After battling seven cancers with immeasurable courage, dignity, grace, and humor, Kortne Walsh Waginger of Cullowhee, North Carolina,
entered her eternal home on December 31st at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL.
Kortne was born in Sylva, North Carolina, in 1990. She was a 2008 graduate of Hayesville High School and a graduate of Western Carolina University’s class of 2012, where she received her BSN. While attending university, Kortne met the love of her life, Brigham Waginger; He was a player on the WCU Men’s Basketball team, and Kortne was a WCU cheerleader.
Following her graduation, Kortne pursued her passion for caring for others at Hope Women’s Cancer Center, Mission Hospital, and Mission Cancer Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Kortne is survived by her husband, Brigham Waginger. Her parents Dee and Tonia Walsh of Peachtree, NC. A brother Alex Walsh and wife Savannah of Robbinsville, NC. One Sister Katie Walsh of Knoxville, TN. One bonus sister Quincey Patterson Rickett(Jason) of Hayesville, NC. Grandmother Jo Ford Smith of Scottsdale, AZ. Aunt Vickie Walsh of Robbinsville, NC. Debbie Reighard Duran of Scottsdale, AZ. Gaye and Benny Orr of Robbinsville, NC. Dale and Susie Walsh of Robbinsville, NC. Cousins Kyle Orr(Christy) of Robbinsville, NC, Keenan Walsh of Robbinsville, NC, Alexis Duran of New River, AZ, Harley Duran of Scottsdale, AZ. Her Mother-in-Law Jeanette Waginger of Ironton, OH. Father-in-Law John Waginger of Hanging Rock, OH. Bonus Mother and Father-in-Law, Gary and Debbie Hanes of South Webster, OH. Her Brother-in-Law Josh Waginger(Courtney) of Hanging Rock, OH. Her Brother-in-Law John “Bub” Waginger(Kayla) of Hanging Rock, OH. Nephews and Niece Beckham Waginger, Bentlee Waginger, Barrett Waginger, Boston Waginger, and Kase Waginger. Kortne leaves behind her beloved 3 fur babies, Wyndsor, Yeti, and Cabella (Belly). She is preceded in death by
Grandparents Modal and Irene Walsh, Jimmy Reighard, and Bill Smith. Cousins James Orr and Loudon Orr.
On Saturday, January 8th, the family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Robbinsville, NC. A celebration of life will follow, officiated by the Pastor Josh Hyde of The Bridge Church of Cullowhee, NC. Kortne was baptized at age nine at Truett Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. Kortne and Brigham attended The Bridge Church in Cullowhee, NC.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Graham County Cancer Support Group in remembrance of Kortne Waginger -donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 1084 Robbinsville, NC 28771.