Mary Lee Maples, age 80, of Springfield, passed away on November 22, 2022, at Quail Creek in Springfield. Mary was born to Earl and Blanche (Terry) Chapman on November 7, 1942, in Gainesville, Missouri. She spent much of her childhood in Protem, a small community in southeastern Taney County, before moving to the Rogersville area. Mary graduated from Logan-Rogersville High School in 1960. Shortly after high school, Mary was united in marriage to Wilford Dean Maples on August 23, 1964, in Kansas City, Kansas. The couple shared 58 years of marriage before Wilford’s untimely passing in June of this year. Mary and Wilford were blessed with six children, one stepson, and one stepdaughter.

For many years, Mary worked in the healthcare field as a nurses aid. During her time as a nurses aid, Mary attended to the care and well-being of countless patients. Her compassionate bedside manner, empathetic personality, and attention to detail contributed to her overall success as a nurses aide. Outside of work, Mary had several hobbies and interests that brought her a great deal of personal satisfaction. Nothing, however, gave her more joy and fulfillment than being a mother and grandmother. The adoration she had for her family was truly remarkable and immeasurable. Beyond her focus on the family, Mary was a talented quilter and seamstress who put love in every stitch. As a gardener, Mary’s flowers were the envy of all who knew her. Fewer activities brought her more joy and excitement than a simple game of Bingo. She loved butterflies, bluegrass and gospel music, the color purple, and her Bible. Mary loved to read her Bible, study the scriptures, and be in prayer with the Lord. Mary’s faith was very important to her as was attending the Sac River Cowboy Church, a place where the focus is always on building a stronger relationship with Jesus and each other.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Blanche Chapman; husband, Wilford Maples; son, James Maples; stepdaughter, Lindy Maples; sister, Shirley Pilkinton; brother, Bobby Chapman; and brother, Mike Chapman. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Manning; son, Jeffrey Maples and wife Debra; daughter, Kimberly Luttrell and husband Douglas; son, Donnie Maples and wife Shonna; son, Ronnie Maples; stepson, Justin Maples and wife Patty; brother, Richard Chapman; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Mary Lee Maples will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N. National Ave). A funeral service, officiated by Access Hospice Chaplain Doug Delp, will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 pm. Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield (5234 W. Division St).