Mary Ann Wood died February 19, 2025, at Kaseman Hospice Unit in Albuquerque, NM, after battling end stage kidney disease for the past 3 years.

Mary was born on July 10, 1948, to Ben and Jeannette Woody in Jefferson City, MO.  She grew up in Northwestern MO in the farming communities of Polo and Hamilton.  After graduating from Penney High School she began working with the MRDD population for the state of MO.  As her life changed, her careers changed.  For several years of her life she worked in the manufacturing of electronic circuit boards and transistors etc.  Later in her life she returned to working with the MRDD population in residential and day hab settings.  In 2008 she moved to Grants, NM, where she was an active member of the Parish of St. Teresa of Avila in Grants,  NM.  She was also a volunteer in the Prison Ministry, a senior companion at the Senior Center and a member of the St. Teresa prayer group.  Mary will be remembered by her family and friends as a woman who cared deeply for those she served and knew.  She was kind and reliable, and she quietly surprised others with the kindnesses she did for them.  She was also a woman of deep faith, humility and virtue.

She is survived by her daughter Paula (David) Olguin and her grandson Anthony Olguin who live in Thornton, CO.  Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Wes (Yenny) Woody of Joplin, MO, and Steve (Mitzi) Woody of Normal, IL; and her sisters Becky Woody of Albuquerque, NM, and Rose (Fern) Woody of Des Moines, IA.  She also left behind 13 nieces and nephews and 7 great-nieces and nephews.

She was met in Heaven by her son Michael, her parents Ben and Jeannette, her brother Benny, (Skeeter Pauley), her sister-in-law-Barb (Wes), her nephews Troy and Shane, and her great-nephew Damien.  Additionally she was met by her grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Hamilton on May 30, 2025, at 11 a.m.  Her cremated remains will be buried in the Highland Cemetery after the funeral.  Services are open to the public, followed by a light lunch at the church basement.  In lieu of flowers, please give to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or to the Sacred Heart Southern Missions, 6050 Highway 161, Walls,  MS 38680.  She donated faithfully to these two groups and would appreciate your generosity.