Mary Kathryn Cawlfield completed her life's journey December 16, 2015, while a resident of Ozark Riverview Manor in Ozark, MO. She began the journey on August 22, 1922, near Ash Grove, MO. She was the fourth of six children born to Ernest and Sarah Sanders. Mary wed her high school sweetheart, Christopher Cawlfield, on November 25th, 1942, just before he left for service overseas in World War II. She was proceed in death by her mother and father; her husband Chris; three brothers Carl, Wayne, and Harold Sanders, and her sister, Rita Buckner. She is survived by her younger sister, Anna Tartar of Neosho, MO; one son, John and his wife, Connie, of Battlefield, MO; two grandsons and their spouses, Sean and Megan Cawlfield of Fayetteville, AR, and Ryan and Miranda Cawlfield of Springfield; and two great-grandchildren, Mikey and Chloe Cawlfield of Fayetteville, AR. She was a home-maker until 1966 when she began a twenty year career with the Springfield Public School system. First as a secretary at Parkview High School and later at the Administration Building as the secretary for the Security Office. Mary was petite in stature, but a giant in her effect on others. Her ever present smile will be missed by everyone who knew her. She gave of herself and devoted her life to her family. But, her greatest gift of all was her passion for books and music, which she passed on to her son. She taught by example, sharing her love for God, family, and her sense of right and wrong, to all who knew her. Before dementia robbed her of her essence, she was a grounding force to family and friends, offering advice and humor whenever needed. The family wishes to thank Miranda Cawlfield and her staff at Family to Family Healthcare Services for their exceptional and devoted care of Chris and Mary in their later years. Thanks are also offered for the love and care provided by Ozark Riverview Manor during the last months of Mary's life.   Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21st at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO. A funeral service will follow the next day, Tuesday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m., also at Gorman-Scharpf. Graveside services will follow immediately at Hazelwood Cemetery.