Mary Lu Kilburn, 91, passed away September 2, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on June 2, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Kenneth and Lucille Payne.

Mary Lu enjoyed many things throughout her life. She loved birdwatching, taking care of her flowers, crafting, puzzling, traveling, and dancing. She was also known as a bit of a “snake wrangler,” never afraid to take care of whatever needed tending around the house. Mary Lu was a big fan of Tom Selleck and enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. Above all, Mary Lu loved and adored her family most of all.

Mary Lu is survived by her daughter, Luan Killman and husband Mike; grandchildren, Amanda Gregg and husband Jim, Adrienne Price and husband William, Clint Snider and wife Heather, Brett Snider and wife Jennifer, Ashley Estes and husband Robert, Orin Snider and wife Desiree, Russell Asher, Tiffanie Elliot, Kristina Pohlenz and husband Daniel, James Snider and wife Erica, John K. Snider, Kimberlie Mitchell and husband Austin, Timothy Snider and wife Hannah, Elizabeth Taliferro and husband Kevin, Chelsey Cumpton, and Cassandra Dunn and husband Daniel; 28 great-grandchildren; a handful of great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Brenda Snider; nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

Mary Lu is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lucille Payne; husband of 46 years, Max Kilburn; sons, Raymond Snider and John S. Snider; and brother, Kenny Payne.

Visitation will be 5:00PM-7:00PM, Friday, September 11, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 10:00AM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, with burial to follow at Ash Grove Cemetery.