Mary's Journey

Mary Fulton Caffey (Mom, G-Momma, Sweet Mary, Aunt Mary, Mary, Jonesy, Miss Mary, the Hobbit, Mary Fulton, RN) was born January 20 ^th , 1937 in Evansville, Indiana to Sarah (Vaughn) Moreno and Frank Moreno. Mary, her sister Judy Jensen, and her late brother, Tim, were primarily raised by their strong, witty, selfless, mother who Mary remained very close to until Sarah's passing in 2011.

Mary was considered a bright student at Lebanon High School and she followed in her mother's footsteps to become a registered nurse, graduating from St. John's School of Nursing (now Mercy) in 1958.  About this time, Mary met her future husband, Carl Russell Fulton. It is her children's understanding that Mary and Russ secretly eloped during her nurse's training so Mary could continue to live in the dorm.

Mary practiced nursing until she became a full time Mom to Monte Kent Fulton (Kurock), Carla Dawn Fulton (Carlikans), April Fawn Fulton Nanos (April-Anna) and Amber Danette Johnson (Amber-Doey). Mary also eventually became  "Mom" to her children's spouses, Anne Kolb Fulton, David Nanos, Michael Johnson, and the late Joey Hocut, as well as to her "adopted" children – Paul B, Jane, Robin, Ginger and Mona.

When the children were older, Mary returned to her nursing career, advancing to Director of Nursing at Chastains (Hillhaven) Long Term Care Facility, and eventually retiring from Elfindale Manor. In 2008, the State of Missouri awarded Mary a Gold Certificate commemorating 50 Years of Service as a R.N.

Despite working full time, and then some, Mary never missed any of her kids' school programs, plays, musicals, or, ESPECIALLY, their sporting events. Mary and Russ were their kids' loyal fans, and could always be found in the bleachers cheering. Special memories were made while logging hundreds of miles to attend Amber's college basketball games.

Mary's kids believed Mom was very happy and fulfilled in her life as a Mom, wife, friend, career woman, and heart of our family. Then, in 2005, a new love and devotion rocked her world - the birth of her first grandchild - Jett Russell Hocut (Amber and Joey's son). Two more beautiful grandchildren followed - Matthew Kent Fulton (Monte and Anne's son), and Jaisie Raine Hocut (daughter of Amber and Joey). More than anything else in life Mary cherished her role as G-Momma.

In addition to her kids, and grandkids, Mary enjoyed many other pleasures in life. She followed NBA basketball (huge fan of Larry Bird, John Stockton, Steve Nash, and ultimately, Steph Curry), and Jackie Stiles/MSU Women's basketball (you never called her during a game!). She also thoroughly enjoyed watching crime TV, listening to music, dancing, giggling, shopping, and ordering huge portions of food she could not possibly eat (though she certainly did love her leftovers). Mary had a sweet tooth, and she also loved a good steak, especially when cooked by Russ, and later, by Carla. She was an avid reader, as well as a supporter of wildlife and conservation. She was a friend to all animals, especially the family pets.

Mary was a lifelong follower of Christ. Born into a Baptist family, as an adult she became a very regular member of the Church of Christ. In her later years, Mary enriched her faith and understanding of the Bible with extensive self-study, and kept copious notes of Biblical ponderings.

Mary was preceded to heaven much too early by Russell, in 1990. She was fortunate to again find love and companionship later in her life, with marriages to Carl Barnes, and Lowell Caffey, both also now deceased.  She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses; 3 grandchildren; her sister; 3 sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friend Margaret Barnes.

Our beloved Mary passed unexpectedly from this earth, and the loving embrace of her family, on September 5 ^th after a brief illness. Even in illness, she made impressions on the physicians, nurses and other medical staff with her strength and sense of humor. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the absolute love, adoration, respect and devotion of her children.

Mary is, and always will be, missed by her family and friends, and just about anyone who ever had the good fortune of meeting Mary at work, at restaurants, in hospitals, at sporting events, shopping for groceries, and everywhere else she spent even a moment of time.

Thank you for sharing in our celebration of Mary's life. Our family will always hold dear the constant and unwavering love she showed us – a perfect mix of remarkable strength, genuine warmth, steadfast faith, a clever and joyful sense of humor, and fearless loyalty.

With love,
Monte, Anne, and Matthew (Olive Branch, MS),
Carla and June (Dallas, TX),
April and David (Olathe, KS),
Amber, Michael, Jett, and Jaisie (Carl Junction, MO)

As a joyful tribute to our unconventional Mary, please join us for a few minutes, or a few hours, between 5-8 PM on Saturday, September 22nd, and help us celebrate a well-lived and most-loved life. Guests are encouraged to share stories about their adventures with Mary between 6-6:30.

West End Estate House (upper level; no elevator available)
213 West Commercial Street
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 655-2676