Mary Cecilia McKibben

1924 - 2017

Mary Cecilia McKibben obituary, 1924-2017, Fort Wayne, IN

BORN

1924

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home

420 West Wayne Street

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Mary McKibben Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 27, 2017.

Mary Cecilia McKibben (Haroz) passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 92.

She was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 22, 1924, to Josephine and José Haroz. During the Great Depression, her family moved to Baja California and were charter founders of the city of Rosarito Beach, where she grew up. After high school, Mary worked in San Diego as a telephone operator and soon met the love of her life. While attending a USO dance in 1945, she was swept off her feet by Raymond McKibben, a sailor returning from service in Paris. Two short weeks later, they were wed and moved to Ray's home state of Indiana, where they settled down in Fort Wayne. They raised a family of four children and were happily married for 42 years until Ray's death in 1988.

Mary continued to live a vibrant life centered around her love of family, golf, and travel. She spent spring on the golf course and summer visiting family in California well into her 80s. Mary was a member of the Foster Park and McMillan golf leagues and enjoyed playing euchre with friends. Most of all, she poured her time into supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their passions.

As the matriarch, Mary was the heart and soul of her family. She is survived by her sisters Irma Cordero and Lydia Martinez; her children, Joe and wife, Sharon McKibben, Alan and wife, Catherine McKibben, David McKibben, and Pam Fackler; grandchildren, Michael McKibben, Meg McKibben, Molly Housand, Sarah McKibben, Kathleen McKibben, Patrick McKibben, Kilee Fackler, Hunter McKibben, Taylor McKibben, Mandy McKibben, and Logan McKibben; stepgrandchildren, Allie Thee, Harrison Thee, Caroline Thee, and Nick Thee; and 9 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Ray McKibben and siblings Hector Haroz, Josephine Martinez, Guillermina Haroz, and Alonso Haroz.
As Maya Angelou once wrote, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." Mary was truly a rainbow, emanating light in the lives of those she touched. Her kindness, warmth, and unconditional love will be carried in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 28, 2017, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home (420 W. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802). Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow the Funeral Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park (6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804). All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary McKibben's life.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary McKibben's name to Visiting Nurse Hospice at 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814-4202.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary McKibben

Sponsored by Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Mary?

Share a favorite memory you have of Mary.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Mary.

Describe a time when Mary made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Mary?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Mary.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Mary.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Mary.

What is something you learned from Mary?

Not sure what to say?

4 Entries

April 28, 2017

Debi Nichols

So sorry to hear of your loss of Mary McKibben. May loving memories comfort you. Deepest sympathies.

April 28, 2017

Deborah Russell

The McKibben Family,
We were always so blessed to have such nice neighbors as Ray & Mary. Mary was indeed a sweetheart! So caring and thoughtful. When Mary would come to play cards, it was like having family at the shoppe. You have truly been blessed having Mary in your life! May you have comfort in the wonderful times you shared. Our thoughts are with you!
Tom, Deb, Rob & Stacey

April 28, 2017

Fr. John H. Delaney

To all the McKibben family, My sincere sympathy on your loss of Mary, a lovely lady that I remember from so many years ago when we were all "kids". You are in my prayers and thoughts in your days ahead. God blessed her and you with a wonderful long life, fulfilled in so many ways. May she Rest In Peace.

April 27, 2017

Patricia Baker

The few times I met Mary I learned quickly what a lovely person she was. So warm and friendly, she was a delight to be around. She will e missed by all who knew her. RIP Mary
.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Mary McKibben's name

Memorial Events
for Mary McKibben

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home

420 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

How to support Mary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary McKibben's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more