We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Mary Ann here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Ryan, Bridgit, Paige, I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Kelly
Kelly Benninghoff
January 24th, 2008 at 12:00am
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jennifer/Keith Kasper and Clovis/Melba Nelson
January 24th, 2008 at 12:00am
Friends and Neighbors for 34 years. We were blessed to have Mary Ann in our life and pray for her family knowing that she is at Peace. Loving you all, Duane & Nancy
Duane & Nancy Whaley
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of need. May God bless you and keep close. Niles South Branch Barb, Ellarene, Anita, Katie and Magda
Barbara Mechem
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary, You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers through this last year, and especially now at this time. We will continue to pray for you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Rick, Meredith, Aaron & Joshua Albright
Rick & Meredith Albright
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. We were so blessed to have such an influential individual in our lives who touched so many others. She will deeply be missed. Love you guys, Joe and Lindsay
Joe and Lindsay Quigno
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Your cousins in Arizona are thinking of you. We're praying your faith can bring strength through this time of need. It was once written, "When someone you love becomes a memory; that memory becomes a treasure." Love, Todd, Kelle & family Phoenix, AZ
Fritz Family
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Smith Family, We will truly miss Mary Ann. The relationship she had with Kara will always be treasured. She touched so many young girls lives, not only did she teach them about horses, she taught them self-confidence, pride and the value of friendship. Thank each and everyone of you for allowing all of us to be a part of her life.
Dennis, Shelly, & Kara Hartmann
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Smith Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Mary Ann will be missed.
Matt, Hillary, Toni, Lindsay, and Nick Fisher
January 25th, 2008 at 12:00am
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mary Ann was a good friend. With love, Phyllis
Phyllis McCrossin
January 26th, 2008 at 12:00am
We have only had the pleasure of knowing Mary Ann for just a short time but Mary Ann always made us feel so comfortable around her it made us feel like we had known her our whole lives. We will greatly miss her. With our deepest sympathy to the Smith Family.
Tony, Rhonda, Kaye and Mollie Lopez
January 26th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary, Ryan and Chris - I was very sad to hear about Mary Ann's passing. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around your home, Mary Ann and the horses. I so very much enjoyed being around her and learned so much from her. I am very saddened to hear that she is gone. Beth Vogel Washington, DC
Elizabeth (Beth) vogel
January 26th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary & Family, We are so sorry for your great loose. Our payers are with you.
James & Gail Dew
January 26th, 2008 at 12:00am
I feel blessed to have been able to get to know you through the time we spent together and from the many friends who tell stories about your life and how wonderful you are. I love both you and Gary. I am reminded of a verse from a Psalm, which says Be still and know that I am God. God catches us before we ever fall, and we are all children in the eyes of the Lord.
Alec MacDonald
January 26th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary and Family, and of course all your 4 legged family, I know how much you will miss Mary Ann, her laugh, and smile. Please if you need anything, let me know. Know that God is with you. Love, Amy, John Tyler and Travis MAY THE HORSES IN HEAVEN BE WAITING FOR FOR MARY ANN...
Amy Post (EFTING)
January 27th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary and your family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Through your children, your memories of her will always be with you. My prayers are with you and your family. God be with you and give you strength!
Carol Masterson
January 27th, 2008 at 12:00am
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all for a long time. Mary Ann is now at peace and will be able to keep her eye on things from above. Sincerely, Melva, Jim, and Natalie Thayer, Nathan and Kelly Thayer
Melva Thayer
January 27th, 2008 at 12:00am
Gary, My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. I hope you find comfort in knowing that the suffering is over for her. May God give you and the family peace.
Greg Thurman
January 27th, 2008 at 12:00am
So sorry to hear of your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Karl & Ruth Hewitt (Classmate)
January 28th, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Gary, Chris, Ryan, and Bridget, Mary Ann literally made dreams come true for kids like Emily for 35 years! Her goal was to make horse riding and owning possible for the ordinary family. A lot of her students came from families like ours, without horse savvy parents. We would never have considered riding lessons or horse ownership without her support. Think of all Emily and kids like her would have missed if it were not for Mary Ann! We are so grateful to her and to all of you, as well, for the supportive roles you played. We will miss her, too. You all remain in our prayers. Love, Kathy, Walt, Emily, Cory, and Andrew Sicard
The Walt Sicard Family
January 28th, 2008 at 12:00am
Jim and I were shocked and saddened when we read Mary Ann’s obituary. The Smith family was very important to the Vogel family when our kids were young, 20 or so years ago now—hard to believe it was that long ago. We were stupid first time horse owners and Mary Ann helped us and our girls learn about our horses and have great family times with first our one horse, then our horse and pony, then our 2 horses and one pony! I remember Mary Ann’s smile and her voice most of all: her yelling “Here! Here!” at an out of control horse, settling it down. I remember when Vance shamed her into riding behind him on an ATV at a campout, and her yelling and screaming “I’d rather ride a horse!” She was nothing if not emphatic. Not to mention that she was a concerned mom whose voice became soft and gentle, I especially remember this when she was helping Chris relax for bedtime. She always seemed to be in motion: giving lessons, teaching boarders how to deal with our animals, grooming horses, and almost constantly talking on the phone--she was so involved in so many projects with her animals and people, had so many arrangements to make and check on: arranging trail rides, campouts, 4H meetings, farrier and vet visits. She seemed to operate on the assumption that she was responsible to make sure that animals within her sphere of influence were owned by people who were knowledgeable about keeping their animals healthy. She even had the vet make the rounds for horse shots and worming as well as dog and cat vaccines yearly! Who else would have thought of that? In fact, the only time I can remember her just totally relaxing was when our two families spent a few days at the Vogel family cottage—quite a change of pace for her. I remember Mary Ann talking Jim into riding Spider with her when she started training Star-Mare for long distances. I heard Mary Ann yell “You Witch!” early on in the ride. When they got back, Jim told me that the mare tried to throw Mary Ann from her English saddle so she stopped their ride, dismounted, and told Jim to trade his western saddle for her English saddle, giving her a better chance of staying aboard the green mare. He complained loudly about the discomfort of his first ride—not to mention such a long ride on an English saddle when they came home, claiming those saddles were never designed to be ridden by males! I don’t think he ever mentioned it to Mary Ann though. We learned never to be surprised at new dogs, cats, or horses when we arrived at the barn. Mary Ann adopted so many “lost souls”, and did her best to make their lives whole. I’ll never forget how hard she worked to save Danny, a seemingly lost-cause colt. She would turn a hose on him, yell at him, try to scare him into getting on his feet, anything to keep him going. The last time I saw him he was running in her pasture looking proud and healthy as he could be given his rough start in life. I remember one weekend when Gary had hurt his back so Jim, Mary Ann and I were mucking out stalls—there was only one barn then—and we were all exhausted. She was so strong physically, as well as mentally and constitutionally. Thankfully our two girls and the two Smith boys got along well most of the time, and were happy to play together while we worked! I remember Mary Ann losing her wonderful, beautiful Nipsy. We mourned the loss of that exceptional horse with her. I remember Mary Ann coddling her old Paula, and that crazy Bugger, who scared all of us. I remember Mary Ann starting the cat project, and how much Katie enjoyed it, and loved showing her cat, Dugo. I remember how Mary Ann found Katie’s pony, Honey for her, and how well the girl and pony clicked, and how attached they became. She always seemed to be looking for new combinations of horses and people, as needs changed, and most of the time she seemed to find successful partnerships. We had such good times with the Smith family as our girls were growing up. She was the heart of such a special time in all our lives, and we will miss her, despite the fact t
January 28th, 2008 at 12:00am
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time. We know that Mary Ann is in a better place and free now from physical pain. Her love for her family and friends will always be remember. Aaron always had fun hanging out on "the farm" and getting dirty! Lots of memories from the St. Paul school days and all the times we spend together. Ruth and Aaron Packard and Family.
Ruth Packard
January 29th, 2008 at 12:00am
We just wanted to let you know that we're thinking about you. We first met Mary Ann when our daughter, Liz, took horse lessons from Mary Ann. Our family did not grow up around horses so we put a lot of faith in Mary Ann and her well-trained horses. Even though Liz no longer is around horses, we enjoyed getting to know Mary Ann and Gary. Now I have the priviledge of working with Gary. Please accept our sympathy and prayers...Pam, Lee, Liz & AJ.
The Utke Family
January 31st, 2008 at 12:00am
I just learned of Mary Ann's passing. I have such fond memories of her and her compassionate nature.
Tonda
August 7th, 2012 at 12:00am