Mary Glover

Independent, hard-working, and determined, Mary Glover lived a life devoted to her family. Protective and self-sacrificing, Mary was always a source of support and comfort to those she loved. When times were tough, she held them together, and when times were good, she was the first to celebrate. If things were broken, she fixed them without complaint and with complete confidence. While Mary's persevering spirit inspired a bit of stubbornness, those who knew her best never doubted her loyalty and willingness to do anything to ensure their well-being. A cherished mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Mary will long be remembered and so very missed.

1955 proved a year of vibrant growth. Ray Kroc built the first McDonald’s, and TV dinners appeared, including the first fish fingers. Cans of Coca-Cola, Lego, Velcro, and The Mickey Mouse Club all made their debuts, while musical legends like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry entertained us on the radio. Locally, this time of hope and plenty grew especially bright when William and Dolores (Zimmerman) Ritchie welcomed their daughter Mary into their hearts and home on January 16 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Though childhood was anything but a fairytale, Mary endured its challenges with fierce determination to build a better life for herself. She looked up to her brother Bill and had two sisters, Pamela and Patricia, who shared her goals. After leaving school at the age of seventeen, Mary found the strong will to return and complete her schooling. She earned her diploma and proudly graduated from Kalamazoo Central.

While in high school, Mary first became a mother when her son Mark was born. She later met and married Andy Veres, who adopted Mark. Together, they welcomed two more children to their family, Andy and Jennifer. Mary’s children were the centers of her world, and she devoted herself to their care. Never one to shy from hard work, Mary was a good provider, holding down three jobs to support her kids. For many years, she worked for Cable Vision. In time, she was thrilled to secure a job with AT&T, where she became a field manager. Mary created good relationships with her colleagues, who still remember her long after her retirement.

Andy taught Mary to fish. She learned to love fishing on the local lakes and in the Lady Bassmaster Tournament. They enjoyed taking their kids to her brother’s lake house, where they played double deck pinochle and other card games together as a family. They played so much that they wore out the deck of cards on several occasions. Mary also liked baseball and attending Eastwood Little League games. Watching her kids play and succeed brought her great joy, and when a team needed a coach, Mary was quick to volunteer. She coached her daughter’s little league team and her son’s rocket football team to name a few.

After her marriage to Andy ended, she met Joseph Glover at the Duck Inn-Waddle Out Lounge. The two married, and Mary became Joe’s primary caregiver as he faced several health challenges. With signature fortitude and loving care, Mary assured his comfort until he passed away in 2014.

Mary was a steadfast supporter of the military and felt especially proud that all of her kids served their country. Though it was hard when all three were away at the same time, she stayed strong. She wrote letters and baked brownies and cookies for them all the time. Their friends and fellow service members also anxiously anticipated the arrival of these sweet treats. Close to home, she frequented McGonigle’s Irish Pub. Owned by a Marine, it became another way to support the military and the local hangout for her group of friends. She enjoyed trips to visit her kids while they were in the service and was pleased when her grandchildren also enlisted in the military.

Though our days with Mary were far too few, every moment we shared with her will long live in our hearts and memories. With much appreciation and great honor, we celebrate the gift of her life and carry her legacy forward. Whenever we confidently face life’s challenges, go to the casino, tend a beach day sunburn, curl up with our canine companion, reel in a lunker, or cheer on our loved ones’ endeavors, we keep Mary’s spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Mary Glover, of Kalamazoo, age 68, died on May 22, 2023. Mary was born January 16, 1955, in Kalamazoo to William Ritchie and Dolores Zimmerman, who precede her in death along with her husband, Joseph, and sister, Pamela Voss. Surviving are her children: Mark (Heather) Veres, Andy (Katie) Veres, and Jennifer Lobello; grandchildren: Mark Veres Jr., Matthew Veres, Cierra Veres, Katie Veres, and Zen Lobello; siblings: Bill (Martha) Ritchie, and Patricia (Charles) Willis; and many nieces and nephews.

A Life Story Service will be held Thursday (MAY 25) at 10 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Burial will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Reception at McGonigle’s Irish Pub, 3512 E. Main St., Kalamazoo. Visit Mary’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Dwelling.