Mary Ann Pendleton honored at CCC retiree celebration

Long time Red Raven supporter and former student and faculty member, Mary Ann Pendleton was honored at the third annual Coffeyville Community College (CCC) Wall of Honor Retiree Celebration. “There are few things more important in directing us in life than a map,” said CCC faculty member, Salina Meek. “This year, our Retiree Wall of Honor recognition goes to a specific ‘map’ who has directed many on their adventure towards educational success.” Pendleton first became a Red Raven as a student in 1947 and as Meek said, “Mary Ann remembers climbing in the first floor windows of one of the buildings where her class was, with many football players who helped her in, so that they could avoid the long walk down the hallway which passed by the President’s Office.” Pendleton was hired by CCC in 1965 and led many students to their success in her 31 years of teaching. She was named “Outstanding Teacher in 1971 and again in 1996. “When I was hired the faculty parked where the fountain is now,” said Pendleton. “I parked in Coach Dink Litrell’s spot and he called the police and had my truck impounded. I went to the police station to report my truck stolen but it was there.” Marlon Thornburg talked about Pendleton’s big red notebook that she took to every meeting and in that notebook were all the notes from all the meetings she had ever attended. If there was a reference to something that had happened in a previous meeting, Pendleton could flip right to those notes and tell the group exactly what had happened. “I’ve always called her the Mover, Doer, Shaker,” said Thornburg. Linda McFate remembered how Pendleton would model clothes for the Home Economics class. “Thank you for being the spirit of the Red Ravens and for all the years of mentorship,” McFate told Pendleton. Beyond the Red Ravens, Pendleton has been a pioneer in organizations within the community. She was not only the first female member of Kiwanis of Coffeyville, but in 1992 she was named the first female president of the Kiwanis organization. Mary Ann was the wife to the late Jack Pendleton and the couple has three daughters, Grace, Dona and Glenna as well as seven grandchildren. “I want everyone to think about education,” said Pendleton. “Everyone should be educated in some way. I have come a long way because of education. This is a great honor for me.”