MARY LAWSON NAPTON SEARFOSS

"Her joy was her husband and family."

Mary Lawson Searfoss, 100 years, of Mexico, MO died Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the King's Daughters Home in Mexico.

Mary was born in Marshall, MO, on May 20, 1922, to John Reid Napton and Rebekah Boulware Napton. She attended Missouri Valley College until the outbreak of WWII when she entered the Cadet Nurse Corps for training at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO.

On May 28, 1944, Mary married Lt. Robert L. Searfoss, Jr. in Marshall, MO, at the Trinity Episcopal Church.  Mary and "Bob" had been High School sweethearts and were married for 73 years.

They moved to Mexico, MO in 1946, and built one of the first homes in Mexico after WWII.  Mary said that because of the war, Bob had a difficult time finding lumber so much of their home was built with recycled beams.

Mary was a homemaker and considered this her career. Along with raising their three children, Mary and Bob enjoyed traveling. They traveled all over the United States, Canada, and Europe.

From her first home on Boulevard and her homes on Love St. and Southmor, Mary planted and nurtured many varieties of flowers.  She delighted in sharing bouquets with friends and arranging them for the church altar.

Mary was skilled in knitting and sewing. She learned to knit from a neighbor in Marshall, MO, when she was 9 years old. Over the years, she taught many people to knit. She knitted hats for children attending Head Start, the Williams Center, the Children's Therapy and Early Education School, Birthright, the Public Health Center, and preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Her passion for knitting fanciful and colorful hats began after noticing children without caps in winter. The children in the Headstart Program nicknamed her 'The Hat Lady'.

Mary was an avid reader and a longtime member of The Friends of the Library. She was a grade school reading volunteer. She helped establish and was a faithful member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.

Surviving children are Robert Searfoss of Atlanta, GA and Becky (Dan) Botts of Fort Myers, FL. A son, John R. Searfoss is deceased.  Grandchildren are Seth C. (Carrie) Botts of Prosper, TX and John L. Botts of Las Vegas, NV, Erin (Nate) Hartung of Augusta, MO, and Lacey (Mike) Laue of Chesterfield, MO, and eight great-grandchildren.

There will be a private remembrance of Mary's life at the King's Daughters Chapel.  Memorials may be made to The King's Daughters Home.