Mary Elaine Jantz

Mary Elaine Jantz, of Waco, Texas, age 63, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, after a courageous, thirty-year battle with cancer. A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. with the Hon. Jeffrey C. Manske, officiating. The family will accept visitors at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home on Friday, November 25, 2016, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mary Jantz was born in Waco, Texas, on May 14, 1953. Her parents, who pre-deceased her, were Mr. and Mrs. Clinton H. Adams of Waco. On December 29, 1972, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Mitchell Jantz. Mary attended Richfield High School, graduating in 1971. She later attended and graduated from Baylor University in 1975 with a B.A. in Education. After graduating from Baylor University, Mary’s passion was her family. One of Mary’s greatest joys in life was the opportunity to travel the world with her family. From cruising international waters with friends to summers on their boat in the Bahamas with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter, Mary was her happiest. Mary was a gracious hostess, always welcoming friends and family into her home. She was a friend to all, never meeting a stranger. Mary treasured her relationship with her daughter, Tamara, who was her confidant, constant shopping companion, and source of pride. Her true joy was her granddaughter, Scarlett, who brought a special light to each day. Mary Jantz is survived by her husband of 43 years, Mitchell Jantz; her daughter, Tamara and son-in-law, Dan Lee Holey, II of Waco; and granddaughter, Scarlett. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Adams Scarborough and husband, Jim, of Waco; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she adored. Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Jason Crow, Mr. Kenneth Crow, Mr. Dan Holey, Mr. Mike Kittrell, Mr. Mike McMahan, Mr. Tom Pflaum, Mr. Jim Scarborough, and Mr. Kim Woodliff. The family wants to give special gratitude to Mary’s life-long friend, Sherry Pflaum, who stayed by her side during the final week of her life. Memorials in honor of Mary’s life may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.