Mary Putnam

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Kathryn Churchwell-Putnam, 84, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on April 22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, following a brief illness. She was born on November 23, 1941, in Mexico, Missouri, and lived a full life. 

Mary was a feisty, outspoken woman, but she had a kind heart for the ones she loved. She was always known for saying it as she saw it, good or bad, but at least you knew where you stood.

Mary was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Dorothy Ellis Byram. She grew up with strong family values that remained with her throughout her life. She went to Joplin High School with the Class of 1959 and later attended secretarial school at Joplin Junior College. Her education helped prepare her for a career of service and responsibility, and she carried herself with the professionalism and grace that became part of her character.

Mary worked as the office manager for Dr. Alice Wilson of Joplin, Missouri, where she was known for her dependability, organization, and kind manner. She took pride in her work and was respected by those around her for her steady presence and willingness to help wherever needed. Her career reflected the same care and attention she gave to her family and friends.

Mary was a woman who valued family, friendship, and the simple joys of everyday life. She loved to travel, shop, (especially at Kohl’s), and found happiness in cooking and spending time working in her flower gardens. These interests brought her joy and gave her opportunities to share her love with others through meals, conversation, and the beauty she created around her home.

She is survived by her husband, David Putnam of Joplin, Missouri; her son, Calvin Churchwell and his wife, Becky, of Carl Junction, Missouri; son, Chris Churchwell and his wife, Christine, of Joplin, Missouri; daughter, Lori Alburty and her husband, John, of Joplin, Missouri; daughter, Jerri Daniels of Seneca, Missouri; her sister, Beverly Stitt and her husband, Dennis, of Grand Junction, Colorado; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mary cherished her family deeply and took great joy in each generation that followed her, especially her grandson Paul and cat Tigger.

She was preceded in death by Clarence Churchwell, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage, as well as her son, Stephen Crane, and her brother, Clyde Byram.

A time of celebration will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Granny Shaffer’s Restaurant in Joplin, Missouri. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either Joplin Association for the Blind or Joplin Humane Society, both in care of the mortuary.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.