Mary Ann Gratz (Blakley) age 61, of Adrian, Michigan, died at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with the support of her family and under the care of Gentiva Hospice.
Mary was born on June 2, 1963, in Addison, MI, the youngest of Raymond J. and Ruth F. (Leyh) Blakley’s four children. She graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1982 and went on to earn an accounting degree from Jackson Community College.
It didn’t take Mary long to figure out sitting at a desk and working with numbers was not where her heart was. Mary returned to the classroom and obtained a nursing degree from JCC. Early on in her nursing career, Mary worked in the long-term care setting and was a leading force in getting the nursing union established in several nursing homes in Lenawee and Hillsdale counties. For her next challenge, Mary went to work at the Michigan State Prison located in Jackson. She had a vital role as one of the receiving nurses at the prison, who made contact early on with all new prisoners coming into the facility. Mary retired in October 2023, after 23 dedicated years with the prison system.
Mary married Kevin Gratz on December 13, 2013, and he survives. Mary and Kevin shared many of the same interests such as fishing and hunting; and telling “great stories” about their fishing and hunting. She was an excellent gardener of both vegetables and flowers. For many years, Mary drove her dream car, a 2003 bumble bee, Mustang convertible and it never failed to put her in a good mood when she was behind the wheel.
In addition to her loving husband, Kevin, Mary leaves behind her pride and joy- children, Dustin Blakley (Sarah Boss), Alicia (David, Jr.) Covey, Christina (Nate) Beagle and Karlie (Shane) Turrill; grandchildren, Keegan Mohr, Scarlet Blakley, Callie and Jazmine Covey, Lavender Boss, Brady, Evie, Ethan and Jackson Beagle and Lilly Turrill; her siblings, Mike (Joann) Blakley, Cindy (David) Herrmann and Beth Wagner; and precious fur babies, Gus and Josie. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ruth Blakley and in-laws, Raymond and Sharon Gratz.
Visitation for Mary will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. On Monday, September 23, 2024, there will be a time for visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home with services beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Drew Woods officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
Mary was born on June 2, 1963, in Addison, MI, the youngest of Raymond J. and Ruth F. (Leyh) Blakley’s four children. She graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1982 and went on to earn an accounting degree from Jackson Community College.
It didn’t take Mary long to figure out sitting at a desk and working with numbers was not where her heart was. Mary returned to the classroom and obtained a nursing degree from JCC. Early on in her nursing career, Mary worked in the long-term care setting and was a leading force in getting the nursing union established in several nursing homes in Lenawee and Hillsdale counties. For her next challenge, Mary went to work at the Michigan State Prison located in Jackson. She had a vital role as one of the receiving nurses at the prison, who made contact early on with all new prisoners coming into the facility. Mary retired in October 2023, after 23 dedicated years with the prison system.
Mary married Kevin Gratz on December 13, 2013, and he survives. Mary and Kevin shared many of the same interests such as fishing and hunting; and telling “great stories” about their fishing and hunting. She was an excellent gardener of both vegetables and flowers. For many years, Mary drove her dream car, a 2003 bumble bee, Mustang convertible and it never failed to put her in a good mood when she was behind the wheel.
In addition to her loving husband, Kevin, Mary leaves behind her pride and joy- children, Dustin Blakley (Sarah Boss), Alicia (David, Jr.) Covey, Christina (Nate) Beagle and Karlie (Shane) Turrill; grandchildren, Keegan Mohr, Scarlet Blakley, Callie and Jazmine Covey, Lavender Boss, Brady, Evie, Ethan and Jackson Beagle and Lilly Turrill; her siblings, Mike (Joann) Blakley, Cindy (David) Herrmann and Beth Wagner; and precious fur babies, Gus and Josie. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ruth Blakley and in-laws, Raymond and Sharon Gratz.
Visitation for Mary will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. On Monday, September 23, 2024, there will be a time for visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home with services beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Drew Woods officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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