Mary Kay Ahrens

Mary Katherine (Mary Kay) Ahrens departed this life and began her new journey on March 29, 2021.

Born January 3, 1936, in Danville, Mary Kay was the daughter of Harry and Mae Bormann.  She married Charles J. Ahrens on May 25, 1957 at St. Patrick’s Church in Danville and enjoyed 59 years of marriage.  Chuck preceded her in death on April 1, 2017.

Mary Kay is also preceded in death by her brother, Bill (Mary) Bormann.

Surviving are four sons:  Michael (Julie) Ahrens of Covington, IN, Richard Ahrens of Danville, Douglas (Denise) Ahrens of Danville, and Nicholas (Michele) Ahrens of Aurora, CO; two daughters:  Karen (Dave) Klimcak of Aurora, IL, and Katie Smith of Verona, WI; one sister, Jo Ann Spivey of Danville.

17 grandchildren:  Marissa, C.J., Justin, Bryant, Jordan, Brooke, Kayla and Breanna Ahrens; Marah (Scott) Showers; Tyler, Jake & Ryan Klimcak; Quin and Cody Smith; Lindsay Stewart, Sarah Barrett; and Laney Crawford.  She was preceded in death by a special grandson, Sage Crawford.

Seven great-grandchildren; Kendyll and Karter Stewart, Thorin Bott; Kaden, Spencer, Miles and Tristan Showers.

Mary Kay attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Church, which later became Holy Family.  She graduated from Schlarman High School in 1954.  During her time there many lifelong friendships were developed.

She was employed by Lauhoff Grain and Hyster Co. before spending 22 years as a homemaker and “transportation coordinator” for her children.  She was later employed by L.H. Loving & Associates for 20 years.

Family was Mary Kay’s greatest joy.  Supporting her children and grandchildren through life’s many adventures remained her priority--and her camera was never far behind.  She and Chuck especially enjoyed traveling and documenting the trips in special scrapbooks.  In recent years, she loved sharing her photos with family and friends as she re-lived these memories.

Mary Kay was devoted to sharing her time with the elderly, whether they were ill or just needed a friend.  In addition, she was a gifted seamstress, and along with clothes for the family, she created unique doll clothes tailored to each child’s interests and personality.  Furthermore, tending to her flower gardens each summer filled her with pride.  She was also an avid fan of the Fighting Illini basketball team.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father Steven Loftus officiating.  Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, April 5 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 with a prayer service at 7 p.m.  Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Resurrection Cemetery (c/o Holy Family Parish), or Schlarman Academy.  Donations may also be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital as it held a special place in Mary Kay’s heart.

Please join Mary Kay’s family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.