Mary Ann was born to Jess and Malvory (Zobel) Watson on August 4, 1928 in Mitchell, Nebraska. She received her education near Alliance and graduated from Alliance High School in 1944. She continued her education at Chadron State College.
Mary Ann taught school for many years. After returning to college to get her Library Science Degree, she worked at Hiram Scott College Library, Scottsbluff Public Library, and retiring from the Bayard Public Library.
She was united in marriage to Nolan Blackstone May 25, 1949. They raised their five children in Morrill and Scotts Bluff Counties.
She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, jigsaw puzzles, handwork, traveling to other states and playing cards with her family.
Mary Ann loved being with her family. A day spent with her siblings, children, or grandchildren was always cherished.
Survivors include son, Jim Blackstone Sr. of Guthrie, OK; daughters Nolene (Steve) Lattin, Nancy Blackstone, and Shelli Blackstone all of Bayard; son in law Chuck Williams of Dumfries, VA; grandchildren Chris and Suzanne Bivens, Jordan, Jim Jr., Laura, and Jeff Blackstone, Travis and Dustin Williams, Shelby Gross and Aubrey Rabenberg; fourteen great grandchildren, two and soon to be three great great grandchildren; four step grandchildren: Becca, Darren, Brett and Bill Lattin and seven step great grandchildren; brother Bill Watson of Alliance NE and sister, Malvory (Jim) Shankland of Hyannis, NE, along with nieces, nephews and extended family.
To greet her in heaven are her parents; daughters Carol Blackstone and Janice Williams; daughter-in-law Deborah Blackstone; grandson Tom Bivens; brothers George, Jess, Dan and Jack; sisters Betty Grant, Alice Twombly, Bonnie Egan and Ilene Christiansen.
In place of memorials, please give to DONATE LIFE AMERICA, register to be an organ donor.