Mary was born on April 12, 1943, in Cumberland, Iowa, on a rainy spring morning. Even though she was an only child, she spent a fun-filled childhood on her parents’ farm and motel surrounded by cousins who were more like siblings. She often shared stories of their adventures and mischief in rural Iowa.

She attended a one-room country school, something that seems foreign today. Not only was she the oldest student, she was also the only girl. She later attended CE School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska. This led to her employment at Walnut Grove Products in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she made lasting friendships and met her husband, Paul.

Paul’s work with the Boy Scouts of America eventually brought the family to Traverse City, Michigan, in 1979, where they built a life centered on love, kindness, and devotion.

Mary held many titles, but the most important to her were mom, grandma, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for, and she dedicated much of her life to helping those around her. She was especially known for her wit, strong faith, elegant handwriting, way with words, and loving spirit.

Mary enjoyed quilting, writing, spending time with family, and building strong friendships, including those she shared with the “Bible Babes,” the cherished family term “Lace,” the Yuba Women’s Club, and especially her “forever-in-law,” Shannin. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of bringing comfort, encouragement, fun, and laughter to everyone she met.

We have no doubt she is celebrating in heaven now with her loving husband, Paul Ryan, and her parents, Pauline and Travis Martens.

She is survived by her children, Paul (Stacy) Ryan, Jill (Aaron) Grenchik, and John Ryan (fiancée Kendra); her cherished grandchildren, Megan (Charlie), Caitlin, Aidan (fiancé Fares), Gwyneth, Will (Haylee), Luke, Brooklyn, Brynleigh, Britton, Eden, Claire (Joseph), Olivia (Seth), Aage, Stella, Julia, David, Peyton, and Lincoln; and many in-laws she cherished very much.

A visitation will be held on April 26, 2026, at New Hope Church, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Cremation has taken place, and Mary will be laid to rest at Weirich Cemetery in Lyman, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to New Hope Church at newhope.cc/give