Mary L. Royal, 86, passed on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at her residence. She was born on January 7, 1930, in Puxico, Missouri, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Golda (Goforth) Waller. She married Gerland L. “Rusty” Royal on February 13, 1946, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and he preceded her in death on March 1, 2009. Survivors include two daughters and a son in law: Janet and Paul Thompson of Farmington, Missouri, Jo Ann Royal of Fort Collins, Colorado, seven grandchildren and their spouses: Nicki and Marc Godare, Emilie and Robert Hodge, Sarah Similey, Paul Thompson, Jr., Teal Pace, Natalie Pace, William Austin Nestlerode III, three great grandchildren: Alexandra Godare, Ashley Godare, and Michael Similey.
A homemaker, she was co – owner of Royal’s Garage in Cahokia. She was formerly employed by the Village of Cahokia where she was a clerk for 20 years. She loved traveling and especially loved to travel to Texas.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one son: Steven L. Royal, a grandson: Anthony Messmer, three brothers and one sister.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Dashner – Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Dashner – Leesman Funeral Home. Pastor Matt Friz will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
