Mary Elizabeth (Kinney) Boatman, 75, died at home on August 29, 2018. Mary was the youngest of four children of Robert and Stella Kinney, was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on November 15, 1942. Most of her childhood was spent in Greenville, Illinois. She was graduated magna cum laude from Lincoln Christian University with a B.A. in Christian Education. She was employed by schools in Ingraham, Riverton, and Lincoln, IL. She Married Paul Boatman on June 11, 1966. As a couple, they were in ministry together in Sailor Springs, IL, Indianapolis, IN, and St. Louis, MO, before moving to Lincoln, IL in 1978. They also shared in extensive missionary travels to 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. She was a partner in the founding of C.O.P.E., a ministry among the Pokot Children in Kenya. She is honored with a plaque for her role in dedicating a unit of Kuki Christian Hospital in Imphal, India. She served several years on the Advisory Council of Good News Productions, International, and the Alumni Council of Lincoln Christian University.
Mary's Christian faith was demonstrated in her heavy investment in the work of Lincoln Christian Church, serving at various times as Children's Minister, Nursery School teacher, a teacher in children's Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs, and sponsor in the youth program. She participated in various programs both among the members of the church and in outreach to the community.
She vacationed with her husband and/or children in 49 of the 50 states, most Canadian provinces, Mexico, Europe, and Israel. Thirty years ago she joined the "Boatman Men" in climbing Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states.
Mary's love for her children and grandchildren was compelling. Even as dementia began to intrude she cherished "the little ones," celebrating their victories and accomplishments and weeping for their hurts and disappointments. Her nearly decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease was engaged with transparency and courage as she joined in three different experimental drug studies. She did not expect the drugs to help her, but she wanted to do her part so that her grandchildren might not face the ravages of the disease.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bob Kinney, and her grandson, Zachary Braddy. She is survived by her husband, her daughters Angela (Lee) Reiners of Emden, IL, and Rachelle (Kent) Anness of Indianapolis, IN, her grandchildren, Allison, Mallory, and Jordan, step-grandchildren, Emily, Libby, and Jesse, and one great-grandchild, Jaxson. Her infectious smile will be missed by many.
Visitation will be from 1:00-3:45 p.m. Sunday, September 2, 2018, at Lincoln Christian Church with Tom Ewald officiating. The Funeral service will follow the visitation at 4:00 p.m. also at the church. Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 4 at Bethel Cemetery near Emden, IL.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Boatman International Scholarship Fund at Lincoln Christian University, Children of Pokot Education Fund, (C.O.P.E.), or Alzheimer's Association. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home of Lincoln
