Mary Mooney

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mary Louise (Keyser) Mooney, 83, was welcomed into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on February 4, 2026, in Joplin, MO. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, and friends.

Born on October 20, 1942, to Herman and Daisy Keyser, she was raised in Galena, Kansas. Mary graduated from Galena High School, where she was a cheerleader. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Olin Mooney, on June 25, 1960 – a union that blossomed into more than 65 years of devoted marriage. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and service.

Faith was not simply a part of Mary’s life – it was the foundation of who she was. After Paul surrendered to the Gospel ministry, she became known as the sweetest pastor’s wife. For over 50 years, she served alongside her husband at churches in Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri. A devoted follower of Christ, she taught Sunday school to young children. In recent years, she worshiped at First Baptist Church in Galena, KS, where she was a faithful member.

Outside of her faith, Mary’s greatest joy was her family and friends. She was a loving and protective mother. To her grandchildren, she was Nanny, fun, full of laughter, and a gifted Bible storyteller. She also enjoyed meeting old friends at her annual high school class reunions.

Mary is survived by her husband, Paul Mooney of Joplin, MO; two daughters, Rebecca Polok of Galena, KS, and Paula (Lee) Harwell of Joplin, MO; one son, Craig (Angela) Mooney of Orlando, FL; 10 grandchildren: Aaron (Jenae) Polok, Angela (Adam) Owen, Kyle (Romy) Mooney, Ashley (Stephen) Galasso, Kaitlin (Jimmy) Burlison, Heather Frost, Nathan Tackket, Alex Harwell, Heidi Tackkett, and Christina Harwell. She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce (Deryl) Herren; one brother, Dean Keyser; one brother-in-law, Jim (Marilyn) Mooney; one sister-in-law, Barbara Watson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother and his wife, Herman (Mary Ellen) Keyser Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Earnest Watson and Willie Morgan; and one great-grandchild, Maverick Lee Barton.

On Monday, Feb. 9th, there will be a visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed by a worship service at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Galena, KS. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Galena.

The family requests that in honor of Mary, donations be made to a memorial fund at First Baptist Church, Galena.