Mary Elizabeth Leonard – Starr, 86, of Branson, Missouri, passed away at 7:44 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Cox Medical Center in Branson, Missouri.
She was born on April 26, 1939 in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Gerald Alvin and Mallie Mae (Shoemaker) Leonard. On October 6, 1956 she married Joseph A. “Joe” Starr, he preceded her in death on March 30, 2000.
She is survived by two daughters: Ann Kain of Branson, Missouri, Sheila Vorwaldt of Donnellson, Iowa; four grandchildren: Nicholas (Alexis) Kain of Tampa, Florida, Sarah (Alex) Hudson of Denver, Colorado, Devin (Erin) Vorwaldt of Keokuk, Iowa, Shelby Vorwaldt of Donnellson, Iowa; and four great-grandchildren: Jordan Vorwaldt of Fort Madison, Iowa, Jayden Vorwaldt of Fort Madison, Iowa, Emma Johnson of Donnellson, Iowa, Bella Johnson of Donnellson, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joseph; and great-grandson Hunter Vorwaldt.
Mary graduated from Nauvoo High School and worked at Silver Dollar City in Food Service.
She loved her girls, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, gardening, reading, and sewing.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa with Father Tony Trosley officiating.
Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hamilton, Illinois.
A memorial has been established in her memory for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Branson Library, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Also surviving Carol Starr.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.