Obituary of Mary Lou Boddy

"Some houses where I lived were very small and modest, but each one was a home overflowing with love. I found through the years it didn't matter where I lived as long as I was with family" - Mary Lou Boddy, Home Sweet Home...Precious Memories, 2002 That statement was never more true, as Mary Lou Owen Boddy was supported by close friends and family in Hobbs, New Mexico, especially during the last few months. She was surrounded with overflowing love as she found her final home with the Lord on October 2, 2023. Mary Lou Owen married Robert Lemuel Boddy on July 3, 1953 in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following the money to be found in teaching (just kidding), Mary Lou and Robert journeyed to Lovington, New Mexico, in 1958. Mary Lou worked at New Mexico Junior College for 20 years, first in the library and later moving on to the Graphic Arts Department. She was a pro at spotting dangling verbs, misspelled words and comma splices. Mary Lou was a child of God and answered his call; she taught Sunday School for 60 years. The couple had two daughters. Nancy and Kay were raised to be independent. In keeping with Oklahoma traditions, Mary Lou taught her daughters to make chicken fried steak and gravy, can pickled okra, sew and budget. She did not fail in schooling them. Mary Lou had many hobbies throughout her life, including crocheting, jigsaw puzzles and crafting dolls in the likenesses of her children and grandchildren. The grandkids generally found the resemblances flattering, even though the eyes seemed to follow you around the room. Another passion was playing hearts, spades and backgammon with her family. She had a no mercy rule, no matter how young you were. Her cackle when she ran hearts will not be forgotten and the laugh and competitiveness has been passed down to the great-grand kids. Genealogy was another passion that Mary Lou enjoyed for many years. What follows is for future family genealogists: Mary Lou was born March 2, 1934, in Oklahoma City, the sixth of seven children of John "Frank" and Edna "Berneice" Dugan Owen. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Joe "Frank" Owen, Albert Weldon Owen and Thomas Deyo Owen; and sisters Anna Berneice Owen Dubois and Patsy Flo Owen Talbot. She is survived by her younger sister Harriet Hope Owen Bailey. Mary Lou leaves behind Robert Lemuel Boddy, her husband of 70 years; daughter Nancy Jean, husband David Richard Hein of Roswell, New Mexico; daughter Katherine Dianne, husband Bobby Gene Goad II of Hobbs, New Mexico; along with four grandsons and seven great grand-children: Owen Richard Hein, wife Melissa Kandice Dukatnik and their children (Cooper Richard, Spencer Duke and Scarlett Grace) of Christoval, Texas; Levi Robert Hein, wife Jessica Marie Bieber and their children (Jameson Taylor and Landon Robert) of Justin, Texas; Zachery Lemuel Goad, wife Kelsey Lee Hansen and their children (Owen Lemuel and Oliver Mark) of San Diego, California; and Phillip Andrew Goad of Muleshoe, Texas. Mary Lou was an aunt to 19 nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, so much so that Nancy and Kay took on the personas of Marcy, Gale and Patsy in recent times. Dementia is a long goodbye. The family has been coping for several years, first through denial and then fighting to keep their new Mom involved in life. If you have a loved one with dementia, step back, create special memories and keep a sense of humor. Mom never let us down with her sharp wit, acute hearing and watchful eyes. Just recently, we were reminded to use a coaster. Her furniture, her rules. The family thanks Gentiva and their nurses (Nancy, Melanie, Ashley and Adam). We wrap our arms around Kim Allred, who has been a steadfast friend, support and caregiver during this journey. In lieu of flowers, Kay and Nancy ask that you take time to give Robert a call, drop by the house or take him for a cup of coffee. No services are planned at this time. The immediate family will receive friends at home on Thursday, October 5 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm