Mary Jane Mako

Born on January 29, 1945, Mary Jane was raised in Bellevue, Ohio, on her family’s 160-acre farm. It was there that she developed her lifelong appreciation for hard work and a deep love for gardening and animals, which would define much of her life.

In the mid-1980s, the family moved to Michigan in support of her husband George’s career. They settled in Walker, intentionally choosing a home with a large yard so she could garden. Her garden was one of her pride and joys, meticulously caring for each plant. Even in her 80s, her garden could have appeared on the front page of a magazine, not a weed in sight. She nurtured each plant, producing abundant fruits and vegetables that she shared with family and friends. Mary Jane also enjoyed canning, especially her beloved spaghetti sauce, and making her own wine.

After moving to Michigan, Mary Jane began her career at H.B. Fuller, where she worked as a senior lab technician for over 30 years. She truly enjoyed working alongside “the guys” and was never afraid to place a friendly $1 wager on the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game. A devoted Buckeye, she delighted in celebrating Ohio State wins and teasing her coworkers, though she would jokingly admit that Mondays after a Buckeye loss were never quite as fun.

Football also played a special role in her life, as it was how she met her beloved husband, George. Their love story began at a Cleveland Browns game when Mary Jane accidentally sat in the wrong seat—and the rest is history.

In addition to gardening, Mary Jane loved playing cards and spent many years in bridge and euchre groups. Her feisty and competitive spirit always shone through - she played to win! Anyone who played euchre with her knew to follow suit, as she wasn’t afraid to let you know if the wrong card was played.

While her hobbies brought her great joy, her deepest passion was her faith. A devoted and active member of St. Jude Catholic Church, Mary Jane’s life was rooted in her relationship with God. She began and ended each day in prayer, faithfully praying the rosary, which brought her comfort and strength.

To her family, Mary Jane will always be remembered as a passionate, hardworking, and loving woman who loved Jesus deeply and poured her heart and soul into those she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Marlo Kirby and Margo (Joe) Flickinger; her cherished grandchildren, Helena and Monica Kirby, and John, Christopher, Matthew, and Thomas Flickinger; her loving sister-in-law, Sonja Ball; niece, Tracy Daniel (Kevin), nephews; Kim (Kimberly) and Kevin Ball and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her older brother, Kenneth; her parents, Leonard and Arvilla Ball; and her faithful dog, Pepper, who passed away in November and meant so much to her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave Ne, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, US, with a Rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Visitation will also take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, US, followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon to follow.

Mary Jane’s legacy of faith, love, determination, and generosity will live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.