Mary Virginia Earp, 92, was born on Feb. 16, 1934 to Clyde Skelton and Opal Bagby Skelton at Arbyrd, Missouri. She passed away on Aug. 19, 2026 in her home in Roby, Missouri.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Laverne Greathouse; brothers, Glen Ray Skelton and R.B. Skelton and stepson, Jerry Earp. Surviving are sisters, Nell Benefield and Carolyn Collins.
She met and married her husband Eugene Earp on July 3, 1973. She is also survived by: children, Melissa Emerick, Virginia Burcham, Trula Ek, Michael Earp, Carolyn Rumsey, Jerry Earp and Bruce Earp, as well as wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren that brought much love and joy to her. Mary also had two girls she considered adopted daughters, Shirley Bettes Terracina and Jane Baughman, and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved. She was a member of the Plato Christian Church for many years.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 at the Plato Christian Church with Hal Dandridge officiating. Private family inurnment will be in the Palace Cemetery with Randy Welch officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Palace Cemetery. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.
April 18, 2026
Instead of saying what I did or didn’t do in my 92 years; I want to say to my family and friends my life has been full of love, joy and peace from my family.
God has been good to me. Wonderful children, grandchildren and wonderful great-grandchildren. I was blessed. I say to family and friends, always love to your last breath.
Don’t leave Jesus Christ out of your life. Without Jesus Christ you really have nothing. He is the only one that can take your hand and go all the way with you. Thank Jesus Christ every day for what he did for you and what he can do and will do for you. My Prayers are with you, Love Mother and Friend.
