Kokomo, IN - Mary Ann Sitzes, 78, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born on December 29, 1947, in Clinton, Tennessee, to Emmet Earlo Herin and Alvilda Williams Hutchison. When she was young, her family moved from Tennessee to Indiana, where she attended church and met the love of her life, Leonard Leo Sitzes. Mary graduated from Kokomo High School in 1966. Later that same year, she and Leonard were married on October 29, 1966, in Kokomo, Indiana. Together, they shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family in a home rooted in faith and filled with love and laughter.

For more than 20 years, she faced each day with a smile, trusting that the Lord would see her through every prognosis given to her. And He did. She never hesitated to share her testimony and inspired everyone she met. Mary's life reflected kindness, strength, and compassion. She was the kind of person who cared for everyone. Whether through a comforting conversation or simply being there when someone needed her, Mary made people feel loved and welcome.

Her grandsons lovingly dubbed her the Queen of the World. That's exactly who she was to her family. And her family was her greatest joy in life. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she leaves behind countless memories that will forever be treasured. Her love was steady, selfless, and unconditional — the kind of love that continues long after goodbye.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Leonard Sitzes; her son, Michael Sitzes (Tashia); her daughter, Gina Morris (Hank); her sister, Rosie Scott; her grandchildren, Ayla Sadler, Christopher Cochran, Clara Melvin, Faith Sitzes, Joshua Cochran, Christopher Morris, and Rylie Varner; seven great-grandchildren; and her loyal dog, Sophie Grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmet Earlo Herin and Alvilda Hutchison; her sisters, Ruby Geneva Masavage and Marie Inez Cox; and her brother, Ernest Earlo Herin Sr.

Mary was laid to rest on May 13, 2026, at McGee Chapel Cemetery in Glenallen, Missouri. Though her family's hearts are heavy with loss, her love remains with them. They find comfort in knowing Mary's faith was strong and they will be reunited in heaven. She is deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew her.