Mary Bonita Ferguson Dannar
June 26, 1929 – April 21, 2020

Mary Bonita Ferguson Dannar was born in San Jon, New Mexico to Merle and Violet Ferguson on June 26, 1929. Early records indicate at birth she was named Bonita, yet within days was known as Mary. She would grow and bring to life the meaning of both her names. Bonita, meaning "beautiful, pretty and lively". Mary, meaning "beloved, wished-for-child" and some cultures include "rebellious".

Mary would eventually become the oldest of eight children. The family would move multiple times throughout her childhood, most of the time sprinkled across the states of New Mexico and Oklahoma. Her mother being a steadfast anchor, while her father was often away looking for and finding many ways to support his family. A child of the post-Great Depression Era, in the harsh lands to become known as the Dust Bowl, Mary knew what it meant to be resourceful, take nothing for granted, watch out for others, all with a deep faith and hope for better days ahead.

An opportunity for better days came when her maternal grandmother arranged a live-in job with the town doctor, providing Mary assurance of a high school education. Reflecting upon the fact that she was 14 when this change came, Mary would share how hard it was to leave her mother and siblings. She was well equipped to become a nanny, yet town life away from her family on the farm was a completely different world. Mary worked hard, at times with a spirit of rebelliousness, in the good sense of the word. She was resolute to improve her circumstances. Future years would see Mary create similar opportunities for others. She did this quietly, with great tenacity.

With a coveted high school diploma in her hand, she secured a teller position at the local bank. She worked at the bank for over four years before meeting her future husband. She would cringe in telling the story of putting her hair up in a do-rag because it was cleaning day, rushing out to the store for floor polish. She ran into her brother Weldon, with his friend coming into town for the weekend. Her beauty, grace and fun-loving spirit could not be hidden by a do-rag. In Guymon, OK on August 5, 1951, Donald Duane Dannar and Mary Bonita Ferguson were married.

Mary's own family came along, and her husband was busy with a growing career. She was often the call-in dictionary for Don as he wrote proposals. Her quick astute accuracy with numbers led to a Treasurer position for the Kansas Nazarene World Mission Society. A position that she held for years, that also sent her as a delegate to Nazarene World Conferences. A caring and fun spirit, missionaries from around the world sent gifts of appreciation to Mary.

Many remember Mary for her keen abilities in arts and crafts of all kinds. All the years of carefully creating clothing for growing siblings from the worn fabric of older garments, gave way to tons of knitted sweaters, needlepoint pillows, oil paintings, pottery, decoupage, ceramics, and an eye for interior decorating. Mary blended her artful endeavors and artifacts from the world into a warm inviting home. Her hospitality and graciousness were experienced by many a weary soul or joyful adventurer.

In the early 1970's Mary found herself moving from Kansas to San Francisco, due to her husband's advancing career. With the two older children out of the house and on their way, the youngest now in grade school, she turned her sights to a business adventure. One that could aid in support to the family, yet provide flexibility to be a mom. It was Avon. A sales call was often more about being a listening ear and providing hope than it was the sale. As the family moved back to the mid-west, she stayed with Avon. Her sharp business mind paired with her love of people, advanced her Avon career to team, region and eventually District Manager positions. She was thrilled as "her girls" would achieve new sales goals because she knew another family had more resources for their daily needs.

As her children gave birth to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she blended her love of crafts into many gifts and projects. All the while she could be found in the kitchen cooking up the next pie or pot roast. She often was tapped to read a funny story or play a funny part in her senior and church groups. But just as often, Mary was the quiet side-kick to her husband, who had many a story. It was her carefully timed one-liners, that often stole the show.

Paramount for Mary was her faith. Faith in God as her Creator and Great Physician; Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior; and Holy Spirit as her great Comforter. She never, ever waivered from her convictions, even in the midst of personal challenges, pain or sorrow. The children of Mary consistently heard stories of her kindness. One of them being that she would often chat or provide a listening ear to those on late night shifts at her care facility.

Mary often would express to her children, Gary, Donna Marie and Marty, that she was ready to go be with Don. Separation from him after over 65 years of marriage would often bring silent tears to her eyes. She loved, and was proud of, all her children, their spouses, children and grandchildren. She embodied what unconditional love means.

Mary, a wished-for-child, has been called home by her Father.

Private Services to be held in Muncie, IN at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Dreaming Zebra. Dreaming Zebra's mission is to deliver supplies to young artists in need, with an emphasis on serving diverse populations of vulnerable youth in undeserved communities. https://dreamingzebra.org/index.php/get-involved/send-your-supplies