Mary "Beth" Deering

Mary "Beth" Deering, born on February 22, 1951 in Springfield, Missouri, passed away on January 16, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 73 years old. Beth's early years were marked by frequent moves due to her father’s role as a minister for the First Christian Church. She lived in various towns across Missouri and Oklahoma, including Richland, Clever, Hartville, Weleetka, and Thayer, ultimately graduating from Thayer High School in 1969. She later pursued higher education, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at Drury College. Reflecting on her childhood, she spoke of how moving frequently helped her adapt to new places and people. She believed that happiness could be found in the connections she made, saying, “The best lesson I learned was that people respond the same way they are treated.” In 1983, Beth married the love of her life, Dan Deering, and together they raised their three children: William Evans (Lisa) of Eureka, MO, Cassie Wilson (Rob) of Waynesville, and Kristin Ross (Zach) of Waynesville. Her family was the centerpiece of her life, and she cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a proud grandmother to nine: Cameron, Reese, Sawyer, Everett, Sydney, Max, Charlie, Cate, and Lola. Beth's professional career was dedicated to education and empowering young minds. She began her teaching journey at Richland Elementary School and later shaped countless lives as an 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Waynesville Middle School. Beth worked in various roles at what is now the Waynesville Career Center, including At-Risk programs and Marketing, where she served as a DECA sponsor. Her passion for mentorship shone brightly as she guided students to state and international competitions and helped students raise significant funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through community events. Beyond her career, Beth enjoyed a variety of hobbies that showcased her creativity and intellect. She loved crocheting, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and tackling jigsaw puzzles. Beth also enjoyed traveling - whether it was cross-country family road trips or traveling overseas after retirement with Dan. Her talent for cooking and her knack for proofreading papers were sources of joy for her family and friends. She was also an active member of her "Book Club" and the Waynesville Career Center Advisory Committee. Beth is preceded in death by her father, Byron Thomas Clark, mother, Artie Francis Clark (Woody), father–in-law, Gene Coy Deering, and mother-in-law, Sally Mae Deering (Swinney), and several aunts and uncles, whose values and love shaped the incredible woman she became. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in the power of human connection. A celebration of Beth's life was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Waypoint Methodist Church, at 6:00pm with presiding minister Pastor Brett Reith and officiant Doug Shivers participating. The Honorable Colin Long gave a beautiful eulogy and recalled his wonderful memories of Beth. Pianist David Lawson played "Softly & Tenderly", "How Great Thou Art", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "It Is Well with My Soul" for the service as well as the prelude and postlude. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Waynesville R-VI Foundation in her memory.

Mary "Beth" Deering

February 22, 1951 - January 16, 2025