Obituary - Mary Ann Henderson

Cremation Memorial Services for Mary Ann Henderson are pending, and will be announced under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home in Butler, Missouri (660) 679-0009. Contributions are suggested to Drexel Meals on Wheels or American Cancer Society. Messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann (Elliott) Henderson, 78, formerly of Drexel, Missouri passed away April 22, 2013 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Mary Ann was born July 30, 1934 on an old homestead in Miami County, Kansas built by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland who came to a better land to live. These family members are all buries in Miami Church Cemetery. She was the daughter of Harold F. and Ellis L. (Akien) Elliott. She had one brother, Harold E. “Bud” Elliott, whom she always described as her “friend and foe.” Her sister Frances “Fran” came along much later in Mary Ann’s life.
At birth, Mary Ann had bright red hair, to show she had brought the Irish to life. And as many will remember with a smile, she had the temper to go with it! The family moved to Drexel when Mary Ann was very young, and she graduated from Drexel High School in 1952; she always had many memories of fun times in Drexel. She attended her 50th class reunion in 2002 and was reunited with many of her friends.

Mary Ann traveled many places and had three children: Harold R. “Hal” Henderson was born in Phoenix, Arizona and became a Navy nurse who loved his work. Hal died in August of 1997 at the age of 40. Daughter Rebecca Ann was born in Kansas City, Missouri; and later, Elliott Ray Henderson was born in California. Mary Ann was proud to have traveled so many places throughout her life.

She returned to Drexel in 1996 and later moved to Adrian and Butler, Missouri before living briefly in Harrisonville. Mary Ann loved the small towns and their ways.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Harold “Hal” Henderson. She is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Ann Martin, son Elliott Ray Henderson, one brother Harold Elliott, and one sister Frances Fritts. She also leaves behind a dear former daughter-in-law, Leah Henderson of Grandview, Missouri, and three grandchildren.