Mary Oleta Towe Rhudy, 88, of Ash Grove, passed away Wednesday evening, August 17, 2016 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Mary, the daughter of Fred Allen Towe and Ethel Mae (McFarland) Towe, was born on November 16, 1927 in Cassville. During her life she drove her own grain truck, was a waitress, bookkeeper, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an avid bowler and had just finished the summer league. She was of the Methodist faith. As children she had her sister sang gospel duets.

She married Howard Kenneth Rhudy on June 5, 1948 in New Mexico. They had two children and spent 67 years together.

She was preceded in death by husband Howard, father Fred, mother Ethel Mae, and her sister Helen.

She is survived by son Randy and wife Susan Rhudy of Ash Grove; Rhonda and spouse Cindy Solomonson of Grand Junction, CO; three grandchildren, Jennie Newberry and husband Bryan Newberry of Nixa, Chris Rhudy of wife Ann Hanson of Chicago, Ryan Rhudy and wife Kinsey Rhudy of Willard; four great-grandchildren, Caleb Graham, Aiden Newberry, Ava Newberry, and Parker Rhudy; a nephew Jimmy Caldwell and a niece Denise Caldwell Blackmore of Ulysses, K.S.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday August 27, in Wilson-Griffin Chapel, Ash Grove with Rev. Tom Geer officiating with grandson Chris Rhudy giving the eulogy. Interment will follow in Johns Chapel south of Ash Grove.

Visitation will be from 9-10:45 a.m. prior to services in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Johns Chapel, Ash Grove