Mary Jane (Hnetynka) English

     Mary Jane English, age 95, of Ashley, MI, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her home.

     Friends are asked to join the family for a gathering and dinner at Pompeii United Methodist Church on Saturday June 10, 2023 at noon.  In following Mary's wishes, a cremation has taken place with a private graveside service at Collier Cemetery.

     Mary was born in Bannister, Michigan on November 25, 1927, the daughter of James and Mary M. (Goldman) Hnetynka, Jr. She graduated from Fulton High School, with the Class of 1945, and later earned a certificate in bookkeeping at Lansing Business University.   On October 22, 1949, Mary married Marvin V. English on his family's farm. They were blessed with sixty-five years of marriage prior to his passing on February 14, 2015.

     Mary worked with Marvin on the family farm. They enjoyed playing cards with friends. During their later years, they enjoyed traveling with friends and visiting their daughter in Arizona.  Mary and her sister Sally were best friends and always together. People often got them mixed up. They faithfully attended their grandchildren's sporting events.

     Mary loved to read and do crossword puzzles. She valued her Czech family heritage. She enjoyed polka music and dancing, and preparing the traditional Czech Christmas meal for her family. She was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge, the Rebekah’s, and Pompeii United Methodist Church.     Mary enjoyed working for Fulton Public Schools for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1993. She began her career in the Ola School, a one room school. Over the years, she did many different things eventually becoming Secretary to the Superintendent.

     Mary is survived by her son Tim (Lisa) English of Perrinton, MI; her daughter Gay (Chuck Humble) English of Sahuarita, AZ; three grandchildren: Scott (Stacee) English of Hastings, MI; Alex (Risa) English of Montgomery, AL; and Spencer (Alyssa) English; three great-granddaughters: Anna, Aubree, and Ember; sister-in-law Jean Matyjasik, favorite nephew Terry (Lori) Hnetynka, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin, and her sister Sally Hnetynka.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the High School Quiz Bowl at Fulton Public Schools, 8060 Ely Hwy, Middleton, MI 48856. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.