Mary Esther Varner

Mary Esther Varner (Evans)

Mary Esther Varner (Evans), 95 years-old of Powersville, MO passed away August 29th, 2013 from natural causes at Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, MO.

Mary was born May 29, 1918 in Mercer County, daughter of Soloman Elmer Evans and Fannie Irene (Wells) Evans, she was the youngest of eight daughters and elder to her younger brother Harold.

Mary attended Powersville High School and gradutated in 1936. She began her teaching career in 1936 at the tender age of 18 in a one room schoolhouse. From there she spent several summers at North East Missouri State teachers college.

She was married to Robert West Varner on March 3, 1947 in Powersville, MO where they settled and became parents of four children. They were happily married for 25 years when Robert proceeded her in death on March 4, 1973.

Mary returned to teaching full-time in 1960 after helping to raise their four children. She also attended the University in Kirksville, MO and in August of 1974 she received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Education. Mary’s career as a teacher spanned more than 25 years, teaching 6th grade at West Putnam County and also 4th grade for over seven years. The impact she made on her students was evident when even after retirement her former students would go out of their way to stop by and visit “Ms.Mary” and tell her how much of a difference she had made in their lives.

Mary was a pillar in the church community in Powersville where she attended the Powersville Methodist Church. Her passion and love for Christ was apparent to all who knew her. She talked of Christ and his saving grace all the way up until the time of her death. Mary’s other passion was her large family; children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who would often spend many days during the summer helping her snap and can green beans from her garden. The pride and love she had for each of her family was something she wore like a badge of honor. She was a role model for all she came in contact with and her inner strength and determination is something she has passed on to everyone in her family.

Mary’s life was a testament to all who knew her and she will forever be in our hearts and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Mom/ Grandma you are finally “Home”.

Mary was proceeded in death by her husband Robert West Varner, her sisters, Opal M. Turpin, Dorothy M. Biehl, Mildred F. Pauley, Henrietta Brown, Thelma Clark, Velma Swift, Violet Epps, her brother Harold D. Evans and her grandson, Eric G. Varner.

She is survived by her son Robert (Bobby) Varner and his wife Sue Ann of Unionville, MO; her son Danny D. Varner and his wife Linda of Ottumwa, IA; her daughter Jeanne I. Beuer and her husband Robert (Bobby) of Ozark, MO; her son James Stanley Varner and his wife Georgia of Fayette, MO. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren as well as her sister-in-law Maxine Evans (Johnson) and multiple nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Sunday, September 1, 2013, at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at the Wyreka Cemetery south of Powersville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Wyreka Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.