Mary Ann Theresa (Sauer) Krier (93) departed unexpectedly from this world on Friday, May 10th, 2024. Born on May 3, 1931, to William "Bill" and Cecilia (Schuetz) Sauer of rural Atchison County. Mary Ann's life was a testament to love, faith, and compassion.

Mary Ann attended Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS, graduating in 1949. On May 13, 1953, she exchanged vows with her beloved Francis George "Sonny" Krier at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atchison, KS. Their union was a beacon of love and devotion until Sonny's passing on April 8, 2017.

From this sacred bond, Mary Ann leaves behind a legacy of love embodied in her son and two daughters: Terrance and Christine Krier of McPherson, KS; Judy and Bruce Chalfant of Huron, KS; and Jane Knudson and Allen Simmons of Denton, KS. Her love extended to her 11 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann's family circle also encompasses her brother, George Sauer of Topeka, KS; sister-in-law Mildred Hoffman of Denton, KS; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and her best friend and "snow-bird" housemate, Phyllis Cain of Donna, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny, her parents, a grandson, Mathias Krier, and her siblings, Wilma Dooley, and Robert Sauer.

Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Mary Ann found solace in daily recitations of the rosary and was an active parishioner of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Effingham, KS. She selflessly volunteered her time and was a member of the Altar Society, embodying the spirit of service and devotion.

Beyond her faith, Mary Ann found joy in life's simple pleasures. She and Sonny spent much of their free time camping and fishing with friends and family, often sharing their bounty on a hot summer day with a fish fry. Mary Ann's talents extended to crocheting, canning, and cooking, skills she lovingly passed down to her daughters and granddaughters.

As a homemaker, Mary Ann never officially retired, but she and Sonny were snowbirds, traveling with their camper trailer to Donna, TX, each winter. When they were home, their house on Main was a hub of activity and a favorite gathering place for her grandchildren and their friends, particularly during the county fair, and there was always a cookie jar of vanilla cream cookies waiting by the kitchen door.

Mary Ann also enjoyed friendly competition, whether it was a game of Mexican Train Dominos, 5 Crowns, Hand & Foot or Bingo. Her spirited nature sometimes surfaced in defeat, but her laughter and joy were infectious, bringing warmth to every gathering.

Mary Ann's family will receive friends and loved ones at a Rosary service on Thursday, May 16th, at 6:00 pm at Becker Chapel in Effingham, KS, followed by visitation until 8:00 pm. Her funeral will be held on Friday, May 17th, at 10:30 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Effingham, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be donated to St. Ann's Catholic Church and The Senior Citizen's Hall of Effingham, in honor of Mary Ann's commitment to her faith and community. Memorials may be sent in care to the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left on line at www.beckerdyer.com

Though she may no longer be with us in person, Mary Ann's spirit will live on in the lives of those she touched. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved Sonny, where they can once again dance to the "Waltz Across Texas" on the dance floor of heaven.