Mary Elizabeth McWilliams

Mary Elizabeth McWilliams, 87, Carthage, Missouri, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Oak Pointe of Carthage. She was born on May 3, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of the late Forrest Miller and Lucille (Burrow) Miller.
A proud 1956 graduate of Carthage High School, Mary's early life was deeply rooted in the community she would come to serve in many capacities. After completing her education, she joined her family's business, Miller's Dairy, where she developed a strong work ethic that would define her professional and personal life. Mary's career path later led her to the Carthage R-9 School District, where she served as a dedicated secretary, eventually working in the superintendent's office until her well-deserved retirement. Mary married the love of her life, Ken McWilliams, on October 20, 1957 in Carthage, Missouri. Together they shared 59 years of love and creating memories until his passing on March 12, 2017.
Mary's life was marked by her involvement and leadership, as evidenced by her role as a class officer for the Carthage Class of 1956. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Carthage. Her passion for life was contagious, and she found great joy in supporting her grandchildren at their sporting events, a testament to her loving nature. Mary's love for her family was the cornerstone of her existence, and she cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was at the lake, on shopping trips, or simply gathered around the kitchen table enjoying her renowned cooking. Known for her friendly demeanor and generous spirit, Mary never missed an opportunity to extend her warmth to others. Her culinary skills were legendary among family and friends, and her dishes were a comforting presence at countless gatherings, leaving a legacy of recipes and memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
Survivors include her daughters, Pamela Doerksen (Randy), Hutchinson, Kansas, Debbie Burgi (John), Carthage, Missouri, Diane McWilliams, Carthage, Missouri, and Julie Ellis (Tom), Aurora, Missouri; her grandchildren, Addy Burgi, Kellie Cox, Kevin Burgi (Carrie), Kyle Doerksen (Angela), Chris Ellis (Brandy), and Jamie Foster (Chris); her great-grandchildren, Hannah Moss (Mikael), Ellie Burgi, Olivia Burgi, Brooks Burgi, Brynlee Burgi, Trey Foster (Maddie), Jacob Foster, Landon Ellis (Gracie), and Whitley Doerksen; her great-great-grandchildren, Walker Foster, Quincy Ellis, and Oliver Moss; her sister, Priscilla Six (Charlie); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends, will forever remember her loving presence. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Vera Jean McNew.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at Three Rivers Hospice for their unwavering support and compassionate care over the last four years. We can't thank them enough for the love they have shown our Mom, and for the support they have been to our family during this time.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The burial will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Friday, November 21, 2025 at Knell Mortuary. Memorial gifts are suggested to The Parkinson's Foundation in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.