Mary Louise (Soetaert) Drury 67, a resident of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation Center, Kansas City, MO on August 3, 2021. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, 400 SE 14th St, Oak Grove, MO, 64075 on Monday, August 9, 2021, with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oak Grove Athletic Booster Club (OGABC).
Mary was born on October 17, 1953, in North Kansas City, MO, to Emil and Helen Soetaert. She grew up in Sugar Creek, MO and was the youngest of three daughters. Mary had one son, Scott. On August 1, 1981, Mary married the love of her life, Brian, who had three children, Jim, Rick, and Steve.
Mary moved to Oak Grove and fell in love with the community where she became an active member of the Oak Grove Athletic Booster Club. Over the years she held several positions and gained an abundance of long-term friendships working the endless events they held.
Throughout the years, Mary enjoyed working in her yard and decorating the home. She was always willing to listen to good music, hunt antiques, and enjoy life to its fullest. Mary and Brian were best friends, spending 27 years of retirement together partnering in so many similar hobbies.
While in Florida of 2017, Brian passed away and Mary lost a huge part of her life. She worked hard to continue his legacy. Many times, you could find her visiting Brian and cleaning their headstone while telling him about her day. She now can reunite with Brian to celebrate just a few days past what would have been their 40th wedding anniversary.
One of the greatest characteristics Mary possessed was her ability to connect with people, it was engrained in her. Many people have said she was quick to make friends and nurture the relationship. She was a dedicated person and was never shy about meeting a stranger. She lived by the Golden Rule, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, sister Linda Ladd, and Matthew Saunders.
Mary is survived by her son, Scott and Shelly of Kansas City, MO; and three stepsons: Jim and Susan of Higginsville, MO, Rick of El Paso, TX, and Steve and Kim of Oak Grove, MO. She was also loved by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anywhere you saw Mary, her dog Grace was always close by her side and that will never change.
Thank you to the care team at Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation Center who appreciated, cared, and loved her until the time she entered into eternal peace.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Dean K “Rocky” Buford
9 Aug 2021Your mother was a kind caring person way back in elementary school (Bryant School) in Independence. I did not know her well because in 6th grade boys stayed on one side of room and girls were on the other side. You had to be brave to talk to girls and I was not very brave in those days. My prayers go out to your family. May God be with you.
Scott Hayes
30 May 2022Rocky, thank you for your kind words. The memories of your past are appreciated. As her son Scott, I thank you for sharing.
Sherry (Brown) Brison
24 Nov 2021I was so surprised to hear that Mary had passed away. We were best friends in high school and spent many times together. I am sorry for the family left here but always remember the memories you have of her and what she meant to you all. That is what she would want you all to do.
Scott Hayes
30 May 2022Sherry, thank you for the kind words. I remember my mom mentioning your name. Miss her daily.