Mary Ann Dennis

Funeral service for Mary Ann Dennis will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Claremore. Pastor Sam Nichols will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of the MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
Mary Ann passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at the age of 72.
The daughter of Cleet and Virginia Weaver Willhoite was born December 11, 1944 in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was raised in the Sequoyah area, and attended Sequoyah schools. She graduated as president of the class of 1963. It was also while in school that she first met Darrell Dennis. The high school sweethearts would marry on May 4, 1964.

The newlywed couple made their home in Claremore. There she was working for 1st National Bank, and later as a bookkeeper for Warehouse Market. However, a short time later Darrell was called to serve his country. This took Mary Ann to Hawaii and later to Arkansas. After Darrell's discharge, the couple and their family returned home to Claremore. Shortly thereafter she took a job working for Claremore Public Schools, working as a secretary at the junior high and later the high school. She retired in 1997 with over 15 years of service.

In her spare time Mary Ann had many hobbies. She enjoyed watching the deer at their farm in Tiawah, taking long drives with Darrel,l and especially growing pretty flowers. In fact her desire to watch things grow made it very easy for her family to buy her the perfect gift. She would nurture anything that would grow until it reached its full potential. Her love for church was also evident. She didn't miss a chance to be with her Sunday School sisters. However, her family was what her life revolved around. She was always looking forward to the next family gathering, and sitting in the stands watching her grandkids play sports filled her heart with great pride and joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Sue Koster and Kay Grubbs, brother, Dick Willhoite, and best friend Barbara Watkins.

Survivors include her husband Darrell of 53 years; son, Tony Dennis and wife Robyn, daughters, Sheri McDaniel and husband Erik, and Susan McGill and husband Shane; grandchildren, Skylar and Cloe Dennis, Bryce, Tristan and Conner Parker, and Noble and Grace McGill; siblings, Jim Willhoite, David Willhoite and wife Brenda, Joe Willhoite and wife Debbi, Darlene Willhoite, Peggy Andre and Marilyn King, along with many other extended family members.
View and sign Mary's online memorial at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com