Mary Katherine Lear (Hancock)

Mary Katherine Lear

September 4, 1924 ~ January 10, 2016

Mary Katherine (Hancock) Lear, 91, passed away  with family by her side Sunday evening, January 10, 2016 at the Homestead in Montrose, Co.

Mary was born September 4, 1924 to Frank and Laura (Dick) Hancock in Rensselaer, Indiana where she spent her childhood and graduated from high school. After high school she worked at a local creamery,  and on March 10, 1946 she was married to Herman Lear, eventually moving to Monon where they farmed and raised their family.  They enjoyed 69 years together before his passing last May.

Mary was a member of the Nazarene church where she loved teaching children.  The gift of hosting others in her home was enjoyed by many over the years, especially Sunday afternoon picnics and ice cream socials.

The couple moved to Missouri in 1971 where they enjoyed bass fishing in the Missouri lakes. Their final years were spent in Colorado.

Survivors include a son, Gary (June) Lear of Sturgeon, MO; daughter, Carolyn (Lee) Cohick of Montrose, CO; brother Arvil (Annie) Hancock of Sunnyvale, CA; sister, Joan (Larry) Brooks of Rensselaer, IN; seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn and Leroy Hancock and three sisters, Vera Hensler, Marge Strole, and Arlene Taylor

A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, January 17 from 2-4:00 pm at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral service in loving memory of Mary will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene Monday, January 18th at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Cemetery, Montrose.

Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.