Mary Ann Eggleston

On September 21, 2023, our beloved Mary Ann (Engles) Eggleston departed, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and devotion. Born July 12, 1948, in Little Rock, AR to Charles Franklin Engles and Emma Ruth (Balch) Engles, Mary Ann’s 75 years were filled with grace and purpose.

Join us to honor her memory on October 7, 2023, at Louisburg United Methodist Church, KS. The community reception begins at 1:30 PM, followed by worship services at 2:30 PM. Graveside Service will be held in the spring on 2024.

Fondly remembered as the Salutatorian of the Harrisonville HS Class of 1966, her academic journey continued at William Jewell & CMSU where she majored in Mathematics and Education, later earning a Master’s Degree of Computers in Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Her dedication enriched students over four decades. A pioneering visionary, Mary Ann championed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) in rural Drexel and Louisburg. She collaboratively introduced Drexel’s first classroom computer, one of the first school computers in the region, programming courses and pioneered Louisburg’s technology immersion program. A grateful student recounted, "She was ahead of her time, bringing us the gift of technology. We were truly fortunate to have her."

Her service wasn’t limited to education. In honor of her dedication to her husband, Jerry Eggleston, and his military service, she was awarded the Molly Pitcher Award for volunteer service. Later, her leadership and community commitment shone as the Board President for Glenwild Cemetery, where she spearheaded its transition to non-profit status and helped establish the Veteran’s memorial.

Family was the cornerstone of Mary Ann's life. Mary Ann loved the holidays, especially Christmas, where she elaborately decorated her home, and followed the same Christmas morning tradition of breakfast and presents for over 50 years, leaving a warm lasting impression on her children and grandchildren. The Eggleston residence became a cherished home-base for the close-knit Eggleston and Gillogly extended families, hosting numerous reunions, gatherings, holiday celebrations, and memorable family dinners.

Though she mourned the early loss of her siblings, Kathy Sue (Engles) Kuhns and William Franklin Engles II of Harrisonville, MO, she’s led an important role with their children, ensuring their bond remained unbreakable. Her retirement years were a canvas of joy and creativity where she passionately crafted and gifted crocheted afghans and diamond paintings. Alongside her dear husband, Jerry, Mary Ann treasured their trips across Miami, Cass, Bates and Linn counties to "check on the cows." Mary Ann's legacy continues through her husband of 53 years, Jerry Jay Eggleston; children, Jennifer Ann (Eggleston) MacIvor (husband Rick) and Jonathan (Jon) Bradley Eggleston; grandchildren Jacob (Jake) Hunter Eggleston, Ian (Willow) MacIvor, Gavin Rhodes MacIvor, and Sean (Sky) MacIvor; and nieces and nephew April Lauren (Kuhns), Sara (Kuhns) Floodberg, Nathan Kuhns, and Samantha (Engles) Jones.

The family welcomes contributions supporting rural Kansas STEM education via the STEMM Fire non-profit https://www.stemmfire.org/donate c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.