Mary Ann Hribek

Mary Ann Hribek passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 in Plano, Texas.  She was 80 years of age.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Tonie Hribek, and father, Julius J. Hribek.  She is survived by her siblings Betty Kucera (Albin) of Woodsboro, Texas, Carolyn Hermann (Neil) of St. Genevieve, Missouri,  Judy Garrett (Nolan) of Plano, Texas, Ellen Jones (Alex) of Circleville, Ohio, and John Hribek (Leeanne) of Port O’Connor, Texas.  She was a much-loved sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Mary Ann’s passions were about faith, family, education, music, and travel.  She served as Elder of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Smithville, volunteered her musical talents as organist and supported many programs at all the churches she attended throughout her life.  As the eldest sibling, she took her big sister role seriously and with a vengeance, doing whatever it took to provide opportunities for her younger siblings  and protect them from any possible harm (some of her siblings may have felt she was too enthusiastic in the protection area).  Education opened the doors for Mary Ann, and this nourished a thirst to teach.  Mary Ann had multiple education degrees and too many awards to list.  She taught over 1000+ students during her teaching career.  Many of her students have stayed in touch throughout the years and have shared beautiful stories of what an impact she had on their life.   Even after retiring, Mary Ann’s thirst for learning and education continued.  She was almost always enrolled in community classes and loved her creative writing classes.  She challenged herself to become a trained clown and graduated from “clown school” even though being an introvert was her natural demeanor.  Mary Ann would tutor anyone who asked or had a need. Her last student was proud to pass her U.S. citizen test after Mary Ann heard that she was having challenges passing the U.S. citizen test-they studied together until they could celebrate accomplishing the goal.   Mary Ann never met a song or instrument she could not appreciate.  Accomplished piano player and organist, accordion player, determined violin student, dulcimer player and in her last years, ukulele player, she shared these talents in many ways that brought joy, peace, and laughter to everyone. Mary Ann loved to travel.  She was always ready for a trip with siblings, friends or alone.  By the time she got home, she was usually planning her next trip.

Mary Ann was a very quiet person; she could be very serious, but she liked a good joke.  She could come across very tough, but she did not give up on people, especially those she loved.  If you were in need, Mary Ann would be there for you.  Mary Ann had many talents and she shared them generously.  Mary Ann knew there was a day that she would stand before God and she lived with the intention of being able to say, “I used everything you gave me.”

Mary Ann will be buried in Smithville, Texas where she lived many years.  A visitation is planned from 4pm-7pm on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home at 110 American Legion Rd, Smithville, Texas.  Graveside services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and directed to the Literacy Achieves Mission program.