Mary Ann Medlen

Mary Ann Medlen, of Groesbeck, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, March 16, 2020. She passed away at Parkview Hospital in Mexia, at age 61.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 18, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with both Dr. Troy Brooks and Rev. Gil Ash of the Lost Prairie Baptist Church officiating. Music was provided by Michael Medlen playing their song “Unending Prayer,” and a song by Gil and Annie Ash, and piano selections by Mrs. June Wietzikoski.

Pallbearers were Brett Smelscer, Blaine Smelscer, Mike Sullwold, Sam Thornal, Jerry Fleming, and Don Brock. Her uncle, Ronnie Townley, will be an honorary pallbearer.

Mary was born October 24, 1958 in Pensacola, Florida to John Arthur Steagall and Iris Ann Townley Steagall. Her family moved to Houston, Texas when she was three. She graduated from Milby High School in Houston in 1977. Mary graduated from Houston Community College in 1983 as a licensed vocational nurse.

Mary was working as a nurse at Mexia State School when her supervisor introduced her to another employee, Michael Neal Medlen. They were united in marriage December 21, 1985 in Groesbeck, where they made their home and raised their family. While her daughters were in school, she served as a room mother and participated when needed. She enjoyed her career in nursing and continued working as an LVN at the Mexia State School for 23 years, until retiring in 2008.

Mary enjoyed entertaining the neighborhood children at Halloween dressed as the “good witch” and insisted that Michael be sure to buy enough candy for the annual visits of more than 100 kids. She also enjoyed working with children at church, teaching children’s classes and providing artwork, while her health permitted.

Mary’s faith was strong, especially during her lengthy battle with illness. She was more recently a member of the Lost Prairie Baptist Church where Michael was the pianist. They previously were members of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck and then Central Baptist Church of Thornton, moving where he was needed to provide the piano music services. Mary occasionally sang solo with Michael playing, and her special selection was the song they wrote together twelve years ago, “Unending Prayer.” They enjoyed playing and singing many types of music together at home, and the ‘70’s disco was her favorite music.

Mary’s lap dog, “Snowy” was special to her. Life really changed when their grandson, Killian was born in Odessa, and she was able to be with the family in Midland for the first few weeks after he was born. She and Michael were delighted grandparents, keeping Killian at their house while his parents were in school or working. She is really going to be missed by her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, David (an infant), Ronnie Steagall and DeWayne Steagall.

She is survived by her husband Michael Neal Medlen of Groesbeck; daughter and son-in-law, LeAnn and James Beard of Groesbeck; daughter, Michaela Medlen of Groesbeck; and grandson, Killian Beard of Groesbeck. She also has an aunt, Shirley Middleton, and uncle and aunt, Ronnie and Carma Lee Townley, all living in Alabama.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.