Mary E. Pansing, 79, of Metropolis, IL passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY surrounded by her loving family Born November 17th, 1936 in Metropolis, she was the daughter of Ruben & Clara (Korte) Copley. After graduating Metropolis Community High School, she went on to SIU in Carbondale, IL. She loved reading and enjoyed the challenge of working with figures. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Work was no stranger to her, when her parents owned the 6-point café, she would sit on the counter while customers paid and count their change back. She eventually went to work at Good Luck Glove Company in the office where she worked many years. For several years, she was also the secretary for the Metropolis United Way. In the late 70's an ad caught her eye and she applied for a job at a furniture store in Metropolis. Leaving many good friends at the Glove Factory, she accepted the job at Pansing's Furniture & Floor Covering working for Mr. Pansing and his son, Merle. She and Mr. Pansing enjoyed the many challenges of finances. In 1981, she and Merle married and together they owned and operated Pansing's until their retirement. While her daughter was growing up, she took part in all the activities she was involved in. From camp outs with Girl Scouts to sewing shirts for the High School band - she enjoyed it all. When she became a grandmother, she taught her grandchildren many skills & values they would remember all their lives. Every Friday evening, both granddaughters enjoyed their time with their memaw and papa - even as they entered adulthood, they still continued their Friday evenings. Mary enjoyed reading, sewing, working in her yard, traveling and spending time with her family. She and her husband took many trips to Hawaii, Cancun and various other places but always enjoyed when the entire family would vacation together in Gulf Shores, Alabama. After their retirement from Pansing's in 2006 she went to work for the Metropolis Public Library as a part time librarian. With books surrounding her, she truly was in her element. Survivors include her husband of 35 years, William Merle Pansing; one daughter, Deneal Bullock and husband Jeff: a special son, Jeff Welch and wife Lesa; two granddaughters, Krista Kennedy and husband Austin, Kortney Kennedy and husband Colby; one great grandson, Calvin all of Metropolis; and also one special dog, Pascal. She was preceded in death by her parents and one special son, Jerry Welch. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Aikins Farmer Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the funeral at 2:00 p.m. Pastor David Deem will officiate and burial will follow in Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Pall bearers are: Jeff Bullock, Jeff Welch, Colby Kennedy, Austin Kennedy, Jason Goines, Mike Weatherford and Keith Burklow Memorials may be made to the Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street, Metropolis, IL, 62960.

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