Mary Alice Denman was born on March 26, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the eldest of six Denman children. From a young age, she cared for her siblings during her mother’s hospital stays, setting the foundation for a lifetime of compassion and resilience. After marrying her neighbor John Martin at 18 and raising her two sons, Randy and Mike, she built a career in publishing, eventually becoming the Classified Ad Manager for the News Chronicle. It was during this time that she met and married Henry (Hank) Weyand, stepping lovingly into a blended family. Later, she relocated to Huntington Beach to continue her work in advertising.

Mary went on to establish her own successful marketing company, TMW Marketing, serving as President and CEO for twelve years. After selling the company, she pursued her passion for children’s historical fiction, publishing her award-winning book Of Giants and Grizzlies under the pen name Mary Martin Weyand. Her dedication to storytelling and education earned her recognition, including a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and a Girl Scouts program patch. Her later years were devoted to caregiving, especially for her youngest sister Linda, while remaining deeply committed to her Christian faith.

Mary’s life was one of service, love, and unwavering encouragement to everyone who knew her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Hank, her brothers Jim and Bob Denman, and her son David Weyand. She is survived by her siblings Tony Denman, Linda Denman, and Janice Campbell, her children, ten grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Her kitchen-table Bible, open to 1 Corinthians on the day she passed, serves as a beautiful reminder of her steadfast faith and enduring spirit.