Mary Elizabeth Arnold, age 83, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs.
Mary was born on February 3, 1943, in Benton County, Missouri, the daughter of Melvin and Hazel Nowlin. She met the love of her life, Louis “Melvin” Arnold, at the Sun Rise Café. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were united in marriage on October 2, 1961.
Together, Mary and Melvin built their home in Bates City, Missouri, where they raised their three children: Diana, Kenny, and Randy. Mary devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family as a stay-at-home mother, providing endless love, guidance, and support to her children. She cherished each of them deeply and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments.
The family was later blessed when granddaughter Tammy joined their household. Mary embraced Tammy as a daughter, and the two shared a remarkable bond throughout Mary’s life.
As her children grew older, Mary enjoyed working part-time and later found great satisfaction in selling Avon. She loved visiting with her customers and building lasting friendships.
Mary was a devoted wife and mother who shared forty wonderful years of marriage with Melvin before his passing in 2001.
Mary will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. Randy and Tammy loved their mother and grandmother dearly and will carry her memory in their hearts always.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of forty years, Lewis Melvin Arnold, on July 15, 2001; her daughter, Diana Arnold Rector, on September 14, 2001; and her son, Kenny Arnold, on November 20, 2007.
Mary is survived by her son, Randy Arnold and his wife, Karen, of Oklahoma; her granddaughter, Tammy Woltz and her husband, Andrew, of Buckner, Missouri; along with other relatives and many friends who will mourn her passing and celebrate her life.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Davis-Miller Funeral Home in Lincoln. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Lincoln. Pallbearers will be Randy Arnold, Andrew Woltz, Daniel Woltz and Matthew Woltz.
Mary’s family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue through the lives of those she cherished most.
