Mary Kinnard Mason

Mary Frances Kinnard Mason, our beautiful and precious Mother, was born on April 12, 1921 in Lexington, Kentucky. She left us in the early morning hours of July 1, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mom was anxious to reunite with the many loved ones she has missed for so long. Mom is the youngest child of the late Wardy Kinnard and Margaret Ellen Hopkins Kinnard. Her brothers and sisters have preceded her in death.
Mom became acquainted with tragedy and loss beginning in her infancy and throughout her life. Mom faced the death of her oldest children (twins); Joe in 1977 and Sissy in 2010, with grace and dignity.
Through the trials and losses she has endured she has been the quintessential teacher of endurance, faith, trust in our Heavenly Father & hope.
Mom met our Dad, Earl Clinton Mason, prior to his enlistment in the United States Army during World War II. Dad said that he knew Mom was the one for him during the time they corresponded throughout his five-year active deployment. Mom and Dad were married on April 16, 1945 in Lexington, Kentucky. In October 1946 they were blessed with twins, a son and a daughter. They subsequently had a second son and 4 more daughters.
Mom and Dad were foster parents for the State of Kentucky for 35 years. Infants, children and adolescents in need were offered shelter and love for as long as they needed. Mom could always find another plate for the table and a place for someone to sleep.
Education was of primary importance to our parents and they delighted at the successes of their children and grandchildren.
Mom’s love of children and her dedication to family have been the foundation of her life. Mom has always exhibited great faith and strength in the face of adversity. She is a strong and courageous woman who has been a remarkable example of faith, goodness, generosity and great love.
Mom shared with us a great sense of humor. She tolerated our relentless teasing and we found that laughter is a staple that carried, and will continue to carry us. The recall of many “Momism’s” will continue to make us smile as we think of her always.
Mom very much enjoyed crocheting, playing games, reading, listening to music, watching both college and professional basketball (go University of Kentucky and The Utah Jazz), and spending time with her family.
Moms’ wealth of wisdom has been graciously shared with her children grandchildren and most recently her “kids” at Canyon Creek Assisted Living.
Mom loved to travel and took every opportunity to do so. She traveled quite extensively throughout the southern and western United States with our Dad. Their trip to Hawaii was a highlight for Mom.
Mom was a fabulous cook and traditions and customs were very important to her.
After Dad’s death in 1998, Mom moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be near several of her daughters.
Mom’s traits of sensitivity, empathy, kindness, caring, generosity and determination will remain with us always. She will continue to inspire us as she always has. Mom, we love you, we miss you, and we will share your goodness in our lives. We know that you will receive each of us with open arms for eternity.
Mom has lived at Canyon Creek Assisted Living for the past four years. She will be missed by her friends and caregivers. Thank you to the staff for their love, concern, and gentle caring of Mom. To her caregivers, if heaven has candy you can be assured she will send you some. Thank you to Mom’s physician, Miriam Beattie. Dr. Beattie has seen Mom through some very difficult illnesses and injuries. We are equally grateful to The Hospice Team who has worked with us since February of this year. Martina, we love you and we thank you for caring for our Mom, your “sweet stick of dynamite”.
Mom is survived by her children, Wardy C. Mason (Barbara), Lois Kichas, Donna Thompson (Brick), Dianna Runyons, and Janet Strasburg. She leaves 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband (Earl C. Mason), children, Leslie Mason (Joe), Mary Margaret Mason Leake (Sissy), and sons-in-law James Kichas and Rodney Runyons.
Mom, we pray that your reunion with all the loved ones who have gone before is as wonderful as you anticipated. We love you forever.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, July 4 at the Mountain View Memorial Mortuary in Utah, 3115 E. 7800 S. Mom’s funeral will be held in Lexington, Kentucky. Thank you to Memorial Estates Mortuaries and Kerr Brothers Funeral Home for making burial arrangements. Mom will be laid to rest next to our Dad at the Lexington City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers you may consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Mom was a fervent supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.