(From Parker Mortuary)Mary Ann (Leivan) Wade, age 95 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away June 25, 2024 at Joplin Gardens. Mrs. Wade was born April 16, 1929 in Golden City, Missouri at her family home to John Roscoe Leivan and Elva Lena (Mabee) Leivan. She was the oldest of 8 siblings: 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Mary Ann married Melvin Earl Wade on December 7, 1946 in Columbus, Kansas. They lived in Joplin. Three children were born to this union: Barbara, Bruce, and Brenda (twins).
Mary Ann was always a “stay at home” Mom. Her interests included: Brownie and Girl Scouting, Cub Scouting, Room Mother, sewing and arts/crafts, gardening and canning, cooking and baking, camping at nearby lakes, vacations to relatives, Election worker, Vacation Bible School worker, and Sunday School teacher at Blendville Christian Church. While all these activities were happening, she found time to study and earn her GED.
In 1969, Bruce and Brenda graduated from Joplin High School, Barbara graduated from Jasper County Junior College, and all three kids married. Also in 1969, Mary Ann and Melvin moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to complete his retirement from North American Rockwell (and to be sure for a break from the events of 1969!).
In 1969, Bruce and Brenda graduated from Joplin High School, Barbara graduated from Jasper County Junior College, and all three kids married. Also in 1969, Mary Ann and Melvin moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to complete his retirement from North American Rockwell (and to be sure for a break from the events of 1969!).
While living in Broken Arrow, Mary Ann quickly met and made new friends who interested her in new activities: crocheting, ceramics, quilting, genealogy and becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution, traveling to do new research, and attending quilt shows. Mary Ann became a “sweetheart” to each and everyone.
Mary Ann and Melvin returned to the Joplin area in 1987. They purchased their retirement home in rural Carthage, Missouri. Never slowing down and always enjoying life and God’s creation, they welcomed and loved having grandchildren visit them (adding great-grandchildren in the mix).
Mary Ann developed new interests: bunco with friends, sister trips to old mills, barns, and covered bridges, dogwood and azalea tours, volunteer service at American Rehabilitation Ministries, attending gospel sings, playing Scrabble, dice, card, and board games with her grandchildren, and attending the numerous sports, band, choir programs, and academic awards of her grand and great-grandchildren. Never a dull moment!
She always said “God is good. He is so good.” Mary Ann was blessed and returned love and service to her Lord and Savior. All her family and friends will truly miss her, but we are overjoyed she has earned her crown and is now in Jesus’ arms.
Mary Ann is survived by her brother Roger Leivan (wife Pearl) of Webb City, MO; her sister Leona Camp of Lamar, MO; a special sister-in-law Mary Ann Leivan of Golden City, MO; her children Barbara Switzer (husband Randal), Bruce Wade (wife Debbie), and Brenda Wade, all of Joplin, MO; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 14 nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were Melvin, her husband of 57 years, her parents, four brothers, and one sister.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with minister Stephen Sansom. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to service time on Saturday in the Parker Mortuary Chapel. Pallbearers will be Craig Switzer, Scott Switzer, Chris Hawkins, Bryan Hawkins, Dave Baker, and Joey Middleton. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Rehabilitation Ministries or to Blendville Christian Church in care of Parker Mortuary.
Funeral arrangements are under the directions of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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