Mary Ann "Grammy" Hardwick

Mary Ann Hardwick, 92, of Beardstown, slipped peacefully into heaven on September 7, 2024 with her four children by her side. 

She was born June 24, 1932, the daughter of John Emerick Brubeck and Velma Francis (Miller) Brubeck. Mary Ann married Bobby G. Hardwick of Beardstown on January 20, 1952 in Beardstown.

She is survived by four children, daughter Sue Ann "Suzie" Hardwick of Naples, Florida and sons Bobby G. Hardwick, Jr. (Greta), John S. Hardwick (Kaye) and Michael G. Hardwick (Kelly) all of Beardstown. "Grammy" is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Abby Clark (Aaron) of Dunlap, Illinois and their children Mollie and Grant Clark, Jack Hardwick (Melissa) of Virginia, Illinois, and their daughters, Lynn and Kennedy Hardwick, Stanley Wayne "S.W." Hardwick (Mandy) of Beardstown and their sons, Brody and Bradley Hardwick, Pamela Erin Coats (Seth) of Beardstown and their sons, Noah and Wyatt Coats, Samuel J. Hardwick (Sarah) of Beardstown and Claire E. Hardwick of Beardstown. She is also survived by her two sisters, Bettie Utter of Beardstown and Sally Lippert of Arenzville, along with many nephews and nieces.

Mrs. Hardwick was preceded in death by her husband, her younger brother, Jack Brubeck, her father and mother, and by an infant son, David Bradley Hardwick.

Mary Ann graduated from Beardstown High school in 1950. She worked at the local movie theater as a teen, showing moviegoers to their seats in return for free admission. Other jobs included Fergie's, Deacon Brown's Jewelry and CIPS. After giving up those jobs she married Bobby G. Hardwick in 1952 and proceeded to add to the baby boomer generation by having four boys in five years. She then took a break until Suzie snuck in in 1966. From the birth of their first child until her death she raised four children and significantly helped in nurturing her six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and countless neighborhood kids along the way. There was always an extra plate or two set at the table. She loved Ray Charles, Elvis, Willie Nelson, bowling, dancing, cooking, gardening and playing bridge. She was a lifelong advocate for her community, giving time and support to the schools, the Park District, Hospice, the Lincoln Museum and Courtroom, the Park House and the Alumni Association.

Her life as a wife to Bob included contributing to the farm business and nourishing strong friendships with all involved, making all feel like family.

Her life as a mother was showing exceptional devotion to her children and nurturing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite spots on Earth was her seat on the visitor's bleachers, top row next to the Snack Shack, at the Little League Park. Another was watching from her kitchen window as her children and all of the neighborhood kids played in the vacant lot behind her house.

To her family, she is a legend who leaves a legacy of love.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. The family will meet on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 with friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to the Beardstown Baseball/Softball Association, First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Cass Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home. Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.