Mary J. Counts, 75, of Lebanon, died Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Lebanon.
She was born August 15, 1949, in La Habra, California to James Herbert and Reona Alene (Williams) Childers.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents.
In 1966 she was united in marriage to Jay Green and on November 13, 1984, she was united in marriage to David Counts.
Mary worked hard to help provide for her family. Often she worked more than one job at a time. She worked as a seamstress for H.D. Lee company for many years, making life long friends and memories. She also worked at several local restaurants, including Stonegate Station and Wyota, as well as Russell Stover Candies, for a period of time, before retiring to become a homemaker. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her husband and family. They were her deepest joy and greatest accomplishments.
She attended Sleeper Pentecostal Church, as long as her health permitted.
Mary is survived by her husband, David H. Counts of the home; daughters, Marta McMillin and husband Lee, Greta Patten and Blake Bearden and Karen Calhoun and husband Clint, all of Lebanon; bonus children, Stephanie Garrison and husband Curtis of Walnut Shade, Mo., David Counts and wife Jan of Ozark, Mo. and Richard Counts and wife Lisa of Manchester, Mo.; grandchildren, Kelsey Shockley and husband Kameron, Caitie Calhoun and fiancée Brooke Hall, Karsyn Myers and husband Blake, Joseph McMillin and wife Aspynn, Graysen Patten, Cole Patten, Haley Counts and fiancée Mallory Rose, Spencer Counts, Henry Counts, Taner Garrison, Justin Garrison, Caleb Garrison, Courtney Stutenkemper and husband Devon and Emily Essary and husband Daniel; great-grandchildren, Curry and Harper Shockley, Cruze Calhoun, Leo McMillin, Karly Garrison, Rogan, Ryder, Ryatt and Reece Stutenkemper and Clara and Archer Essary, one great-grandson, Barrett Myers, due any day; one sister, Linda Lamberty and husband Gary of Green Valley, Ariz.; one niece, Lori Malcolm and husband Kurt of Colorado; one nephew, Steve Lamberty and wife Rebecca of Arizona; several aunts, uncles and cousins, other family and many friends.
Funeral services for Mary J. Counts will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. There will be a private burial at Hufft Cemetery, under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Visitation will be held beginning at 6:00 until 7:30, also at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Memorials have been suggested to COPE House, Salvation Army or Crosslines Ministry. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.