Mary McElwee

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Lou McElwee, age 95, Joplin, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Wildwood Senior Living.

Mary was born March 5, 1927 in Parsons, Kansas, daughter of the late Raymond Loth and Alma (Reasor) Loth. She grew up in Parsons, and graduated from Parsons High School. 

She married Ivan McElwee on October 22, 1944, and the couple moved to Joplin in 1957. She was a stay-at-home mother who cooked three meals a day her whole adult life until the passing of her husband, Ivan, who passed in 2012. 

The most important thing to her was her family, and her faith. She was a member of Blendville Christian Church in Joplin for over 60 years where she was very active and made many friends. She loved to read, cook, sew, and was fond of dancing with Ivan and singing at church and with family. She loved her family deeply, and was a great role model for her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Ivan McElwee; and a daughter, Connie McElwee.

Survivors include her children, Marilyn Rush of Stilesville, Indiana, Rena Stout of Dalhart, Texas, Beth Armstrong of Joplin, Kim Miller and husband Scott also of Joplin, and her son, Dion McElwee and wife Kathy of Webb City; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with good friend and former business partner, Ron Jones officiating.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care given by the staff Wildwood Senior Living.