Mary Frances (Watkins) Fowler

Mary Frances Fowler passed away Monday, July 18, 2022, at Truman Healthcare in Lamar, Mo. She was born the second of two children to William (Bill) and Grace Watkins in Porterville, Calif.

She wed the love of her life, Larry Floyd Fowler on June 26, 1959, after meeting in high school. Mary had survived Cancer, however, after a decade of battling Alzheimer’s she finally succumbed to the terrible affliction. She looked forward to being reunited with her Love and living together in Jehovah’s Kingdom.

Mary's advanced Alzheimer's required her placement in a facility that separated the “Forever Honeymooners” after 61 plus years of marriage. To this union were born five children. Terry (Tami) Fowler of Hillsdale, Kan., Larry (DaLynne) Fowler of Nevada, Mo., Perry (Kelly) Fowler of Sheldon, Mo., Sherry (David) Lindsay of Nevada, Mo., and Mary Jane (Larry) McHenry of Nevada, Mo. They had also accumulated 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Larry, was a lifelong farmer and she excelled at being the “Farmer's Wife." Her family was always well cared for, and she was an excellent cook and baker. She kept a clean house, maintained a garden, and helped with the farming. Whether it was by moving equipment, hauling hay, or feeding all the neighbors/crew generous portions of her wonderful food when it came time to work cattle! She and her husband were respected by the community.

Eventually Mary started working outside the home. She managed at Jerry's IGA and Deli in Sheldon, Mo. She worked at the original Walmart in Nevada, Mo. But the job she enjoyed most and is probably most remembered for is cooking for the Sheldon, Mo., school system. She loved the kids and made lifelong friends there.

Many people will fondly remember Larry and Mary at one of their favorite pastimes, as the couple that could be guaranteed to be the first, and last, pair on the dance floor. It was pure joy to watch them dance as they made it look so fluid and easy. The world was their dance floor. It was a common sight to see them dancing in their kitchen, living room, barn, back yard, etc. The only thing they needed was music and preferably a floor that was slick, just, not too slick!

Mary was also a member of the Nevada/Lamar Jehovah's Witnesses and will be missed by her many friends there as well.

She was an amazing Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Aunt, spending time with her family, reading, cooking, sewing and crocheting.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, four days shy of 18 months; she was also preceded by her parents; one brother, Bill and his wife Linda, both of Nevada, Mo.

She is survived by her children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law; several cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of her life at the family farm on Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in her name to Sheldon School system in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.