Mary Witman

Mary Witman obituary, Joplin, MO

Mary Witman

Mary Witman Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Simpson Funeral Home - Webb City on Feb. 8, 2026.
Our beautiful mother, Mary Jeanette Witman, affectionately known to her loved ones as Jeanette, and lovingly called Janey by her father, passed away peacefully on the 5th of February 2026. She was born on April 9, 1936, in Garden City, KS, and lived a life defined by love, loyalty, faith, and quiet strength.

Mary was the steadfast rock of her family-a reliable and supportive presence who could always be counted on. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith in God and her unconditional love for her family.

She dedicated her career to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medication Aide (CMA), work that reflected her compassionate and giving spirit. When she wasn't tending to her patients, Mary found solace in her garden, cooking up a storm in her kitchen, and sewing in her younger years. Even as dementia brought challenges in her later years, she remained determined to stay active and engaged, a true reflection of her resilient spirit and unwavering determination.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lena Borst and Herman Ernest, and her dear siblings, Pauline Gottsch, Maxine Melton, LaVonne Dickens, Georgia Ware, and Boyd Ernest; her devoted husband, Richard Witman; her cherished daughter, Linda Witman; her beloved son-in-law, George Wehkamp; and her treasured grandson, Matthew Markel.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children: Patricia (Steve) Classen, Randy (Cleo) Witman, Brenda Wehkamp, Mike (Trang) Witman, Pam (Don) Markel, Greg (Ramona) Earnest, Mark (Marilyn) Witman, and Susan (Dan) Carter; twenty-six grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. Each carries forward Mary's enduring spirit of love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

A graveside service will be held at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 am. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to leave memories of Mary and upload photos to her memorial page. Through these remembrances, we honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Jeanette Witman, whose love will forever remain in our hearts.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Mary's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Witman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Mary Witman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?