Mary Elaine McGinnis

1929 - 2025

Mary Elaine McGinnis (née Franchett), age 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Lebanon. Born on Oct. 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Kansas, Mary lived a wonderful life defined by family, resilience, service, and unwavering faith.

A lifelong homemaker with the heart of a pioneer, Mary's family always came first in her life, and they gave her the greatest joy. She had seven children, whom she loved dearly. Mary never let convention or challenge stand in her way. She broke barriers as the first female bus driver for the Marion C. Early School District in Morrisville - a role she embraced with determination and pride. Her dedication to education continued as she drove Polk County students to vocational school in Louisburg, ensuring young people had access to opportunities that could shape their futures.

When her children had grown and left home, Mary embarked on a new chapter by earning her Missouri Real Estate license. She quickly distinguished herself as one of the top salespeople at Carol Jones Realtors. Later, after moving to Bolivar, she joined Peterson Real Estate and continued her successful career. Her leadership and commitment to excellence led her to serve as president of the Polk County Real Estate Association. For a period of about eight years, Mary lived in New Orleans, where she worked as a school secretary and was very active in St. Matthews Catholic Church.

Mary's deep Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered tirelessly on various committees. Her devotion extended to serving on the church board and playing a key role in the Sacred Heart Church building committee. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her life and inspired all who knew her.
Even into her 80s and 90s, Mary gave generously of her time and energy. She volunteered at the Alpha House in Bolivar and worked several days a week at the Bolivar Senior Center. Always looking out for others, she often drove fellow seniors to doctor appointments, church services, shopping trips, and community events-offering not just transportation but companionship and kindness.

Mary's legacy is carried on by her children, Ricki Rigby of River Ridge, Louisiana, Richard McGinnis and his wife Danna of Shawnee, Kansas, Mike McGinnis of Dunnegan, and Pat McGinnis and his wife Debbie of Lebanon. She is also remembered by her sisters Theresa Brown (Jim) and Sister Katherine Franchett (SCL), as well as sisters-in-law Gladys Franchett (Paul), and Marcia Franchett (Philip); her grandchildren, Brittany, Riley (Diana), Erin (Chris), Courtney (Jordan), Jeffrey (Amber), Jordan (Luciana), Caleb, Michael (Justine), Kevin, Scott (Lori), Troy (Dayna), Shane (Deanna), Leah (Marcus), Jennifer (Mark), and Bobby; her great-grandchildren, Boone, Emily, Jenni, Justin, Morgan, Connor, Gavin, Troy Jr., Mackenzie, Heidi, Chloe, Coleman, Paige, Jacob, Avery, Eli, Oliver, Milo, and Noah; her great-great-grandchildren, Emmett, and Roy.

She now joins in eternal rest her beloved husband, Richard McGinnis; daughters, Cindy McGinnis and Diana Morton; son Allen McGinnis; parents Ed and Gladys Franchett; brothers Gene Franchett, Philip Franchett, Paul Franchett; son-in-law Les Rigby; and John Pfitzner.

Mary was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her strength of spirit, love for life, and boundless generosity left an indelible mark on everyone she met-from family members to coworkers to fellow parishioners and friends.

Those who knew Mary will remember her as an inspiration-a kind and loving person that organized bake sales with joy, hosted Sunday dinners with warmth, and brought people together through compassion and grace. Her ability to see the good in others was a gift that uplifted countless lives.
Mary is now in heaven, reunited with family and friends. She very likely is organizing committees, Sunday gatherings and social activities. God called her home as he needed someone with her strength, abilities, and organizational skills.

May Mary's memory bring comfort to all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation and rosary service will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar. Burial will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Karlin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alpha House.