OBITUARY Mary A Chavez of Festus, MO departed this life at her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on Sunday, March 10, 2024, having reached the age of sixty-four years, three months and four days. Mary was born in St. Louis, MO on December 6, 1959, daughter of Junior Ray Crafton and Mildred Crafton nee Ross. On October 21, 1989 she was united in marriage to Ernesto Chavez. Mary is survived by her daughter, Christina Cotton and husband, Gabriel, of Festus, MO; by her grandchildren, Brandon Gullett of Festus, MO and Alexis Door and boyfriend, Tim Parsons, of Union, MO; by her great-granddaughter, Xyla Gullett of St. Clair, MO; by her sister, Paula Pagan of Beaufort, MO; by one niece, one nephew, two great nieces, cousins and many friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Mildred Crafton; by her husband, Ernesto Chavez; by her brother, Jay Crafton; by one sister, Cherie Hertel; and by her niece, Jennifer Crafton. Mary was a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician during her working career, graduating from Grabber School of Hair Design in 1996. She had managed Great Clips in Eureka, MO for twelve years, as well as owning her own salon for many years in Pacific, MO. Mary was a volunteer with the St. Clair Baseball Association, St. Clair Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair Elks Lodge #2651 and a member of the American Legion Post 347. She had a variety of interests throughout her life including breeding show line Yorkies, riding horses and spending time on the river. She enjoyed traveling, listening to music, drawing, writing, riding motorcycles, playing gin rummy and dancing. Mary also had an interest in photography and painting ceramics. What meant most to her was time spent with family and touring with her great friends, Monty Dale Luke Whirlwind band. She cherished the time spent with her daughter and grandchildren. The many precious memories they created together will live on in their hearts forever. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Crestview Memorial Park in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. The family entrusted the care of their loved one to Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.