Mary Ann Broyles, 91, formerly of Eureka and El Dorado, died on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Homestead of Augusta Memory Care Unit.
She was born on December 1, 1934 in Elk City, the daughter of Archibald Cecil and Mary Virginia (Conkright) Newkirk. After graduating from Elk City High School, she went to Pittsburg State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
She was united in marriage to James Glen Howard on July 28, 1957. They had two children, Susan and Paul. She later married William J. “Bill” Hawthorne on June 15, 1980 in Eureka and Gerald Earl Broyles on May 23, 1997 in Eureka.
Through the years, she taught Elementary School in Yates Center and Eureka. She was a founding member of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Eureka where she remained a member until she moved to El Dorado.
She lived in Eureka for 40 years before moving to El Dorado in 2021.
She is survivd by her son, Paul Howard of El Dorado; daughter, Susan Tilton of Gig Harbor, Wash.; two grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Allan Newkirk, James “Jim” Newkirk; and sister Sarah Ross.
Per her wishes, her body was bequeathed to the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian in Wichita.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name are suggested with Hope Wichita, 3777 S. Meridian Wichita, KS 67217.
Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita.
