Mary Ruth "Banny" Abbott was born on Nov. 21, 1938, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Eunice and Jesse Hibbs. She was the fifth sibling out of seven. Mary was blessed with an angelic voice from an early age. She recalls singing in front of the church at the age of 6.

During the Great Depression, Mary's family moved from Arkansas to Tehachapi, California, where at the age of 13 she met and later married the love of her life, Jimmie Jewel Abbott. She went on to give birth to two children Jimmie Earl "Pete" (1953) and Brenda Ruth (1954). Life was not easy, but love and determination kept Jim and Mary together for 61 years.

In the early years, the family moved to Frazier Park and Mary was a doting mother. She and Jimmie played music all over the region...Jimmie on guitar and vocals, and Mary on drums and vocals. When Jimmie Earl got older, he joined them playing bass. The Abbotts were a local favorite. In 1975, Mary stepped into her natural-born calling as a grandmother to Sunshine, followed by Stephanie in 1980 and Shannon in 1983. Mary went back to school and graduated with her High School diploma at the age of 50.

Mary is best known for her inviting spirit and loving heart. She never met a stranger and never left somebody hungry. Her southern roots stayed with her throughout her whole life. She would be the first to step up and volunteer to help those in need or to host a family function. She loved to cook, and her Sunday breakfasts were legionary.

To know Mary was to love her. Her spirit shined upon all those who had the pleasure of encountering her. Her unconditional love and unending service to her family are the cornerstones of her legacy. She was so proud of her family and would make sure to attend or celebrate every milestone in their lives. In her later years, Mary took pride in her great-grandchildren; IyLeena, Lorraina, Rudy Jr., Logan, Jalen, Kameron, and Quinton. In her last 10 years, she lived with Brenda, Sunshine, Kameron, and Quinton. She was a fixture at all of Kameron and Quinton's sports events, family parties and gatherings. She would look forward to yelling at the refs and rooting on the boy's team. She also enjoyed going to the ADAKC (Alzheimer's daycare), where she was crowned prom queen 2021.

Mary's legacy of loving and serving will live on. Our family wants to thank the ADAKC, Hoffman Hospice, and all the friends and family from near and far who have showered us with love and support. Mary passed away from Alzheimer's, peaceful at home surrounded by her beloved daughter, Brenda; granddaughter, Sunshine, and great-grandsons, Kameron and Quinton. We are incredibly grateful and blessed to have had Mary to love for the last 83 years... and plan on continuing to honor her memory by loving and serving others.

Mary is survived by her devoted daughter, Brenda McVay; grandchildren, Sunshine Matthews, Stephanie Zevallos (Rudy), Shannon Grayburn (Randy); great-grandchildren, Iyleena, Lorraina, Rudy Jr, Logan, Jalen, Kameron, and Quinton; and numerous cherished family and friends.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net. Wood Family Funeral Services practice social distancing and wearing face masks/coverings is highly recommended.