Mary Elizabeth Mathes

Mary Elizabeth Mathes, of Rolla, MO, and formerly of Summersville, MO, entered into heaven with her family by her side, on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 85 years, 4 months, and 28 days. She was born January 12, 1940, in Bixby, MO, a daughter of the late Glen and Zoe (Crocker) Helms. On January 12, 1954, Mary was united in marriage to Verlon "Buster" Mathes who preceded her in rest on January 10, 2015. To this union six children were born, Linda Foster and husband Danny of Summersville, MO, Robin Harper and husband Monte of Rolla, MO, Patricia Gann and husband David of Steelville, MO, Cindy Mathes of Desloge, MO, Brent Mathes and wife Angel of Steelville, MO, all of whom survive, and Allen Mathes who preceded her in rest and wife barb Mathes who survives. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Brian and wife Paris, Chris and wife Kylie, Mikie, Jenna and husband David, Krista and husband Jarod, Jenny and husband Danny, Andy and wife Ashley, Travis and wife Kristen, Blake, Karter, Christian, Destiny, Jamie; 12 great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law George Civey, and many more loving family members and friends. She was preceded in rest by her parents, a son, Allen Mathes, two grandchildren, Amanda and Lucas, two brothers, Doyle Helms and wife Linda, and Paul Ray Helms, and two sisters, Charlene Civey and Glenda Hedgecoth and husband Don. Mary had a life which was filled with love and happiness. She was the true definition of a loving mother and grandmother, which could be seen by the way she cared for her grandchildren. Throughout the years while she owned and operated her own beauty shop, Mary’s Beauty Shop in Centerville, MO, she would always find and make time to spend watching and taking care of the babies. She loved the babies and they were her reason to get up in the mornings. Now we know how she loved to quilt, give pajamas for the kids on every Christmas, and always being glamour shot ready, but her passion was the babies. She loved to be needed and appreciated, and taking care of the babies, hers and others, was how she accomplished that. Mary was a wonderful lady who always looked her best, always wanted to help, was always full of love for her family and friends, and knew the value of family. Hers was a life that should be looked at and mirrored. Mary Elizabeth Mathes will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm from the Cole Family Funeral Home. A Visitation for friends and family to gather will be held on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 11:00 and lasting until 1:00 pm from the Cole Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow the services in the Boss Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the "Let Your Light Shine Scholarship Fund" in memory of Mary's granddaughter, Amanda Gann.

Mary Elizabeth Mathes

January 12, 1940 - June 9, 2025