Mary Ann Bancroft

The following is an obituary written by Mary Ann's loving family.

On Dec. 12 loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Mary Ann Elizabeth Bancroft 96 passed away. She is survived by her grandson Scott R. Smith, (Jaime), and great-grandchildren Connor and Paige Smith of Pittsboro, Ind.; stepdaughter Carol Overton (Michael), granddaughter Audrey Paul (Caleb) and great-grandchild Brody of Blairsville, Georgia, and grandson Justin Overton of Athens, Georgia; stepdaughter Marianne Haendel of Germany, grandchildren Robert and Richard (Toni) and great-grandchildren Loreley and Elenor Haendel; Nieces Nicole Rokos (Edward) of Pompano Beach, Florida and Holly Trosch (Chuck) of Coral Springs, Florida; Pam Low of Manchester, New Hampshire; and Jenny Yoho (Tony) of Milford, Ohio; Nephew Ben Cottrell (Debbie) of Naples, Florida, and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, William Bancroft; her brother, Fred Ulrich Jr.; her parents, Dorothy and Fred Ulrich; her son, Maurice Smith; and her grandson, William W. (Trey) Bancroft III.

Mary Ann was originally from the Columbus area before moving to Indianapolis and graduating from Shortridge High School. She lived in the Broad Ripple area for many years during her decades long employment with Indiana Bell. Following her retirement, she traveled the globe with her close friends and family. She was a sports fan including being a Pacers season ticket holder and a long-time attendee of the Indianapolis 500. She also gave back to the community as she volunteered at church, was a member of a local sorority, and a member of the Telephone Pioneers, who would yearly fix donated toys to give out during the holidays. It was at the Telephone Pioneers where she met her husband, Bill.

She is well known for knitting red and white Christmas personalized Christmas stockings for grandchildren, great grandchildren, new family members, and friends. These stockings are proudly hung on mantles across the globe during the holiday season.

She and her husband were also longtime members of the Meridian Street United Methodist Church.  

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service following. Graveside services will be in Columbus for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pittsboro Parks Department.

All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Mary Ann's family on her memorial page found on the funeral home's website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com .

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