Mary was born to Jim and Mary (Smith) Clark on November 2,1957, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was an active Girl Scout and Judo Champion in her youth, and a member of the Raytown High School class of 1976.
In March 1980, Mary married Duane Shaw and became a loving step-mother to Duane's son, John. Together, Mary and Duane had two more sons, Justin and Eric. She spent her free time on her sons' activities, acting as a den mother, committee chair, and "Popcorn Colonel" for Pack 145 in Raytown. Mary worked for DLT transportation for 35 years before retiring in 2008.
Being a grandmother was the highlight of Mary's life. She spent her retirement joyfully caring for her grandchildren, attending their events, spoiling them beyond reason on their birthdays, making Christmas candy, playing card games, and teaching them everything she could along the way. Mary loved sitting under the "gathering tree" at the Shaw country home in Ridgeway, especially in the company of her family and friends. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed. Aside from spending time with her family, Mary was an avid Kansas City Royals fan and kept up with her favorite reality TV shows.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary Clark. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Duane Shaw; three sons, John (Silya) Shaw, Justin Shaw, and Eric (Sarah) Shaw; brothers Jimmy (Patty) Clark, Mike (Mary) Clark, Terry (Connie) Spurgeon, and Sherry Knorr; grandchildren Josephine, Max, Annellie, Brooks, Scarlet, Wyatt, Ryder, and Eleanor; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Just as Mary lived her life, the family encourages casual attire at her service.
A visitation for Mary will be held Monday, August 15, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, August 16, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cedar Hills Cemetery, E 165th St, Blythedale, Missouri 64426.
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