Mary left this life on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at The Maples Health & Rehabilitation, in Springfield, MO, after suffering her final stroke.

Mary Louese Neill was born January 14, 1931 to William Jacob (Jake) and Emily Carolyn (Carrie) Dunn, in Dadeville, MO.

Mary Lou (as many called her) lived in the Dadeville/Bona area the majority of her life. She married James (Jim) Lawrence Neill on August 5, 1949. They were married for 45 years, until Jim passed away July 17, 1994. To this union, 2 children were born James Randall (Randy) & Cynthia (Cindy) Louese.

Mary and Jim worked very hard as farmers, raising cattle, combining fescue, cutting hay, and numerous other chores on their farms in Dade, Cedar, and Polk counties. They owned the Neill Century Farm in Dade County and were very proud of that.

Mary leaves behind a daughter, Cindy Shikany and her family, son-in-law Pat Shikany, grandsons Parlie (Maggie) and Michael (Toni) Shikany, and great granddaughter Hallie. Daughter-in-law, Becky Neill Williams and her family, husband Kay Williams, grandsons Bryan (Kortnee) and Eric (Holly) Neill, great grandsons, Jacob, Leif, and Kane. Numerous family and friends.

Mary’s family who preceded her in death include: her parents Jake and Carrie Dunn, husband Jim, son Randy, grandson, Brandon Neill. Her siblings, Annette Leaming and Harold Dunn. Also, long time friend, Raymond (Ray) Daniels.

Mary loved singing throughout her life. She sang in quartets from Dade for many years. When she moved to Springfield, she joined the Young at Heart Group from the Northview Senior Center. They sang at nursing homes, daycares, and assisted living facilities weekly.

Mary was very involved with the Northview Senior Center and Northside Christian Church, where she met her longtime friend Ray Daniels. They enjoyed working events at the Senior Center, travelling to Bluegrass festivals, and grandsons sporting events.

In lieu of flowers, please send a charitable donation to the Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation at cfozarks.org.