Mary Allen Menking, 76, of Little Rock, Ark., was peacefully called home in faith on Friday, July 1, 2022. Mary was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on July 4, 1945, to Elmer and Margret Wingfield. She was preceded in death by both parents and beloved brother, David Wingfield. Mary is survived by her devoted, loving husband of 51 years, Bobby Menking; adoring daughter, Christine Gronwald (Jason) of Little Rock; and granddaughters, Zoe and Gigi. She will be deeply missed by her dearest Cody who gave her such joy every day. Mary, as a daughter of a Lt. Commander in the Navy, traveled extensively with her family gaining experiences and lifelong friends who she remembered fondly and stayed connected throughout her life. Mary graduated from George Washington High School in Guam in 1963. Mary earned her B.S. degree with honors in Early Childhood Development as well as her Master's Degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also received countless specialty certifications. As a master educator in the Little Rock School District for 40 years, Mary made innumerable contributions to education from 1969 to 2009. During her career she touched many lives and was often stopped in public by former students to offer their affection and gratitude for the effect she had on their lives. Anyone who knew her for any length of time would agree that she was the most genuine, thoughtful and selfless person the world has ever known. Visitation will be Thursday, July 7, at Chenal Roller Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, from 4-6 p.m. Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m., with graveside services to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy. 5, Alexander. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72210, or the Mary Menking Memorial Fund established to carry on her legacy to provide education for children, Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Building 5, 11th Floor, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, or online at: https://www.arcf.org/menking. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal

Published July 6, 2022