Mary Ann Elmore

Mary Ann (Spitznas) Elmore, 78, of Anthony, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025.  She was born March 21, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, to Dale and Joan Spitznas. 

Mary Ann grew up in a family that moved frequently as her father, an executive with Goodyear, advanced in his career. She attended schools across the country before ultimately graduating from high school in Oklahoma City. She went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where she majored in fashion merchandising. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Elmore, a member of the OSU track team. Their relationship blossomed, and the two were married on campus on August 15, 1970. 

Following their marriage, Mary Ann and John spent a year in Crescent, Oklahoma, before making Anthony, Kansas, their lifelong home.  Together, they raised three children: Kyle (Camille) of Salina, Kansas; Jennifer (Derrick) of Haysville, Kansas; and Megan (Jason) of Haysville, Kansas.  Mary Ann cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, finding immense joy in her family.  She was blessed with ten grandchildren: Alex, Cole, Jack, Nate, Austyn, Lexi, John, Blake, Tyler, and Lane. 

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Larry, Doug, and Martin. 

Throughout her years in Anthony, Mary Ann embraced community and family life. On Friday nights, she could be found cheering nervously under the lights as John coached the Roadrunners. She loved sewing, painting, cross-stitch, and exploring many artistic endeavors. She also enjoyed playing bridge with John and their circle of friends, always treasuring those evenings of companionship and fun. Attending musicals in Wichita with her friends brought her joy as well. 

In addition to caring for her family, Mary Ann expressed her creativity and eye for design through her business, Creative Interiors, which she ran for many years in Anthony. 

In her later years, Mary Ann faced the challenges of Alzheimer's disease with grace, supported unfailingly by John, who remained by her side through every step. In her final weeks, she received compassionate care at the Anthony Community Care Center, for which the family is deeply grateful.  The family would also like to acknowledge the excellent nurses and staff of Patterson Health Center and Good Shepherd Hospice that provided her such comfort in her last moments. 

Friends may sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.  Per the family wishes, her casket will remain closed.

Recitation of Rosary will be held 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025 and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of the St. Joan of Arc Parish, Anthony, Kansas.  A luncheon will be held following the Mass and burial will follow at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the Duquoin Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Joan of Arc Catholic Parish of Harper County, or to the "Mary Ann Elmore Memorial Fund" at Bank of the Plains in Anthony, Kansas. The memorial fund will be used to purchase a needed item for the Anthony Community Care Center to support its residents, honoring Mary Ann's memory. Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her husband, children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.