| Notes |
- Mary Ann (Hardy) Brentlinger, 87, of Flora, Illinois, met Jesus, family, and friends on Sunday, January 18, 2015.
Raised on a farm in Covington, Indiana, Mary Ann was a very hard worker. If you sat with her any length of time, she would tell you many precious stories of her childhood on a dairy farm. Being the eldest of four children, she and her mother did a lot of the cooking for the family, while the others did chores around the farm. Having had that experience early in life, she and Bob showed many versions of hospitality over the years to family, friends, missionaries, and neighbors.
Even very young, Mary Ann loved God with a great passion and desire for more knowledge. She attended Cincinnati Bible Seminary for four years. Upon a sisters request after C.B.S. graduation, Mary Ann came to First Christian Church in Flora to be the secretary. Serving at FCC is where she met her husband, Bob Brentlinger. They celebrated 47 anniversaries, and raised three boys, John, Van, and Ted. She and Bob agreed early in marriage that family was first while the boys were young. Much later, knowing the college years were approaching for the boys, Mary Ann went back to school to get her teachers certificate.
Mary Ann had a special talent to teach the Word of God. By 87, she had taught every age group in church, ending with her mature ladies for several years. Also, this powerful ministry of teaching broadened to the public school in Flora for 24 years. Many of her students at Lincoln remember her bulletin board that quoted, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Her talents and services to God were evidenced by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Church family. After retirement, she made many calls to share the Gospel to the sick. Bringing them cookies or lap blankets with the help of her mature friends was a delight to her. Bob and Mary Ann believed in the Great Commission of going to the ends of the earth to make disciples. Their priority of being involved in missions was evidenced in being forwarding agents for Dick Smith and family in Africa and New Zealand. Another mission highlight of Mary Anns was the annual Missionary Rally at FCC, where they fed, housed, and shared about missions all over the world.
She is survived by her children, John (Jene), Van (Debbie), and Ted (Angie); grandchildren, J.R. (Nikki) Brentlinger, Jamie (Billy) Lewis, Lindy (Scott) McMillin, Lauren (Clinten) Thompson, Meghan (Jordan) Obrecht, and Kristin Brentlinger; six great-grandchildren, Jase and Gentry Brentlinger, Will and Halle Lewis, and Jake and Charli McMillin; brother, Bob (Nellie) Hardy, Reva Hawkins, and Martha (Edward) Ratcliff.
She was preceded in death by husband, Bob Brentlinger; brother-in-law, Grant Hawkins; and niece, Janetta Lane.
A celebration service for Mary Ann Brentlinger will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015, at First Christian Church of Flora.
Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Frank & Bright Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Cincinnati Christian University, Kentucky Christian University, or Christian Restoration Association.
Mary Ann was loved by her family, friends, and church, and memories of her prayers and promptings to be faithful to God will never be forgotten.
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1927 - 2015 (87 years)
