Mary Routte

Mary Beth Routte, 84, of Waco, passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home , officiated by Roger Huff. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery will follow the service. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, September 5, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Mary was born in Delaware Ohio on June 1, 1932 to Lawrence and Wilma Evans.. During her school days she was active in sports such as archery and softball. In her late teens she began roller skating dance and participated in several competitions. She married Donald Edwin Routte in 1953. They had four children; Sheri Stutts married to Geary Stutts, Dan Routte, Kathy Burns, married to Jeff Burns and Connie Goff. She is preceded in death by parents, her sister Rose Marie Moneysmith and grand-daughter Nikki Routte-Truesdell. Mary became a Horse show mom after the family moved to the country. All four of her children showed horses across Ohio for many years. Even though she didn’t know much about horses or riding, she sure could tell her kids how to do it and never let us give up. She became interested in the miniature horses later on and owned a few. At that time she was able to go to shows and just watch them being shown. Mary joined the Degree of Pocahontas in 1957 where she made many life-long friends. She served on many committees and held all State offices. In 1994-1995 she became National Pocahontas of the National Organization. Mary was very proud to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. For 59 years her and Don traveled across the US attending meetings and conventions representing the organization. Mary enjoyed going shopping at flea markets and looking for that “special” treasure.

Mary always loved playing cards. One of her dreams was to compete in the World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas. She was able to fulfill that dream in July of this year. She played against over 1500 players and finished 139th. The past few years Mary and Don enjoyed going to casinos in several states, and most of the time came home winners.

Mary had a positive outlook on life and was always planning things to do. She loved her husband, Don of 63 years and enjoyed their travels together over the years. She always believed in honesty and fairness and had instilled this in her family. She taught her children to never give up and keep trying till we got it right. She will be in our hearts forever and missed every day.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Wilma; her sister, Rose Marie Moneysmith and one grandchild, Nikki Routte- Truesdell.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Routte of Waco; one son, Dan Routte of Waco; three daughters, Sheri Stutts and husband, Geary, of Washington, TX, Kathy Burns and husband Jeff of Waco, Connie Goff of Waco; Grandchildren – Kevin Fulton, Davey Routte, Brian Routte, Jamie Burns -Simons, Cassandra Burns-Holy, Travis Goff, Nathan Goff, and Tara Goff; 17 great grandchildren - Ben Fulton, Cora Fulton, Ripley Routte, Jaxon Winters/Routte, Darby Routte, Reagan Routte, Ethan Truesdell, Fox Truesdell, Conner Simons, James Simons ,Kyleigh Nugent, Alessandria Holy, Morgan Holy, Victoria Holy, Jaxon Guerra, Audreigh Goff, Layla Goff.

Visitation

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ,Monday, September 5, 2016
Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712

Chapel Service

10:00 - a.m. ,Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Grace Gardens Funeral Home
8220 Woodway Dr Waco, Tx 76712

Interment

11:00 - a.m. ,Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Oakwood Cemetery
2124 S. 5th Waco, Tx 76706