Mary Ellen McNeal

Mary Ellen McNeal, 72, of Springfield, CO, left us on April 19, 2025. Born October 12, 1952, in Guymon, OK to Jim and Cleda McNeal. Mary’s life was a tapestry of care, woven with threads of compassion, dedication, and an unshakable love for her family.

A memorial service will be held at Arden Road Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28th. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas.

For 38 years, Mary was the heartbeat of Springfield Schools, shaping young minds with the same tenderness she’d later bring to those with fading memories. After graduating from Darrouzett High School and earning a Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Panhandle State University in 1976, she poured her heart into her classrooms. Her lessons went beyond textbooks, teaching kindness, resilience and the value of a good laugh. During her teaching days, Mary also worked at the Bar 4 Corral restaurant where she forged lasting friendships that became an integral part of her Springfield family. These bonds, built over shared laughter and late-night shifts, remained strong throughout her life. When she retired from teaching in 2012, Mary wasn’t quite ready to sit still. In a beautiful pivot, she earned her CNA license and joined the Alzheimer’s Unit at the Springfield Hospital where she cared for souls navigating the fog of memory loss until 2022. The symmetry of her life’s work was wonderful: from nurturing the youngest minds to holding the hands of those whose memories slipped away, Mary was a guardian of care in every season.

Mary had a knack for spotting those who needed a little extra love – kids withy shaky home lives, patients with no visitors, or friends facing a tough day, Mary was always ready to lend a hand. Her door was always open, and her heart was always ready to cheer on the underdog. Her devotion to her family was boundless, especially to her niece Kayla, and nephews Christopher, Craig, Kyler, and Kade – whom she supported at every turn. She cherished her great-nieces and great-nephew, Eden, Elisabeth, and Arthur, and was a constant presence in their lives.

Her friendships were as deep as her roots in Springfield. Kevin Greenlee, Brenda Chick, Michael Medina, Tyler, Debbie, and Scott Gibson, along with countless others, were her chosen family. Whether it was daily coffee at her friend Shirley Greenlee’s or staying past closing at the Longhorn Steakhouse, Mary’s friendship was a gift that kept giving.

She is preceded in death by parents; sister, Betsy McNeal; and nephew, John Allen Kerr.

Mary is survived by sisters, Victoria Stewart of Canyon, TX and Betty Kerr and husband Paul of Canyon, TX; nephews, Christopher Stewart, Craig Stewart, Kyler Kerr and wife Emily, and Kade Kerr; niece, Kayla Kerr Cain and husband Adam; great-nieces, Eden and Elisabeth; great-nephew, Arthur.

A private service will be held at a later date in Springfield, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, tell stories that remember a woman who lived with purpose, loved without hesitation, and left Springfield a little brighter. Mary McNeal didn’t just live life- she built a community, one kind act at a time.