Mary Catherine Botkins

Mary Catherine Botkins, 90, was born May 23, 1931 at home in Ardmore, MO to Gilbert and Eunice Marie (Cox) Teter.  She resided at Meadow Ridge Senior Living with her husband until she ascended peacefully to meet her Savior Jesus in the early morning hours of Monday, October 25, 2021 to spend eternity. 

After Donald Keith Botkins received his father's signature granting permission, as he was only 19 years of age at the time, Mary Catherine would marry the love of her life and best friend on July 22, 1949.  Their 72 year journey had begun only a short time before as a result of two friends who convinced Keith that the woman serving him chocolate shakes behind the counter at Burton's Rexall Drug store in Moberly MO would be a good match for them to go on a double date.

Mary's family that continues to live on to celebrate her life together and cherish her memory are her beloved husband; two sons, Steve (Pam) Botkins and Doug (Mona) Botkins; grandchildren, Chris Botkins, Gerald (Cheryl) Botkins, Corey Botkins, Devin Botkins, Craig (Ashley) Nolke, Chad (Jamie) Nolke, and Cody (Paige) Nolke; ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; brother, David (Wanda) Teter; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Teter; nephews and nieces.

Loved ones that proceeded her were her parents; brother, Kenneth Teter; sister, Phronie Farris; granddaughter-in-law, Andrea Botkins; nephews and nieces.

Keith and Mary made Carpenter Street Baptist Church their church family, and home.  Many family and friends have supported and celebrated life's blessings with Keith and Mary during their marriage through Sunday services, Sunday school classes, small group worship, dinners, and church gatherings. 

Mary's upbringing in the country, outside of the small town of Ardmore, would provide her with skills that made her not only the ultimate homemaker for her family, but also gave her the grit to exemplify the characteristics of a true Matriarch.  She was a classy lady, and Keith was a regular patron of the local jewelry store where he often purchased fine jewelry as a token of his love for his sweetheart.

Early in Mary and Keith's journey, she would hold down the home front while he was away building the foundation for what would become a successful trucking business.  Many hobbies she enjoyed were more than just mere hobbies, they were a crucial part of providing for and taking care of her husband and sons, as well as the rest of her family as they grew in number.  On many occasions, she could be found in the kitchen cooking up wild game that her sons had brought home, even providing some of her own with her love for fishing.  She tended large gardens and strawberry patches that complemented the meals she carefully crafted.  She also had a fondness for chickens that extended beyond their usefulness for her family.   

She had a love for horses.  She would provide them and encourage her sons and grandsons to ride them.  She liked going to the horse shows to watch them participate in competition, and occasionally would lead a pony in the show ring with a grandson on the pony's back, but never cared to ride herself.  Through the years she had many dogs and cats each holding a special place in her heart and her beloved Dixie dog being her final that was right by her side when she transitioned on.

Sewing was a big part of her life and based on the number of sewing machines she owned, one might say she enjoyed collecting them too.  She loved to knit as well, and would often craft many items to gift to her family, and help others, such as scarves, blankets, and hats.  There were more than one grandchild, or baby at the local hospital, that would benefit from the warmth of those gifts handmade with love. 

She always enjoyed being around the water and many hours were spent boating and fishing. First at the Lake of the Ozarks and then later, Keith and Mary would purchase their little spot on Holiday Acres, which provided many years of family fun, togetherness and a lifetime of memories.

As her sons grew older, they were attracted to things that went fast.  This love for speed would lead to the start of another business venture for the family, S & K Cycle Center, which would further expand Mary's support of her family as she worked with her sons and daughter-in-law to run the business.    

Mary would also begin a business venture of her own that aligned with her love for crafting and creating items that would become family heirlooms and treasured gifts.  Her business, Crafters and More, provided a place for other talented individuals to sell their creations, unique items, and antiques as well.

Even with the hustle and bustle of family owned small businesses, she found time for other organizations, such as being a member of Altrusa and former past president of Altrusa.  She was also seen from time to time sporting a red hat while attending the Red Hat Club lunches and events.  She and Keith would find many nights together with their friends, all gussied up in square dance outfits that she had made, dancing the night away at the Northeast District Square Dance Club events.  You could also find her at times with Keith and other couples, or her girlfriends weekly, for card playing outings. 

 Memorials are suggested to Carpenter Street Baptist Church.

Mary Catherine Botkins' legacy will live on in the lives of her dearly loved family, and of so many others. 

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family during a visitation that was held at the Cater Funeral Home. Services honoring and celebrating Mary Catherine’s life were held in the Carpenter Street Baptist Church.  Committal prayer and burial followed at the Oakland Cemetery.