Mary Ilene (McKenzie) Engledow

Mary Ilene Engledow, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on August 2, 2023, at the age of 93, in Tyler, Texas. Funeral services to honor her life will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 11:00 am at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel in Wills Point.  Burial will be at Old Bethel Cemetery in Phalba. Visitation will take place one hour before the service.

Born on July 23, 1930, in Drumright, Oklahoma, Mary was the daughter of the late John Francis McKenzie and Alice D. Todd McKenzie. After graduating from Drumright High School, she moved to Dallas and worked diligently at S.H. Kress Company in Oak Cliff.

In a beautiful love story, Mary met the love of her life, Archie “Dutch” Engledow, and they exchanged vows on May 22, 1953, at Buckner Children’s Orphan Home in Dallas. Together they built a life full of love and adventure. In 1971, they decided to settle in Wills Point, Texas, where Mary embraced her role as a devoted homemaker, caring for her family with unwavering love and dedication.

Throughout her life, Mary found joy in various hobbies, including working puzzles and crocheting. However, her true passion lay in the art of quilt-making. She poured her heart and soul into creating beautiful quilts for her family, each stitch a testament to her love and devotion.

Her family will forever cherish the quilts she lovingly crafted, which will serve as lasting reminders of her presence in their lives. Mary's quilts will undoubtedly become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations, symbolizing the enduring love she had for her family.

Mary was a woman of grace, warmth, and generosity. She touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, John Francis McKenzie and Alice D. Todd McKenzie, and her loving husband, Archie “Dutch” Engledow. She was also preceded by her brothers, Bill Woods and Troy McKenzie; sisters, Lois Craig and Nola Blair.

She is survived by her two sons: Archie Engledow and his wife, Angelia, and Steven Engledow and his wife, Debra. Mary adored her grandchildren: Elizabeth Johnson, Rachel Johnson, and Archie Engledow II and wife Desiree. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren: Amber Wise, Jaron Wise, Kaden Engledow, Christopher Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Addison Engledow, Lillie Mynar, Weston Mynar, and Meagan Johnson, and a beloved sister, Florene Engledow.

In memory of Mary Ilene Engledow, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas, located at 4111 University Drive, Tyler, TX. Your support will help others receive the compassionate care that Mary experienced during her final days.

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