Mary Louise Florence

She was preceded in death by her husband David Florence, her daughter Rhonda Beirbaum, brother Dwight Schaffer (Jo), sister Carolyn Stewart (Louie), bonus mom, Gladys Viola Lyell.

Left to cherish the memories of Mary’s life are her son Randy McQueen Jr., (Jenny) her grandson Derek Schafer, Granddaughter Layla McQueen, Grandson Kyle Gnau (Sarah) Andrew Gnau (Abby), brother Barry Shaffer (Mark), sister Rachel Begley (Brian), great granddaughters, Ava Sowder, Caroline Sowder, Ellie Gnau, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary graduated from Ahren’s High school in 1964, starting at Phillip Morris in 1965 until her retirement in 1999. She was a proud dues paying union member of Local 16T of the Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco workers union.

Mary was affectionately known as Mamaw to anybody that knew her after 1988 and the birth of her first grandson Derek Schafer. She was an avid bowler for most of her adult life and loved to knit crochet, not really sure she made anything just something to keep her busy, if you knew Mary she couldn’t sit still, unless she was reading a book with she was fond of. She loved to garden and travel in their motorhome in retirement. She moved to Sanibel Island, Florida for several years in early retirement, only moving back to Kentucky when her youngest granddaughter was born to be the “best Mamaw” anybody could ask for. She was the grease that kept the wheels turning for our family from the time I was little until our kids (her grands) were grown adults, we wouldn’t have made it without her love, support and generosity. She was the hardest working woman I have ever met and would always give more than she would take. In her later years her most favorite thing to do was put some headphones on and jump on her big zero turn mower and cut the 5 acres they owned in Fairdale.

It was her wish to be cremated, we will have a celebration of her life on Saturday May 30,2026 at Fairdale - McDaniel Funeral Home, 411 Fairdale Road in Fairdale, Ky.

Visitation from 10-2 pm with a prayer service to immediately follow.