Kortne (Walsh) Waginger

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, and one bonus sister Quincey Patterson Rickett (Jason) of Hayesville, NC. Grandmother, Jo Ford Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; Aunts, Vickie Walsh of Robbinsville, NC, Debbie Reighard Duran of Scottsdale, AZ, Gaye and Benny Orr of Robbinsville, NC, and Uncle 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, and Harley Duran of Scottsdale, AZ. Her mother-in-law, Jeanette Waginger of Ironton, OH, father-in-law, John Waginger of Hanging Rock, OH; bonus father and mother-in-law, Gary, and Debbie Hanes of South Webster, OH. Brothers in law, Josh Waginger (Courtney) of Hanging Rock, OH, 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, Wynsdor, Yeti, and Cabella (Belly). She is preceded in death by grandparents, Modeal and Irene Walsh, Jimmy Reighard, and Bill Smith, and cousins, James Orr, and Loudon Orr.

          The family will receive friends from 1:00 till 3:00 pm Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Robbinsville, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation, officiated by Pastor Josh Hyde of The Bridge Church in Cullowhee, NC. Kortne was baptized at age 9 at Truett Baptist Church in Hayesville NC. Kortne and Brigham attended the Bridge Church in Cullowhee, NC.

          Due to the risk of exposure to Covid-19 Kortne’s family suggests that anyone wishing to attend the services, please wear a mask and be mindful of social distancing protocols.

          In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Graham County Cancer Support Group in remembrance of Kortne at P.O. Box 1084 Robbinsville, NC 28771.