Mary Olive Appuhn

Mary Olive Appuhn, 91, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

She was born Sept. 16, 1921 to Lyle D. and Celeste Naumer Flavell. Mary Olive graduated from Du Quoin Township High School with the Class of '39 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in English. She eloped with Lyle "Cotton" Appuhn on July 4, 1942 at St. Louis, Mo. He preceded her in death Aug. 19, 1973. Together Mary and Cotton built up the family business of Texaco/Goodrich dealership, Du Quoin Tire Mart and were heavily involved with her family's company, the Du Quoin Packing Company. After Cotton's death, she continued to operate the Du Quoin Tire Mart until her retirement in 1986. She was a long-time member of the Marshall Browning Hospital Board and Auxiliary, the Domestic Science Club and Service League. Mary was also on the Du Quoin Grade School Board and was very active in Girls Scouts. She was a long time devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church and served in many capacities. Mary Olive was a voracious reader, loved her rose gardens and was an avid bridge player achieving Grand Master status. She was a friend to all and a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her great grandchildren were her love in recent years. She was a loving and gracious lady to her many friends.

She is survived by one daughter - Nonnie Flavell and husband Roger Pyle of Columbia, Mo., two sons - Robert 'Bob' Appuhn and wife Jan of Logan, Utah, and William 'Bill' Appuhn and wife Virginia of Du Quoin, three granddaughters - Kristin Baker and husband Bobby, Maria Logan and husband Jon and Katharine Appuhn Hodges and husband Aaron, nine great grandchildren and one on the way, all residing in Columbia, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister - Nancy Ellen Flavell and one brother Robert Flavell in early childhood.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Lon McPherson officiating.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the Marshall Browning Hospital Tree of Life or First United Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.