Mary Ann Kianka

Mary Ann (Felix) Kianka, 85, of Enon, passed away peacefully at Danbury Senior Living Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Born to Joseph and Rose Felix in Erie, PA, Mary Ann was the youngest of three siblings She often spoke of how throughout her childhood she walked her Dad’s lunch down to the gas station he owned and how she cherished these times with her father. Mary Ann was a proud graduate of the Villa Maria Academy and then daringly moved across the country to Sacramento, CA in her early twenties where she met her future husband, Stephen Kianka, an Air Force navigator. Mary Ann devoted her life to her family. A stay-at-home mom and a constant companion to her husband, Mary Ann always put others first. Having set up house in 7 different states due to constant Air Force moves, she was undeniably the wind beneath her husband’s wings. She handled all these responsibilities with dignity, grace and love and that oh-so-wry sense of humor that made everyone laugh even when faced with illnesses and challenges. Mary Ann was the prayer warrior of her family. She could often be seen asleep on the couch with her rosary in one hand and a prayer book in the other. A woman of immense faith, she struggled with life’s twists and turns but never gave in to despair. She worked daily to continually become the woman that God intended her to be. She loved warm, sunny weather, watching and identifying birds, gardening, sewing, knitting and making barbie clothes for her daughters and play clothes for her granddaughters. She loved to square dance with her husband and take Sunday drives. She collected prayer books like they were flowers and loved to read about and watch Mother Angelica. Mary Ann loved to compile family genealogy and has left a voluminous amount of research for future generations. As daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandma and friend to many, Mary Ann has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who surrounded her. A woman of style, immense faith and many creative talents, she never drew attention to herself but was quick to sing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Mary Ann is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Mark & Elizabeth Kianka of West Milton, OH and David Kianka & Misty Cooper of Springfield, OH; two daughters and sons-in-law: Karen & Kevin Batridge of Canby, OR and Suzanne & Matthew Holtkamp of Buford, GA; three grandchildren: Margaret Holtkamp, Annabelle Holtkamp and Claire Batridge; a brother-in-law: John Meehan Sr. as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; Joseph and Rose Felix, her husband of 60 years, Stephen Kianka, one brother and sister-in-law: James and Irene Felix and one sister; Rita Meehan. A joint funeral mass for Mary Ann and Steve is scheduled for June 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Huber Heights. Burial will follow in Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Kianka family ask that donations be made in Mary Ann’s name directly to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Adkins Funeral Home, Enon, is assisting the Kianka family with Mary Ann’s final wishes.

Mary Ann Kianka

August 3, 1934 - May 5, 2020