Mary McLane

Mary Ellen McLane, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at St. Luke’s in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by her family. Mary was born Aug. 1, 1935, in Greenville, Missouri. Mary was the daughter of the late Calvin “Ed” and Thelma Bounds. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1953.

On Jan. 29, 1955, she married the love of her life James “J.P.” McLane, who proceeded her in death May 3, 2020. Together they shared over 65 years of marriage. They lived in Greenville until moving to Poplar Bluff in 1963. Mary and J.P. started a beautiful family together, including their daughter Becky, son Mike, and daughter Marla. Mary was an amazing mother and grandmother, and family was everything to her. She was even known as “Mother Mary” by many but especially to the employees she so graciously served for over 50 years at McLane Transport.

Not only did Mary value the importance of family, but community was also a core value for her. Mary was a Girl Scout leader for many years and the Regional Cotton Boll Council cookie chairman. She was also a lifelong member of Eastern Star and served as the worthy matron for a period of time. Mary was known for being compassionate and caring, and she spent many years contributing to the community and those in need in various ways.

Mary is survived by her two children, Becky Jo (Allen) Brooks and Marla McLane, all of Poplar Bluff. She was so incredibly proud of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. They include grandchildren, Kyle Brooks, Maggie (Eli) Holmes, and Lance (Ashley) McLane; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Jaci, Silas, Statham, Quincy McLane, Walker Holmes, and Austin and Brian Goodrich; and great-great-grandchildren Brynlee, Cohen, and Theo.

Also surviving are sister, Peggy Peck; brother-in-law C.L (Pix) and wife Barbara McLane; nieces and nephews, Cindy McLane, Kelly (Terrence) Baker, Madison Baker, Mark McLane, Lisa (Greg) Berry, Hannah Berry, Bryan Peck, Cody Peck, and Allison Peck. Mary also had a special caregiver, Lacey.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband J.P., son Mike McLane, and granddaughter Stephanie McLane Goodrich.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 11:30 a.m.. Burial will take place at Greenville Cemetery with Pastor Steve Patterson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust for the J.P. and Mary McLane Memorial Athletic Scholarship, or the Stephanie McLane Goodrich Nursing Memorial Scholarship.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mary Ellen McLane.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.