Mary Evelyn (Alford) Landes was born on May 24, 1926, in Thayer, MO, and peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Springfield, MO, at the age of 99 years.
Mary was one of four children born to John and Clida Alford. Mary grew up and spent most of her life in Thayer, MO. She was active and athletic as a young child, describing herself as a tomboy as she ran and played in the woods and hills around her house in Thayer. After graduating from Thayer High School in 1944, Mary joined her older sister, Vida, in Detroit, MI, and worked as a “Rosy the Riveter”, building aircraft wings for B 17 Bombers.
Mary returned home to Thayer after the war ended and soon met a young man named George Landes, who had moved to Thayer after serving 5 years in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mary and George were married on February 24, 1949, and raised four children – Linda, Jana, Nancy, and Mark. Their marriage lasted 51 wonderful years until George’s passing in 2000.
Mary loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a tireless worker around her home, keeping it in beautiful shape. She was an excellent cook and was known for her Angel Food cakes and Dill bread. She shared her cakes with the whole community. She enjoyed having dinner parties in her home and embodied the word “hospitality,” as her home was always open to friends and family. Raising her four children, Mary was very involved in their school activities, entertaining and cooking for their friends. She always had a warm plate of cookies waiting after school.
Mary was baptized in the Warm Fork River as a teenager and was a long-time faithful member of the Thayer Church of Christ. Mary lived a long, full life and we honor her dedication to her family.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband George Landes, brothers Paul and Lewis Alford, sister Vida McBride, and grandson Zachary George Landes. She is survived by her daughters Linda May (Rich), Jana Williams, Nancy Landes; son Mark Landes (Patty); grandchildren Misty Tucker, Ryan Williams, Alex Williams, Erica Harmon (Austin) and Brooke Landes.
Memorials can be made to the:
Children’s Home Inc.,
5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450
Donate – Children’s Homes, Inc.
Graveside Service will be on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Services under the care of Carter Funeral Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
September 1, 2025 @ 11:57 pm
Mark, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
September 2, 2025 @ 10:54 pm
Thank you for the kind words, Ronda. We appreciate your prayers for our family.
September 2, 2025 @ 7:45 pm
Mark, I was just think of you and your mom the other day. So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. We will pray for you and your family.
September 5, 2025 @ 8:56 am
Hi Cherie – thank you for your sweet words.
September 2, 2025 @ 10:39 pm
Nancy & family, I’m sorry to hear about your dear mother. I have always loved the whole family. Even working with your dad a short time. Mary was such a sweet person. God bless you all! ✌️❤️🙏
September 5, 2025 @ 3:34 pm
Thank you for your kind words Randall, we appreciate your prayers for our family.
September 2, 2025 @ 10:40 pm
Nancy & family, I’m sorry to hear about your dear mother. I have always loved the whole family. Even working with your dad a short time. Mary was such a sweet person. God bless you all! ✌️❤️🙏
September 3, 2025 @ 9:56 am
Nancy and family
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing
Deepest condolences to you and your family
May your memories give you peace and comfort
September 3, 2025 @ 1:11 pm
Dear Landes Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mom (Lee Rothgeb) and I loved your mom and entire family. We had many of her delicious cakes. Mark, your mom was so thoughtful to lend my mom some of her maternity clothes because not long after you came into the world, mom became pregnant with me. Your mom and dad were from the greatest generation and so was my dad (Don Rothgeb). Mom missed the greatest generation by 1 month and 23 days. Your mom and dad would have allowed mom to claim she was from the greatest generation, but her sister Gertrude Coleman would have said “no way!”. LOL. Mom told me many wonderful stories about your mom and her family. She remembered the Alford family dinners and how Mary’s brother Lewis flew over the house to send greetings to the entire Alford family. You four kids and the grandkids are such a tribute to your parents. Mark, I remember when you and Mary brought one of your daughters to the house to play the piano for mom. Mary was so proud. Nancy, mom and I always enjoyed seeing you when you worked at the pharmacy at the hospital with Harold Thompson (another Thayer native). Jana, I have fond memories of you when I was growing up and going to school at Thayer. I know you all will treasure all the wonderful memories. Love to you all. Rachel Rothgeb Johnson
September 5, 2025 @ 9:00 am
Thank you Rachel – we all appreciate your wonderful memories of Mom and our family. I remember the visit when we brought our oldest daughter, Erica, over to play the piano. She was probably 10-11 years old at the time. Thank you again for your kind words.
September 3, 2025 @ 9:30 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Such a special lady! Always smiling and happy. I have lots of happy memories of both your parents growing up around them. Praying for your family! Jena
September 5, 2025 @ 9:05 am
Thank you Jena – I appreciate your kind words. The Thayer church of Christ was such a big part of her life and Mom left a legacy of faith that produced a lot of fruit. Including our friendship.
September 4, 2025 @ 5:30 am
Linda and family, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a beautiful lady. Prayers for your family.
September 4, 2025 @ 8:52 am
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a sweet lady to me. My thoughts are with you.
September 5, 2025 @ 9:06 am
Richard – thank you for your kind words about Mom.
September 4, 2025 @ 3:17 pm
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.She was a wonderful aunt and like a grandma to my daughter. I will always have great memories of the entire family. May God bless each and everyone of you.
September 5, 2025 @ 9:08 am
Thank you, Debbie. Mom loved you and your family. She loved having you and your daughter over to share some cake or cookies and visit. We appreciate your kind words.
September 5, 2025 @ 9:40 pm
Linda, I’m sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom always being so nice to me & the rest of our girlfriends. Prayers for you & the rest of your family. Love you dear friend, Reva Langley
September 5, 2025 @ 9:53 pm
Linda, I’m sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom always being so nice to me & the rest of our girlfriends. Prayers for you & the rest of your family. Love you dear friend, Reva Langley
September 7, 2025 @ 4:59 pm
I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was always kind to me and was a very good neighbor.
September 8, 2025 @ 6:36 pm
Thank you Bruce for your kind words- we enjoyed having you and your family as good neighbors also.