Mary Perry's Obituary
Mary Irene (McClaskey) Perry, 88, of Ozark, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Ozark Nursing and Care Center in Ozark.
Mary was born to Millard and Irene (Elam) McClaskey on April 7, 1937 in Milan, Missouri. She grew up on the family farm with her younger sister Mildred and attended her early schooling in a one-room schoolhouse. She received her education from Milan High School graduating in 1954. After high school, Mary began classes at Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College in Kirksville, Missouri. She met a handsome airman on a blind date. They quickly became a couple and Mary married Roger Perry on November 3, 1955 in his hometown of Centerville, Iowa. They had three children; Steven, Ruth and Rebecca. While they called Centerville home during most of their sixty years of married life, they traveled many places during Roger's years in uniform. In addition to numerous stateside assignments, they lived in Okinawa and the Philippines. Upon Roger's retirement and return to Centerville in 1974, Mary worked in the retail industry for many years as a salesperson.
Mary was a wonderful neighbor and a great cook. Apparently, she made the best fried chicken in the family. When her children and grandchildren were home for a visit, Mary would make their favorite dishes and usually an extra special dessert. Mary enjoyed gardening, spending time picnicking at Rathbun Lake with Roger, taking care of their dogs, playing games such as cribbage and spending time with her grandchildren. In her later years, Mary enjoyed talking with her visitors and loving on those caring for her at the Ozark Nursing and Care Center.
Mary was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church, Centerville, Iowa. She would often share a favorite Bible verse during a conversation and she read Daily Bread for many years.
Survivors include her three children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren: son, Steven Perry (Carrie) of Ozark, Missouri, daughter, Ruth Ann Smith (Gary) of Junction City, Kansas, daughter, Rebecca Colson (John Yates) of Ozark, Missouri, granddaughter, Melissa Smith (Ashley Green) of Bella Vista, Arkansas, grandson, Kyle Colson (Jessica) of San Antonio, Texas and three great grandchildren, Ava & Leo Colson of San Antonio and Rainleigh Lynch of Ozark, Missouri. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and her husband.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow at Haines Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association, the COPD Foundation, or the Ozark Nursing and Care Center, Ozark, MO. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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