Mary Ann Christoff

Mary Ann Christoff, age 88, received her Heavenly Wings at 8:42 on August 25, 2024, surrounded by those she loved. She was born in Montezuma, Parke, Indiana on August 6, 1936, the only child of Dallas Leroy and Ethel Wanetah (Plank) Hold who preceded her in death. Her family moved to Indianapolis in 1939 where she spent her entire life.

Mary Ann was a proud Tech Titan, having graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in the class of 1955. She attended many of the class reunions including her 50-year reunion. As a high school student, she worked for General Electric assuming a full-time job after graduation for a short time.

In 1956, she married and became a full-time mother to her two daughters, Dianna and Lisa. In 1966, she took on the hardest job of her life, that one of a single mother. Family was her life. She devoted her all to her daughters, Dianna and Lisa. She reveled in her son-in law, Jay, he was also her personal handyman. But the brightest light of her life was her grandson, Christian. No one beamed more at each of his accomplishments than her, especially when he graduated from medical school. She walked on air for days after every text and phone call from him.

When her youngest started school, she began working as a civilian for the Indianapolis Police Department where she remained for 38 years, retiring in 2007. At that same time, she worked part-time in concessions at various venues and often joked she was the "safest bartender in town" given she didn't drink! After retirement from IPD/IMPD, she continued working events- marketing for several different companies, doing so until the week prior to her death. She was a fixture at the State Fairgrounds and many former customers introduced their grandchildren to her. She was in her 59th year working events- just finishing the State Fair. She celebrated most of her birthdays at the fair. Whenever asked her age, she always added "still working- I'll get old if I quit!"

Mary Ann was a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 and retired Police Officers Association. Whenever the FOP needed volunteers she was there to help. Every Thursday night was spent at the FOP having dinner with her friends. She was also the heart and face of a small group of friends called Christmas Angels who adopted needy families during the holidays.

Though she had previously enjoyed portraying Mrs. Claus in the last 10 years it became her passion. She joined Hoosier Santas and the Indiana Santa Claus Society. She attended multiple Santa Schools but truly was a natural in the role with her sparkling eyes and glowing smile. Her kind, genuine spirit was like a beacon to children and adults alike. Often children would come to her instead of Santa embracing her warmth and kindness. Her last event was a Christmas In July party. Sometimes she was paid, but more than not she would put on the dress for anyone or event that needed a Mrs. Claus. Her favorites were IMPD-South District's Breakfast with Santa and Shop With a Cop. She was the essence of Christmas and as one Santa put it- "the spirit of Christmas lived in her 24-7-365".

Mary Ann is survived by her two daughters, Dianna Cooper and Lisa Cooper-Ankney, her beloved son-in-law Jay Ankney, the light of her life, grandson Dr. Christian Ankney, "my babies-the-boys" Rudy, Reggie and Grady, her two grand-dogs Katie Girla nd Lacey Jane and a host of family, friends and those who were lucky to have been in her presence if only for a brief moment. Her eternal smile, twinkling eyes, kindness, friendship, ability to embrace without judgement and joyous spirit were her legacy.

A public visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 1301 Main St, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107. A funeral service will occur Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Little & Sons Funeral Home.