Mary Ruth Meredith

Published 10:41 pm Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Aug. 3, 1930-Nov. 17, 2023

Mary Ruth Meredith went to be with the Lord on Friday, Nov. 17, at 11:08 a.m. CST in San Antonio, Texas. Mary succumbed to the effects of congestive heart failure. At her passing, Mary was lovingly surrounded by her youngest daughter (Babette Hansen), son-in-law (Bob Hansen), first grandchild (Bobby Hansen) and granddaughter in-law (Cathy Hansen).
Born in Mishawaka, Indiana to Lance and Helen Thompson, Mary was the youngest child of three. Growing up during Great Depression and WWII years was formative to Mary’s life-long belief in hard work, optimism, resiliency, patriotism and absolute love and support of family. These serious elements to her character were well-balanced by Mary’s amiable, sometimes giddy, sense of humor.
After graduation from St. Joseph Academy High School, Mary pursued her interest in women’s apparel. In 1950, Mary met Rod Meredith, while both were working at Sears. The couple married in 1951 and moved in with Rod’s mother, Elsye, in her small cottage on Indian Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan. Two children were born while living on Indian Lake before Rod was offered his career-launching job in hospital supply sales. The young family moved to the South Side of Chicago in 1954. Rod’s rising career and growing family lead to another move to Chicago’s northwest suburb, Park Ridge, where two more children arrived. Eventually, significant promotions resulted in the family moving West, to Northridge, California in 1966.
Mary’s ceaseless devotion to her four children was legendary. Mary involved herself in PTA, a troop leader in Girls Scouts, a den mother in Cub Scouts, homework overseer, and general manager for all school projects. She was constantly chauffeuring her kids and attending all their activities, games and performances. Mary also participated in local politics, eventually becoming President of Northridge Republican Woman’s Club.
After her husband’s retirement in 1993, Mary and Rod began traveling the world. Throughout their senior years, they visited all of Europe and classic destinations in Russia, China and Japan. The couple also explored Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Rod and Mary loved cruises, completing many of the popular ones including; Mexico, the Rhine, Baltic Sea (Russia), Alaska (twice), the Caribbean, the perimeter of South America and the Holy Land.
In 1998, Mary and Rod moved back to Indian Lake to supervise the construction of an original home. Mary reconnected with classmates from St. Joseph’s, enjoying monthly lunches late into her life. The new lake home became the go-to vacation destination for family now spread across California, Colorado and Texas. Rod passed away in 2008, leading Mary to make annual winter visits to her children during the 2010s.
The COVID pandemic of 2020 and failing health prevented Mary from returning to her lake home unassisted, restricting her to staying in a memory care facility near family in San Antonio. Fortunately, her family was able to orchestrate extended stays for Mary at Indian Lake these past few summers. Celebrating her 93 birthday this last August, Mary relished in absorbing the beauty of the lake; tranquil sailboats, animated wildlife and spectacular cloud formations. The infectious delight her great granddaughters exhibited as they enjoyed fishing, boating, and swimming at “The Lake” warmed Mary’s heart and seared new and everlasting happiness into her soul.
Mary is survived by her four children (Janet, Tom, Sterling and Babette), 3 grandchildren (Bobby, Richard and Irene), and two great granddaughters (Reagan and Reese). According to her wishes, Mary will be cremated. To celebrate the life of Mary Ruth Meredith, family will gather at the Indian Lake Cemetery on Mother’s Day in 2024 to spread her ash remains at the Meredith gravesite.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Indian Lake Fire Department
https://www.indianlakefiredepartment.org/
Indian Lake Improvement Association

HOME

You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with:
Porter Loring Mortuary West
1710 W. Loop 1604 N.
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 891-0000