Mary Wells

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Frances Wells, 86, of Tomball, Texas, formally of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

Mary was born September 28, 1934, in Joplin, Missouri, to the late Reuben and Cornelia (Mortensen) Stripling. She was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, later moving with her family to Carrollton, Friendswood and Tomball, Texas. On May 1, 1954 Mary was united in marriage to Wayne Richard Wells. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2002. She was also preceded in death by siblings Margaret Wilbert and Donald Stripling.

Mary worked for over 30 years at State Farm Insurance. She and Wayne fulfilled their dream of owning their own business with Igloo Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop in Carrollton, Texas for several years.

Mary was a strong Christian woman who was very proud of her Christian faith, which she loved to share with others. It was important to Mary to raise her children to follow Jesus. She was a long-time member of Champion Forest Baptist Church and a former member of Forest Park Baptist Church.

Mary was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles, candy and root beer! But most importantly, Mary loved the time spent with family and the very special memories that were made. She was famous for “Mema burgers,” long hugs and kisses and ending every conversation with “I love you!” She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Rickey Wells and wife, Amanda, Tokyo, Japan; Debbie Rollins and husband, Mike, Tomball, Texas; Doug Wells and wife, Kristi, Magnolia, Texas; and grandchildren, Robert Wells and wife, Amelia, Dallas, Texas; Alex Wells, Dallas, Texas; Chris Rollins and wife, Kelly, Santee, California; Casey Rollins and wife, Alyssa, Alvin, Texas; Crystal Rising and husband, Nolan, Tomball, Texas; Amanda Smith-Davis and husband Matt, Berlin, Maryland; and great grandchildren, Brodie, Andrew, Austin, Gabe, Ella, Callie, Arya, Miles, Everleigh; siblings Joyce Walker and husband, Rex, Joplin, Missouri; Carole (Puddy) Burnham and husband, Richard, Carl Junction, Missouri; Gary Stripling and wife, Beth, Waco, Texas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12th at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church, Joplin, Missouri with Pastor John Swadley officiating. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, October 11, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.