Mary Sue Darwent

Mary Sue (Shipp) Darwent, 73, of Moberly, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2020.  She was born January 16, 1947, near Macon, MO, to John Franklin and Elizabeth Alice (Thaxton) Hammontree. 

She is survived by two daughters, Angel (Shipp) Parrent and her husband Michael of Eldon, and Chrystal (Shipp) Schmitz and her husband Steve of Jefferson City; and four grandchildren, Faith Parrent, Jack Parrent, Matthew Schmitz, and Evan Schmitz. It is believed that her brother Robert Hammontree of the Philippines also survives (but not yet confirmed at the time of printing) other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John Richard Hammontree and an infant Raymond Hammontree.

After graduating high school in Macon, MO and settling in Moberly, MO, she devoted herself fully to family, and then later to her own career and higher education.  She earned her Masters degree in Business Administration, and loved to continually learn new skills for her career as well as personal enrichment.  She worked for Moberly Area Junior (Community) College for several years, then for Orscheln Industries for over 25 years, most recently as a computer software trainer, until she retired almost 2 years ago.  She was also active in various civil and social organizations throughout her life.  She will be remembered for her love of her children and grandchildren, her devotion to her career and coworkers, and her passion for square dancing with her close friends at Little Dixie Squares and her extended square dance "family" around the state and nation. She was known to be quite advanced in her abilities, and earned many honors and awards.  She will be dearly missed, and her kindness and joy will be remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to any efforts that could help prevent dementia, especially Alzheimer's Disease.

A memorial service was held at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Moberly.