Mary Ann Renner-Eschmann

Mary Ann Renner-Eschmann, 95, Topeka, Kansas, passed away, Sunday, January 19, 2025. Mary Ann was born September 20, 1929, in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Julia Arendt Glow. She attended Mount Saint Scholastica High School in Chicago and attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas; she earned her BA and Master’s degrees from Washburn University, Topeka. While in college, Mary Ann met her future husband. She and Donald George Renner were united in marriage in 1951. He preceded her in death in 1969. Mary Ann was a truly dedicated teacher for 31 years. She taught at Quinton Heights Grade School in Topeka. She turned down offers to teach in other schools and positions in administration because teaching there was her mission. She saw the best in all her students and refused to allow them to fail but raised them up instead to their grade levels and her expectations. She was a member of NEA (National Education Association) and also represented teachers as their building representative to the KNEA. Mary Ann “Duffy” was well known and loved and a member of many groups socially. She enjoyed the Lunch Bunch, after Sunday Mass breakfast group, daily after Mass coffee group, and her teachers’ group. She engaged people and made friends wherever she went. Until just recently, she was a greeter at 7:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she served for many years. She was beautiful, a great friend who could always be counted on, fiercely independent, an avid gardener, faithful parishioner, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her presence will be greatly missed. Survivors include her sons, Michael Renner (Kathleen) and Patrick Renner (Leanne); grandchildren, Jennifer Stickney (Aaron), Gregory Renner, Katherine Stadler (John), Kristine Madison (Thomas) and Kelly Hillmer (Zachary); and ten great-grandchildren. Mary Ann was also preceded in death by her infant grandson, Joseph Renner, and her former husbands, Milton Rubottom and Jerry Eschmann. Family will greet friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica or St. Benedict’s Abbey and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Ann Renner-Eschmann

September 20, 1929 - January 19, 2025