Mary Lou Braswell, 90, passed away on September 22, 2025.

Mary Lou Braswell (Barnum), Springfield, died Sept 22^nd, 2025, at 90. She was born Nov 28^th, 1934, in Hutchinson, KS, and married in Springfield June 1^st, 1952 to Ernest (Ernie) Braswell, after meeting in 2^nd grade. They remained together until his death in 2013.   She is survived by two wonderful children, Mike Braswell and wife Tammy of Branson, and Cheryl Braswell of Springfield; two even more wonderful granddaughters, Ariel Braswell of Branson and Victoria Braswell of Las Vegas; and two cats, Pete and RePete.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Eva Barnum, who provided a solid religious and family foundation for her. She and Ernest spent over 40 years in Branson before moving to Ozark when they retired; Mary Lou spent the last 3 years in Springfield. Some of her career life included Branson Floral, Mr. Ice Man (a family business), Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, Garrison Spring and Gardens, and Mother and Grandmother (babysitter). She much enjoyed the outdoors. She had many archery trophies and antler mounts. She like to hunt squirrels, deer, elk, bird watching and fishing. She collected wild nuts and berries for new and well-liked meals.

Mary Lou always had some type of garden – vegetable and/or flower – which she could spend HOURS in. Some of the plantings were at home, Garrison Springs, the fish hatchery, and Springfield Botanical Garden. She was a Master Gardener for many years, giving lectures and demonstrations and helping on the support hotline.

She much enjoyed wool spinning, natural dying, and weaving of rugs and wall hangings, all by hand. She even tanned her deer hides. Later, she developed an interest in quilting and made many quilts for her family.

She and Ernest traveled before and after retiring, visiting Mexico, Canada, Great Britain and Europe, as well as 48 states in the US. One of the highlights for her was seeing the Mona Lisa.

Mary Lou was a person of strong faith. She was involved in the Presbyterian Churches of Branson and Ozark, and served on the session for both churches. She also went on many disaster recovery trips with the Ozark church.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Ozark Presbyterian Church or Nathanael Greene Botanical Gardens.

Visitation will be at Ozark Presbyterian Church, 1932 E. Hwy 14, Ozark, MO on Monday, Sept. 29^th, 2025 at 10:00 am. The service will follow at 11:00 am with Phyllis Winzenried officiating.  Burial will be at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, 1638 East Hwy 76, in Branson at approximately 2:30 pm.

Arrangements in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.