Mary Ann Higgins

Mary Ann (Vest) Higgins, 88, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, Missouri.

Mary Ann was born in 1937 in Henryville, Indiana, to Francis and Mabel (Durman) Vest. She graduated from Henryville High School with the Class of 1955. On October 23, 1955, she married Harold Higgins. Their wedding took place in the country near Henryville at Bunker Hill Christian Church, with over 500 people in attendance. They shared 52 years of marriage.

Mary Ann and Harold worked side by side on their farm for many years before retiring and moving to Lamar in 2002. She was known as an extremely hard worker. Sewing was her favorite pastime—she made her own patterns, quilted extensively, and even sewed overalls for her husband. She also owned a sweater-making machine and enjoyed knitting shirts at home.

Mary Ann loved to cook and was especially known for baking bread. She was an excellent cook. Farm life kept her busy as she milked cows and cared for polled Hereford cattle. She enjoyed reading books and watching television. In her later years, when she was less mobile, she found joy in coloring and creating diamond art.

She is survived by her daughter, Renee (Randy) Valdez of Lamar, Missouri; her grandson, Patrick Pennell (Caroline Jones) of rural Greenfield, Missouri; her great-grandsons, Tameron Pennell and Zander Brayfield; and a good friend, Florence Valdez.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Higgins; her parents; her granddaughter, Raven Pennell; and her son-in-law, Carl Pennell.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., also at Konantz Warden Funeral Home, followed by burial at Greenfield Cemetery.