Mary Ann Derks

It is with heavy heart and abundant peace that the family of Mary Ann Pickrell Derks let you know that she passed on to her heavenly father on April 6, 2022. Two weeks ago, she welcomed her 94th birthday with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a day of celebration, laughter and song. She lived a long and full life with always a smile on her shining face. She was adored not only by her family, but her many friends and acquaintances.

Mary Ann was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 26, 1928, the only child of Anthony (Tony) and Mary Vaughn Pickrell, who both preceded her in death. Raised in Kansas City, Mary Ann graduated from East High School.

She married the love of her life, Kenneth Derks on March 17, 1956. Soon after their marriage, Kenneth and Mary Ann built their dream home by hand on acreage in Raytown, Missouri, and that is the home they raised their three sons: Bruce, Dennis and Stacy. Kenneth preceded Mary Ann in death on August 8, 1997. It brings great comfort to their children to know that both Kenneth and Mary Ann passed away in that home, although many years apart—each on their side of their bed in the home they were so proud of and built more than 65 years ago.

Mary Ann was a homemaker for many years, busy raising three active boys. Once the boys were grown, Mary Ann began working for the Hickman Mills School District in food services until she fully retired at age 80.

She was always up for a party, an adventure and loved road trips to Oregon to visit her cousin, LaVeta Bizon. LaVeta, who preceded Mary Ann in death, was more like a sister than a cousin and they enjoyed so many times together.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother to her sons’ and both Kenneth and Mary Ann never missed a football game of Dennis and Stacy’s and track meets for Bruce. Honesty and respect for others were the cornerstones of their upbringing.

Mary Ann was the best grandma ever! She doted on her six grandchildren. She was known to take them to the movie theater to see The Lion King movie more than 10 times, and was always ready to babysit them when needed.

Mary Ann provided comfort and friendship to many while asking little in return. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs, the Pointer Sisters, the Hallmark Channel, sharing food recipes, baking Italian cookies for special occasions, and every single flavor of Oreo cookies.

She loved her church and was a longtime member of Longview Christian Chapel.
Mary Ann is survived by her three sons, Bruce, Dennis and Stacy; daughter-in-law’s, Paula, Vicki and Beth; six grandchildren, Erica, Ryan, Shara, Bailee, Joshua and Payton; their spouses, Sam, Grace and Lauren; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Henry.
Mother, Grandmother, Family member, Friend--you will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know you.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Longview Christian Chapel at Longview Farm on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Longview Christian Chapel at Longview Farm on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2 p.m.