Mary Ann Search, 87, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her remarkable presence and “spicy” sense of humor will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and those who provided care over the past few years.

Mary was born March 1, 1938 in Niles, Michigan to Elmer & Gladys Keyes. Her father died when she was a young child and later her mother and Harold Thomas blended their families. Mary is predeceased by her all of her parents, two brothers, Bill Thomas and Jim Thomas, and her brother-in-law, Bill Karpinski. She is survived by her sister Marlene Karpinski, of Lawrence, MI, and several nieces and nephews.
On August 2, 1975 Mary was united in marriage with W. Conard “Bud” Search and joined a family that included his daughter, Deborah (Jim Willoughby) Search Willoughby of Kalamazoo, MI, sons, David (Jayne) Search of Hudsonville, MI, and Daniel Search of Tripoli, IA. Bud passed unexpectedly in January 2024. Their children, spouses, 7 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren survive. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Lucia (Lee) Thorburn of Dansville, MI, and brother-in-law Ed (Judy) Search, of Oklahoma City, OK. Mary was predeceased by her granddaughter, Elizabeth (Sands) Kordella, and sister-in-law, Marguerite “Peggy” Ferrigno.

Mary had many fond memories of growing up in Buchanan, Michigan and spending time with her grandparents at Christie Lake near Lawrence. After graduating from Buchanan High School, she attended Albion College, then Michigan State University. She began her career by teaching high school home economics, before accepting a position as home economist with the MSU Extension Service in Berrien County.

Mary and Bud met through their work with the Michigan State Extension Service. As MSU Alumni and employees, they were devoted to their Spartan sports teams. Mary was an amazing tailgater and one never left for the game without sufficient food or spirits, no matter the weather. Mary was an all “A” student from kindergarten through her Master’s of Science degree at MSU. She brought to her family strength, generosity, and a deep commitment to love through thick and thin.

When they retired, Mary and Bud moved to their cabin on Lake Huron in the UP (aka “Search Party Headquarters”), then moved to South Carolina. Following Bud’s death, Mary welcomed a move back to Michigan to be closer to her sister and her beloved Buchanan. It has been good to have her “home” and celebrate all that she brought to this world.