Memorial trees planted for:

Mary L. Hines

Mary Louise Hines, 72, of Erie, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 6:35 p.m. after a courageous and painful battle with cancer, solidifying her as the ultimate fighter. Mary was born on April 25, 1952. She graduated from Erie High School in 1970. She then graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Education. She married Richard Hines on August 28, 1971. She raised three beautiful daughters (Tracy, Trisha, and Taryn), eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Mary’s family was her life. By her example, she tried to instill the virtues of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Mary taught hundreds of students at Erie High School for over 42 years. She retired from Erie High School in May of 2014 in hopes of traveling with her husband, Richard, and visiting her grandchildren. Shortly after retirement, her grandchildren Avery and Cruz were born. She picked up Avery after school and would often travel to Shawnee to watch Taryn’s four children. She loved to travel. She and Richard were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to many countries throughout all the world’s continents. They enjoyed these trips with old friends and made many new friends along the way. In addition, they were able to go on many adventurous travels such as trekking the Inca trail in the Peruvian Andes, several African safaris following wild jaguars in the Argentina Pantanal, whale watching excursions in the Mexican Sea of Cortez, Iceland and Alaska, seeing Komodo Dragon lizards in Indonesia, and many other adventures in remote areas such as the Amazon, Central America, Tibet, Australia, Antarctica, the Arctic Circle, and China. Mary loved supporting her family. If there was an event that someone in her family was a part of, she did everything in her power to be there. She loved supporting her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at ball games, performances, recitals, graduations, and any academic events. She loved watching her children grow and develop, especially in educational environments. Mary also loved to host family gatherings. She was a great hostess and a wonderful cook. Mary served on the board and also was the President of the Parsons Area Community Foundation for several years. She founded the Erie Pride and Youth Pride Organizations which had a mission of improving the Erie Community. The Pride organization received many state wide awards under her guidance. She was an active 4H parent and served as the youth leader for many projects. Mary helped lead the biannual Erie School Reunion. For many years, she was the Yearbook Teacher for Erie High School. Mary worked diligently on the Erie Federated Church Directory and Memorial Committee. Survivors include her husband Richard, of the home; three daughters, Tracy Gilmore (Wayne) of Parsons, Trisha Ahring (Trevor) of Garden City, and Taryn Pierce (Chance) of Shawnee; eight grandchildren, Bridgette Gaona (Carlos), Luke Gilmore, Zachary Gilmore, Kynadie Pierce, Briggs Pierce, Avery Gilmore, Cruz Pierce, and Rush Pierce; two great grandchildren, Victoria Gaona and Jordan Gaona; her in-laws, Dorothy and Lee Springer; her brother, Donnie Dillinger, brothers-in-law Dale Springer (Judy), and Chuck Springer (Debbie), and sister in law Joann (Lee) Voth, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins that she cherished. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Sarah Dillinger; her brother Larry Dillinger; her grandson Nathan Gilmore; her great-grandson Anthony Gaona and nephew Eric Dillinger. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2024 at Erie Federated Church. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery south of Erie. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. The family will host a celebration of life and dinner at 5:00 p.m. Friday after the service at the Neosho Valley 4-H building in Erie. Memorials are suggested to the Erie Federated Church, Parsons Area Community Foundation or Labette Health Foundation and may be mailed to the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. 182, Erie, KS 66733.

April 25, 1952 - November 16, 2024

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Mary L. Hines

10 Trees have been planted in memory of Mary Hines.

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Memorial Trees

Tony Peak and family

November 27, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Tony Peak and family. Plant a tree

God bless you Mary always such a big heart and did so much for so many. I know that God has a very special place up there for you.

Fisher Patterson Sayler and Smith

November 25, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Fisher Patterson Sayler and Smith. Plant a tree

Our condolences to Rick and his family.

Gayle McKinney

November 24, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Gayle McKinney. Plant a tree

A gift of a living thing to represent all that Mary gave during her lifetime of service and love.

Wilda

November 23, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Wilda. Plant a tree

I miss you, Mary. I'm so appreciative of the times we shared and so thankful for having you in my life.

Anonymous

November 22, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

With loving memories of "Mary L. Hines",

Ruth Harris

November 20, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Ruth Harris. Plant a tree

Sorry for your loss.

Phil and Carol Roberts

November 18, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Phil and Carol Roberts. Plant a tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lorene & Phil Burns, Sierra Whitted, Abby George

November 18, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mary L. Hines has been arranged by Lorene & Phil Burns, Sierra Whitted, Abby George. Plant a tree

May her light continue to shine through her family and all those whose lives she touched and made a difference. Sending thoughts, prayers, & love.