Mary McClure

Mary Anne (nee Wolf) McClure passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, KS.

Mary Anne was born on August 9, 1930, in Little Rock, AR, the second child and second daughter of Ferris T. and Gladys (Cline) Wolf. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Dodge City, KS, where Mary Anne attended grade school and junior high school. They moved to Mission, KS, and lived there for two years. Mary Anne attended freshman and sophomore years at Shawnee Mission High School. In 1946, the family settled in Lawrence, KS, where Mary Anne completed her high school education at Liberty Memorial High School, graduating with the class of 1948.

Following high school, Mary Anne enrolled at Kansas University and pledged to the Alpha Chi Omega social sorority. She worked part time in the office of Dr. Noble P. Sherwood, head of the department of Bacteriology, for two years. After her freshman year, Mary Anne met Rensselaer W. McClure Jr, a young doctor who had recently graduated from the KU School of Medicine. After her sophomore year, they were married in September 1950, at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas.

The couple's first stop was Hoxie, KS, where ‘Rens’ practiced while awaiting the beginning of his residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. The residency was interrupted by being called to service in the Army. During this time, they lived at three Army bases. After his residence, the family, which by then had welcomed five children, moved to Mesa, AZ, where Rens established his practice. The family returned to Lawrence after several years in Mesa. Rens worked at Watkins Hospital on the KU campus and Mary Anne completed her degree at KU department of Elementary Education, graduating in 1968. She taught 4th grade at East Heights Elementary School for fourteen years.

During their retirement years, Rens and Mary Anne loved to travel, completing 19 elder hostels and many road trips. Mary Anne was a member of Chapter AZ P.E.O. AXR Alum Ventura Club, University Women's Club, and moon luncheon of United Methodist Church. When her children were young, she was a Brownie Scout and Cub Scout Leader.

Mary Anne was the true Matriarch of ‘Clan McClure’ and her physical presence will be missed deeply by her large and loving family. She will remain forever in our hearts and memories. Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Ferris Wolf, husband Renssalear Wright McClure Jr, sister Doris (Wolf) Brass, brother Kendall Wolf, son Mickey McClure, daughter Cynthia McClure and nephew Eric Brass. Survivors include her daughter, Laura Nash of Lawrence, son Henry Wolf of Henderson, NV, Scott McClure (Jan) of Albuquerque, NM, and niece Ann (Brass) Silva of Belen, NM. Mary Anne's grandchildren include Chris Wiles (Trina,) Sam Harris, Renssalear (Rens) McClure IV, Nadya McClure Record (Andrew), Della and Adriane Wolf, and Daniel, Julia and Sarah McClure. Great Grandchildren include Cade and Carson Wiles, Ridge Record, Bradley Norris, Jaxx Salas, and Ariana and Serina Phillips.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living and Midland Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Mary Anne's name to the University of Kansas Alumni Center, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.