- Date Of Birth: September 5, 1921
- Date Of Death: August 8, 2014
- State: Michigan
Mary Ann McLean, age 92 of Midland died Friday, August 08, 2014 at her home. The daughter of the late William Sr. and Minnie Elizabeth (Fuller) Drake was born September 5, 1921 in Midland. Mary’s formal education was completed when she graduated from 8th grade. She was known and will continue to be known for her intelligence, kindness, grins and beautiful personality.
On February 26, 1938, Mary, at 16 years of age, married her true love Russell J. McLean Sr. and together they raised seven children. After over 69 years of marriage, Russ died August 8, 2007. Mary was a very talented lady. She learned to cook and can at an early age and helped care for her younger siblings. She was actively involved in her children’s lives by participating in 4-H and the PTO. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and loved making quilts, especially for her grandchildren. She also decorated cakes and did a wonderful job on birthday, anniversary and wedding cakes.
She was a willing and patient teacher to those who wanted to learn from her, whether it was 4-H members, her children or grandchildren. She loved giving to others. She was well known for her Sunday dinners. Her kids and grandkids will never forget the memories made on Sundays-or the food. Mary served her canned dill pickles and pickled beets, made baked beans and scalloped potatoes, just to name a few things. Nobody went home hungry after eating at her home!
The past few years Mary participated in a ladies bible study. She made many friends and gave great insight on God’s Word. She also helped to serve at a food pantry. She was always looking out for others. Mary and Russell loved and cherished their children as well as their other family members and friends. They shared their love and God’s love with everyone they met and raised their children in Christ’s love.
Mary is survived by sons, Russell Jr. (Carol) McLean of Stanton, Richard McLean of Pensacola, FL; daughters, Barbara Haley of Bay City, Linda Alexander of Sanford, Gaila (Ken) Bennett of Midland; 21 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 17 great great grandchildren; brother, Charles Drake; sister, Julia Smith; in laws, Jack (Gerry) Rogers, Lottie Meese, and Darlene (Don) Ross; and her loving companion, “Peppermint”, her 14 year old cat.
In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by her sons, David and Dennis; grandson Scottie; brothers, Walter, Robert, Lawrence and John; sisters, Clara Drake, Josephine Norris, Joan Marr and Dorothy (Lewis) Morgan; in laws Charles (Romaine) Rogers, Sherman (Naomi) Rogers, Dorothy (Ray) Billingsley, Leona (Johnny) Chubbs, Lewis (Ellare) Rogers, Annabelle (Weldon) Schearer, Arthur Rogers and Richard Rogers.
