Hello

My Story

Maryann Crome started in physical education in 4th grade and later taught 1st grade, beginning her teaching career in 1970. She retired for the first time in 2003, then returned in 2008 to teach special education for five years, and now works as a substitute teacher. She was born in Washington and has always considered it her hometown. She left for five years to live in Newton, Kansas, but moved back because her mother lived in Washington. While in Newton, she ran the pool during the summer, but the principal did not have the same connection, so she took a part-time job in special education before returning home. Washington had about 2,500 people and three grocery stores, including Stiggy’s, while she was growing up, and it had everything she ever wanted. She still calls Washington home to this day and encourages young people to move there, hoping for more restaurants and better churches. She and her husband were able to buy a house, moved to another in 1980, and then bought another in 1996. She was able to find employment, working as a mother, managing the pool for 15 years, and always working at the school. She has two daughters, Carrie, who is a teacher, and Gretchen, who works in radiation. They have kept lifelong friends; her oldest is still best friends with Heather, and her youngest daughter graduated with Fallon. They call Washington home and were interested in the activities the school offered, though at times it felt like there were limited options outside of sports.