Parishioner Mary Ann Schwartz died July 10, 2020 at age 86, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Mary Ann was born January 29, 1934 in Holly, Colorado to Ed and Laura Willy. Her family moved to rural Vinita when she was one year old. A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, in June, 1952 she married Melvin Schwartz, who served as Vinita's postmaster for many years. After Melvin's death in 1986, Mary Ann moved from their farm north of Vinita to Sunset Drive in Vinita. In 2018, she moved to Heartsworth House in Vinita, and later moved to Belfair, a memory care facility in McAlester, Oklahoma, where her daughter Laura lives.
Mary Ann volunteered at the Red Cross blood bank for many years, and was herself a blood donor for over 40 years. She was also active in Craig General Hospital's Auxiliary for many years. A lifelong member of Holy Ghost parish, Mary Ann was very active in organizing the parish garage sales, assisting with Oktoberfest, serving as an officer of the CCW, and in many other capacities. She was deeply devoted to her faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents, Ed and Laura (Pollart) Willy; infant son, Gary James; brother, Donald Willy, who died on Iwo Jima; brother, R.E. (Buddy) Willy; and sister, Rose Marie Lauchner.
Mary Ann is survived by two brothers: Bob Willy and wife Anita of Vinita; and Paul Willy of Quinlan, TX. Mary Ann and Melvin raised nine children and were strong examples to them. Five daughters: Linda Bigknife and husband John of Guthrie, OK; Laura Stizza and husband Philip of McAlester, OK; Dr. Jane Puls and husband Dr. Alan Puls of Nichols Hills, OK; Rita Adams and husband Dave of Bixby, OK; Ann Montgomery and husband Jim of Annapolis, MD. Four sons: Dan Schwartz and wife Tonya of Bristow, OK; Eddy Schwartz and wife Autumn of The Villages, FL; Glen Schwartz and wife Tina of Claremore, OK; and Dave Schwartz and wife Therese of Stillwater, OK. Mary Ann also has 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, along with wonderful nieces and nephews, many of whom live in Vinita.