Mary Beth Cox

Mary Elizabeth (Wessling) Cox, known to so many as Mary Beth, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026 at the age of 72. Born on October 16, 1953 to James and Elizabeth Wessling, Mary Beth spent her entire life in the Kansas City area, building a life marked by warmth, unwavering devotion, and a joy that naturally drew people together. She had a contagious smile and laugh, that she spread to others along the way.

Mary Beth’s early years were shaped by family and faith. She grew up alongside three siblings; two brothers and a sister; whom she loved dearly. She attended Saint Francis Xavier Grade School, then Saint Teresa’s Academy, graduating in 1971. She later earned an associate’s degree in secretarial sciences at Longview Community College.

Mary Beth worked for the VFW and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline for several years, before she stayed home to be with her children. She enjoyed taking care of her home and children. After her children went on to grade school, Mary Beth worked as a telephone operator in a call center for more than 20 years, bringing patience to the everyday work of helping others. Mary Beth was involved in her church, serving as a eucharistic minister and volunteering to help whenever she could.

Mary Beth was blessed with two children from her first marriage, Daniel and Laura; her favorite son and daughter. In June of 2004, she married the love of her life, David Cox. Together, Mary Beth and David shared the simple, happy pleasures of time outdoors, especially camping and fishing trips that gave them time to laugh and enjoy life side by side.

Anyone who knew Mary Beth knew she had a gift for making life lighter. She was silly and always ready to draw out a smile from anyone around her. She had a way of looking for the best in things and had an uplifting, bright spirit that made ordinary moments feel easier and more hopeful. And if you ever heard her signature greeting- “Wooo!”, you already know how she turned even a passing hello into a shared moment of belonging; waiting for someone to answer back with an affectionate “Wooo!”.

Mary Beth poured her life into making memories, especially with her children and family; from camping trips, vacations, spending the summer at the pool with her children, volunteering to help at their school events, and whatever other fun things she could find for them to do. She especially loved fishing at Bennett Springs, and her creativity shone through in the lures and flies she made herself, a hobby she also enjoyed with David. She was a proud member of the “Gals Go Fish” club through Bass Pro Shop for a few years, and enjoyed the companionship of other women who loved fishing as much as she did. At home, that same care and imagination showed up in her sewing. In her younger years, she often made her own clothes and then continued that talent by making Halloween costumes for her children, and matching dresses for her and her daughter, stitched with the unmistakable touch of a mother’s love. She also enjoyed designing and making beaded jewelry of all kinds with all the beautiful beads she enjoyed picking out at craft stores, and when she traveled. Mary Beth loved to cook and bake, inviting her family and friends over for dinner often. She especially had a sweet tooth, loving all things chocolate, particularly ice cream and milkshakes.

Mary Beth is survived by her loving husband, David Cox, and children, Daniel (Jamie) DeLong, and Laura (Jeremy) Carr. She is also survived by her brothers, Jay (Kathy) Wessling and Matt (Colleen) Wessling, and brother-in-law, Jim Ziegler, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary Beth had a very large family, and leaves behind many cousins, as well. She also leaves behind many sister and brother in-laws; Tom (Joyce) Cox, Mary Cox, Ann (Dirk) Muehlbach, Kathy (Michael) Zents, Barbara Cahill, Peggy Cox, Judy (Chris) Lee, and Serra (Mike) Goodman.

She was preceded in passing by her parents, and her sister, Paula Ziegler. She was also preceded in passing by her grandparents, as well as many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Northcare Hospice House for their loving care of Mary Beth in her final days.

Mary Beth will be remembered with deep affection, for her gentle heart, her great sense of humor, and the steady goodness she brought into the lives of others. Her presence was a celebration, and her memory will continue to lift and brighten those who carry her love forward.

A Visitation will be held at St. Gabriel Archangel Parish, 4737 N. Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117, on August 28, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Rosary Service at 10:30 am. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place in Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO, following the Funeral Mass.