Mary Elizabeth LaRue

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Visitation Schedule
Bethany Christian Church
421 Bethany Rd
Eads, TN  38028
Thursday, January 12, 2023
10:00AM - 12:00 PM
Service Schedule
Bethany Christian Church
421 Bethany Rd
Eads, TN  38028
Thursday, January 12, 2023
12 Noon
Cemetery
Old Bethany Cemetery
421 Bethany Rd
Eads, TN  38028
Mary Elizabeth LaRue

of Cordova, TN

February 23, 1931 - January 8, 2023

Mary Elizabeth Ryals LaRue, 91, of Cordova, TN died January 8, 2023. Mary was born to the late Jewel Edward and Nancy Grace Alexander Ryals on February 23, 1931 in Carson Lake, AR. Mary graduated from Wilson High School in Wilson, AR in 1949, where she was recognized with the Good Citizenship Award as well as numerous basketball awards. She remembered her education in Wilson with many fond memories, including a Senior trip to Washington, DC. In 1952, Mary married her high school schoolmate, John Calvin LaRue (deceased 2011). She and John both worked for the town of Wilson, she at the bank and he at the grocery store. They shared three children, Teresa Gayle Miller (Matt) of Jasper, AR, David Joel LaRue (deceased 2010) and Lea Michelle Caraway of Cordova, TN. In addition to her husband and son, she was predeceased by her brothers, Charles, Lloyd, Bill, Jerry and her sister, Merle Moncrief.
Mary was known in her later years as Granny and was fierce in her love of her family. This was the role she cherished the most. She leaves six grandchildren, Josh Simpson, Jaime Copeland (Jeff), Lauren Rogers (Danner), Nicole Willer (Chris), Anna Caraway and Allison LaRue; as well as nine great grandchildren, Caleb Copeland, Madison Copeland, Luke Copeland, Wright Rogers, Carson Roberts, Denton Rogers, Bryan Willer, Willa Jo Hall and Skarlett Byrd. In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews and their families who treasured her as the matriarch of the Ryals family.
After raising her three children, Mary started a career at Macy's Department store in 1986, where she worked until 2004. While there, she often received awards for her outstanding customer service and was the Sales Associate of the Year in 1989 and 1999. Mary was a long-time member of Bethany Christian Church in Eads, TN where she participated in the CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) and the Bethany Quilters. There she developed strong friendships with her wonderful circle of friends that provided so many beautiful experiences and memories for her.
Mary loved adventures. She traveled to all but two of the states in the U.S. along with many international locations including one of her favorites, a trip to Switzerland. She dabbled in writing short stories and poems and strived to find ways to share her relationship with God to all she met. She was always ready to have fun and just last summer was on a creek in Mountain View, AR kayaking as her family cheered her on. She did not let life get her down as was evidenced by her successful adoption of a lower leg prosthetic at the age of 90.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 10:00am-12:00pm Bethany Christian Church, (421 Bethany Road, Eads, TN 38028) with services and burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of Mary's beloved church, Bethany Christian Church (421 Bethany Road, Eads, TN 38028).

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7 Condolence(s)
Melanie and Keith Willer
Rossville, TN
Liked
Thursday, January 12, 2023

Heaven is a better place now, I will always remember her smile and her determination and adventurous self. Nothing could stop this sweet lady from setting the most wonderful example for her children, grands and great grands. She was so loved and will be in our hearts forever. Love and prayers for all of you.

Barbara J Ryals
Cordova, TN
Liked
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Mary LaRue was truly a great lady! I've known Mary for almost 65 years. I was married to her brother, Bill for 64 years until his death this past September, 2022. Aunt Mary, as our family knew her, had a wonderful sense of humor and was always a joy to be around. She dearly loved her family and was happiest doing things for them and with them. She was truly an inspiration and role model for everyone. Aunt Mary, rest in peace. You've lived a long good life and will be missed by everyone who knew you. Love and prayers.

Boyd Miller
CANEY, OK
Liked
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Billy and I send our love to the family. We offer our deepest sympathy for your loss. She was always sweet and witty.

Sammy Neely
Brandon, MS
Liked
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Knew her only through FB, actually trying to get in touch with a Pam Larue, but Mrs Mary seemed liked an awesome lady. So sorry for her passing.

David and Joy Denton
Edenton, NC
Liked
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

We are so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. We pray for peace and comfort for the family.

Sara Beasley
Murfreesboro, TN
Liked
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

I have so many memories staying at grannies house growing up with Madison going to church with them and her treating me as if I was one of her grandkids. I will always remember those days! All my love to my sweet second family❤️

Elizabeth Hiers
Fifty Six, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Mary was truly an inspiration to me in that she loved to fellowship with others and have fun! I fondly recall the day she splashed all of us by driving full speed through the Syllamore Creek on Lea’s side by side. I do so hope that I can live life to the fullest like Mary did. All my love goes out to this sweet family.