Mary Alice Larsen
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Mary Alice’s Story
August 22, 1926-December 13, 2020
Mary Alice Larsen was born August 22, 1926 to Roy L and Anna (Paulsen) Larson in Irwin Iowa. She was the fourth child, with three older brothers and a baby sister. Mary made a lifelong commitment to Jesus and was baptized into Christ as a young teen. She graduated from Irwin High School in 1943.
Mary was united in marriage to Robert E (Bob) Larsen on March 14, l948 at the Irwin Church of Christ. They became parents to four daughters: Debra Jolene, Elizabeth Anne, Pamela Jean and Sarah Jane. They raised their Family in Omaha, Nebraska, where Bob was employed by the Omaha National Bank. Mary’s devotion to Christ was exemplified in her love and service to her Church, her Family and to everyone she met. She was an avid walker and became a member of a walking club in Omaha.
After thirty years of marriage, Bob and Mary separated, but she was not alone. God had prepared an abundant life for her in Joplin, Missouri. She went to work at Ozark Bible College and was embraced by Christ’s Church of Joplin. Mary was also an active volunteer for: Spring River Christian Village, American Rehabilitation Ministry and Watered Gardens Homeless Shelter.
Following the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011 Mary moved to Raytown, Missouri, where she lived for almost 10 years with her daughter, Debra and husband Tim. She became a beloved member of Westridge Christian Church, and an active participant of the ROC Fitness Center. Mary went Home to be with her Lord on the Third Sunday of Advent, the Day of Rejoicing, December 13, 2020. Mary Alice left a legacy of faith, love and joy for her daughters as well as a sincere desire for everyone she met to know Jesus and to someday, be with her in heaven.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Paul Lewis, Robert and Richard Larson, an infant daughter, and grandson Tim.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Debra and her husband Tim Leakey of Raytown MO, Beth Killion of Sprio OK, Pamela and husband Dan Cravens of Cedar Crest NM, Sarah and husband Lee Pedersen of Omaha NE; sister Dixie Ann Thompson of Elk Horn IA; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand child.
So sorry to hear this news. It is ironic…just yesterday, I was thinking about Mary and infectious laugh! Such great memories.
I will sorely miss Mary and her sweet and loving heart.
So sorry for your loss praying for you all as I remember Mary. I rejoice that she is with her beloved Savior and friend, Jesus. She will always hold a special place in our hearts here in Joplin at CCOJ. She was definitely a blessing to me and my family. We miss her but look forward to being with her again some day.
Debra,
Steve and I were so fond of your mom. She was such a sweet and kindhearted lady. We really enjoyed having her in our church life group one year. She always added so much to any gathering. We were talking one time, and I asked her about her life. She told me she played basketball in high school, which I thought was so cool!
Thank you for bringing Mary to Joplin and to CCOJ a few years ago. She was very much loved at our (her) church.
Beverly Lett
I never realized how much Beth looks like Mary… until I tried to watch this video through my tears! Mary was a beautiful woman, inside and out! She was a wonderful portion of my childhood… I am so sorry for your loss but I’m happy for her to finally receive her reward for a life well lived!!! I will plan on attending her services. (If you need help with lodging, let me know.)
I have great memories of the Mary and the girls. Hugs for all of you.