Mary Sue Dines

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Sue Dines, age 86, of Carl Junction, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with her family by her side.

Mary Sue was born on September 13, 1939, in Joplin, MO, to the union of Daris LeRoy Irelan and Nelda Viola (Hackney) Irelan. She grew up with a vibrant spirit and a deep love for her family that would define her entire life. 

Throughout her years, she brought warmth, dedication, and a distinct, unforgettable presence to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She graduated from Carl Junction High School and was an executive secretary at Eagle Picher. She played the drums in her high school marching band, and she also played the violin. She enjoyed putting on roller-skating performances and was in competitions. 

In 1972, she married Jim Dines, the love of her life. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and adventure. They enjoyed traveling, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, spending time outdoors, and especially making memories at Beaver Lake. Mary Sue was famous for her hospitality, always ensuring there was enough food to feed an army and room for everyone around her table. The Fourth of July was her favorite holiday, celebrated each year with family and friends watching fireworks from the boat. An accomplished water skier, she delighted in teaching visitors how to ski and helping them create memories of their own. 

She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri, since 1988. Her church family was a treasured part of her life, and her faith provided the foundation for the love and compassion she shared so freely with others. She never stopped serving others. She generously gave her time and talents to her community, serving on the boards of the YMCA and Twin Hills Country Club. 

She was actively involved in her children's schools, where her warm smile, kind heart, and comforting presence made a lasting impression on countless students and families. Even today, many of her children's friends fondly remember her kindness and encouragement. Above all else, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her two children and a beloved "Nanny" to her grandchildren. She embodied unconditional love and unwavering support. No accomplishment was too small to celebrate, and no challenge was faced alone when she was there. Her face would light up whenever she spoke about her children and grandchildren, and she took immense pride in every milestone and success in their lives.

Mary Sue joins in rest her beloved grandchildren: her fourteen-year-old grandson, Laken Murdock and her two infant grandchildren, Jessica Bowers and Greyson Dines, who were born asleep.

Mary Sue was also preceded in death by her beloved first husband, Jim Dines, with whom she shared her life, raised her family, and built a beautiful foundation of love as the father of her children. Later in life, she was blessed with a rare second chance at love that most people never get to experience; in her later years, she found romance and marriage again with her last husband, Jeff Wilson, who also preceded her in death.

Mary Sue is survived by her two children, Kristina Dines, of Joplin, MO, and Kyle Dines and wife, Teresa, of Sherwood, AR; five grandchildren, Tyler Bowers, Blake Bowers, Katie Mrudock, Bradyn Dines and Kayla Dines; as well as a large extended family of cousins whom she loved as dearly as siblings and children.

The family has requested that if you could wear something yellow in honor of Mary Sue.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Funeral Services to follow at 2:00 p.m. with pastor Chris Ramstad officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery with Kyle Dines, Blake Dines, Tyler Bowers, Joe McWethy and Bradyn Dines serving as pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.