Mary Elizabeth Meers, born Mary Potter, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016, in her home in Springfield, Missouri. She was 87.

She was born January 9, 1929, on the family farm near Leona, Kansas, one of four children born to the late Herman and Ethel Dutton Potter and grew up in the Leona- Highland area where she attended school, later graduating from Highland High School with the class of 1947. After high school graduation, she attended beauty school.

Mary was happily married to Richard Eugene “Gene” Meers, July 18, 1948, at Wamego, Kansas. They had two daughters: Elizabeth and Eugena, and a son William that died at birth. Over the years as he worked for General Electric, his job took them to other states: Connecticut, Kentucky, Arizona, and New York, before retiring to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1986.

Mary was a stay at home Mom once Liz arrived. Mary was involved in Girl Scouts while the girls were in Girl Scouts, and enjoyed helping them get their badges. Mary liked to knit, embroidery, and was a member of the Garden Club. She also belonged to the Square Dancing Clubs as oh how Mary and Gene loved to dance! She also sewed, painted, quilted, and belonged to the bridge clubs in Mountain Home. She also liked to read romance books and traded books with her sister Wynnie in Lee’s Summit. After the death of her husband in 1993, she continued to live in Mountain Home until about 10 months ago when she moved to Springfield to be near her daughter.

As a child, she attended the Belleview United Methodist Church, north of Leona. She later attended First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home; and was a member of Twin Lakes Golf Club. She was bestowed the title of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mary was also preceded in death by a brother Joe, and a sister Harriett.

Survivors include her sister Wynnie Bielak of Lee’s Summit, MO; two daughters: Liz (John) Goldsberry of Springfield, MO, Gena (Tom) Guidone of Port Byron, NY; as well as, many grandchildren: Brian, Sarah, Nicole, Christopher; great-grandchildren include: Emma, Elizabeth, and Xoey; with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, July 29, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, with Tony French officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Cemetery, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com