Mary Ann Zenthoefer

Mary Ann (Clevenger) Zenthoefer passed from this world on October 1, 2023 at the age of 77. Mary Ann was born to Samuel and Sibyl Clevenger in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 7, 1946. She met her husband of 47 years, Daniel, while working at the former Zenthoefer’s Tavern in 1975. They were married in 1975 at St. Agnes Catholic Church and she entered the Catholic Church on Easter of 1976. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister, Bruce Clevenger and Sharon Hensley; a son, Zack, and granddaughter, Martha, both through miscarriage. She is survived by her three beautiful children of whom she was immensely proud: Philip (Abby), Erin Gries (Jason) and Fr. Alex. Her 13 grandchildren brought her great joy and she witnessed her faith to them constantly: Cecilia, Rudy, Mary, Clare, Emma, Henry, Lauren, Kylie, Karter, Samuel, Leo, Patrick and Bernard. In 1985, she went to work for Fr. Eugene Dewig at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served in various capacities during her time there. She loved Fr. Dewig and “Big Om,” Monsignor Meyer. In the early 90’s she helped turn a geriatric center into a pediatric center, creating Sacred Heart Preschool. She was extremely proud of that accomplishment and loved the teachers she worked with. She went on to help establish a preschool at St. James Parish in Haubstadt. She later served as the Coordinator of Religious Education for various parishes in Gibson County. She worked at the Cornerstone Catholic bookstore for years, where she not only sold (and bought at a discount) a variety of religious items, but also built many relationships and was a source of comfort and faith for many. Her involvement in the Teens Encounter Christ movement earned her the title “Mama Z” which she fondly embraced. She helped coordinate the Diocesan Confirmation team and led many young people to Jesus Christ. She worked with various youth groups and she happily remembered the priests, religious sisters and joyful marriages that emerged from those groups. Over the years, she received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Catholic Girl Scouting, the Bishop Simon Brute Award and the TEC Leadership Award. Her greatest rewards were in relationships and all the health struggles she faced always led to new opportunities for her to care for others. In 2009 she was diagnosed with IPF and started her transplant journey along with a support group. Her best experience was with her friend, Artie, who said he wasn’t into her “Jesus thing.” She encouraged him to remain open. When Artie had his transplant he experienced the Lord Jesus standing by his bedside holding his hand through the surgery. He began to believe. In all of her illnesses she has been a witness to and of God’s love and mercy. She was a mother in all things: one who embraced and one who imitated the love of the Church for her children. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (2701 W Franklin St.) in Evansville at 6:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 2:00-6:00 pm in the church. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 6 from 9:00-10:00 am during which the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered per her request. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Joseph Mausoleum with her son, Fr. Alex Zenthoefer, presiding. Donations may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Parish and the Indiana Donor Network. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann Zenthoefer

September 7, 1946 - October 1, 2023