Mary Hester McInnis

Mary Hester McInnis passed away Friday, July 7, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 21 days. She was born April 16, 1935 in Phelps County, Missouri to John Haskell McInnis and Bella Hester Carpenter McInnis.

Mary graduated from Missouri University in Columbia with a degree in English Literature. After graduating college, she settled in Washington D.C. employed by the United States government. Mary spent over forty fascinating years working with the Executive Branch as a speechwriter for President Eisenhower, President Nixon and President Reagan and assisted senators in drafting bills for legislation, being one of the first women to help write and draft bills in the 1950's. She also worked in public relations and special activities with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Mary was very active in the National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. as their pianist. She was an accomplished pianist playing for various government and military functions. She also served as the EPA Music Director for several years. As an active quilter, Mary donated hundreds of quilts to children's homes all over the world. Mary was very proud of her heritage in Crawford County and her life on a Century Farm.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Donald and Richard McInnis; and one sister, Hallie Jean Slowensky.

Mary is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A graveside inurnment was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Steelville Cemetery. Memories were shared by Gary Sanders, Kent Howald, Jeff Brown and nephew, John Slowensky.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

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