Mary Ann Pilling McGuire

Mary Ann Pilling McGuire of Temple, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2016.

Funeral services were held June 10, at Ocker Brethren Church with Rev. Ron Winsman and Bruce Mercer officiating. Burial followed at Ocker Brethren Church Cemetery. 

Mary Ann was born on Nov. 22, 1936, and after growing up on a farm in rural Milam County, she attended Yoe High School where she graduated in 1955. 

She went on to attend nursing school where she was honored as the 1000th graduate of the Scott and White School of Nursing. She began her 39-year career at Scott and White where she eventually became the Supervisor of the Dialysis Unit, and she retired on Dec. 31, 1997. 

During nursing school, she met the love of her life, Billy Wayne McGuire, and the two were married at Hope Lutheran Church on March 5, 1960. 

Mary Ann and Bill had two daughters, Sheryl Ann and Terri Dawn. 

Mary Ann was a woman who lived to serve, and she displayed her love for the Lord through her forgiving and loving soul. Sharing the word and loving people were two of her shining traits, and those around her always felt her warmth and kindness. She battled breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, and progressive supranuclear palsy, but never complained about treatments or discomfort. She remained a gentle, loving warrior through her illnesses, and her faith never strayed.

Mary Ann displayed her love for others by sharing her world-class cooking. She also loved to share her love for the Lord through joyful singing, although she admittedly couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. She did not care about her singing voice, as long as she could rejoice in the Lord. She was instrumental in forming Hearts in Harmony, a gospel singing group that included family and close friends. She took joy in listening to the songs the group performed in church and surrounding areas. 

Ultimately, Mary Ann had a gift in making the people around her feel special. To her four grandchildren, she was affectionately known as MeMee. MeMee ensured that her grandchildren felt loved and supported at all times by traveling across the state and country to support their endeavors. Ultimately, MeMee was the best MeMee. Her door, heart, and kitchen were always open for anyone in need.

Mary Ann, the fifth of six daughters, was born on Nov. 22, 1936 to Henry Fred and Lena Dahse Pilling. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Billy Wayne McGuire, her sisters Hilda Engelke, Adele Evans, Irma Kalmbach, and Aileen Jones. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Doris French. 

She is also survived by her daughters, Sherry Easley and Terri Hoelscher, their spouses, Terry Easley and Ricky Hoelscher; four grandchildren, Jake Easley, Kylie (Sodek) Wood and husband Monty, Kacie Easley, and Hunter Sodek; two step-grandchildren, Kristan and Regan Hoelscher, and three great-grandchildren, Parker Easley, Brayden Sodek, and Hayse Wood. And many, many friends and extended family.