Mary W. Allender, 77, of Columbia, Kentucky, died Monday, April 17, 2023 at TJ Health/Columbia Emergency Room.

She was born June 25, 1945, in Lexington, Kentucky, to the late Earl and Leila Bush Hamilton Endicott.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert K. Allender in 2007.

Mary was a member of Columbia United Methodist Church where she always gave unselfishly of her talents, time and energy to her church family.  She was a graduate of Henry Clay High School class of 1963 and went on to graduate from University of Kentucky.

Among many of Mary’s talents, she was a wedding planner and cake designer for many years, serving the wedding couples with a touch of grace.  She was instrumental in the planning and development of the 911 program in Adair County, along with seeing her dream of the Adair County 911 Building being started and finished before her retirement.  She served on many committees and boards in Columbia and Adair County, including the Chamber of Commerce where she was President for years and was the first Executive Director of the Chamber.  She was also the first female member of the Columbia-Adair County Rotary Club.  She took pride in being a third generation member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She served as President of the Southeastern Community Development Association in 1982.  Most of all, Mary loved Columbia and Adair County and promoted the community everywhere she went.

Survivors include:

Three daughters and sons-in-law – Leila Bush and Mark Jones of Columbia, Mary Woodford and Mark Sansom of Bowling Green, Sarah Frances and Kevin Lucas of Delaware, Ohio

Eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, along with a several other relatives and friends.

Funeral service – Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Columbia United Methodist Church with Rev. Godfrey Jackson, Rev. Neil Janes and Rev. Ben Martin officiating

Burial in Columbia Cemetery

Visitation on Thursday after 4:00 P.M. and Friday after 6:00 A.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home and after 9:00 A.M. Friday at the Church

Casket Bearers:  Mark Sansom, Mark Jones, Kevin Lucas, Austin Graham, Patrick Lucas, Daniel Sansom, Joshua Sansom, David Sansom

Honorary:  Shelby Jones, Victoria Lucas, Ashley Jones

Memorials are suggested to Columbia United Methodist Church or Cane Valley Christian Church and can be left at the funeral home

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements