Mary Elizabeth Harding

Mary Elizabeth Harding, born on August 14, 1927, in Southwest City, Missouri, departed this life on July 17, 2025, at her home in Jay, Oklahoma, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a remarkable life rooted in love, faith, and service, and was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.

Mary was best known for her unwavering commitment to her family, raising eight children with strength and grace. Among her many proud accomplishments was teaching her children how to swim—a simple yet powerful reflection of her nurturing spirit. She was frugal in all things but one: her love, which she gave freely and abundantly to family and friends. Her home was always a place of warmth, made special by her fabulous cooking and the joy she found in serving others.

Mary’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A dedicated woman of prayer, she also served as a Sunday School teacher, gently guiding others in their spiritual journeys. She found joy in the beauty of nature, especially flowers—cherishing them all, though red roses held a special place in her heart. That love of beauty reflected the kindness and warmth she shared with everyone she met.

Mary is survived by her sons: William Harding Jr., James Harding and wife Cheryl, and David Eugene Harding and wife Becky; her daughters: Linda Thompson, Laurel Clark, Sharon (Jeannie) Stiles, and Rebecca Chuma. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters: JoAnn Bussear, Sarah Jean Statler and husband Richard, Donna Brown, and Wanda Pittaway, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland and Winnifred (Clark) Miller; her husband of 72 years, Billy Harding; her daughter, Mary Jo Harding; her brother, Glenn Miller; and three sons-in-laws, Bill Stiles, Henry Thompson and Robert Witzel, daughter-in law Angelina Harding.

A visitation for Mary will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 PM at Southwest City First Baptist Church, located at 719 N Main Street, Southwest City, Missouri. She will be laid to rest at Polson Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home of Grove, Oklahoma.

Memorial donations can be made in Mary's name to the Gideons International; Delaware County Camp, PO Box 453082 - Grove, OK 74344