Mary Catherine Hanaver

Mary Catherine Hanaver, 93, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully and entered the arms of Jesus on March 21st, 2026.

Mary was born on February 14, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Albert and Lou (Sharp) Bryant. Fittingly born on Valentine’s Day, Mary was surrounded by love from the very beginning of her life and continued to share Christ’s love generously with others throughout her years.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lived out her faith daily through the way she loved and served others. She shared a beautiful, Christ-centered marriage with her beloved husband, Arlie Hanaver, for 73 years. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, prayer, and unwavering commitment to one another. Through every season, they faithfully cared for each other, truly living out the covenant of marriage “in sickness and in health.” Their relationship was a reflection of God’s design for marriage, marked by sacrificial love, steadfast devotion, and enduring companionship, and served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

Mary was an active and faithful servant in her churches, East Dayton Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio, Scottsville Christian Church in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and Fair Haven Christian Church in Trafalgar, Indiana, as well as at Johnson Bible College. She joyfully gave her time wherever there was a need, seeing service not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to reflect Christ to others. Mary truly loved people. She never met a stranger and was known for her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart. Those who knew her often said she was one of the most loving people they had ever met, and that love was a direct reflection of the faith she held so deeply.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert and Lou Bryant; her twin brother, John Bryant; and her brother, Howard Bryant.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Arlie Hanaver, who faithfully walked beside her through every chapter of life. She is also survived by her two children, Arliene (Terry) Britt and Ron (Peggy) Hanaver; her brother, Benny Bryant (Joyce); and many extended family members who loved her dearly. Mary loved her children fiercely, but she took special pride in being a grandmother. She leaves behind four grandchildren: Luke (Mary) Britt, Carly Britt, Daniel (Emily) Hanaver, and Becky (Philip) England. While she did not have great-grandchildren of her own, Mary lovingly embraced the foster children who came through the family and cherished them as if they were her own great-grandchildren.

While Mary’s family mourns her passing deeply, they rejoice in the assurance of her salvation and the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. Mary lived her life anchored in the truth of God’s Word, including the promise found in John 14:1–3:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.”

Though her family grieves her absence, they hold tightly to the hope of eternity and the joy of being reunited with her again.

Mary’s life was a testimony of faith, love, and selfless service. The kindness she showed, the encouragement she offered, and the love she gave so freely were all reflections of Christ within her, and those gifts will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, with a funeral ceremony to follow at 12:00pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana, 47150. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Borden, IN, immediately following the funeral services.