Obituary of Mary E. Kinner

GREENWOOD: Mary E. Kinner, 88, of Christian Hollow Rd. passed away unexpectedly at home, Nov. 19, 2024. She was born September 9, 1936 in the town of Greenwood to the late Tice and Minnie (Burger) Bates. On December 25, 1954 in Prattsburg, she married Ernest L. “Ernie” Kinner who predeceased her in June of 2004. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and foster care mother, living her entire life in the town of Greenwood. Survivors include: two sons, Steve Benjamin of Binghamton, David Kinner of Greenwood two daughters Vicki Willis of Knoxville, Pa. and Kristina (Scott) Slattery, of Slippery Rock, Pa., seven grandchildren, Tyler Slattery, Shane (Mackenzie) Jacobs, Eric Pease, Dakota Pease, Meridith (Scott) Leubner, Alexis Geiger, Scott Dixon, and many great and great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was predeceased by a daughter Stacee Kinner and a brother Theodore Paul Bates. Mary would often say that a stranger was just a friend she had yet to meet. Her door was always open and she loved it when friends would stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat. Mary’s life was enriched by her love of children, which was evident in the care and love of over 105 foster children that she cared for over the years. She was active in her church and enjoyed the time spent volunteering for vacation bible school. Mary loved to cook and bake and many of a “family secret recipe” was shared with a grin to anyone that asked. Mary enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and was always eager to learn who might be having the next baby so she could start on her next Afghan. The family will receive friends from 11 am-2 pm Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where a funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, NY. A meal will follow the burial at the United Methodist Church in Greenwood, NY. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Greenwood Ambulance, 751 Andover St. Greenwood, NY 14839. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.