Sally Jean Maike Waldroup

Sally Jean (Maike) Waldroup, 58, of Arden, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

Born February 22, 1967, in Flint, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Pauline Maike. A 1985 graduate of Owosso High School, Sally combined her love of cooking with community, first opening her own restaurant and later becoming a talented cake decorator, known for her beautiful, heartfelt creations.

Sally worked for over 20 years as a medical assistant in oncology in Western North Carolina, earning deep respect for her compassion and dedication. She formed lasting friendships with many colleagues, especially Kim Campbell, Tara Arrowood, Starr Marlor, and Karen Hayhurst.

On October 2, 2010, Sally married the love of her life, Herbert Waldroup. Introduced by close friends (Dennis Burgess, Corey Stamper, Evan Stamper) from Cherokee, NC, their marriage was filled with music, travel, and shared joy. They lived in Franklin, NC, before settling in Arden in 2019.

Sally loved music of all kinds, was a devoted soap opera fan (Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful), and supported the Western North Carolina skateboarding community. She cheered on both the Detroit Lions and the Carolina Panthers—especially Cam Newton—and enjoyed watching games with Herb. Her faith was a steady source of strength. Though raised Catholic, she was active in the Methodist Church while raising her children, and later joined The Place Fellowship Church in Fairview, NC, where she found a supportive spiritual home.

Sally will be remembered for her kind heart, quick wit, generous spirit, and deep love for her family. She is survived by her husband, Herbert Waldroup; her children, Holly Smith-Behringer-Jones (Brian) and Thomas Behringer (Amanda); and her grandchildren: Sydney, Madison, Sutton, Brooklyn, Tommy Jr., and Taylor. She was preceded in death by her children’s father, Thomas Behringer.

Sally is also survived by her siblings: Tom Maike (Alice – deceased), Pam Bender (Bill), Luann Cruzan (Duane), Theresa LaCourse (Barry), John Maike (Rose Marie – deceased), Mike Maike (Cyndi), Gary Maike (Deanna), Mary Lubbers (Gordon), Christine Simmons (Dale), Joe Maike (Danielle), Lisa Burkhardt (Jeff), and Greg Maike (Tina McCann). She is lovingly remembered by her mother-in-law, Carolyn Pagan (John); brother-in-law, Matthew Waldroup (Portica); and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Shuler (Chris). Sally’s family also includes many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends—too many to name, but each deeply loved and appreciated.

What brought Sally the most happiness was knowing her loved ones were healthy and thriving. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and selfless care.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at The Place Fellowship Church in Fairview, NC. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with memorial expenses are appreciated.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.