Mary Annette Caskey, age 70, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2026, at The Maples Health & Rehabilitation. Mary was born on November 6, 1955, in Springfield, MO, to Louie Smith and Ruby Smith.

She was always known for her hard work and stubborn nature in everything she did-from lumberjack competitions with log rolls, to learning how to ride a bike with vision in only one eye, a task she deemed one of the hardest she ever accomplished, to even driving three hours one way to see a movie while raising her children in Wyoming. Her children, Zeke and Michelle, were always her greatest accomplishment. Together, they share the bond of knowing their mom would do anything for them, and they want her to know how thankful they are.

Mary was a sports lover, especially when it came to the MSU Bears. The family shares fond memories of attending many Lady Bears basketball games, and watching NFL games together. However, Mary did not discriminate against any sport and also loved tennis and softball. Her colorful language and spirited personality will certainly be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her best.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Smith; father, Louie Smith; and older sisters Tawnya and Bonnie. She is survived by her son Zeke Caskey with his wife Laura and their daughter Izabella; daughter Michelle Simons and her husband Curtis; her life partner of 30 years, Norma Marcus and her daughter Katie; siblings Teresa, Lawana, Kermit, and Keith; and a whole host of friends and family.

There are no services planned for Mary at this time, as the family wishes to hold their own memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead make a memorial contribution in Mary’s honor to The Bears Fund which goes toward student athletics.
https://www.missouristatefoundation.org/Donors/BearsFund/default.htm