Mary York

Mary Lu Ellae (Hays) York, age 65, of Harrisburg died suddenly September 20, 2018 from an apparent heart attack.  Mary was born in Clay County, Arkansas on August 31, 1953 to the late Robert E. Lee Hays and Emma Johnny Imelia Ivelia (Pate).  Mary married the love of her life, Gary York on July 4, 1977 at the Gulf of Mexico.  Gary preceded her in death in 2008.  Mary graduated from SIU with a Bachelor degree and had taught.  She was a wonderful sister who always took care of her family.  Mary was part Indian and was very proud of her heritage.

Mary and her late husband Gary was  known in the Wasson area for many years with the Pigmy Patch, a petting zoo that a lot of people enjoyed.  She was Catholic by faith. Mary will be remembered by her contagious smile, her big heart and her generous ways with everyone.

She is survived by her adopted son, Nickolas Widick of Harrisburg, sisters, Sarah Widick, Linda Bode, June Martin and Mikayla Breeden.  She was preceded by her parents, her husband and a sister, Patricia Hays.

In accordance with her wishes there will be no public services.  She is entombed in the Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown with husband Gary near her loving Mother.