What is a good mother? Mary Ann (Moore Kelley) Sykes was the true definition of one. That is how she wanted to be remembered. Mary Ann was born on July 5, 1933 in Santa Rita, NM. She was a member of a unique group of people who were "Born in Space".

Mary Ann's early years were spent with her father, Hurley Moore; and her mother, Genevie Moore. By the time she was nine years old, Mary Ann was orphaned and had also lost her only sibling. She was then adopted by James and Francis Kelley of Georgetown Road.

Mary Ann attended St. Mary's Academy through eleventh grade. She became a voracious reader (which she passed on to her children), as well as a brilliant speller. She won the Grant County Spelling Bee, and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Western New Mexico College. While attending college, she met and married Dudley E. Sykes at the tender age of nineteen. The couple had four children; two boys and two girls. Though she earned a bachelor's in education, Mary Ann always said that her kids were her true accomplishment in life. After that, it was her grandkids. We, kids always knew Mom was our biggest fan. She seemed to admire most everything we did. She listened, she advised, she comforted, she worried, and most of all she prayed. She claimed to have a 'pipeline" to the man upstairs.

Animals were another theme in Mary Ann's life. Early on, she always had a dog by her side, and later, it was cats. Whether it was a dog named Snitter, or a cat called Scotty, there was always room in her heart for a pet.

Friends came easily to Mary Ann, and anyone who crossed her path became one. She had too many friends to mention by name.

Later when she became sick, we witnessed the fighter in her. She never gave up, not until she drew her last breath.

She was there for all of us, and we, her family will dearly miss her wry sense of humor and constant interest in the world around her. We now accept that she has left this earth so as to enter God's tender embrace.
Thank you, Mom, for all the sweet memories, that only you could've made.

Mary Ann entered eternal rest on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Silver City Care Center.

She is survived by her husband, Dudley E. Sykes; two sons, Rick Sykes and wife Cindy Lou of Jonesboro, AR; Terry Sykes and wife Missie of Atlanta, GA; her two daughters, Kathy Howell and husband Jack of Silver City; Kelly Maier and husband Lloyd of Missoula, MT. Mary Ann had eight grandchildren, Jessica, Esther, Jared, Cade, Edie, Lesli, Paige, and Jenna; she also had eight great grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Josephine Moore.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.