Kilver was born in Illinois on May 23, 1935 and lived also in Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and briefly in other states before settling in the woods of North Carolina outside Saluda over 30 years ago.

She was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. M. D. Kilver, who preceded her in death.

Her primary interests from youth were books, music, and nature. She eventually had careers in all three as college English teacher, church organist and landscaper.

She graduated from high school in Muscatine, Iowa, earned a B.A. from Carthage College, Carthage, Ill., and an M.A. in literature from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

She is survived by her sister, Rose Marie Gooding (husband Reg) of Waimanalo, Hawaii.&bsp; Mary Ann was the proud &dquo;Auntie Mak&dquo; to Nathan, Kevin and Colleen, Jeremy and Mino and to her grand nephew Kanai and to grand niece Leila, all of whom live in Hawaii.

A musical memorial service will be held in the Saluda Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m., presided over by friends and fellow musicians Sue Rhodes, Carole Bartol and Lena Duncan .

A private burial took place at the columbarium of Grace Lutheran Church, Hendersonville.

Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice. Flowers from your garden would be welcome.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary