Mary Kay Rickenbaker passed away peacefully at her home on January 19, 2026, at the age of 88. Mary was born on June 2, 1937, in Columbia, SC, the daughter of Wallace and Mary Kay.  Her life reflected her deep love for family, her passion for teaching, and her steadfast faith.

A graduate of Dreher High School in Columbia, Mary carried her love of learning to Coker College in Hartsville, SC, where she earned her degree in Education. After college, on August 18, 1957, Mary married Eddie Rickenbaker, her high school sweetheart. They moved to Texas where he pursued his Doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After receiving his Doctorate, they returned to South Carolina, where Eddie served as a minister, and Mary began a long and meaningful career as a teacher, shaping the minds and hearts of students for over forty years. Together, they lovingly raised three daughters, instilling in them the values of kindness, intelligence, and compassion.

After Eddie's passing in 2002, Mary moved to Lake Wylie, SC where her strength and resilience carried her forward as she came to love retirement and life on the water. She was very active in the church and community, forming many close friendships. She married Joe Trull, a former pastor, in 2018 and enjoyed 7 years together before his passing in November of 2025.  Her family, always her greatest joy, grew to include cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense happiness into her life.

Mary is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Carlisle (Tom) of Lake Wylie, SC, Jana Teitloff (Tim) of Anderson, SC, and Debbie Pruitt (Terry) of Cliffside, NC. Her grandchildren Lindsay Carlisle, Clay Carlisle (Marissa), Jonathan Teitloff, Laura Hembree (Tyler), and Allison Pruitt (Ali), as well as her great-grandchildren Olive, Elani, Tucker, Wallace, Weston, Amelia, and Emilia, who will continue to be guided by her wisdom and nurtured by the memories.

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Eddie Rickenbaker, her second husband, Joe Trull, her grandsons John Pruitt and Eric Teitloff, and her sisters Kathleen Lightsey and Wallace Ann Kay.

Mary was incredibly thoughtful, always putting others before herself. An intelligent woman who valued education and personal growth, she inspired countless students and colleagues with her dedication and insight. As both an educator and the heart of her family, her influence will be felt for years to come. Mary lived her faith every day, and it inspired everyone around her. She was sweet, kind, and had a beautiful spirit that made everyone feel loved.  Our sweet Mary will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie, SC.  A visitation for family and friends will follow from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P. O. Box 4777, New York, NY  10163.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the Rickenbaker family.

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