 graduate of Lloyd High School, Mary Lee married the love of her life, Ronnie Rash, with whom she welcomed three children: Robin Douglas, Ronna Lee, and Noel Christian.

Despite tragically losing Ronnie in 1969, Mary Lee went back to work and raised their three children alone, attending all of their activities and making laughter, love, responsibility, and hard work important tenants in their home. She would remain a widow for 27 years until marrying Stuart Roy Payne, to whom she would remain married until his death in 2013.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband Ronnie, her mother, her father, her brothers, her husband Roy, and her dear friends Shirley, Lita, Rae Jo, and Marsha.

Being a mom was her gift, and becoming a Mimi was a long-awaited and absolute joy. Left to mourn her passing are her children Doug Rash, Ronna Mocahbee, and Noel Rash (Julie), her grandchildren, Corey Cruse (Amber) and Liza Rash, and her life-long best friend Sara Smith.

Adhering to her unselfish nature, Mary Lee donated her body to medical research and instruction at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. Therefore, the interment of her remains will occur privately and at a later date.

Please join the family for a true celebration of life for this extraordinary lady on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 at Pee Wee’s in Crescent Springs, KY.