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Mary Jane McDowell, 90, passed away on July 1, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on January 19, 1935 in Fort Bayard, New Mexico to Harry John Althaus and Emily Joughin Althaus.
Survivors include daughter, Jody (Ted) McMurry of Ozark, Missouri; 3 grandchildren: Erin McMurry, Kristin (Aaron) McMurray Tallent, and Ty (Alicia) McMurry.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond S McDowell; her son, Craig McDowell; her brother, Harry Althaus; and her sister, Jean Lee.
Mary Jane was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She delighted in telling interesting and generally humorous stories and events of her childhood through adult life. For many years Ray, Mary Jane and early on Jody and Craig hosted Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves on their front lawn at Christmas for many children and families.
She was a lifelong teacher/educator who taught 5th grade at Heights Elementary School in Alamogordo for 30 years. After retirement she volunteered at the hospital auxiliary at Gerald Champion Hospital. Many trips were enjoyed with close friends and she made man trips to Missouri to visit her family. She became affectionately known as Jewels to her grandchildren. In 2016 she moved to Springfield, Missouri to be near Jody and her family and subsequently became a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. She remained active attending many baseball games, shopping with her daughter and friends and participating in the many activities at the independent senior living facility where she resided. She developed many friendships with the residents and was a favorite of many of the staff.
The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on July 10, 2025, at Scenic Chapel.
The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 am Friday July 11, 2025 at Scenic Chapel with Joe Burton officiating.
Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The McDowell family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services
