Lynn S. Kahl

Lynn Shackelton Kahl, 75, passed away unexpectedly in her home in High Point, NC, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She was the daughter of William P. Shackelton and Betty A. Whitaker of Asheville. She is survived by her husband, Dean Kahl, daughter, Jessica Baker, and step-daughters, Julie McGarry and Susie Aft, along with her sister, Leigh Rittenhouse, and her nephew, Nathan.

Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Greensboro, NC, where her father worked for the federal government. Lynn loved her time Greensboro and grew enamored with horseback riding and activities at the Coliseum. In 1961, the Shackelton’s returned to Asheville to be close to family. While in Asheville, she attended First Baptist Church, graduated from A.C. Reynolds High, and fell in love with swimming and skiing.

Lynn earned her first Bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in Home Economics, and went on to study Education for the Hearing Impaired, K-12 at Lenoir Rhyne College, where she earned her second Bachelor’s degree. She continued her education at WCU and was granted a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology.

For many years, she worked as a teacher at the School for the Deaf and eventually founded Asheville Area Children’s Therapy, providing speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for many young children. She loved working with young children. In 2010, she sold her business, and provided caregiving for her parents.

Lynn loved to entertain and had an adventurous spirit, but traveling was her favorite activity. She especially enjoyed meeting new people and studying new cultures. She will be sorely missed by her three beloved Shih-Tzu’s.