Dorothy (Dottie) Ruth Huss Rash entered her heavenly home on November 17, 2025, at the family farm. She was the fourth daughter of the late Reverend D.T. and Gertie Rhoney Huss and was born on November 29, 1938, in Cabarrus County, N.C. In 1956 Dottie graduated from Union Grove High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, John Burley (J.B.) Rash. They were married on June 21, 1959. Together, they devoted their lives to farming and to blessing their community through countless acts of service.
Following in the footsteps of her father and sisters, Dottie attended Lenoir-Rhyne College, graduating in 1959 after completing her four-year program in only two and a half years. She went on to become a devoted wife, mother, and educator. Dottie served as an elementary school teacher for Statesville City Schools for more than 32 years, spending most of her career at Avery Sherrill. Teaching was her ministry; she loved her students deeply, and they loved her in return.
Dottie was a gifted pianist whose musical journey began at the age of three. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, she frequently played for funerals and weddings during her childhood, some of which were held in the family home. Throughout her life, she shared her musical talent with the church, serving as pianist or organist for 84 of her 87 years. She loved the Lord, and she especially treasured playing the hymns of her faith.
Beyond her church service, Dottie was active in the North Carolina Order of the Eastern Star, where she served for many years as Organist. She also brought joy to the residents of Maple Leaf Nursing Home, sharing music that uplifted both the listeners and herself. She often said, “We came to bless them, but they were the ones blessing us.” Dottie served faithfully in every corner of her community, touching the lives of all who knew her.
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mavin H. McHargue, Hazel H. Sherrill, and Rea H. Houston; and several beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, J.B. Rash; her precious children, Keith Bradley Rash (Tracy); and Dana Rash Cope (David). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Joshua David Cope (Rachel), Sarah Cope, and Trever Cardea (Tori), and a devoted great-grandmother to Railey, Riley, and Keifer Crooks; John, Ben, and David Cope; and Waylon Cardea. She also leaves behind many cherished “adopted” children and grandchildren whom she loved as her own.
Donations may be made in Dottie’s memory to the Harmony Methodist Church Children’s Music Fund. It was her dream to establish a youth handbell choir at Harmony, the church where she spent her retirement years and where she was continually blessed by the laughter, joy, and music of the young children, including many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to our angels on Earth, her sister-in-law, Jane Rash, and Jodi, Sarah, and Cassie with Hospice of Iredell County, for the extraordinary care they provided to our precious “Ma.” Donations may also be made in her memory to Hospice of Iredell County.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 21, at Providence Methodist Church from 4 until 8 p.m. and a celebration of her life and faith will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. at Providence Methodist Church, with Rev. Chris Lakey officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.