Mary Carolyn Nitschke (Harris), age 81 of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday June 29, 2025, just days before her birthday. She is celebrating in paradise with her family and her heavenly father! On earth, she would have chosen a favorite restaurant and enjoyed a store-bought cake with whipped icing.

Mary was born in Covington, KY to John and Nora Harris as the youngest of five children. When she was just two years old, her mother passed unexpectedly. She was loved and raised by her father; John Harris, step-mother; Melissa Taylor, and her Grandma Urban. She grew up in Independence, KY and graduated from Simon Kenton High School. It was in her school years that a friend introduced Mary to their brother, Tom. Mary and Tom later married and raised a family of their own on a farm in Demossville where they tended to cattle and sheep, grew tobacco, and welcomed a slew of farm cats.

Mary loved animals, especially cats. Whether they were cuddled up in her home or outside cats, she would keep them well-fed. She loved them all- even the racoons and opossums.. just not snakes. When Mary was a young mother she enjoyed taking the kids about to see friends and family members. She was always laughing and enjoyed others company. There are fond memories of taking drives to Grassy Creek to enjoy penny candy.

“I want what I want” was a frequent phrase of Mary’s. Little unexpected presents would make her light up. Her favorite restaurant could have been Two Rivers in Falmouth, KY, though she just enjoyed going out to eat and being waited on- cooking delicious meals was not in her skill set. Once her dog even refused to eat her dinner. A fresh tomato sandwich or a whole onion eaten as an apple were some of her favorite treats. She liked to be inside reading a book. She did not care to be outside at all, and she hated roses.

Mary knew what she wanted, some may call her stubborn or strong willed, but she sure was loved. She leaves behind her husband; Tom L Nitschke, her children; Jennifer (Chris) Jones, Julie (Brian Gregg) Nitschke, and Tom L (Mary) Nitschke, her grandchildren; Bethany (Isaac) Bentley, Tommy L Nitschke, Rhett Boatman, and Isaiah Jones, as well as one great-grandchild; Lorraine Bentley, and her best friends; Charlene Porter, Nancy Bowen, and Nancy Nitschke.

She is preceded in death by her parents; John William Harris, Nora Harris, and Melissa Taylor, her siblings; Hellen Kennedy, Donald Sexton, Jean Browning, and Mercedes Baldwin, and her favorite cat of all; Wolfy.

Please join her family for a farewell celebration on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. Visitation from 10:30am to 12:30pm with her service beginning at 12:30pm. Mary will be laid to rest with her family at Floral Hills Memorial Garden.