Mary Nell Mantz

Mary Nell Mantz, 88, of Lake Village, formerly of Blytheville, died Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in Lake Village. Born December 10, 1924 in Braggadocio, Missouri, she was a homemaker and a member of First Christian Church.

Mary, known as "Nona" to her grandchildren, was a soft and strong woman. She was a unique soul who did all things fiercely. She loved fiercely, she was fiercely loyal, and she complimented fiercely. She was nurturing, loving, and kind. She was also tough as nails. She was quick to offer a bear hug, but was no pushover.

Mary was a talented and gifted artist, and the emotions in her heart could be seen in her paintings.

Her house smelled of fresh cooking and turpentine as cooking and painting were among her favorite things. She paid attention to small pleasures like making pancakes into special shapes for her grandchildren.
She loved all games, and could play Yahtzee or Scrabble for hours. She was very competitive, and loved to win. Her grandchildren inherited this love. She loved a good game of golf, but was also content to hit golf balls alone in her daughter's large backyard.

Mary's children and grandchildren learned that love can be a simple bag of popcorn made in a "real popcorn popper" or a batch of homemade cookies. They learned of unconditional love through her example and strength.

Mary farmed with her husband, Harry, for 25 years and then was in retail and real estate sales later in life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Winston Holmes, and Mattie Holmes Fielder; her husband, Harry Mantz; daughter Teresa Mantz Johnson; and brothers, J W Holmes, Charles Holmes and John Holmes.

Mary leaves one son, David (Jamey) Mantz of Lake Village.
Eight Grandchildren, Christen (Joel) Ellis Payne of Norfork, Nebraska; Tracy Ellis Burns of Southaven, Ms; Joy (Roger) Ellis Day of Starkville, Ms; Melissa Mantz of Austin, Tx; Jay Ellis of Starkville, Ms; Emily Mantz of Washington D.C; Alexandra Mantz of Lake Village, and Victoria Mantz of Lake Village.
Five Great-Grandchildren, Tiffany (William) Payne Thompson of Blytheville, Jeremy Payne of Tuscaloosa, Al, Erin Lester of Southaven, Ms, Eli Burns of Southaven, Ms, and Wyatt Burns of Southaven, Ms
One Great-Great-Granddaughter, Olivia Kate Thompson of Blytheville

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at First Christian Church in Blytheville. Funeral services will begin directly following the visitation at 2 p.m. with Dr. Tommy J. Carney officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

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