Obituary of Mary Louise Stapp Willbanks

Mrs. Mary Louise Stapp Willbanks passed away on July 24, 2022, at her home in Roach, Missouri, with her niece by her side.

Mary Willbanks was born in Springfield, Missouri to Thomas Burton Stapp Sr. and Sarah Estella Shaw Stapp on October 20, 1934. Following her high school graduation, she moved to California for several years before returning to Springfield.

After a whirlwind romance of only 4 months, Mary married the love of her life, Paul “Pete” Wesley Willbanks on June 22, 1957. They were married for 63 wonderful years.

Mary faithfully worked for Lily-Tulip for 31 years, after which she and Pete had an early retirement to their home in Roach, Missouri. They tirelessly worked side by side remodeling their home on Little Island at Lake of the Ozarks.

Mary loved the Little Island community and was a member of New Comers for many years and also served several years at the community polling place. Mary enjoyed playing cards and played every week for over 20 years with a close group of ladies whom she loved and they loved her. She never knew a stranger and was loved by everyone.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete; a brother, Billy Richard Stapp; a sister, Frances Lorene Stapp Hogan; a brother-in-law Charles Wesley Hogan; and a sister-in-law Geraldine Storey Stapp.

She is survived by a son, Keith Maycock (Stacey) of Riverside, California, a granddaughter, Nicole Maycock of San Diego, California, a brother, Thomas Burton Stapp Jr. of Page, Arizona, a sister-in-law Vonda June Blakely of Bryant, Arkansas, several nieces and nephews, the community of Little Island whom she claimed as family, and many, many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Compassus Hospice, which did a tremendous job of caring for Mary in the last several months. We will always be grateful for the excellent care given to her and the compassion they showed.

Graveside services are on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 2:00 pm at White Chapel in Springfield, Missouri. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri.