Mary Wilbanks

Mary Irene Wilbanks, age 92, of Stover, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
She was born December 18, 1922, in Hardenville, a daughter of William John and Tillie Ann White Latham. On December 20, 1941, in Reeds Springs, Mary was united in marriage to Prentice H. Wilbanks who preceded her in death November 30, 1998.
She was a graduate of Gainesville High School.
In March of 1951, Mary's life took a new direction when Prentice was called into the Methodist Ministry. In 1957 he received his first appointment, and for the next 36 years Mary worked alongside her husband in numerous capacities while he pastored at several small churches in Missouri. His final appointment was in Stover, where they served for 28 years. For many years she was in charge of the children's ministry, served in the kitchen for funeral dinners and the annual chicken barbeque, along with various other functions hosted by the church. She was a pastor's wife and embraced that role, opening her home to family, friends and sometimes complete strangers. Her greatest role, however, was that of a mother to her three sons.
At the time of her death, Mary was still an active and faithful member of the Stover United Methodist Church.
Mary passed her first driver's test at the age of 73, which allowed her the freedom to go to garage sales and visit with friends. She was a wonderful cook and looked forward to sharing her goodies with those who stopped in. She enjoyed her little dog Peppy, but most of all she loved being with her family.
Survivors include three sons, Jim Wilbanks of Stover; Joe Wilbanks of Versailles and Mike Wilbanks and wife R.J. of Eureka, Illinois; three siblings, Ethel Carr of Billings; Grace Ewing of Lee's Summit and Jerry Latham of Gainesville; twelve grandchildren, Todd Wilbanks, Tori Merriott and husband Tom, Teather Bellis and husband Jared, Eric Wilbanks and Crystal Twenter, Christy Jo Marriott and husband Craig, J.P. Wilbanks and wife LeeAnn, Gregory Wilbanks and wife Cassie, Missy Bell and Cody Kennedy, Matt Wilbanks, Brett Wilbanks and wife Jennifer, Doug Stone and wife Meagan and Jimi Ingersoll and wife DeAnn, 29 great grandchildren, Joe's extended family, Emily Baker, Pam Worthington and David Earley, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Marlene Wilbanks, and two brothers, Ray and David Latham.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, at the Stover United Methodist Church with Cory Garr and Rev. Diane Cutler officiating. Interment will be in the Stover Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Stover United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

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