Mary Ann Harris, age 80, of Marion, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday evening, May 16, 2011, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
On November 12, 1930, Mary Ann was born in Grand Prairie Township of Marion County, one of six children of the late Floyd and Mary Edythe (Gustin) Van Meter.
She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1948.
For nineteen years, Mary Ann worked at GTE in Marion, as a directory clerk, until her retirement. She then later enjoyed spreading smiles by working at Kathy’s Hallmark.
A woman of deep faith, Mary Ann was an active member of the Trinity Baptist Church, where she was an integral part of the Noren Circle, a group of women who help with mission programs. Rather than goodbye, for Mary Ann it is “I hope to see you later” if you simply put your faith in Jesus Christ. She also was a 60 year member of the Variety Club, which began as a group of mother’s get away, and of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization of Marion. In 1989, she was honored to receive the Big Sister of the Year award.
“Always there to lend a helping hand,” Mary Ann was a “caretaker of other people.” She helped shut ins through the church, and often cooked and baked goodies to take to them. “She always did whatever she could.”
With a love for antiques, Mary Ann and her “running around buddy, Gladys Keirns,” loved to go to any auction they could find to add to their collections of antiques.
Most important of all to Mary Ann was her family and friends, whom she was deeply devoted to. She could not have been more proud of her three daughters and one son.
For her grandchildren, Mary Ann loved to embroider baby blankets and pillow cases.
Mary Ann will be dearly missed by her three daughters and one son: Mary Sue Sharrock of Marion, Michael Graham of Augusta, Kansas, Lisa (Wayne) Graham Cook, of Marion, and Jane (Gary) Graham Valdez of Friendwood, Texas; 10 grandchildren: Cammie (Scott) Ballenger, Chad (Leslie) Mitchell, Wendy (Oscar) Sharrock Villaman, Angela (Josh) Kulow, Mallory Graham, Joseph Zucker, Keeli Cook, Seth (Lisa) Cook, Daniel (Cindy) Valdez, and Katie (Brent Stuart) Valdez; thirteen great-grandchildren; three brothers: Harold (Inez) Van Meter, Rev. James (Linda) Van Meter, and Phil (Georgann) Van Meter, all three of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews, and an abundance of dear friends.
Including her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by brother, Richard Van Meter; infant sister, Elizabeth Van Meter; and by her dear friend, Gladys Keirns.
Mary Ann’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life and giving glory to God will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church, 244 S. Main St., Marion, with Dr. Rick Farmer serving as celebrant. Her family will again greet friends for the hour prior to her services at the church. Burial will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery.
Rather than flowers, her family asks that memorial contributions be made to either the Trinity Baptist Church, c/o Noren Circle, or to Marion General Hospice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
For those wishing to express their private condolences to Mary Ann’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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