Mary Crossley

Mary Lou Ruscher Crossley passed peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the age of 85. She was a loving mother, Honey (her chosen Grandma name), and friend to many.

Mary Lou was born an only child to Louis Charles and Mary Edna Ruscher in LaGrange, Texas on August 24, 1938. She worked for over 35 years for The Freeman Companies, and took great pride in building exhibits as well as being in charge of setting up these exhibits at conventions and tradeshows all over America.  Her favorite was always the Republican National Convention, each election year.  She had strong values and character, always held a stern hand with a spit-fire attitude.  These traits served her well over her life. All those who knew her had a great respect and love for her.  She deeply loved reading books and read thousands of them over her lifetime and she passed her passion for reading on to her only child. She loved animals, often preferring them over people. This matriarch and independent lady will be missed profoundly.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Louis and Mary Ruscher.   Those left to cherish her memory are her only child, Tammie Crossley Templet and her husband Johnny of Hurley, MS; two grandchildren, Shawn Thomas McHone and wife Jennifer of Leander, Texas and Wesley Charles McHone of Portland, Oregon; two great grandchildren (by Shawn and Jennifer), Jake Thomas McHone and Claire Alice McHone; favorite cousins, Barbara Howell and Patsy Coleman; and numerous other relatives and friends.

We want to acknowledge and give great thanks to the caregivers at Sparrow Hill Personal Care Home.  It truly became a home to Mom and she loved these caregivers like family. They all made this last phase of life easier to bear. We will always be grateful to them.

Mary chose to have private services and to make one last trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The family will be honoring her request and treasuring the many memories she left us with.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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