Robinett, Mary E. 1948-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
It is with heavy heart that the family and friends of Mary Robinett announce her unexpected passing on Aug. 25, 2024.
Mary was born in St. Joseph to Glenn and Kathryn (Stone) Robinett. An only child who said on many occasions she planned on living and dying in the house her father built. Mary was true to her word, she passed in the same house she longed for a pony in (but never got) however, her parents made sure she was gifted her coveted official Roy Rogers gun belt, vest, cowboy hat and boots. She delighted in her time spent there with her dear cousins, Gayle and Karl, along with her cousin, Joanie (Heckel) and husband Rex Dunivent.
Mary was an accomplished singer songwriter who discovered her love of folk music and guitar in her early teens. She progressed quickly to writing her own words and music, and singing them with her signature velvet voiced contralto which could bring goosebumps to even the hardened of heart and ear. Mary recorded many of her original songs both individually, as well as with her life partner, Beth Downey (Decd. Feb. 8, 2020), and band, House Blend, with Beth, Lisa, and MJ.
After graduating from Central High School in 1966, Mary spread her wings and moved to Hollywood, California, with friends, Mike and Cody, after signing a contract with the National General Movie Company for them all to play and sing for parties. During this time she also worked for an answering service to the stars, sharing many a funny anecdote of those years. The earthquake of 1971 in California ended Mary’s sojourn at which time she returned to St. Joseph.
Mary attended both MWSU and Drake University. Her early career began with the Division of Family Services. This career ended just short of her 10 year vetting period because she was denied her request for a leave of absence to take care of her dying father. This devotion cost her a pension.
Mary met her soulmate of 35 years, Beth Downey, in 1975. They would go on to open Zercher Photographic in St. Joseph with friends Ronnie, Gretchen, Mitch, and Reggie (Decd. Aug. 12, 2024). This was a quality photographic store specializing in hand re-touching, restoration, processing, and sale of high end equipment. With the onset of digital photography, the store eventually closed with Mary undertaking a career with BMS in charge of Accounts Payable, where she remained until her retirement in 2017.
During the waning days of Zercher Photo, and after closing, Mary was an integral part of, and supporter of the music venue, Cafe Acoustic, located first in the gallery of the Zercher store, and later in the adjoining space of the building. Her last full solo concert was given at this venue on May 20, 2000, and was recorded live, producing a CD which will be playing during her visitation. Her original songs are some of the most beautiful ever written.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Kathryn; her cousin, Joanie and husband Rex; and her beloved partner, Beth.
Survivors include cousins, Gayle (Conley) Roaseau, and Karl (Cindy) Dunivent and their sons, Eric and Clay; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Angie (Supple) Downey and daughters Sarah, Morgan, and Paige; a tribe of loving friends, Dixie Nell Carter Downey, her cat, and Murphy, Queen of sticks, her dog.
How does one whittle a life to marks on a page or a screen? By saying she loved planting flowers on her porch and bird watching? That she played her cards close to the vest preferring a calm and stoic facade? That she had a quick wit and way with words that left us in stitches. That she was a proud self-proclaimed “shoe whore”? Or, that she was a shining star which warmed us all with her glow? All are true, but I think a line from one of her songs explains who she was at heart. From the song, “Lullaby”.
“…May you never see dark clouds in your skies of blue. May you never have bad dreams, may your good dreams come true. May your fears be forgotten, may your tears be few. May you walk in the sunlight, and good things come to you…”
The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. If you wish, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice in her name.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
