Mary Lou (Fry) Cotter Thurber, of Blue Springs, Missouri, born January 6, 1943, in Keosauqua, Iowa, completed her physical journey on 3/31/2023, due to pulmonary fibrosis. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial in Valley Memorial Cemetery, Grain Valley, Missouri. A Memorial Dinner will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. ~ The American Legion, 16701 East Highway 40, Independence, MO. 64055.
Mary grew up, was married 3/8/1959, and started a family with Stanley Cotter in Springfield, Missouri. After living in Longview, Texas 1967-1977, they moved to the Kansas City, Missouri area. In 2003 she married Alan Thurber.
She is predeceased by her father, Leonard Fry, mother, Betty (Reed) Fry Daugherty Hagenlock Mead; her brothers, Kenny Fry, Mike Fry and Randy Fry; her late son, Steven Cotter; and late nephew, Gene Deckard.
Beloved Sister, Cousin, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother, Mary was a member of the Living Church of God. Her commitment to God began with her baptism in March, 1964. Mary was a Para and Substitute Teacher. She enjoyed time with her family and friends, designing and making jewelry, watching Chiefs games, and travels to Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, and Costa Rico.
Mary will be greatly missed by her siblings, Kevin Daugherty, Kent Daughtery, Kelly Daugherty, and Charlie Daugherty; cousins, Dennilou Mills and Stanley Fry; former spouses Stan Cotter and Alan Thurber; children, Karla Cotter, Lisa McHendry, Alana Dennis (and spouse, Tom Dennis), and Stanley James Cotter (and spouse, Joby Jo Cotter); grandchildren, Joseph McHendry (and spouse, Amy McHendry), Dustin Rentfro, Nicole McHendry, Jesse Rentfro, and Benjamin Thurber; great-Grandchildren Kayden McHendry, Abram Rentfro, Zaylon McHendry, Alorah Rentfro, Atticus Rentfro; Nieces and Nephews Jesse Fry, Cassie Fry, Lindsay Fry, Kirby Fry, Diana Deckard, Jack Deckard (and spouse, Cindy Deckard), Tammy Deckard, Kathy (Deckard) Anthony (and spouse, Rich Anthony), Julie Cotter, Wayne Powers, Laura (Powers) Montgomery (and spouse, Matthew Montgomery), Missy (Mowers) Wantland, (and spouse, Evan Wantland), and Jandi (Mowers) Smith (and spouse, Eric Smith); and many dear and wonderful friends.
Obituary submitted by family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Denny and Larry Mills
5 Apr 2023Our thought are with all of Mary’s family. I have many happy memories of growing up and spending time with Mary and her brothers. As an adult we stay in contact though the years. I will miss her and remember the good times we had. I know her children will always remember her love and kindness. Love you!!!! Denny and Larry
Karla Cotter
6 Apr 2023Thank you very much, Denny and Larry! Your love and friendship are much appreciated! Mother was very fond of you and valued the friendship you shared, which was her longest-lasting!
Alana Maria Dennis
8 Apr 2023Thank you! Mom loved loved you both so very much. You were always in her thoughts and prayers!
Alana Dennis
8 Apr 2023I am so glad you stayed in contact as much as you did over the years! She loved you both very much.
Jackie Cooper
5 Apr 2023This is a beautiful write up! Mary was such a dear friend and will be sorely missed by all who’s lives she touched. She was a very special person.
Karla K Cotter
6 Apr 2023Thank you very much, Jackie! Mother loved you dearly!
Alana Dennis
8 Apr 2023Jackie,
Mom felt so close to you. I am glad she had such a good friend! Your friendship over the last 45 years made an impact on my mother to the extent that she felt your family was an extention of hers. She loved and adored your children and grandchildren.
Caren Garvin
5 Apr 2023Sincerest condolences to you Karla and your family
Karla Cotter
11 Apr 2023Thank you very much, Caren, for your condolences!
Kelly
6 Apr 2023So sorry to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful lady. I worked with her when she worked at the Winslow School. Sending prayers to all of her beloved family and friends 🙏.
Karla Cotter
10 Apr 2023Thank you, Kelly! My mother often spoke of the wonderful friendships she made in Winslow! She appreciated those friendships and enjoyed working with all of you!
Tracey Moennig
6 Apr 2023Karla, my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.
Karla Cotter
10 Apr 2023Thank you very much, Tracey, for your condolences! Your kindness and support and caring are a blessing, and greatly appreciated!
Carol Shippy. (Graves)
23 Apr 2023Mary was such a lovely and kind lady.
I will always remember her.
We will miss her.
Karla K Cotter
6 May 2023Thank you very much for your kind words, Carol!