Mary Ann Mayes, 94 of Chester, WV., passed Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Weirton Medical Center from complications to the Covid-19 Virus. She was born in Wellsville, Ohio on October 20, 1926, to the late Sam and Millie Sabbato Yatta. Her mother died while giving birth to her brother when she was just 18 months old. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, the late Anna and Dominic Carbone. She attended Wellsville High School.
A resident of the area all her life, she was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chester.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Mayes Sr., on April 22, 2009. The couple married on October 19, 1946. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Ludovici, and Rosemary Volino, one brother, Joseph Panepinto, and her grandson, Josh Moody.
Mary Ann never knew a stranger and once you met her, you were her friend forever. She was a warm, kind, loving, compassionate, and unselfish person. She had grace and dignity, and always greeted people with her warm heartfelt smile. Always known for her crocheting and making baby hats, blankets, and other items too numerous to mention for her family members, relatives, and friends, and then giving them to all.
Left to cherish her memories are her children, Tarry (Rich) Tipton of Newell, Robert (Connie) Mayes Jr., of Sarasota, FL., and Carol (Frank) Shepherd of Newell, four grandchildren, Mary Ann (Bunny) Birkhimer of Weirton, Beth (Dax) Lagasse of Sarasota, FL., Valerie (Chris) Lough of New Cumberland, and Jared Moody of Chester. In addition, her great-grandchildren include Tyler Cline, Abby, Evan, and Lexi Lagasse, Marleah Lough, Katana, Kory, Kaleb, Kayla, Robert, Hayden, and Dominic Moody, and Bradley, and Andrew Shepherd.
Mary Ann’s family would like to thank special family members, Mark, and Beth Sabbato, as well as Jean, Mike, Jackie, Greg, and all the Sabbato family who were so generous and good to her and included her in all the family activities. Also, they would like to thank Ray and Julie McLaughlin for their love and friendship, and her special lifetime friend, Helen Blasinsky.
A special thanks also go out to the nurses, staff, management, and Dr. Kubicki at the Stone Pear Pavilion for all the care, and support Mary Ann received while in their care, she made many friends while there.
Due to the current pandemic, private services will be held later. Her arrangements are in the care of the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester.