Mary I. Rector

Indianapolis, quietly went to be with the Lord February 4, 2011 with her loving family at her bedside. Mary was born January 5, 1918 in Indianapolis to Don W. and Anna C. Ball Stewart. She grew up in the city and graduated from Warren Central High School in 1935. In 1936 she married her high school sweetheart, John Thomas Rector. Mary and John went on to become the loving parents of eight children and were married for 63 years until John�s death in 1999. Mary was a woman of many talents and lived a very full life. She sang and played the piano and passed her love for music on to her children as music filled the Rector home. She was creative and this came out especially as she designed clothing, often creating her own patterns and copying clothes she saw in magazines or store windows. She created clothes for family and friends and used her talents as a seamstress to make money for her family. Mary also kept busy crocheting, especially as she made a blanket for each new baby in the family. When the Rector family moved to a farm near French Lick in 1948, it was Mary who ran the farm while John traveled to Indianapolis to work. Later she worked at John�s side as he started various businesses, and she sold cosmetics to help make ends meet. All the while, Mary�s main job was as a �stay-at-home� mom. Mary accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 12, and church was always a large part of her life. As she attended church with her family, she played piano, sang, and taught Sunday School. She was often involved in directing church plays and creating costumes and scenery. Mary attended Cincinnati Baptist Bible College and worked with her husband as he served as a lay minister to churches in the hills of Kentucky in the 1960�s. At the time of her death, Mary was a member of Grandview Church of the Brethren. When the children were grown, Mary went back to school, and in 1970, she graduated from Reid Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Richmond, IN. She then worked as an LPN in hospitals and nursing homes. Next to the Lord, Mary�s first love was her family, and she always put them first in her life. Mary is survived by her devoted children, Anna Marguerite Burton (Walter), John Thomas Rector, Jr. (Frances), Diana Louise Fields (Charlie), Donald Franklin Rector (Connie), Beverly Grace Ferguson (Bob), Elizabeth Jane Miller; son-in-law, James Barger; daughter-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Rector; brother, Don W. Stewart; 26 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A son, William James Rector, and a daughter, Alice Marie Barger, preceded her in death. Mary will be missed by her large family, but they rejoice that she is at rest in the presence of God. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. until time of services at 1:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington-Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St. Mary has requested that in lieu of flowers, toys be brought to the visitation to be donated to needy children. Donations may also be made to your favorite children�s charity. On line condolences may be made to:www.shirleybrothers.com

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Mary I. Rector

January 5, 1918 - February 4, 2011