Mary Cena (Gray) Mumma

Mary Cena (Gray) Mumma, 73, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away on January 7, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born on December 18, 1952, in Russellville, Arkansas to Armor Lee Gray and Bernyce (Colburn) Gray.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Gary Gray, and her beloved standard poodle Lyle Lovett.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Mike Mumma, her daughter, Meghan Mumma Schultz, son in law, Tim Schultz, granddaughters, Harper and Mary August of Ballwin, MO, sister in law Libby Spence, brother in law Verdon Jones, niece Carrie McGrew Gholston and great-nephews Brecken and Reed of Mississippi, cousins, Joanna and Danny Lang, and Bob and Lynn Grayand, and many life-long friends.

Mary grew up in Fayetteville, AR, and enjoyed running around town with friends and visiting her father’s IGA grocery store. She was a cheerleader in her teen years and graduated Fayetteville High School in 1971, and attended University of Arkansas, earning a degree in education.

After graduating from college, Mary moved to DeValls Bluff to take a fifth grade teaching job at De Valls Bluff Elementary, where she met and fell in love with the principal, Mike Mumma.

In the summer of 1981, Mary and Mike welcomed their daughter Meghan Lee. She was Mary’s most loved accomplishment and best friend.

The Mumma family moved to Bentonville in 1984 where Mary taught at Grace Hill Elementary and Kirksey Middle School until 2006. Upon retirement, she began a second life working with her true passion, fashion, at Gap and then Banana Republic, making many fabulous outfits and friends along the way.

Mary enjoyed Yoga, Hiking, Chi Gong, going to Coffee with her many “clubs” and friends, and taking long walks with her dog.

Mary and Mike traveled extensively both in the United States and Europe. Mary particularly enjoyed her time in New York City, Italy, and Croatia.

Mary was especially proud of her granddaughters, Harper Lee and Mary August and enjoyed welcoming them to Arkansas, visiting them in St. Louis, and taking many special summer vacations.

Mary was a shining beacon of acceptance and love for many dear friends and family. Her ability to really see, accept, and celebrate people exactly as they were, throughout her entire life, will be remembered with great affection and appreciation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10th at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville, Arkansas from 1:00-3:00 pm (drop in) and will continue at the Mumma residence from 4:00-7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations: Breakthrought1d.org (formerly JDRF) or Bentonville Animal Services.