Mary Ann Poland

Mary Ann Poland, 80, of Las Animas, Colorado, formerly of La Junta, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Bent County Healthcare Center in Las Animas. She was born Sunday, February 3, 1946, in La Junta to W. Sidney & Mary Jane (Smith) McKelvey.

Mary was raised on a farm where she grew up working alongside her family. Throughout her life she would help her family on the farm and ranch. She graduated from Swink High School and continued her education by taking college courses, always striving for personal growth and learning. In her youth, Mary participated in 4-H during high school, demonstrating early on her passion for community and service.

Throughout her life, Mary worked at Reids Drive Inn as a car-hop and delivered the Pueblo Chieftain newspaper. Beyond her work, she was deeply involved in her church, a place she loved and where she served as a Deacon—an accomplishment that she held with great pride.

Mary’s dedication to her faith and community extended through her active participation in numerous church-related activities. She was a valued member of the ladies Bible study group and was actively involved in Awanas, supporting youth in their spiritual growth. She also contributed significantly to mission efforts through her involvement with missionaries from the Baptist Church and was a vital part of her church’s prayer chains, always lifting up others in prayer.

She cherished her church family and treasured the friendships she nurtured over the years, embodying a spirit that loved and cared deeply for those around her.

Mary is survived by her son James W. (Michele) McKelvey of Rocky Ford, CO; grandchildren, Amanda (Derik) Soto of Pueblo, CO; Rebecca Welty of CA; Johnathan A. McKelvey of La Junta, CO; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, Nancy Schuessler (Craig Beede), Danya Schuessler, & Clara Schuessler of Greeley, CO; and best friend, Karlean King McKean of La Junta, CO;. She is preceded in death by her parents, W. Sidney & Mary Jane McKelvey; brothers, Walter Sidney McKelvey, Jr., James Alexander McKelvey, sister-in-law, Virgina McKelvey.

Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at La Junta Baptist Tabernacle in La Junta with Pastor Tim Muth of Valley Community Church officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well-lived, marked by faith

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.