Mary Wald Sell

Mary Sell, 97, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Friday, August 2, 2019.  She had been a resident at the Care Center for eight years.

Mary Wald (Sheely) Sell was born in Putnam County, MO, on June 18, 1922, the daughter of Merrick Wald and Nora Marie (Huston) Sheely, who preceded her in death.  Mary graduated from Unionville High School in 1939.  She married Charles Donald “Don” Sell in Unionville, Mo, on February 3, 1943 and he preceded her in death in January of 1996.

Mary was an administrative assistant at The Marshall Bank in Unionville before marrying Don.  They lived in Fort Worth, TX, after their marriage where Don was in the service.  Mary worked at the Fort Worth National Bank until returning home to Unionville.  In the years following she worked at Lathrop Drugstore and the Ration Office.  She was elected Union Township Collector for more than 40 years, collecting taxes at Comstock Mercantile, the Putnam County Courthouse and at home.

Mary was an active member of the Unionville United Methodist Church, serving as a leader with the United Methodist Women, local, regional, and statewide.  She also represented the church at the annual state meetings and at the national and global gatherings.

Throughout her life, Mary focused on the needs of others.  She worked hard to make life a joy and to do a kind deed for those whose paths she crossed.  A kind word was always on her lips.  Regardless of anything else, she always had time for family and friends.

Mary is survived by her two children, Mary Alice (Brad) Gran of Cookeville, TN, and Larry Don (Lillian) Sell of Unionville, MO.  She is also survived by two grandchildren, Melinda Donovan (Clayton) Hensley and Bill (Jodi) Donovan and three great grandchildren, William Hensley, Hazel Marie Hensley and Addison Donovan, as well as a brother-in-law, Willis Dickerson and sister-in-law Evelyn Sell Ray and nieces and nephews.  Mary is also survived by her “adopted” family, Maritza & Hank Ream and their children, Jeanette Simmons, Brad Ream, and Clint Henry Ream and their families.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a brother, John Sheely, and a sister, Faye Dickerson, as well as sisters- and brothers-in-law, Hazel and Bill Funnell, Genevieve Sell and Bernice Sell.

A Celebration of Life for Mary Sell, 97, will be at the United Methodist Church in Unionville at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 17, 2019, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Inurnment will be at the Unionville Cemetery following the service.

In memory of Mary, do a kind deed for someone. Additional memorials are suggested to Unionville United Methodist Women’s Mission Fund and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.