Mary Lou Horton, 96, of Strafford, Missouri, passed from this life September 6, 2026.  She was born July 26, 1930, in Springfield, Missouri, to Albert and Leota (Blair) Whittaker.

Mary Lou married Herbert Horton June 8, 1947, and they made their home in Springfield raising three children, David, Karen, and Mark.  They enjoyed camping and traveling.  A member of Bryant Ridge Church, Mary Lou enjoyed her church family and was very resolute and faithful to her Lord.

An exceptional homemaker, Mary Lou cherished her family always baking cakes and pies for special occasions and particularly baking and decorating Christmas cookies with the grandkids.  If you could keep up with her, she loved going to Silver Dollar City and all the Branson shows, activities, and local craft shows.  Every Thursday you could find Mary Lou playing cards with Ronnie, Jean, and Donna, which she truly enjoyed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert C. Horton in 2013; a son, David C. Horton in 2001; her parents; three brothers, Theodore Shelly, Albert Shelly, and Clifford Shelly.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Karen Butts and husband, Darrell; son, Mark Horton and wife, Lou Ann, all of Strafford; eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and five great-great-grandchildren with one on the way.

A funeral service for Mary Lou will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole St. in Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.