(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Mary Lou Sechrist, age 94, passed away on January 12, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin due to sudden changes in her health.
Mary Lou was the daughter of Lee and Betty Gangel, born April 22, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri.
As Mary Lou got older and did not attend in person, she always watched a Catholic Service on-line and prayed the Rosary.
In 1950, Mary Lou worked at Western Union in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary Lou worked many years in the Social Security Office in Wichita and Kansas City. She met her husband, Gordon, at Western Union where they both worked. They were married on July 30, 1950 and celebrated 70 years together. Gordon passed away on May 24, 2021 after a sudden illness.
Mary Lou and Gordon enjoyed to the fullest their life together. They were a team together helping deliver “Meals on Wheels” in Joplin. They both volunteered at Spring River Christian Village in the dining room to serve meals to residents. Mary Lou and Gordon owned a nice duplex at Spring River Christian Village and met many friends since moving in September 2004. Mary Lou helped Gordon with the sale of his scratch art pictures both in Bella Vista and Bentonville, Arkansas. Gordon also had art booths at craft fairs in Joplin. Mary Lou has always been active in aquatic exercise classes with the Joplin Family Y. She has always been faithful to keeping her body moving. Mary Lou loved to busy herself in her kitchen making “pork and Bean” Bread, Pumpkin Bread, Bran Muffins, Fudge, Peanut Clusters, and Pretzel Candy.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, her husband, and sister-in-law, Patty McKay.
Although Mary Lou had no surviving family members, Terry, Pam and Kim were close friends to her through their parents and traveled to visit her. After Gordon passed away, Nancy and John Messick became her care givers. Gordon, Mary Lou and Nancy and John became friends at the Joplin Family Y.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, her husband, and sister-in-law, Patty McKay.
Although Mary Lou had no surviving family members, Terry, Pam and Kim were close friends to her through their parents and traveled to visit her. After Gordon passed away, Nancy and John Messick became her care givers. Gordon, Mary Lou and Nancy and John became friends at the Joplin Family Y.
Mary Lou had many close friends that she wants to thank for their devoted friendships over the many years of life. The Joplin Family Y brought many smiles to her face because of all the nice individuals she met. Mary Lou thoroughly loved living in her duplex at Spring River Christian Village and her close friendship with Rose and Karen.
A memorial Mass will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday January 21, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Weinbrenner officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Joplin Family Y and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
A memorial Mass will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday January 21, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Weinbrenner officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Joplin Family Y and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
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