On November 11, 2024 at Morgantown Health Center in Morgantown, WV, Mary Kathryn Handschumacher Barger Ayers left her earthly home at the young age of 101 to reunite with her heavenly family. Mary was born March Il, 1923, in Cowen, WV to the late Lawrence G. and Freda Crites Handschumacher.

In 1939 she married the late James “Doc” Barger, and they were the parents of three children; the late Larry and Don “Tim” Barger of Elkins. Mary is survived by her daughter Fran (Jerry) McClure of Fairmont and her daughters-in-law Beth Barger of Elkins and Donna Barger of Morgantown.

Affectionately known as Nennie, she was loved and will be missed by her grandchildren: Amy Kuhn Of Fairview,

Shelton (Kenna) Barger, Jeff Barger and John (Kate) Barger of Elkins; Deann Barger of Durham NC, Danica (Steve) Wilburn and Devin (Carrie) Barger of Morgantown; Janaea (Mike) Croyle, Coleton (Allison) McClure and Jarod McClure of Fairmont. Also surviving are 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Additionally, Mary is survived by her brother, William (Bill) Handschumacher of Green, Ohio and her sister Charlotte Jordan of East Liverpool, Ohio. Her brothers Dana, Eldon (Bunny), Bob, sister Katy Cutlip, and infant sister, Peggy, preceded her — what a wonderful reunion she will have with her family.

There are many nieces and nephews surviving who loved their Aunt Mary and will miss her, and will have fond memories of visits to her home.

Mary attended Cowen High School. In 1991 she retired after 25 years of service as Secretary at Glade

Elementary School in Cowen where she earned her unofficial degree in dentistry as the official tooth puller for many students. Her grandchildren looked forward to trips to Nennie’s to have a loose tooth magically extracted.

Mary was famous for her impersonation of Minnie Pearl. Known by many locals as Minnie, her outfit was complete with her hat and price tag. She performed at many local events including the Cowen Railroad

Festival, family reunions and sometimes in the living room — always starting with a big HOWDY for the crowd. She enjoyed music, singing, Yahtzee, a good game of Setback, playing a game (or 10) of Bingo, and was an avid quilter. Her quilting expertise won her a blue ribbon at the WV State Fair. She also made quilts for each of her grandchildren. Bowling was a favorite pastime for Mary, and she participated in many bowling leagues and tournaments, continuing well into her early 90s.

She was also a great cook — made from scratch biscuits, fried potatoes, cakes and pies, with her most famous being her butterscotch pie! Mary loved to shop, have her hair done, loved jewelry and was always particular about her clothes. But most of all, she loved to have fun!

Mary attended the Upper Glade Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She taught herself to play guitar and loved singing Ring of Fire while strumming on it. She was a member of the Eastern Star and insisted on keeping her dues paid even after she was no longer able to participate in meetings or events.

She married the late Bill Ayers in 1992 and in the fall of 2000 they decided to spend winters in Fairmont to be close to family, with plans to return to the farm near Cowen in the spring. They enjoyed 9 years together before Bill’s passing in February 2001 at which time Mary decided to remain in Fairmont permanently.

Mary enjoyed life, especially her family, and will be missed by all who had an opportunity to know her, as she never met a stranger and was the life Of every party. She taught us all to love family, work hard, take pleasure in life, and most of all have fun!

Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Larry Lovely officiating. Burial will follow at the Handschumacher Cemetery in Upper Glade. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Upper Glade Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.