Mary was born March 15, 1934 in Kidder, Missouri to Frank and Ruth Harpster. She moved to Columbia and earned her degree in Home Economics from the University of Missouri, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. In 1955, she married Charles J. Dysart, who survives.
Mary is also survived by her three daughters, Ann Blake (Rhine), Kathy, and Pat, as well as three brothers and four grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister.
Mary was passionate about the arts, music, and fashion. She enjoyed painting, drawing, decorating her home, traveling, and was an excellent seamstress. She was involved in the Columbia Symphony Society, the Columbia Art League, and the early development of the Maplewood Barn Theater.
Memorial service will be 2pm Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coyote Hills Children’s Home or to the donor’s charity of choice.
