Mary Frances Brand, 87, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Ridge Crest Nursing Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Mary was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on February 17, 1936, to George Utter and Elizabeth (Fleshman) Utter. She sang in the choir at Brown Road Methodist Church at the age of three and enjoyed singing throughout her life. She was baptized at the age of 12, at the 1st Central Church of the Brethren, Kansas City, Kansas. She played the violin until she was in the ninth grade, she studied with Dr. Young of the Philharmonic.
Mary graduated from Central Missouri State University, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business administration. Mary was an independent contractor for Home Interiors & Country Peddler. She began her career as a social worker in Kirksville, Missouri. She was a Child Advocate, Investigator and Home Services Representative for Missouri, Division of Family Services. She served in Johnson County, Vernon County and Cass County.
In the 60’s she was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She served as President and Campaign Chairman for Henry County. She served as a Grey Lady and on the American Red Cross Board for several years. She volunteered at the old Wetzel Hospital and Golden Valley Hospital. In 1963, she became a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She received the Order of the Rose, and Life Membership awards. Through the years she served several chapters and enjoyed the wonderful friendships she made and retained.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Lyle) Walters of Warrensburg, son, Mark (Tammy) Smarr of Newfield, New York; grandchildren, Davy Smarr, Stacey Kala Nyx, Charlotte Hollingworth, Craig Walters, Robert Walters, Dustin Smarr, Nathan Smarr, Amber Collins and Jacob Smarr; siblings, Ginger Scott of Lake Lotawana, Missouri, John Utter of Kansas City, Kansas and Arthur Utter of Olathe, Kansas.
She was preceded by her parents, George and Elizabeth Utter; 2 sons, David Smarr and Charles Smarr; sisters Opal Paine, Ruth Scheuler, Dorothy Nixon, Anna Lynch and Carolyn (Susie) Blomquist, and brother, Richard Utter.
Visitation Friday, January 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Funeral Service, Friday, January 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM, Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. 2nd St., Clinton, MO. 64735. Burial at Englewood Cemetery following Chapel Funeral Service.
Condolences may be left online at www.ConsalusFuneralHome.com.
