Mary Frances Lasswell, age 83, of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Westwood Living Center in Clinton, Missouri. Funeral service will be held at 2:30PM on Friday, August 6, 2021 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with visitation from 1:30-2:30 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor (C.A.R.E.) and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Mary was born August 15, 1937 at a scant 5 pounds in Humbolt, KS to Helen E. Hess. After a move to Cherryville, KS, Cushing, OK, and Montrose, MO, they finally found their way to Clinton, MO where Mary would graduate from Clinton High School.

In 1956, she would meet the love of her life. Her sister, Barbara Hess, was soon to marry Norman Lasswell. His brother Joe Lasswell was returning from the Navy to attend the wedding and Joe and Mary were set up on a date. Mary recalled the story of Joe picking her up and telling her to scoot into the middle of the seat where he placed his arm around her and he planted a lip lock on her. She was totally shocked and surprised by how forward he was. He pointed to the ceiling of the car where he had taped mistletoe to the dome light! Following the wedding, Joe returned to the Navy. They corresponded through mail for a period of time with Joe closing each letter with this quote, "187 pounds of love, charm and romance. He didn't prove to be too romantic though, when he stopped writing to her cold turkey for one year. She was heartbroken because she knew that she was in love with him and he was the one for her.   One year later she received a package in the mail containing a fugi pearl ring from Joe and the rest would be history. They were united in marriage on November 7, 1959.

Mary is survived by Joe Lasswell of the home, sons; Mark Lasswell (Tammy), Dan Lasswell (Carrie), Scot Lasswell (Kelly) and Meredith Cooper (Shannon). Grandchildren; Latisha Florence, Tiffany Graham, Kiel Lasswell, Trevor Lasswell, Ashley Lasswell, Kyer Lasswell, Cammie Lasswell, and Chase Cooper. Great Grandchildren; Aidyn, Anslie, Axl, Marcus, Gaeb, Ara, Jolie, Lawkin, Jade, Emmy and Axton.

During her teenage years, Mary worked as a concession stand attendant at the Lee Theater, as well as, the soda fountain at Kreisler Drug Store. Upon graduation, she worked for several insurance agencies before dedicating her full attention to her growing family.

Mary and Joe left Clinton and relocated to Big Bear, California for three years while Joe worked in the construction field. They decided that they wanted to be closer to family and returned to Clinton, MO.

Loyal, generous, fun, and a wonderful cook would best describe Mary. If you were ever lucky enough to swing by on a Sunday, you would be greeted by the smell of Sunday dinner on the stove along with a warm invitation to stay and eat. In fact, it was over Mary's beef stroganoff that a lifelong friendship was formed with Darlene Glaspy.

Mary had many interests in life to include hummingbirds. She was fondly known as the Rogers Street bird lady. Complete strangers would stop to enjoy the swams of hummingbirds that only Mary could attract.

At an early age, she developed a love for country music and would often tell the story of her and her dog, Edgar, lying on the floor in front of the old radio before school listening to the songs. Edgar would often attend school with Mary, until the teachers would chase him home.

Mary also had a fascination for any kind of puzzle. She loved crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Any given winter day, Mary and Darlene could be found at the kitchen table working a jigsaw puzzle.

Mary always enjoyed trips to Kansas City and Springfield to shop not only for herself, but for her family. In her later years, when her health prohibited her from making those trips she turned to QVC and Amazon. Without a doubt, the stock prices of these companies dropped upon news of Mary's passing.

Mary's pride and joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all hold special memories with her that she worked hard to create with each one. Mary always made any visit with them as special as possible.

Mary will forever live in our hearts and she will be missed dearly each and every day.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.