Mary Ann Blair

Mary Ann Blair, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully fortified by the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on August 7, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born to Anton Rustemeyer and Mary (Reinkemeyer) Rustemeyer on December 25, 1932, early Christmas morning, Mary Ann brought warmth and joy to those around her, with her eldest brother joking "but we wanted a train."

She was baptized at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson City.

Mary Ann’s family moved to Wellston, to obtain care for her sister at Barnes Hospital. Mary Ann attended school in Wellston and graduated from Wellston Highschool Class of 1950.

When in the St. Louis area while serving in the United States Air Force, James Blair saw Mary Ann before they met and declared, "I'm going to marry that girl.” Subsequently, Mary Ann met James and their bond grew through letters and dating. And, they were united in marriage on June 19, 1954, at Notre Dame Church in Wellston.

Together they built, life full of love spending their time together boating, camping, fishing, mushroom hunting, swimming, playing cards, bowling, dancing at Casa Loma Ballroom, and vegetable gardening. Mary Ann also grew flowers and had Surprise Lilies blooming on the day of her passing.

In 1965, Mary Ann and James adopted their daughter, Julia Blair, beginning a new chapter in their lives. Mary Ann embraced motherhood with her typical kindness and dedication. She sewed fabulous outfits for her daughter and her daughter’s dolls and stuffed animals. Later, she used her talents to create beautiful quilts, many of which graced her daughter's bed.

Mary Ann was diligent in all she undertook including her work at Woolworths, Bell Telephone, McDonnell Douglas on the Gemini Project, and National General.

After James and Mary Ann retired, they purchased her parent’s property in Linn, which is part of an area where generations of Mary Ann's family have lived. James and Mary Ann also began regularly fishing at Mark Twain Lake, often inviting or meeting family or friends there.

In retirement, Mary Ann was part of the Quilting Group at St. George Parish, attended and created nature quilts at Runge Nature Center, and crafted beautiful quilts for family and friends.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her deep faith, and her lifelong commitment to the people she loved.

She is survived by her husband, James Blair, her daughter, Julia Blair, and countless friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Colin Franklin as the Celebrant. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Shrine of St. Jude www.shrineofstjude.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com