In loving memory of Mary Jane Dennis of San Saba, Texas, who passed away at her home surrounded by family, on May 11, 2026. She was 91years old. Mary Jane brought joy, laughter, and kindness to everyone she met.
She was born in Devine, Texas in 1935 to Kathleen (Cox) and Charlie Paine DuBose. She graduated from Devine High School and attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (STSTC) in San Marcos, Texas, earning a degree in Home Economics Education. While at STSTC, she met the love of her life, George T. Dennis. George knew she was the one the moment he saw her smiling eyes.
Mary Jane and George got married after college in 1956. They lived in Shiner, Yoakum, and San Marcos, Texas before settling down on their little piece of paradise in San Saba in 1964. In 1965, Mary Jane started teaching in San Saba Junior High in Home Economics education. During the summers, since they enjoyed their summers “off”, she and George loaded the kids and picnic foods in the car and headed out for many educational adventures throughout the western United States. She received her kindergarten teaching certification in the early 1970s, and started her 21 years of teaching kindergarten at San Saba Elementary. Many people who attended San Saba Elementary during these years fondly remember the field trip to Mrs. Dennis’ home where they participated in Easter egg hunts, nature walks, picnic lunches, and boat races in the stream. Mary Jane retired in 1995, filling her time with extended education club, serving at the Bend United Methodist church, and spending time with extended family and friends.
Mary Jane will be remembered for her kindness to all, especially children, infectious laughter, sparkling eyes, exquisite sense of humor, enjoyment of sunsets and moon rises, and her care for wildlife and flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Allen Michael Dennis, her brothers W.L., Pat, and Wade DuBose, nephew Leslie DuBose, brother in-law C.R. Simmons, and sister in-law Kitty DuBose. She is survived by her loving husband, George Dennis, daughter Shannon Dennis (Sydney Minnerly), sister Rena Simmons, sisters in-law Bobbie DuBose and Carolyn Pickett, daughter in-law Nila Stricker, grandsons Christopher (Larina) Dennis and Matthew (Tina) Dennis and great-granddaughter Gwendolyn Rose and her wonderful nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Blaylock Funeral Home, Sunday, May 17th 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and services will be held at the Blaylock Funeral Home, Monday, May 18th at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Colony Cemetery. TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.
Memorial donations in Mary Jane’s name can be made to the Bend United Methodist Church: P.O. Box 126 Bend, TX. 76824, Colony Memorial Cemetery Association: 1777 CR 1750 Lometa, TX 76853, or the San Saba County Friends of Animals: P.O. Box 423, San Saba, TX 76877
Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com
