Rita Brown
I first met Mary Ann "Mom" in 1969 when I moved to Decatur, IL. Her oldest son Bob was my husband's best friend from college (Kansas State College at Pittsburg, now Pittsburg State University), so Mary Ann and Dale were among the first people we met when we moved to Decatur. We lived in Decatur for nearly ten years and most of my memories of that time were spent at their home on Lake Decatur. Games, water-skiing, great fun get-togethers, wonderful potlucks, and so much more! When I pregnant with my first child, I was in their home (actually out with "Dad" on the boat!) celebrating their daughter-in-law's birthday (June 27) when my labor pains started! George was born later that day! My husband and I visited "Mom" in 2020, (the first time I'd been to Decatur since maybe 1980?) and she was as ever! Still living on her own, super friendly! We had a grand time reminiscing about our life in Decatur. Her obituary beautifully captures the wonderful woman that she was. She will be forever in my heart.
