Mary Bolinger

Mary Louise Bolinger, 87, of Palm Coast, FL passed away on December 30, 2011 in Springfield, MO. She was born on August 15, 1924, in Lancaster, OH, the daughter of George Augustus and Ivy Myrtle Eaton. She graduated from high school at 16 and Ohio University, Athens at 19 with her Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught high school business. In 1947 she wed Russell W. Bolinger, and to this union were born two children, Carolyn Anne and George Russell. During their nearly 60 year marriage they resided in Springfield, OH; Enon, OH; Biloxi, MS (a 10 year stay); and Palm Coast, FL (for 30 years). They enjoyed Russell’s career with the US Air Force. He preceded her in death in 2007. Mary then came to Springfield, MO to be with her daughter and family.

Mary is survived by her sister, Kathleen DeLong, Lancaster, OH; children Carolyn Anne Mustain, Springfield, MO, and George Russell Bolinger, Sarasota, FL. She was the dearly beloved grandmother of Tiffany Blus, Sarasota, FL; Matthew Mustain and his wife Melissa, great-grandson Thomas, and great-granddaughter Amelia, Kansas City, MO; Melissa Mustain, Springfield, MO; Michelle (Shelley) Mustain, Springfield, MO; and Megan Foster and her husband Jonathon, great-granddaughter Amaya, and great-grandsons Isaiah and Elijah, Springfield, MO. She is also survived by her niece Beth Pittman and her husband Matthew, and great-nieces Courtney and Erica, Columbus, OH; as well as many dear friends.

Mary was an avid and gifted bridge player who was always up for a game. She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, an international friendship sorority, achieving the honor of 60 years of membership. She belonged to chapters in Springfield, OH; Biloxi, MS; and Flagler County, FL. Mary volunteered as a Media Specialist for 18 years at the Wadsworth Elementary library in Palm Coast, FL where her dedication was greatly appreciated. As a member of the Flagler Volunteers Association she also worked at the public library.

Mary had a smile that could light up the room. She made friends wherever she went and touched the lives of all who knew her. To her children she was a wonderful and caring mother; always supportive and always there for them. As a grandmother she was everything you could ask for. To her twin granddaughters, Megan and Shelley, she was THE perfect, best, cutest, and most loved Mamaw. She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 am Saturday, January 7, in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, MO in the sanctuary. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.

If desired, memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.