Mary A. Tyler  82 of Kewanna passed away just after midnight at Parkview Randallia of Ft. Wayne on Sunday, March 19 , 2017.

In Lake County, on May 10 , 1934  Mary Ann Collins was born.  She was the precious daughter of Miner E. and Anna Einsphar Collins.  Growing up as one of three children she shared her childhood with a sister Dorothy and a brother John.   With great Red Devil pride, in 1953,  Mary graduated from Lowell High School in Lowell.

On April 28 , 1961,  at Lowell, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Mr. Kenneth J. Tyler.  From their union came three wonderful children Alice, Audrey and Richard.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of  five grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

A dedicated member of the banking industry, Mary served as teller for the Leiter's Ford State Bank, First National and Norwest Banks.  She also attended the 1st Baptist Church of Rochester.

With a love of the outdoors, Mary enjoyed feeding and observing the birds and squirrels. Springtime brought on the planting of the garden.  She especially enjoyed the bountiful harvest with the freezing and canning of the produce.  During the summer she and Kenny went to tractor shows.  They both shared a passion for the Oliver.

As the matriarch of the Tyler family, Grandma Mary was proud to oversee four generations.  From her kitchen command post, Mary was always preparing a feast for the holidays and special family gatherings.  She was the proud owner of a collection of more than 400 cookbooks.   In demand was her apple bite cookies, and custom made cakes with homemade icing.

With a joy for baking Mary and Alice formed a partnership.  Together they created cakes for special events customizing them to the honored request.  Whether it was birthdays, graduations, weddings or anniversaries they were customer driven which also allowed them to garner some mad money.  A favorite place to visit was Branson, Missouri.  Mary enjoyed the shows especially the country music of Kenny Rodgers, Randy Travis and Dolly Parton.

Left to cherish Mary Ann's memory are two daughters: Alice Opple and husband Ron of Rochester, Audrey Smith and husband Greg of Anderson; and a son, Richard Tyler of Kewanna; 5 grandchildren: Janelle  Rushton and husband Chris, Tyler Opple, Andrew Smith and wife Stephanie, Tony Smith and wife Jama, Angela Smith;  3 great-grandsons: Caden Anthony Smith, Liam Owen Smith and with an expected arrival on April 4th , Crosby Alexander Rushton;  and canine companion Watson, the salt and pepper Schnauzer.  Preceding Mary in death are her parents, Miner and Anna Collins; husband Kenny on July 7 , 2004; a sister, Dorothy Collins; and a brother, John Collins.

Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate services.   Burial will follow at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery where she will be laid to eternal rest next to her beloved husband Kenny.