Mary Evelyn Mechlin

1926 - 2020

Mary E. Mechlin, 94, of Macon, MO, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Samaritan Memorial Hospital in Macon.

Mary was born on February 1, 1926, in Meadville, MO, the daughter of Walker Douglas and Lula Mae (Vance) Shiflett. On February 5, 1948, in Meadville, MO, she was united in marriage to Melvin Mechlin.

Mary is survived by two sons, Dr. David Mechlin and his wife Ginny of Columbia, MO, and Larry Mechlin and his wife Belinda of Green Castle, MO; two daughters, Mary Lu Larson and her husband Craig of Carlton, WA and Amy Rehard and her husband Jim of Macon; twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother and one sister.

Mary’s great appreciation for land and the natural world began with her father whom she adored. Growing up in Meadville, the two spent time together hunting and fishing, on the farm in Linn County and on the Grand River – she treasured the time she shared with her Dad. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class in Meadville, sang as a soloist and played the violin during high school. Following graduation she lived for a time in Washington DC and worked in the Supreme Court building. She attended the University of Missouri, Columbia and graduated with a degree in Home Economics and eventually a Master of Fine Arts. She was a member of the University Singers at MU. Mary met her husband “Mech” while in college. They started a family while living in Mexico, MO where Mary began teaching at Mexico Public Schools. She continued her tenure in education following a move to Macon, and many remember her as the middle school and high school art instructor at Macon Schools.

Mary was gifted in so many ways. The tangible things – her paintings, ceramics and weaving were just a fraction of her talents. She was interesting and interested. She loved history and travel; and found joy in her children’s education, adventures and professions. Mary was a keen observer and adept at articulating what she saw into often very funny and honest analyses. She loved her home, Blue Stem Farms, which still reflects the beauty of a shared life with Mech.   Following Mech’s death, she found strength, inspiration and peace there and remained in her home with her loyal dog and companion, Mesa, until the time of her death.

A private family memorial will be held in the fall at Blue Stem Farms. In memory of Mary, the family suggests memorials to Samaritan Memorial Hospital.