MCKINNEY, Texas — Mary Ruth Younts,
age 83, of McKinney, Texas, formerly of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on February 20, 2020. Mary, lovingly referred to as Mimi, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on January 9, 1937, to Rufus and Constance Bennett. She graduated from Mount St Mary Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1954. Soon after Mary met the love of her life, Bill Younts, of North Little Rock, they began their 64-year marriage on October 22, 1955. Their story is truly one of inspiration and love, a model for the rest of their family to follow. She worked in finance for the City of North Little Rock for many years and was the pillar of support to her husband as he advanced through the police department to become Chief of Police of North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Mary, knew that her family was her life. Bill and Mary had two children Donna (B. 1956) and David (B. 1958), and enjoyed every moment with each of them, never missing an event, holiday, or achievement. Daughter, Donna married Walter Hebert, of Little Rock, and together became a family of five, including Corey, Amber, and Lauren. Son, David married Darlene Lipton, of Little Rock, and had two daughters, Johanna and Amanda.
Because of the love of her children and grandchildren, Mary and Bill built a second home on Greer’s Ferry Lake in 1986 where all the family came together and created memories for a lifetime. In her years of retirement, she enjoyed painting, gardening, and cooking. Her infectious smile and passion for life was felt by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
Bill and Mary moved to McKinney, Texas, in 2015, to be closer to their daughter, Donna Younts Hebert and family. In the later years of Mary’s life, her legacy continued to grow. In 2012, Amanda Younts, gave Mary and Bill their first great-grandchild, Sage. Granddaughter, Lauren (Hebert) Clements, and Michael Clements had two boys, Weston (2016) and Logan (2018).
Mary and Bill enjoyed the boys, playing and singing, every week of their life. Granddaughter, Johanna (Younts) Rippy, and Patrick Rippy welcomed their first baby girl, Katherine, six weeks ago. While her family’s heart aches that she is gone, they know that she is in heaven watching over them, guiding them down life’s path with the same grace and strength she was known for.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Constance Bennett, and brothers John and Eddie Bennett.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2020, at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church, 110 Saint Gabriel Way, McKinney, Texas 75071. A remembrance gathering and rosary will be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Humane Society of Pulaski County www.warmhearts.org or St. Garbriel the Archangel Church in McKinney, Texas www.stgabriel.org. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit TJMfuneral.com.