Mary Jean Christ

Mary Jean was born on February 23, 1935 in Wood River, NE to Eugene and Evelyn Leonard. After graduating high school, she earned an Associate Degree in Fine Arts from the College of St. Mary in Omaha, NE and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Education from Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota. Following graduation, she accepted a job as the music teacher in Lakota, IA. She taught all grades and took several vocal groups to state chorale competitions. It was in Lakota where she met the love of her life, Don Christ. They were married on June 24, 1959. Don and Mary Jean had three children, Kevin, Sylvia, and Carmen.

In 1965, the family moved to Branson, Mo and opened the Dairy Sweet Drive-In. Mary Jean maintained her love of music by directing the choir at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and singing for weddings and special events. She also gave piano and organ lessons in their home. Mary Jean was often asked to sing at events in Branson, such as the Annual Adoration lighting and parade and the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. In the mid 70’s they sold the Dairy Sweet. A few years later Don and Mary Jean began another successful business, Handy Craft Enterprises, selling wholesale wood craft items across the United States.

Early in the 1990’s they sold their business and bought a small farm outside Brighton, MO. Sadly, Don passed away in 1999 so Mary Jean moved to Springfield, MO to be closer to her family. She volunteered at Mercy Hospital on the Transitional Care Unit where she visited patients and sang songs to lift their spirits. Mary Jean donated more than 14,000 hours to Mercy Hospital! She also volunteered at Mercy Villa Nursing Home, where she visited residents and sang to them, as well. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish singing in the choir for many years and a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women. She also followed in her father’s footsteps as a poll worker for Greene County elections for many years. Mary Jean had a warm and generous personality and always greeted everyone with a smile and kind word! She was well known for her love of music and singing by all who knew her.

Mary Jean passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was proceeded in death by her parents Eugene and Evelyn Leonard, brother Larry Leonard, and husband Don Christ. Mary Jean is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Kevin and Jean Christ, Sylvia and Ed Barber, Carmen and Mike Whorton; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon Monday February 2, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church immediately followed by a funeral mass at 1 pm with Fr. Nick Zummo celebrant. The burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery under the care and direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations in Mary Jean’s honor to Victory Mission, in Springfield, MO using the following donate link: https://victorymission.donorsupport.co/page/FUNXCMRUGUS