02/04/2026
Our Dear friend Mary will be missed, but dancing on the streets of Gold now!
Mary Clauden Hancock, 82, of Pontiac, IL., passed away peacefully at her home at 1:14 P.M. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with her beloved son and friends by her side.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 W. Custer Ave., Pontiac, Il. 61764. A memorial service will follow at 5:00 P.M. also at the funeral home. Pastor Gretchen Stinebaugh will be officiating. Interment will be held privately at Webb Cemetery in Ozark, Il.
Mary was born on October 24, 1943, in Cypress, Il., the daughter of Stanley Hale and Genieve (Cavitt) Beggs, and spent her early years on the family farm.
Mary is survived by her most dear son, Donald Hancock of Cicero, IL; her sister-in-law, Cassandra Beggs of Marion, IL.; her nephew, Lenny Jo Gunther of Stanley, IL.; her niece, Randi Kay Gunther of Stanley, Il.; and special friend, Kathy Sturm who always went above and beyond.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Doris Beggs; her sister, Linda Lou Gunther; her brothers, Earl Beggs and Stanley Ray Beggs; her niece, Wendy Gunther; her very special friend, John Zogg, who she spent many hours dining and dancing with.
Mary lived at Martin Luther Homes before moving to Mosaic in Pontiac in 1992. She had an amazing work ethic. She held multiple service jobs over the years. She participated in AIR Special Olympics for bowling. During last season in SO Bowling, Mary achieved 1st in districts and 3rd in sectionals. She enjoyed attending camp CILCA and Ability Camp yearly. She volunteered with the Salvation Army as a bell ringer for many years. She loved attending Futures Unlimited, Inc. in Pontiac.
She was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church of Pontiac. She loved attending Ability Project services sponsored through local churches. She was a strong woman of faith.
Mary was a force of nature, anything she did was with all her heart. She was renowned for her baking ability and entertaining friends in her home. She was a true care giver; she loved visiting with her friends and traveling. She loved visiting Tennessee and the Grand Ole Opry was her favorite destination. She was a true country girl at heart, and loved listening to country music. Mary recently purchased her first pair of cowboy boots and was taking line dancing classes. She will be missed by all who knew her, she left an indelible impression on anyone she encountered. Rest in peace Mary, we love you, enjoy dinner and dancing with John again.
Memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to Mosaic of Pontiac.
Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.
