1950
2025
MARION - Mary Kay Bachman, 74, of Marion passed away at St. Louis University Hospital on Feb. 13, 2025.
Mary Kay retired from the Illinois Department of Human Services. She worked at Choate Mental Health as chief of social work. She worked previously as regional administrator for DHS. In addition, she was also an executive director of The Carbondale Women's Center.
Mary Kay graduated from Edwardsburg High School and then graduated Grand Valley State College with a Bachelor's Degree. She then graduated Southern Illinois University School of Social Work with a master's degree in 1995. In 2009 she was named distinguished alumni of Social Work. She was named district social worker of the year, and served as district chairperson for the National Association of Social Workers from 1998 to 2000.
She loved to travel with her husband and to sail. She enjoyed most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary Kay was born on June 21, 1950, to Earl A. and Marjory J. (McQuaid) Bachman in Niles, Michigan.
Mary Kay married Steven Banker on Nov. 12, 1977, in Niles, Michigan. He survives her of their home in Marion.
She is also survived by her brother, Garry and Judy Bachman of Niles, Michigan; sister-in-law, Judith Bachman of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter, Carrie and Patrick Halbert of Fairfield; sons, Tytus and Kristen Banker of San Diego, California, Gregg and Julia Banker of Carpentersville; six grandchildren, Lucas Halbert, Grant Halbert, Vincent Banker, Laura Banker, Jamie Banker and Steven Banker; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Don Bachman.
In accordance with her wishes Mary Kay will be cremated. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, with Mark D. Reyling officiating. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gathering space. Interment will be in San Carlo Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church or OLMC New School Fund, 316 W. Monroe St., Herrin, IL 62948. Envelopes will be available at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Mary Rudasill
February 18, 2025
I enjoyed working with Mary Kay over the years. She was a true social worker through and through. Well done Mary Kay.
Lilly Crane
February 18, 2025
So sorry to read of Mary Kay's passing. My thoughts are with you
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more