Mary Jane McDonnell was born in San Mateo, CA on July 4, 1947, to Joseph Ruth Ruark and passed away Monday, March 21, 2011 in New Caney, TX., surrounded by her loving family. She moved to North Attleboro Massachusetts and married. She began her love of singing there and was a member of the Sweet Adelines Organization. Where she was a long standing member. Mary Jane is survived by her son Robert Betts daughters, Dana Friga and Kerri Paradysz and spouse John her sister Barbara Pieters grandchildren, Megan, Kelsey and Kaitlin Betts which her world revolved around. She was so proud of them and loved them very much. After the birth of her grandchildren she moved back to Texas parttime. She gave up much of herself to ensure her children were happy. Proceding her in death are her brothers, David Ruark and Bobby Ruark. After moving to Texas she continued to sing and was remarried to Charles Willing. She was the choir director of the local sweet Adeline Choir in Sheppard, Texas while she continued to sing in the Houston Chapter. She loved to perform. She loved harmony. She was a gifted painter. She loved ceramics . She owned A Ceramic Place in Livingston, Texas. She was creative and inventive. Mother was creative and inventive. She was a kind and understanding person. She was one person you could talk to, go to for advice. No matter what was going on in her life she was supportive of her family and friends. She later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she went to school to learn how to deal black jack. Not only did she deal blackjack she became a Pit Boss. She controlled the tables. There she met and married James McDonnell. She was always a hard worker no matter how much pain she had from here degenerative spine disease. If she said she was going to do something she did it. She taught me patients, kindness and love. She always taught us to be kind to others no matter what the circumstances. Most importantly she was loved by all that knew her. She had lifetime friends that loved her very much as well as other family that adored her. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2011 , 1:00 PM at Forest Hill Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.pacefuneral.com
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