Mary Ann Steinmitz

With profound sadness and unwavering hope in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we announce the passing of Mary Ann Steinmitz, who entered into the presence of her Savior on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Brookdale Claremore. She was surrounded by the love of her family and those who cared for her.

Born on August 15, 1950, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Coy G. McNabb and Barbara McNabb, Mary Ann spent most of her childhood and college years in Columbia, Missouri. With her father serving as a professor of agriculture at the University of Missouri, Columbia became home. She attended Stephens College before continuing her education at the University of Missouri, where she cultivated her lifelong love of learning, literature, music, and serving others.

Teaching was never simply Mary Ann's profession. It was the way she loved people.

For decades she welcomed children into her classroom, believing that while reading and academic success mattered, kindness, compassion, and Christlike character mattered even more. She delighted in weaving music into everyday learning, teaching songs that students would remember long after they left her classroom. She had an extraordinary gift for making children feel seen, capable, and deeply loved.

She was also the first teacher her daughters ever had. Long before school began, she brought books to life with unforgettable character voices, animated expressions, and contagious excitement. Storytime was never simply reading words from a page. It was an adventure. Whether reading to her own daughters or to the countless students who sat in her classroom, she made every story unforgettable. She had a joyful spirit, sprinkles of sass, and always just the right touch of sass that made every moment more fun.

Although Angela once confidently declared she would never become a teacher, Mary Ann's example proved too inspiring to resist. Today both daughters continue her legacy. Angela teaches elementary music, and Shannon teaches first grade. Few things made Mary Ann prouder than watching the influence of one faithful teacher continue into another generation.

While teaching in Parsons, Kansas, Mary Ann met the love of her life, John Edward "Jack" Steinmitz III, through mutual family friends. She was first drawn to Jack because of the genuine love he had for children and the joy he found in investing in young lives. Jack devoted his life to caring for others as both a nurse and an Army officer, retiring from the United States Army with the rank of Captain after 22½ years of faithful service.

Together, Mary Ann and Jack shared a deep love for Jesus Christ that became the foundation of their marriage, their family, and the way they lived their lives. They built a Christ-centered home where faith was lived every day through generosity, hospitality, laughter, and service.

During Angela's and Shannon's high school years, hundreds of teenagers gathered in their home through the youth ministry they faithfully served together. They opened not only their doors but their hearts, praying that every young person who entered would come to know Christ. Through it all, they remained their daughters' biggest supporters, cheering them on in music, academics, church, and every extracurricular activity. Their example of faith, love, and servant-hearted leadership left an enduring impact on their family and on the many young lives they influenced together.

Outside the classroom, Mary Ann loved reading, music, animals, and especially cats. She celebrated life's simple joys and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Even as her health declined, that joy never faded. At Brookdale Claremore she formed treasured friendships with nurses, nurse aides, staff, and fellow residents. One of her greatest joys was singing hymns alongside them. Even during her final days, songs of praise still filled her heart, a beautiful reflection of the faith that had guided her throughout her life.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Edward "Jack" Steinmitz III, who passed away on August 10, 2021, and by her parents, Coy G. McNabb and Barbara McNabb.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Angela Steinmitz and Shannon Johnson; her son-in-law, Dusten Johnson; her cherished grandsons, Creek Johnson and Josiah Johnson; her brother, Thomas McNabb of Columbia, Missouri; and countless friends, former students, and family members whose lives were forever enriched by her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering faith.

Mary Ann leaves behind more than memories. She leaves a legacy of children taught, stories brought to life, songs sung, lives encouraged, and hearts pointed toward Jesus Christ. She lived with grace, loved generously, laughed often, and finished her race with the same faith that carried her throughout her life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23