Mary M. Ankrom

Mary Margaret Ankrom, 81, Fair Play, died at 3:30 PM Thursday, September 24, 2009 after a lengthy illness. She was born February 16, 1928 in Radar, Missouri to Junius and Ethel (Stogsdill) Davis. She graduated from Conway High School, Conway, MO and also graduated from Draughn s Business College in Springfield. She married Gene Ankrom April 4, 1948 at Radar, MO. To this union four children were born: Jeanne Drake, Bolivar, Randy Ankrom and wife, Arlene, Bolivar, Janet Nelson and husband, Norman, Bethel Heights, Arkansas and Roger Ankrom and wife, Nita, Dunnegan. Gene and Mary spent their married life in Polk County where they raised their children on a dairy farm instilling the merits of hard work. Mary also worked at Citizens State Bank in Fair Play for many years and later baby-sat in her home, taking care of friend s children and her grandchildren. She had many interests and loved to stay busy. She always had a big garden and lined her shelves with rows of home canned fruits and vegetables. Mary was well known for her blackberry cobblers and raisin pies, which were often requested for, bake sales and dinners. She was active in her church holding office in the Lutheran Women s Missionary League and teaching Sunday School. Mary s family was first and foremost. She enjoyed family get-togethers and reunions and loved nothing more than watching her children and grandchildren play ball. Even when it was difficult for her to get around, she was there if at all possible. Mary enjoyed being around others and spent countless hours volunteering her time and talents. She always looked forward to quilting with the ladies at Woodlawn and spent 30 years as a 4-H leader. She was also a member of and held office in many other clubs and organizations including American Legion, DAV, Democratic Women s Club, Red Hat Ladies, CMH Auxiliary, Fair Play School Board, PTA and Booster Club. Her husband, her parents, brothers, Warren, Walter and Cecil Davis and sisters, Hazel Lee and Viola Himes, preceded her in death. Mary was able to spend the last year of her life at home due to the care and compassion of her caregiver, Tina Akins. She is survived by her children; five sisters, Emma Burrell, Springfield, Pauline and Ted Schmudde, state of Tennessee, Margorie and Gene Dixon, St. Louis, Janette and John Evans, Springfield and Annette and John Haas, Burlington, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Bryan and Ruthie Griffin, Bethany and Jacob McGuire, Darrin and Aly Ankrom, Delissa Drake, Jalena and Laith Howard, Mary Dawn Drake, Bradley Nelson, Trevor, Logan and Ryan Ankrom; step-grandchildren, Jason, Garrett and Shayna Burkhalter; and great-grandchildren, Luke, Ethan and Julia McGuire and Aidan Benavidez. Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was quick with a smile, had a gentle heart and a zest for life that was contagious. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, Sept. 27 at Zion Lutheran Church, Bolivar. Burial will be in Barren Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. PDF Printable Version

Mary M. Ankrom

February 16, 1928 - September 24, 2009