The story of Mary K. Munz is of a Midwest farmers wife, who was an extraordinary woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be remembered for her infectious smile. "Gramma" as she was called by her grandchildren, "Tootie," as she was called by her friends and family, was an amazing wife, mom, and friend. She was a wonderful cook who was always delighted to turn up her stove and chat about the day's events while preparing a meal.
Mary was the youngest child of Emmett and Maggie Gammon. She was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. When Mary was in high school, her mother moved her family to Sterling Illinois, where she would spend the remainder of her childhood, grow up, and make many lifelong friends. She was very proud to graduate high school in Sterling and frequently met with the few remaining classmates who graduated with her. Sterling is where she would meet the love of her life, Eugene Munz. Mary and Gene had a whirlwind romance and were married on July 31, 1943. They spent most of their life on the Munz family farm north of Sterling.
You could always find a great conversation around Mary's kitchen table. It was well-known as a meeting place for friends and family, whether for just a cup of coffee, or a more extended talk while waiting for one of her delightful pineapple upside down cakes.
Mary was never shy of work, whether getting out early to milk the cows and haul the milk, or cooking a meal for family and friends. She loved working her garden and sharing it with her family, who helped her tend it. She was an avid reader and loved working her puzzles. In the latter years, Mary took care of Gene after he became ill, and was his biggest advocate. Their marriage lasted over 68 years.
Mary truly loved each of her children Bea, Barb, Dale, Dean, Pam, and Sam. Just try and say something bad about one of them and see how fast she could make a fist, stomp her feet, and give you a tongue lashing!
Mary's 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. There's no denying the happiness that they brought to her when they were running around the house and the farm! Time spent at Gramma's house was very special for them.
Loved ones that left us before Mary are her husband Gene Munz, daughter Bea Letcher, son Sam Munz, father Emmett Gammon, mother Maggie Banfield, sister Marita Parks, brothers Cecil, Delbert, Emmett, Ercil, and Paul Gammon, and grandson Doug Walker. Loved ones that will miss Mary until they meet again are her daughters, Barbara Walker of Sterling IL and Pamela (Bill) Stubbs of Corpus Christi TX, her sons, Dale(Shirley) Munz of Summerville SC and Dean (Lynn) Munz of Spring Creek NV, and the remaining 30 grandchildren.
A service was held for Mary on March 5, 2018 in Corpus Christi, TX. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Mary may be made to the Illinois Future Farmers of America at https://ffa.givingfuel.com/ffadonate.