Of their five children, only one didn't get into the music business, and unfortunately, she died in a car crash at the age of 27. Hank Jr. already understands this level of pain. Not only this, but he has one of the most amazing stories in history in that he fell 500 feet (that's 500 not 50), off the side of a mountain and survived after an extensive amount of surgeries and rehab. I'm sure that if any of his doctors were atheist, they probably changed their mind because his survival is nothing less than a miracle. Mary was with him every step of the way in his recovery, and they felt like it was a significant part in their love for one another.
She was around 59 years old at her death and the cause hasn't been determined yet. She wasn't home at the time and from what I've read, it might have been a blood clot that made its way to her brain or heart.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family who have done so much for their community over the years. Their kids were taught that giving is better than receiving and they've been walking the talk ever since.