Obituary - Mary Lou (McBride) Leer

Mary Lou (McBride) Leer, 83, Nevada, MO, came into this world on January 26, 1942 and entered Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was surrounded by her two daughters and her fur-babies. Mary Lou was born in Ventura, California to Ray Hodges “Cowboy” and Thadrel Jewell (Brown) McBride. She grew up in Fair Play, MO and graduated as a Salutatorian of her senior class in 1959. She moved to Kansas City and while working at Hallmark, met Cecil Leer, Jr from Milo, MO and was married on March 3, 1962.   To this union they had two daughters, Cindy Lou born March 17, 1963, and Cathy Ann born November 7, 1966. In the summer of 1976, they moved back to Cecil’s hometown of Milo where they continued the family tradition of farming and raising livestock. Mary Lou also worked for Fram and the Nevada R-5 School District until her retirement at 65.

    Mary Lou loved her dogs, growing flowers, sewing, making quilts and doing puzzles. She spent the last 18 years going to Branson every fall with her girlfriends and making memories. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who she adored spending time with. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Nevada, MO.

     Mary Lou is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Ast (Mike) and Cathy Kavalesky (Michael), all of Nevada;  grandchildren, Mandi Butler (Blake), Derek Gash (Megan), Andrea Gullett (Adam), Blake Ast (Olivia), Jessica Ewert (Paul) and Jordan Kavalesky (Ashley); 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a very special great-Aunt, Wanda Jean, Bolivar, MO.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; parents, Ray and Tharel; her sister, Dixie Shuler; brother, Billy Joe (Bernice); and two infant great-grandsons, Corbin Gash and Oliver Ewert.

     The family will receive friends on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Ferry Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at Moore Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. with Roger Beach officiating.   Mary Lou’s grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Conner Ewert, Cohen Gash, Ryland Ewert, Bo Butler, Reid Kavalesky, and Hudson Ast.

     Memorials are suggested to Vernon County Cancer Relief in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.