Mary Elizabeth Bethards

Mary Elizabeth Bethards, age 85, a resident of Duncan, Oklahoma, former resident of Laredo, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Duncan Regional Hospital, Duncan, Oklahoma.

Mary was born the daughter of Max Vernon and Lucille Rose (Reeder) Marrs on June 1, 1940, in Gary, Indiana. She was a 1958 graduate of Laredo High School. Mary was united in marriage to Jack Bethards on November 27, 1957 in Chillicothe, Missouri. He preceded her in death on December 14, 1998.

Mary was a waitress, and at one time she even owned her own business. She enjoyed fishing and camping. She loved to feed the wild birds and watch old Western movies. Mary really enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by two sons, Rex Everett Bethards and wife, Tammy of Duncan, Oklahoma and Rodney Earl Bethards of Dawn, Missouri; ten grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Marrs of Trenton, Missouri and Gerald Marrs and wife, Vickie of Chillicothe, Missouri; one sister, Margaret Warren of Chula, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; her daughter, Terri Elizabeth Bethards.

Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.