Mary Lee Rikard Arrington

Mary Lee Arrington 91, died peacefully the evening of December 23 after suffering a debilating stroke 6 years ago. Mary Lee was born January 2, 1925, the middle child of 5 born of Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Rikard and Gladys Green Rikard in Hearne, Texas. Mary Lee was the last of her siblings to pass away. She lived the last 6 years in a group home in Lewisville, Texas manned by a very caring and capable staff.

Mary Lee was married to Billy (Bill) L Arrington, Sr. in 1943. Several months later, during WWII, Bill was assigned to the European theater and Mary Lee remained in Hearne and gave birth to son Billy (Bill), Jr. Upon his returned they moved to Houston, Texas where they lived for the next 35 years. Shortly after moving to Houston their daughter Karen Lee was born.

She was an avid gardener and belonged to 2 garden clubs in Houston; she always had something blooming in her yard. She also loved to play bridge and was active in at least 2 bridge clubs. She was a very accomplished seamstress and made many of her daughter’s clothes and was called upon to make several prom dresses for her granddaughters. Most of all she loved her grandchildren, in particular the little ones. After Bill, Sr’s retirement in 1981 they moved to College Station, Texas where she lived for the next 30 years, until her stroke.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years.

She is survived by her children Bill Arrington, Jr and wife Sue, Karen Sweet and husband David; 4 grandchildren, Jeffrey Arrington and wife Candy, Angela Sweet, Sarah Wenger and husband Troy and Scott Arrington and wife Allison; 5 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at 1PM followed by funeral services at 2PM on Thursday December 29, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Followed by burial in the family plot in Hearne, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to the charity of your choice.