Mary Anne Wayne

Mary Anne Wayne (75) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Dry Ridge, Kentucky on May 25, 2024. She was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and spent her last days singing hymns of praise to her Savior, the Lord Jesus. Mary was baptized on August 4, 2012. She cherished spending time with her family and friends and serving the Lord. She will always be known for her generosity, service to others, her contagious laugh and her loving heart. She could effortlessly make a 5-star meal out of anything all while making everyone in the room feel welcomed and loved. Her greatest joy in life was getting to be a grandma!

Mary was born in Duluth, Minnesota to Steve and Stephanie Durovec on May 21, 1949. She learned a strong work ethic growing up on their dairy farm in Meadowlands, MN which carried through in everything she pursued in life.  She married her beloved husband and best friend, Elard, of 55 years on October 19, 1968. They started their family and raised 3 boys together (Sean, Travis & Brandon). They lived in several places throughout their marriage. They started their family in Hubert, NC (10 months) as Elard finished up his service in the Marine Corps, then they moved to Meadowlands, MN (22 years) where their two oldest sons graduated, then to Esko, MN (13 years) where their youngest son graduated and then to Eveleth, MN (1 year) to enjoy some beautiful lake views.  Finally, the Lord led them on their last move to their home on Boltz Lake in Dry Ridge, KY (18+ years).  Here Elard and Mary enjoyed their retirement years and blessings of being grandparents.

Mary was a devoted wife, loving mom and amazing Mamaw. She diligently took care of others as a Registered Nurse at hospitals in Minnesota and for a short time in Kentucky as well, spanning over a 24 year period. Mary loved to travel, and she made many trips around the country, visiting almost 40 states, including 5 trips to Hawaii on 3 of the islands. She was an extremely intelligent woman who loved to read and was a lifelong learner. Even as she aged and her memory faded, she would still hold books in her hands as she sat in her chair. She also enjoyed music and dancing. She loved to serve others by providing them with amazing food and fellowship or helping in any way possible. She helped prepare many meals that were distributed to those in need through her church. Mary and Elard were able to serve the local community by volunteering their time at the local Christian Thrift Store for 4 years.

Mary will always be remembered by her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, her faithfulness to those she cherished and her servant’s heart toward others as well as her strong work ethic that would never cease. She will be greatly missed on this side of eternity.

There will be no formal service at the request of our beloved one.

In remembrance of Mary’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to one of her favorite ministries: The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV