Kassie Larae Scharber passed from this life into God’s eternal care on Monday, August 25, after a brave battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by loving family and friends. Those left to mourn her passing are her children Joan Ruth O’Banion and Hamilton Wayne O’Banion, mother Marie Finney, father Steve (Melinda) Scharber, sister Brandey (Dearl) Pemberton, nephew Addison Pemberton, uncle Brian (Debbie) Finney and maternal grandmother, Geneva Finney.
Kassie was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Fred Finney, aunt Misty Finney, as well as paternal grandparents Thomas Scharber and Bonnie Lee Scharber.
Kassie was born on Friday, September 10, 1993 in Mount Pleasant, SC. In her early years she had also lived in New London, CT and Virginia Beach, VA before her father’s discharge from the U.S. Navy. Finally, Kassie resided in her mother and father’s hometown of Decherd, TN.
Kassie was a 2011 graduate of Franklin County High School in Winchester, TN, where she held office in Future Farmers of America as a historian and also reporter during her senior year. She was also a proud member of the Franklin County Saddle Club.
As a young lady, Kassie always loved horses. Two of her favorites were Henry and Blackie. As an adult, Kassie excelled in her role as a mother. She enjoyed motherhood so much that she even took a job at her children’s daycare.
Kassie will be remembered as a free spirited and happy soul. She has always loved horses and animals, working for a time at Animal Care Center in Winchester. She was also a Harry Potter fan. Her house was Ravenclaw. Most of all, Kassie loved her children, her friends, her family, as well as her mother. She rarely met a stranger, and with her genuine love and sweet nature greeted everyone with warmth, kindness and hospitality. Even in her worst and final days her words were always “make yourself at home”, and in most everyday conversations with Kassie she would always close with “I love you.”
Kassie didn’t know when her final day would come, but she made her peace with it by receiving Christ in baptism as her Lord and Savior.
She also persevered through her pain and the unknown to make wonderful, lasting memories for her children with which whom she loved with every fiber of her being. She did this side-by-side with her mother, Marie. It was Marie’s gracious, strong-willed, intelligent and determined example that Kassie adored, admired, and gave her strength to keep fighting until the bitter end. This is what we think Kassie would likely say to us if she could.
“When I come to the end of my journey and I’ve traveled my last weary mile, just forget if you can, that I ever frowned. Remember only the smiles. Forget any unkind words I may have spoken. Remember something good that I have done. Forget that I ever had heartache and remember that I have had loads of fun. Forget that I have stumbled and sometimes fallen. Remember I have fought some very hard battles and have won at the end of the day. Forget to grieve my going. I wouldn’t want you sad for a day. I’m with those that have gone on before me. I’m no longer in pain and suffering. Remember the place where I lay. Just gather some flowers, stand for a few moments beside me, and remember only my best and the love I’ve shown to you. ”
Dearest friends and family, it has been said that “it takes a village”. We are so thankful and blessed by “our village”. You may have called, texted, visited, prayed, brought meals, babysat, shared kind words or even gave gifts of your time and talent, or made monetary donations. It has all been a tremendous help and comfort to Kassie and our Family. Thank you again to “our village.” Sincerely, The family of Kassie Scharber
The family has received friends and family at Shady Grove Nazarene in Decherd, TN on Wednesday, August 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation was held on Thursday, August 28 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with funeral services hosted at 2 p.m.
Arrangements were made by Jasper Memorial Funeral Home, 150 Cornerstone Drive Jasper, TN, 37347 (423)-942-7777.
The Marion Tribune – September 4, 2025