Mary Helen Felin

In Loving Memory of Mary Felin May 24, 1936 – October 28, 2025

Mary (Gann) Felin, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 28, surrounded by love from her family and friends.

Born in 1936, she was raised in Conway, Missouri, a proud Conway Elk. She often joked that she went in one door of the Conway schoolhouse as a first grader and out the other as a graduating senior. Her depression-era childhood was simple and full of love, especially from her parents, John and Ethel Gann, whom she spoke of with great affection all her life. Her education continued at Missouri State University, then Southwest Missouri State College, where she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher.

She spent her career as a dedicated educator, shaping the lives of generations of students. Her students knew Mrs. Felin meant what she said, but they also knew they were believed in, supported, and truly loved. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, and the number of former students who stayed in touch is proof of the deep connection she made with those she taught.

Mary loved sports and was a loyal fan of the Missouri State Lady Bears Basketball team, traveling all over the country on buses and planes to cheer them on. At home, she was never without a cat or two, and her backyard was host to birds, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional opossum; most of whom she had named, and none ever left her yard hungry.

Her final years were spent at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she found an extended family in their staff and residents. She became known to all as “Ommy”, a name originally given to her by her granddaughter.

She was a woman of warmth, strength, and a little orneriness. She loved to laugh, and even more so, she loved to make others laugh.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Felin of 64 years, her children, Lisa Ritter (Tim), Beth Berns (David), and David Felin (Mar’Ellen) and her only grandchild, Lydia Berns.

Mary was a teacher to the end, reminding us all to laugh often, love deeply, and find joy in the small things. She will be dearly missed.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 5-7pm at the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut in Springfield, Missouri.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools in memory of Mary Felin, this can be indicated either on the check memo line or on the online “Donation Designation” field.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com