Mary Frances Hines

Mary Frances Rhymes was born to Mary Rhymes in Lampasas, TX on February 4, 1939. Not long after, Hubert Barton came into their lives and was her devoted father for the rest of his life.

Marrying young, and starting a family a couple years later, Mary’s life quickly transitioned from that of a teen athlete to that of a committed wife and mother. Welcoming five children into her life within twelve years, it wasn’t until a couple of decades later that Mary began her career outside the home.

As a domestic engineer, she worked hard to nurture her children and help maintain a stable home full of opportunity, wonderful home cooking, and many, many home sewn outfits. Her children fondly remember tamale casseroles, won ton, lemon meringue pies, and sugar cookies. To this day, her children and grandchildren treasure that sugar cookie recipe. Mary spent countless hours nourishing bodies and souls, and her love of cooking was passed on to her children. Before he preceded her in death, her first born did his best to keep her healthy and well fed. Hers was a home where food equaled love.

As a registered nurse she continued to care and nurture, but eventually realized that was not her true calling. Turning to work in garden centers, she found her perfect match. Mary never met a plant she didn’t like. Whether it was by early morning watering, snipping dead leaves, or ensuring they had the right amount of sunlight, Mary the plant queen made vegetation thrive. The yard of her home was a testament to her love of gardening and the outdoors.

It’s tough to say which she loved more, plants or animals. Dogs of her own, granddogs, and cunning cats all found love and pampering within her arms. They knew they could wrap her around their little paws and get her to secretly share her food.

But her grandchildren and great grandchildren were at the top of her love list. Growing up as an only child, being part of a big family was new for Mary. She embraced every new addition as toys and baby clothes took over the house. She was incredibly proud of the beautiful people they grew into and continue to become.

Those who knew her will always miss her laughter, compassion, and obsession with food (this little lady could eat!).

Life threw many challenges her way and she routinely defeated them. She possessed a level of fortitude the rest of us can only dream of. She will be loved and missed for the rest of our days.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond M Hines Sr.; her son, Raymond M Hines Jr; and her parents, Hubert and Mary Barton.

She is survived by children, Stanley (Lori) Hines, Trent (Helen) Hines, Tracee (Tim) Powell, and Stacee Shadd; grandchildren, Kyle Hines, Taylor (Noah) Herzog, Samantha (Matthew) Shipman, Courtney Wilson, Joshua (Erin) Zugelder, Morgann Hines, Trevor Hines, Alexander Powell, Airron Powell, Marcus (Drew) Parson-Shadd, and Raven Shadd; seven great-grandchildren; and niece, Frieda (Clem) Demus, along with many extended family members and friends.

A private gathering will be held by the family at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Mary.