1924-2026
Faith became sight for Mary Kathryn King (Mary Kay Plank), 101, of West Liberty, Ohio, on March 29, 2026, as she passed from earth into eternity. She longed for many years to see her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face, and what joy she now has in that reality!
Mary Kay was born on May 28, 1924, to Samuel and Golda (Yoder) Plank in West Liberty. She was the third of five children: Elizabeth (Geil), Robert, Sarah (Hostetler), and Samuel, all of whom preceded her in death. Her family lived a simple farm life during the Great Depression, which impacted the way she lived the rest of her life. She graduated from West Liberty High School in 1942 and then attended Goshen College in Indiana, where she spent most of her time during World War II. While in college, she made many lifelong friends. She kept in contact with ten college friends via a circle letter from 1942 until 2020. She poured herself into her teaching career first at Rosewood School, then at Urbana Local until 1952. After this, she taught at Adriel School (1966-67) and substitute taught at Bellefontaine Schools until around 1990.
On August 8, 1951, Mary Kay married Donald “Shorty” King. They welcomed three children into the world together: Don, Judi, and Jim (Angel), who remember their mom being fun, but also expected them to work hard. As her family grew, Mary Kay became a grandmother first through her daughter-in-law Cindy, who preceded her in death and blessed her with six grandchildren, and later through her daughter-in-law Angel. She brought the same fun and consistency to all her grandchildren. Her nine grandchildren are: Stacey (Mike) DeVerna, Andrew (Elena) King, Matt (Kathleen) King, Holly King, Katie (Brandyn) Eckhart, Jonathan (Ella) King, Grace King, Caleb King, and Sarah King. Her grandma shenanigans involved playing tag, playing games on the floor (even into her 90’s), teaching homeschool units, and sharing snacks of crackers, apples, Oreos, and grapes. Her presence and her home were a place of safety and care for her grandchildren, giving tangible evidence of God’s love and care. She leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren and counting, who, even at young ages, knew her love and fun nature.
Mary Kay truly cared for those around her and those in need. She enjoyed spending time with and taking care of her mother in the last year of her mother’s life, and she volunteered for many years at Global Crafts store in West Liberty. She was a life-long member and active participant at Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty. The sewing group was an activity she enjoyed for many years.
On September 21, 2004, Shorty, Mary Kay’s love of 53 years, passed away. A few years after his death, Mary Kay moved off the family farm where she had lived for more than 55 years and moved into a duplex at the Green Hills retirement community. She embraced her new home and neighbors and went on frequent walks to visit and help her friends, and to get fresh air and exercise. No matter what life brought her, Mary Kay chose to be positive, kind, thankful, and content. She would say that when she started to feel sorry for herself, it was time to get up and do something for someone else. Being the last one in her generation brought a grief that few experience. Yet, she chose to find joy in life, make new friends, and be a blessing to everyone she came in contact with.
Mary Kay built a legacy with her life, the foundation of which is Jesus Christ. Everything else was built on top of that. Her example showed that family takes priority, you’re not too important for other people, there is joy in hard work, being a part of a church family is important, life is fun, and you should enjoy every stage of it, a simple life is a treasure, and thankfulness and a positive attitude help us live a full life.
She was able to stay in her home for the last few years as a result of devoted and kind caretakers. The family is grateful for the kindness and devoted care of these individuals, the staff at Otterbein Green Hills Nursing Home, and Universal Home Health and Hospice Care.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4, at Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty at 11:00 am. There will be a casual meet and mingle time beforehand, 9:30 - 10:45 am. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Mennonite Central Committee at PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.
