Mary E Liefer's Obituary
Mary Ethel Liefer (née Bixby), 92, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Red Bud.
Mary was born on November 4, 1933, in Percy, Illinois, to Leonard and Edna Bixby, who preceded her in death. She spent most of her life in the Red Bud area, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and service to others.
Mary lived a full and independent life and was known for her love of gardening. She took great pride in tending her flowers and plants and could often be found outside caring for her garden. She also had a spirited personality and a bit of a feisty streak that made her memorable to everyone who knew her. Her quick wit, determination, and strong independence were qualities that defined her and brought both laughter and admiration from those around her.
Throughout her life, Mary dedicated herself to helping others in her community. She worked for the Western Egyptian Senior Center, delivering meals and transporting seniors, and she also worked at St. Clement’s Hospital. She generously volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. Mary was also a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Patricia Jean of Mountain Home, Arkansas; her sister, Ann Wolter of Sedona, Arizona; and her grandchildren, Ryan Barden of St. Louis, Missouri; Kurt Markowski and his husband, Alexander Markowski, of San Diego, California; and Kyle Markowski and his wife, Kirstie Markowski, of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Reese, Brody, and Finley.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Ann; her parents, Leonard and Edna Bixby; her brothers, Maurice Bixby and Leonard Bixby; and her sister, Betty Behnken; and her granddaughter, Tarah Barden.
In her later years, Mary was cared for with extraordinary kindness and dedication by close family friend DeeAnn Bollinger, whose compassion, patience, and friendship deeply enriched Mary’s life and meant a great deal to her family. The family also wishes to express their profound gratitude to Katlyn Morris of Maple Creek Hospice, whose extraordinary compassion and dedication went far beyond her role. Katlyn provided not only exceptional end-of-life care, but comfort, presence, and support to Mary and her family during a difficult time. Her kindness and devotion left a lasting impact, and she will always be considered part of the family.
Mary will be remembered for her independence, her caring spirit, her lively personality, and her lifelong commitment to her family, church, and community.
Visitation will be held at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud, Illinois, on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud on Wednesday, March 25, at 10:00 a.m. A lunch for family and close friends will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Lieferbrau Shoe Factory Room.
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