Mary E. Flenner

Mary E. Flenner, 85, of Robinson, IL, died of natural causes on January 3, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. She was born August 15, 1935, in Paris, IL, the daughter of Charles Kermit & Lula (Weaver) Snider, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Lyle D. Flenner on September 20, 1953, and he preceded her in death on May 26, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Ryals, Lula Mae Boyer, and Virginia "Jenny" Gardner; by her brother, Charles "Jim" Snider; by her son-in-law, Lester Briner; and by her daughter-in-law, Roye Ann Flenner. She is survived by her children, Doris & husband Rob Cawood (Robinson, IL), Joseph Flenner (Odessa, TX), Julia Briner (Robinson, IL), Melvin Flenner (Jay, FL), and Susie Flenner Van Tassell (Houston, TX); as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Mary grew up in the Redmon area and was a graduate of Brocton High School. She and her young family moved to Robinson in 1963, and here, she worked for a number of local businesses, including the Ettelbrick Shoe Factory and Fair-Rite. Anyone who knew her, however, would tell you that her calling in life was that of a homemaker. Home truly was where her heart was, and few things brought her more fulfillment than caring for those under its roof. Her loved ones were regular beneficiaries of Mary's wonderful embroidery, as she stitched a countless number of items that her family has to treasure for years to come. They could all attest to her love of the television show, "Gunsmoke", which was almost always playing on her TV, that is when there wasn't a game on. An avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, she also followed NASCAR as well and spent many a Sunday afternoon watching the race with her great-grandson, Bentley. Recent years found Mary watching local squirrels and birds feed on her back porch, and this was a quiet pleasure that provided her with a delightful sense of satisfaction in the twilight of her life. Those she leaves behind could never forget the humor and humility with which she lived her 85 years. She was the glue that held everyone together; the matriarch of not only her family, but of her community as well. We count ourselves as blessed to have not only known her, but to have been weaved into the fabric of time alongside this dear soul. Due to the increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. Mary will be laid to rest in the Embarrass Cemetery, rural Redmon, IL. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.