Mary K. Ambrose, 53, of St. Clairsville, OH died Monday, October 17, 2016 as a result of an automobile accident. She was born August 6, 1963 in Wheeling, WV a daughter of Shirley Turner Ambrose and the late William R. Ambrose, Jr.
Mary was a 1981 graduate of St. Clairsville High School where she excelled in both track and basketball. She received her associate degree, and joined the U.S Air Force. She served in both desert storm and desert shield and retired in 2006 as a major. Mary never knew a stranger. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Surviving in addition to her mother of St. Clairsville are two sisters, Elizabeth Norden of Columbia, SC and Amy (Jimmy) Baugh of St. Clairsville; a nephew, Christopher Baugh, a niece, Alison Baugh-Newell.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday at 6 pm at Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Home & Crematory 204 West Main Street St. Clairsville with Rev. Ken Gifford officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by going to “TMCFunding.com”
To donate please CLICK HERE.
Share your thoughts and memories of Mary with her family at www.beckaltmeyer.com
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2016
Time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location:
Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Home
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Post an EventBrian Zimmer posted on 6/8/17
My deepest sympathies to Mary's family and relatives.
MSgt Cheryl D French (Retired), USAF posted on 10/27/16
The brightest smile in any room Even in sadness, thoughts of her bring smiles.
Jennifer Kready posted on 10/25/16
Major Ambrose was my OTS Flight Commander (2002). She was tough and fair. More importantly, she was my first woman military leader. She was an asset to the Air Force and many Lieutenants she trained through her service. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Andrew Colvin posted on 10/22/16
Mary always made us smile, and she touched the lives of so many people.
Elias N. Lozano Jr. Msgt, USAF (Ret) posted on 10/22/16
Mary and I met years ago when I was a new instructor at the 3703rd. She was tough but fair at the same time. Even though I made mistakes, she was always kind, respectful and decent in her evaluations. My heartfelt condolences to the Ambrose family. I pray God comforts you in this time of great sorrow and receive my sister into his loving arms.
Jeff Hare posted on 10/21/16
Every person who met Mary fell in love with her. My very best thoughts to the Ambrose and Baugh families.
Kathie Chini posted on 10/21/16
Prayers of peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Lois & Richard Fosnot & family posted on 10/21/16
Our lives were forever altered in October 2014 when Mary came into our lives. My husband had collapsed in Kroger St. Clairsville from cardiac arrest. By some miraculous chance this Angel saw him fall and administered CPR and kept his heart beating until the EMTs arrived. That Angel was Mary. She selflessly and without hesitation administered to him, a complete stranger. The cardiologist on call at Wheeling Hospital said without the CPR he would not have made it to the hospital. It would have been too late for the EMTs to bring him back. We only found out who she was by asking Kroger personnel. We met her and talked on the phone several times and she came to the nursing home to see him. Such a lovely and caring and humble person. It was an honor to have known. Because of her, we still have a husband and father. His health is not great at age 80, but thanks to your daughter and your sister, we still have him. Our deepest condolences to all of you. May she rest in the peace of Christ.
James Kiss posted on 10/20/16
I never thought that when we spoke last Friday at Lowes it would be the last time. It only reminds us that we never know when we will see someone for "The Last Time". We'll miss you!
Don, Rosalie and Mark Nicholes posted on 10/20/16
Amy and Liz, My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. Mary was always a very kind and caring soul to me. She will be missed.
Deborah Storch posted on 10/20/16
Rest in Peace Mary. Thank you for your service. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Jim Weir posted on 10/20/16
God speed, Mary. I can't think of a memory of you where I'm not laughing at the end. You will be missed but never forgotten. Your impact on this world is simply too great. That smile, that determination, that drive of yours will live on in my memory until we get the chance to say hello again. I have no doubt you'll be smiling then too! All prayers for peace to Shirley, Amy, and Liz and families.
Jill Herrlein posted on 10/20/16
Riding mini bikes in the fields (how I wish I had just one picture), our famous bicycle ride to Walker's Ice Cream, softball in Elm Grove, teasing Liz and Amy and Sarah C if she was there, the tandem bicycle, fishing at the reservoir, sledding, trips to Pittsburgh to the malls and Pirate games, playing soccer and nerf football in the living room, basketball at St. Mary's, making apple dumplings, the DT175, swimming, driving the Maverick back and forth in the drive way, and so many more mischievous adventures...
Sister Elizabeth posted on 10/20/16
Mary was on the riding lawn mower and Grandpa was trying to tell her how he wanted the grass cut. When Mary got tired of his instructions, she aimed the mower right at him!! I never saw Grandpa move so fast
Kim Massett (Pollock) posted on 10/20/16
I haven’t seen Mary for many years but was so terribly sadden to hear this tragic news. I have the best memories of many great times with Mary and remember what a loyal friend she was. Mrs Ambrose, my sincere prayers for healing and peace go out to you and your family. Her memory will live on with many.
Jill Herrlein posted on 10/20/16
Shirley, Liz and Amy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary touched so many in such a positive and inspirational way. She was my first childhood friend and remained a life long friend. The memories of our adventures will always be with me and bring a smile.
Karen and Jim Martinek posted on 10/20/16
I remember Mary as a little girl in the Elementary building, a young lady on the successful basketball team and later when I went to Lowes and needed her help. I have never seen her without a beautiful smile on her face. Her death has shaken me because she was such a positive life force that I just never thought would be gone so soon. She was a very kind and special woman who will be missed by all who knew her. Shirley, Amy and Liz, you have my deepest condolences in your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this horrendous loss.
Judy Nikolaus Peters posted on 10/20/16
My deepest regrets to the Ambrose family to hear of your loss of dear Mary. She was such a remarkable person in so many ways. I got the honor of crowning her as Homecoming Queen in 1980 and then never saw her again for many years after high school. I met up with her again about 5 years ago at a 50th birthday party for Sarah Chorovich at Chaps Restaurant. We laughed and reminisced and exchanged phone numbers. I left to return to work and was almost to my destination and realized that I'd walked out without paying my bill. I called Mary and she paid my debt & we laughed more. I was blessed to see her one more time, just a couple of weeks ago at Kroger. I still owe her lunch. I am honored to have known sweet Mary.
Debbie Gonot posted on 10/20/16
Shirley, Elizabeth, and Amy, So sorry for your loss...she will be surely missed by many. Mary Kay was such a bubbly person that you just couldn't help but love. And such a great humanitarian. I will miss here deeply. My sincere sympathy, Debbie
Carol Bachie posted on 10/20/16
Mary was a co-worker at Lowes. I passed the,accident on the way home from the zoo. I can't believe it. But I know she's smiling more in heaven. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kim Brooks posted on 10/20/16
Mary, heaven awaits you, God now has a new angel now. You were a true inspiration to many. You will be sadly missed. R.I.P my friend. Enjoy your new journey
Lachell Favede McFadden posted on 10/20/16
My deepest sympathies to the Ambrose family , Mary was and will always be one amazing individual !
Sister Amy posted on 10/20/16
Walking her to school, because if I didn't she wouldn't go.
Kathy Opel posted on 10/20/16
the first time i met mary kay was at a halloween party, she had just got assigned here. mk was dressed as a prisoner with weight around her leg and all. she was alot of fun that night, and we became friends
Kathy Opel posted on 10/20/16
I remember meeting Mary when she first arrived in san antonio, met her at a halloween party. she was dressed up like a prisoner with her chain and ball wrapped around her ankle
Tammy Sessi Spence posted on 10/20/16
Amy...there is nothing worse than losing a sister! My heart breaks for you and your entire family. I am forever sorry for your loss
TIMBERLY TELFER posted on 10/20/16
Mrs Ambrose, Liz and Amy...so very sorry for your loss. I'll always remember what an amazing friend and classmate MK was to everyone. She knew no "class "boundaries and her smile was infectious! Can still her gotch'change! Love and prayers to all.
Sue Vass posted on 10/19/16
Mrs. Ambrose, Amy & Liz, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mary at Lowes. She had the funniest and best personality of anyone! She was always making us laugh and everyone enjoyed being around her. She was a one of a kind genuine friend. I will always cherish our friendship. I last spoke with Mary last Friday. I will miss her and her wonderful personality. Rest In Peace Mary❤️
Cindy Tabor posted on 10/19/16
Heaven gained another angel, gone too soon. Rest in peace Mary.
Nancy Conley posted on 10/19/16
I knew Mary while she served here at Lackland AFB. She was always full of vibrant energy and she lit up a room when she walked in. Heartfelt condolences to all that knew her, especially her family. Rest now Mary, you were an angel on earth and departed way too soon.
Mindy Paxton Gallagher posted on 10/19/16
Mary Kay never knew a stranger.Her personality made you feel like you knew her forever
Kim Ferren Carter posted on 10/19/16
Dear Mrs. Ambrose, Liz and Amy. I am so sorry for the pain I know you feel. Mary was an amazing person, who was a friend to everyone. So talented, and yet so humble, I would embarrass her when I saw her on my visits to St. C by introducing her as our homecoming queen. I don't remember anyone ever having an unkind word to say about Mary. IShe was beautiful inside and out; and the world is one less truly kind and amazing person today.
Rose Voscavitch(schumacher) posted on 10/19/16
Remember the day in my parents back yards the dirt bike rides and going to school with her she always stood up for people. Rip
gina otte posted on 10/19/16
Oh Mary, what an impact you've had on so many folks and many more that wasn't lucky enough to cross your path. What a wonderful gal. Thank you for serving your country. One hell of a gal! You are missed.
Marcy Glover posted on 10/19/16
Remembering Mary and praying for her family as they deal with their tragic loss.
Cheryl J Skinner, Patriot Guard posted on 10/19/16
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Mary K. Ambrose, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete. I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of..... US Air Force Veteran, Maj. Mary K. Ambrose, “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Barb Long posted on 10/19/16
God received another angel. Mary was a wonderful person whose smile was contagious! I also had the honor of serving with Mary at Lackland AFB. I'm sad that Mary was taken from us way too soon, but glad that she will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her. Rest in peace my friend. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Conor O'Neill posted on 10/19/16
I am very sad to hear this news. Mary (she was Sgt Ambrose to me) was my basic training MTI and she was a tough as teak coach, as the job required, but always fair. Our flight was an Honor flight largely because of her training and leadership. I had a huge amount of respect for her and I have thought about her many times over the years as a source of inspiration. I googled her a few times to see if anything popped up but always drew a blank, only to hear this terrible news through another flight member. It's no surprise that she made it to Major as she was obviously a great leader to all of us at 3703. I clearly remember one time when I was reporting to her in her office that I had broken a tooth on the tuna casserole, and for a couple of minutes we discussed dental issues and basic training food until she remembered that she was the TI and I the trainee and told me, with a little smile, "get the heck out of my office O'Neill". The fact that we as basic training trainees in her charge had so much respect for her even in that harsh environment of TI and trainees, indicates to me that she must have been an awesome person to know in a normal social environment. Thank you for your service and may you Rest In Peace
Alison Davis posted on 10/19/16
Another friend taken way to soon...I have a very heavy heart, as do all who were lucky enough to have known. Even when I was at the lowest point I had ever been in my life, you were there for me to lift me up with your words of encouragement and friendship. You were a very bright light in the lives of many, and memories of you will be cherished always. Stay thirsty my friend! ❤
Gina Averette posted on 10/19/16
Missing you Mary! Proud to have served with you in one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the Air Force, Basic Military Training. You filled our days with positive energy and motivation. Your Free Spirit made a difference in many lives. You always made my day a special one. March forth in the hands of our Lord. He has an awesome angel by his side. Love you always Mary, I'm so thankful you are in my life! ❤️
Richard Eaton posted on 10/19/16
Mary was a Training Instructor of mine in Air Force boot camp in 1991. She was a great leader and teacher and she commanded respect. I'm very sad to hear that she has passed. I'm proud to have known her even for a brief time.
Norma Garza and Nancy Judge posted on 10/19/16
It was an honor serving our United States Air Force with you. Rest In Peace.
Hallie A. Vardell posted on 10/19/16
Mary was a wonderful person who was loved my all. She will be greatly missed!!! I will always remember her laugh and smile.
Tammy Burr posted on 10/19/16
Remembering Mary and her beautiful smile. She was the one that could light up a room, just by being in it. Her jovial personality and great spirit drew you in to her circle of friends. I'm honored to have served with Mary at Lackland in the early 90's. I know you will be smiling down on us from heaven as we gather in your name to share memories of you. We will always remember the great times, we will always remember YOU! RIP my friend---you were taken from this earth way too soon.
Janie Witchey posted on 10/19/16
So tragic and sad. Mary was such a vibrant person. I know how heartbroken you are and my heart and prayers are with you. Tim and I loved running into Mary these last few years since she returned to StC.
Scot & Freda Lee posted on 10/19/16
So sad to hear to hear this news, every memory we have of you, you are smiling and just the happiest person in the room, you were one of the nicest people we ever met. Scot & I remember you fondling and enjoyed watching you rise in your career. We lost a great friend. Our condolences to your family.
Ken Burnham posted on 10/19/16
I had the honor of serving with Mary in the early 90's at Lackland AFB, San Antonio Tx. She was instrumental in my training as an MTI. She was one of the Best Instructors I worked with. She always lit up the room when she entered, and was a genuine friend. The world won't be as bright without her. I will miss her.
Robbie Walter posted on 10/19/16
Mary trained me how to be a Military Training Instructor (MT). We worked together for several years. I cherish those memories. I will miss my friend.
I truly was so pleased with the wonderful service provided. They were all outstanding, very kind.
Robert Chadwick posted on 11/11/18
Mary and I were best friends while stationed at Aviano. We hung out like brother and sister. Traveled. Ate. Drank. But most of all laughed. She was a big part of my life and an amazing person. Although I hadn’t had any contact with Mary since I left Aviano, I often thought about her. I’m glad she was able to live her dream of becoming a TI and an officer. She will be missed by all that knew her.