Mary Eikner Hand

Mary C. Hand, 81, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020, after a sudden illness. Mary was born on September 24, 1938, in Smith County to the late Homer W. Eikner and Verdis Davis Eikner. She graduated from Tyler High School and attended Tyler Commercial College. Mary married Ted L. Hand on July 26, 1956 and were married 63 years. She was a life-long member of Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church where she also served as a life-long member of the choir, taught bible school, and was active in the United Methodist Women. Mary was a member of the Friends of the Rose and the East Texas Farm and Ranch Club & Scholarship Fund. Mary was a devoted wife to husband Ted, a full-time farmer & rancher. Mary was an essential partner to the family rose/tree farm/ranching business as she kept the accounting books, occasional run for tractor parts to deliver to Ted in the field and sometimes drove a tractor in a pinch; she cared for the home while raising 3 children and later loved on grandkids and great-grandchildren. Her kitchen became known as “Dah’s Diner”, where grandkids knew they could always find something to eat. To church members and friends, her cream corn was the best anywhere but, somehow, she never shared her unwritten recipe. Mary enjoyed going to the deer lease with Ted in the Texas Hill Country for decades with close friends where they cooked deer camp meals, enjoyed music and fellowship. She also enjoyed traveling to Alaska with her husband and friends. They went on several cruises including a Hand Family Cruise for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mrs. Hand was preceded in death by her parents, Homer W. Eikner and Verdis C. Eikner; husband, Ted L. Hand. She is survived by a loving family including sons, Larry W. Hand and wife Dawn, Joe D. Hand and wife Vicki; and daughter, Judy L. Hand. Grandchildren, Christopher Hand, Kyle Hand and wife Caitlin, Cody Hand and Taylor Hand; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Edwin Eikner and wife Dolly and Gary Eikner and wife Charlene. A private family graveside service will be held at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Following CDC guidelines, we will limit 10 people at a time to view and register at Stewart Family Funeral Home from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, April 24, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church- Maintenance Fund, 417 CR 1143, Tyler TX, 75704 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to acknowledge the dedicated care given by Betty Cuba.

Mary Eikner Hand

September 24, 1938 - April 21, 2020