Mary Ann Quillin, 88, Belton, MO, formerly of Peculiar, MO, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Beautiful Savior Nursing Home in Belton, MO.  Private family burial will be held Wednesday at the Carpenter Cemetery in Chilhowee, MO.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to Good Shepherd Hospice of Independence, MO.

Mary was born March 1, 1932 in Creighton, MO, to Ernest and Eula Irene (Sheets) Chapman.  She was born in the midst of the Great Depression, and becoming a teenager during WWII, a tall dark-haired young man caught her eye, and he was smitten by this raven-haired beauty.  Upon graduation at Creighton High School, she married George E. Quillin, and they worked together operating the local telephone office.  To this union were born a son, George V. and a daughter, Susan M.  Moving to East Lynne, MO in 1958, they were blessed with another son, Ricky L.  They made one final move to Peculiar, MO in 1962 and that was home for many years to come.

Mary lost George, the love of her life, to a cruel disease in 1979.  Devasted, she immersed herself in her church and in her work. She was a charter member of New Life Baptist Church in Peculiar, and in later years she became a member of Grace Baptist Church in Harrisonville, MO and Urich Baptist Church in Urich, MO.  Mary worked at the Peculiar Telephone office as an operator, Rex Spencer Equipment Company in Belton, MO as a bookkeeper, and for Belton Regional Hospital as a receptionist and accounts receivable specialist.

Mary enjoyed the company of her family best.  A fabulous cook, her children grew up on excellent dinners, cookouts and homemade ice cream.  She loved picnics, day trips, shopping, walking, and vacations.  Her regular sidekick and best friend was her daughter, Susan.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Earl E. Chapman, Creighton, MO, and two sisters, Elizabeth Ray, Kansas City, MO and Clara Lee Herndon, Parsons, KS.  She is survived by two sons, George V. Quillin (Shirley, Creighton, MO and Ricky L. Quillin, Olathe, KS; one daughter, Susan Granger (Bob), Peculiar; two grandsons, George C. Quillin (Lydia), Urich, MO and Joshua Quillin, Harrisonville, MO; one granddaughter, Kahra Ledbetter (Josh), Liberty, MO; six great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Jonah, Micah, Brayden, Brent and Harley, and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

To say Mary will be missed is a huge understatement.  However, she has received the ultimate promise from her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  On April 4, 2020, she stepped out into eternity, and she is now at home.