1924
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.
Sponsored by Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home.
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
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Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home420 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
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