Mary Lee Hankes

1939 - 2015

Mary Lee Hankes obituary, 1939-2015, Willits, CA

BORN

1939

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Anker-Lucier Mortuary

95 W. Commercial Street

Willits, California

Mary Hankes Obituary

Mary Lee Hankes of Willits, age 75, went to her new home in heaven January 18, 2015 surrounded by family at her daughter's home. Mary battled cancer for many years but even in the midst of it all would have a friendly smile and was always concerned and interested in other people's lives. One of her favorite sayings that she got from her son was "It is what it is!" Her faith in God was also a very evident part of her life which gave her the sweet spirit that was quite evident to all.
She was born November 14, 1939 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Mary was the second child of Hooper and Doris Wheeler. At age 5 her father was killed honorable fighting for our country in World War II. About six months after her father's death her mother sold their home and car and the family boarded a train to Yakima, Washington to be near her mom's parents. Having relatives also in Fresno, California the family moved there early in 1946 where they lived for several years and her mother re-married to Harold Egy. Harold had a son, Harold Jr. The new family eventually moved to Pollock Pines, California. Mary was married to Kenneth Mace in Pollock Pines on July 16, 1955. The couple moved to Willits shortly after their marriage where Kenneth worked in a sawmill and they started a family three years later. They had two children, Margie and Kenny. Unfortunately that marriage ended in 1968. Mary worked at Guslander's Jewelry store in Willits for a few years and had other assorted jobs over the years including driving seniors at the Willits Senior Center. She loved visiting with the older people and considered several of them very close friends. Mary's last job was bus driver for the Willits Unified School District. There she had very many students who adored her…and some that didn't. She didn't take kindly to disobedience! On June 6, 1990 she married Barron Hankes. The two enjoyed many road trips over the years, including taking their RV to Alaska which was a trip they both felt fortunate to make. Besides visiting several of the western states they were able to visit her birth state of Oklahoma and they even were invited into the home where she was born by some friendly folks. Many a year the couple headed south to Tucson, Arizona where they enjoyed the "snowbird" life in the wonderful southwestern sun.
In May of 2013 Mary moved in with her daughter and family. Although still able to be very much active, life was made more comfortable by having care given to her. During that time she enjoyed family life with Margie, her husband Mike and granddaughter Alana. After moving in her health became quite a bit better and the family was able to make trips to Tucson two summers and did several local day trips in our beautiful county to help her enjoy the remaining time she had on this earth. Mary was able to do some things on her "bucket list" as she called it. One was her desire to go back east which she did in October of 2013. She visited a long time friend in Virginia and had a wonderful time. Mary had always wanted to go to the tropics but had never had the opportunity. So in February of 2014 Mary, Margie, Mike and Alana were fortunate to fly to Maui, Hawaii for some fun in the sun. That was a trip that she thoroughly enjoyed.
Mary is survived by her husband Barron Hankes, daughter Margie Smith and son-in-law Michael Smith, granddaughter Alana Smith, son Kenny Mace and daughter-in-law Lisa Mace all of Willits. She is also survived by her older brother Eddie Wheeler and wife Louise of Wellington, Nevada and youngest brother Jerry Wheeler and wife Glenda of Willits. Granddaughter Emily Johnson with husband Aaron and great grandchildren, Jayden, Marina, Devin and Hunter of Roseville, California are also dearly loved survivors. Mary had niece Carie Sheperd and husband James of Orangevale, California, niece Tami McGowan and husband Scott of Folsom, California, nephew Gary Wheeler and wife Evelyn of Carson City, Nevada and niece Julie Wheeler of Albequerque, New Mexico. She also leaves behind sister-in-law Beverley (Hankes) Rutler of Keno, Oregon who had the honor of helping the Smith and Mace family with the last days of her life. Mary was pre-deceased by her father Hooper Edward Wheeler, mother Helen Doris Wheeler, step-father Harold Arthur Egy and step-brother Harold Arthur Egy Jr.
Arrangements were made by Anker-Lucier Mortuary. A celebration of Mary's life will be held Saturday January 24, 2015 at the Agape Bible Church in Willits starting at 2 p.m. A potluck will be held immediately following. Donations can be made in memory of Mary to Phoenix Hospice of Mendocino County.

Published by The WillitsNews from Jan. 21 to Feb. 20, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
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My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

A. H.

February 23, 2015

Bud and Margie, so r r y to here about your. She was a great person.

connie shannon-perez

February 19, 2015

I am very sorry for your loss, May Mary rest in peace as our Lord needed a other ANGEL,she will be missed, I am glad to have known her. God Bless.

Josie Jones

February 11, 2015

To Marys Family, God Bless all of you.. I am very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Her and I were school bus drivers. RIP Mary.

February 6, 2015

Margie I am so sorry for your loss. My parents send there thoughts and prayers also.

Monte Curtright

February 4, 2015

Sorry for your loss.

Charlene Biggs

January 27, 2015

Bud & Margie,
I'm sorry about your loss, Mary was one of the most beautiful woman I ever had the pleasure to know. I know she's in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you, God bless.

Mark Garcia

January 26, 2015

Mary was the most Adorable person that has came into my life. Was so happy to see her this last summer and she was still the most Adorable person. Peace to you Sweet Mary. Kathleen Morris

Kathleen Morris

January 24, 2015

Dear Margie and "Bud" and families, What a beautiful tribute to your mother. Something deep in me wishes I could be there with you. May the Good Shepherd care for you as you grieve. I rejoice with you in remembering the good that came even out of the most difficult of life experiences, some of both we share together. Some we may wish we could forget, others we hope never will be forgotten.
Always your brother, even if distant and mostly silent.
Ron

Ron Ahlbrecht

January 23, 2015

I'm so sorry I will miss Mary's service. She was a wonderful woman and a former classmate. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Margie Handley

January 23, 2015

may god bless you and your family in this time of need

brenda ahlbrecht

January 23, 2015

When you live a long time in a small town you see many people often. I knew Mary just to say hello, but I always thought of her as a lovely, beautiful caring person. I will miss her smile.

Lena Hofmaister

January 22, 2015

Margie, I am so sorry and don't know what I was thinking, I put the wrong name down for you. I am sorry.

Bonnie Harrison

January 21, 2015

Dear Barren, Lisa, Kenney and families, I am so sorry to read about Mary. She was an awesome lady and a wonderful friend. I was setting here thinking about all the things we used to do when I lived in Willits. We had so many fun times together. Mary is no longer suffering and is at peace now with our Lord and Savior. R.I.P. Mary, God be with you and your family. I am here if you need someone to talk to. Love and Prayers, Bonnie 916-316-1774

Bonnie Harrison

January 21, 2015

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Anker-Lucier Mortuary

95 W. Commercial Street, Willits, CA 95490

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