Mary Ann Fort

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mary Ann Fort, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, with her children by her side. Born on March 12, 1935, in Carthage, Missouri, Mary Ann was the daughter of Clyde Kirk and Ruth McGrew. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Kirk, and is survived by her sister, Miriam Alice Wood.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother whose children were the center of her world. She is survived by her four children: Tamara K. McNary; Tim Dowell and his wife, Lisa; Mary Ben Hernandez and her husband, Rico; and Miriam Jenny Fort.

She was a proud grandmother to Kaylee Peterson, Hilary Nielsen, Sheila Pico, Cody Pico, Bethany Hernandez, and Rhys Mackinsey Fort. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Harley Dowell, McKay Peterson, Roman Peterson, Olivia Nielsen, Wyatt Nielsen, Bodie Nielsen, Vincent Cooper, Tallulah Pico Martinez, Jazzlyn Pico Martinez, and Charlie Pico.

Mary Ann retired from Stater Bros. Markets, where she worked as a Bakery Manager, a position she truly loved. She was known for her strong work ethic, compassion, and willingness to help others. Her children always came first, and she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Family was the heart of Mary Ann’s life. She loved cooking and bringing family and friends together around her table. She took great pride in hosting dinners, decorating with her treasured antique china and antique finds, and creating warm memories for everyone she loved.

Those who knew Mary Ann knew her as a strong, hardworking woman who always put family first. Her grandchildren remember her as beautiful, genuine, and down-to-earth—a woman who never pretended to be anything other than herself. She could be feisty at times, but her compassion, kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor made her unforgettable. Her familiar expressions, including ‘I’ll be darned’ and ‘that’s a bunch of bologna,’ brought smiles to those around her and remain cherished memories today.

Mary Ann lived a full and meaningful life and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, strength, and family traditions. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.