Saturday, June 2, 2012

Mary Mae (Knapp) Ross 1904-2004

Mary Mae Ross, one of 13 children born to the union of the late John F. and Rebecca (Enlow) Knapp, was born October 18, 1904 at Center, Missouri in Ralls County.

On February 10, 1921, Mary was united in marriage with Claude E. Bowling, and to this union three children were born, Clarence E., Edna Mae and Evelyn Lucille. Claude preceded Mary in death in 1975. In 1978, Mary married Claude Ross who preceded her in death on June 2, 1994.

In 1947, Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized. She was of Pentecostal faith and was an Evangelist for years. She visited hospitals and nursing homes and preached there as her daughters and granddaughters played the music. Some years ago, Mary had a program on KJPW radio in St. Robert called "The Greatest Story Ever Told," sharing the Word with many people.

Along with her Evanglism ministry, Mary spent her years caring for her family and many of her friends. She also worked for a time as a seamstress at Fort Leonard Wood. While she was at home, she taught herself to type and play the piano. She played for church services until she lost her eyesight. She also enjoyed crocheting, writing songs and having children visit her.

Mary went home to be with her Lord the afternoon of April 22, 2004 at her granddaughters' home in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 99 years, 6 months and 4 days.

Mary will be greatly missed by her two daughters: Evelyn "Lucille" Moore of Plato, MO and Edna Mae Harwood of North Powder, OR; 1 sister: Ellen Briley of Springfield, OR; 12 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; her good friends: Pastors Earl and Pat Nichols of Newburg; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husbands, Mary was also preceded in death by her son: Clarence Bowling; a granddaughter: Evelyn Neeley; 11 brothers and sisters and a grandson-in-law: Bruce Carter.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 27, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Bill and Rev. Bob Knapp officating. The songs "Invite You to My Mansion" and "Living with My Master" were played. Serving as escorts were David Alkire, Jason Bowling, Timothy Bowling, Nalin Neal, Aaron Neeley and Ronald Thomas. Serving as honorary escorts were Claude Aichele, Doug Aichele, Andy, Calvin, Donald, Eddie, Roy Lee and Terry Bowling, Gary Curtner, Kellis Williams and numerous great-grandsons.

Burial followed in the Deerlick Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

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