Mary Elizabeth Higgs, 93 of Effingham, formerly of St. Elmo, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Lavender Ridge in Effingham surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with Rev. Terri Haas, officiating. Burial will be at a later time in Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Ballard Nature Center.

Mary was born August 30, 1928 in Effingham County, the daughter of Arthur and Verda (Reed) Sieben. She married Melvin R. Higgs on April 26, 1947 in Hagerstown and he preceded her in death in 2018.

Mary graduated from Altamont High School in 1946. She then worked at the Altamont Garment Factory; Lutheran Care Center and later on the farm (M and M Farm) right alongside her husband until they retired and moved to Effingham. She also helped advance Melvin's electrical career. She was a volunteer at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, The Cross at the Crossroads and Ballard Nature Center. Mary enjoyed traveling the world with Melvin, bowling, taking drives and time spent with her family, especially her great grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Dr. Patricia McCallister; granddaughters, Megan (John) Klemm of Waynesville; Ingrid (Ted) Minger of Tuscola; great-grandchildren, Blaine, Calla and Quentin Klemm and Bronwyn and Brayson Minger; 5 Hinkle nieces and their families, especially Tammy (Bob) Lakin; many great-nieces and nephews and brother and sister in laws.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Irene Sieben and Dolores Hinkle; brother, Art Sieben.