RUTHERFORDTON – Leanda Kaye Stepp Maillard, 46, of Rutherfordton, passed away, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Rutherford Hospital.

Born in Henderson County, she was the daughter of Roger Major Stepp and the late Margaret Young Stepp. Leanda was a graduate of West Henderson High School. For the last nine years, she worked at Seasons Restaurant at Highland Lake Resort in Flat Rock. She was an avid animal lover, enjoyed doing landscape painting and hiking.

Surviving in addition to her father is her life partner, Keith Gordon; one daughter, Abby Gordon of Rutherfordton; one son, Alex Maillard of Rutherfordton; one sister, Mandy Cline of Yadkin County.

A private service will be held.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Tryon, North Carolina