Mary Rodriguez

Mary Frances Rodriguez (née Crowell), born on March 14, 1930, in Tullahoma, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Knox, Indiana. She was 95 years old.

Mary dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. For four decades, she ran Mary's Daycare, a beloved cornerstone of her community where generations of children were welcomed with warmth and guidance. Her commitment to early childhood care left a lasting impact on countless families who entrusted their little ones to her capable hands.

Even after retiring from her daycare, Mary continued to serve others through her work at The Neighborhood Center. Her dedication and tireless spirit carried her well into her nineties-she worked there until the age of 93-demonstrating an unwavering devotion to helping those around her.

Mary was the cherished daughter of Lawrence and Margie Lee Crowell. She was preceded in death by her siblings Jean Armstrong, George Crowell, Dorothy Smith, and Betty Blevins as well as her son-in-law, Jesse Farrar. Her legacy continues through the lives of her children: daughters Mary Contreras and Wanda Farrar; sons William (Nancy) Russell, Lawrence Rodriguez, and Richard (Meagen) Rodriguez. She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 19 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with love. Two grandchildren preceded her in death.

Mary's life was one of service, strength, and enduring love for family and community. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.