Mary L. Ybarra

Age 71, of Flint, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, at her home with her family by her side. The funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Pastor Dwight Rottiers officiating with cremation to follow. Mary's family will be present to receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Military honors conducted by the Gordon R. Bennett VFW Post 1452 in Clio. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Mary's tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Mary was born in Croswell, Michigan, on August 3, 1952, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas and Macella Evelyn (Solomon) Ybarra. Educated locally, Mary graduated from Flint Northern High School with the class of 1971. Heeding her call of duty, a young Mary Ybarra enlisted in the United States Army. Proudly becoming her family's first woman to serve in the United States Military. Private First Class, Ybarra served her country proudly during the Vietnam War from January 31, 1974, until earning her honorable discharge on September 25, 1975. She was stationed in Germany and enjoyed traveling in search of great cuisine, trying anything and everything. Upon returning to civilian life, Mary would begin earning her master’s degree from Western Michigan University. After graduation, she would become an Educator and Consultant. In her free time, Mary enjoyed researching anything and everything she could. Her passion for books was so great some would call her a bookworm. Mary also loved a good garage sale, thrift store, and going to art fairs. She was known for helping others out in the community through her church Greater Flint Outreach, and as an advocate for injustice; she even instilled those same beliefs in her daughter.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings Greg and wife, Maria Ybarra, Audrey and husband, James Chambers, Linda Medley, and Maria and husband, William Bailey, Nicolas Ybarra and significant other, Theresa Singleton; special friends: Celia Perez-Booth, Mary Evans, and David Buhoveckey; and many other family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, beloved daughter, Cylinthia Esdula Hill; love of her life, Rueben Hill; Harriet Walker, Sam Berger; and several close family members and friends.