Mary Catherine Havener, 73, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 pm Monday, April 7, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Burial in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Contributions can be made to Great Plains or Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary.
Mary was born August 6, 1951in Springfield, Illinois to Leonard Irvin Sanders and Vertie Mae (Vollintine) Sanders. She retired from the state of Illinois after 30 dedicated years. She had a love for animals which led her to volunteer at Great Plains for over 10 years. Mary volunteered at Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary for over 5 years. She fostered over 100 dogs. Mary loved the holidays and time with family. She would always start her Christmas shopping the day after Christmas. Mary’s family was very important to her. She will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harrison Havener; brother-in-law, Bennie Holder; and nieces, Shelly Gross and Catherine Payne
Mary is survived by her daughter, Michele (Raymond) Parsons; grandson, Chance (Halley) Parsons; granddaughter, Allicia (Jesse McBee) Ventresca; grandson, Brady Parsons; one great-grandson, Gavin Parsons; one great-granddaughter, Summer who is due in April.; sister, Wanda Sanders; brother, Alvin (Ethel) Sanders; sister, Virgina Holder; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441