Mary Henke, Manchester Water Department Manager, Passes at 79

Mary K. Hilmoe-Henke, age 79, of Manchester, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.Born on October 27, 1946, Mary was the cherished daughter of the late William and Harriet Keyes. At the age of 11, she relocated from Ohio to Tennessee, a move that would beautifully shape the rest of her life. It was during those early years that Mary developed a deep, lifelong passion for horses.While Mary possessed a great love for all animals, horses were truly her life’s calling. She became an accomplished equestrian, showing and training Quarter Horses all over the region. Throughout her life, she trained multiple champion horses, though none held a more special place in her heart than her most precious horse, Divine Coosa, who was truly her baby.Beyond her life on the farm, Mary was a familiar and dedicated face in her community. She retired after serving 28 years as a respected manager at the Manchester City Water Department, where her hard work and leadership left a lasting impact on the city she called home.In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her son, Kord William Baugh.She is survived by her devoted husband of 6 years, Edwin Henke; her siblings, Dr. Michael Keyes and Tommy Keyes; her children, Kelly Pitsenburger and John Baugh; her beloved grandchildren, Katie Pitsenburger, Andrew Pitsenburger, Charlie Pitsenburger, and Jonas Baugh; and her close, dear friend, Brenda Wright.Per Mary’s explicit wishes, cremation has been chosen. In a final, meaningful tribute, her ashes will be taken back to the beautiful place where her beloved Divine Coosa was laid to rest.In lieu of flowers, and to ensure her profound love for horses continues to make a difference, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mary’s honor to Howey Horse Haven Rescue, you can mail a check made out to Howey Horse Haven Rescue to 467 Marcrom Rd. Manchester, TN 37357. The Howey Horse Haven Rescue welcomes everyone out to meet the horses if you wish to deliver the donation in person.