Mary (Davitt) Steinhauser passed away peacefully in her sleep before dawn Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, fitting timing for a woman who prepared so many flower arrangements and wall hangings for Easter celebrations at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Steinhauser; her siblings: Philip and Robert Davitt, Joann Deatsch, Dorothy Thomas, Jane McCurnin; and a son, Daniel Gerard Steinhauser. She is survived by her sister Helen Ripperger and six children: Mary Beth (Mark) Carr; Anthony (Beth) Steinhauser; Ann (Dave) Gilland; Laurice (Mark) Harding; Sue (David) Crawford; and Nancy (Tony) Burtch; seventeen grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren.
Mary was born December 29, 1932 in Madison County Iowa to Anthony Philip and Barbara (Bell) Davitt. She graduated from Martensdale High School in 1950 after playing basketball and serving as a class officer during her four years there. After high school, she graduated with an Iowa State Teachers certificate in 1952 and taught 4th grade students until marrying Thomas Steinhauser on July 25, 1956 and joining him to raise cattle, crops, and kids on Tomary Farm outside of Parnell Missouri.
Mary’s teaching shifted to flash cards and recipe math lessons, CCD classes and 4-H instruction in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, sewing, and cooking. Later, Mary returned to the classroom serving as a substitute teacher for many years. Beyond these types of structured instruction, everyday tasks and chats became lessons. Hospitality lessons included attention to beauty for family meals with seasonal decorations and proper table settings. Hospitality also extended to sharing the farm with family and friends including her nieces who enjoyed cousins week each year. Generations of kids enjoyed making applesauce and mud pies with Mary, who always celebrated creativity, regardless of the mess involved. She taught civic responsibility through her commitment to volunteering for elections and civic groups, encouraging family members in their roles as elected officials, and advocating for family farms and utilization of farm products for alternative uses. Her civic community building extended also to service and friendships in her local parish and with farm families who lived nearby.
Come celebrate Mary’s life on Friday, April 10th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parnell Missouri. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the church with a funeral mass following at 11:00 AM. After mass, as Mary would insist, join family and friends for lunch. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony later in the afternoon.
Arrangements: Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri
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