Celebrating the life of Mary P. Wells, born on November 17, 1943, in Kemp, Texas, she passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, in Abilene, TX. Mary was the beloved daughter of Lester A. and Viola Irene (Robertson) Phillips, a proud resident of Ranger, Texas, where she embraced life with enthusiasm and vigor.
Mary's journey began at Pampa High School, followed by a semester at Cisco Jr. College, after which she dedicated many years to public service and banking. She contributed her talents as the City Secretary and City Registrar for the City of Ranger, Administrative Assistant for Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, and worked for both Eastland County Water Supply District and Girling Health Care. Her banking career flourished as she served as Vice-President and Loan Officer at Eastland National Bank and First American Bank (now Citibank), where she also held positions as Area Branch Manager and Regional Officer.
In a beautiful union, Mary married Johnny D. Wells on October 7, 1978, merging their families in love and harmony. Together, they created a warm and inviting home. Mary's dedication extended beyond her profession; she was an active and influential member of her community. Her roles included serving as an officer in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce in Eastland and Ranger, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #275, and the Ranger Lions Club, where she was notably the first woman admitted in 1987. Her contributions were recognized as she received numerous honors, such as Ranger Citizen of the Year in 1998 and Woman of the Year for Ranger in 1991.
Mary cherished her family and loved spending quality time with them, whether it was sharing a Dr. Pepper, shopping, or traveling together in their motorhome during her younger years. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Johnny Wells; sons Shawn Wells and wife Tracy of Ranger, and Gregory Hammer of Mineral Wells; daughters Rhonda Lunceford of Rising Star, Trudy Wells of Paradise, and Jade Ballenger and husband Casey of Stephenville; along with 12 grandchildren; Jonathan Hammer, Courtney Hammer, Myranda Hammer, Wesley Harvey, Ashley Byrd, Eric Watts, Savannah Latham, Sierra Wells, Haily Marshall, Bryten Ballenger, Bricen Ballenger and Casyn Ballenger; three great-grandchildren; Sawyer Byrd, Lucas Latham and Kase Marshall; a brother, Arnold Phillips, and a vast network of nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.
Funeral services to honor Mary's life were held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, officiated by Brother Ronny Guess. Interment will follow at Bullock Cemetery. Family and friends were invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home to share memories and celebrate the joyful life Mary lived.
Pallbearers honored with the privilege of serving will be Jonathan Hammer, Wesley Harvey, Kirk Phillips, Tony Wells, Blaine Fletcher, and Doug Crawley.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Bullock Cemetery Association in Mary's honor.
