Mary Elizabeth (Eatherly) Richmond was born on July 29, 1935, to William Cecil (Bill) Eatherly and Sybil Beck Eatherly in Tyler, Texas. She was a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, MA.

Mary Beth went to be with the Lord on December 20, 2024, after suffering a second stroke followed by interventional brain surgery on December 16, 2024. She was hospitalized at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, TX when she passed. She had made considerable progress in rehabilitation at Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, TX after the first stroke on October 19, 2024, and was working diligently to regain her independence at home with her daughter and son-in-law with whom she had lived for many years.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, LouAnn Crawley.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Carol Hughes and husband Wayne of Kerrville, Texas, Cathy May and husband Bob of Arden, North Carolina, Elizabeth Myers and husband Jack of Kerrville, Texas; granddaughters and husbands: Erin Easterly and husband James of San Marcos, California, Lindsey Sunde and husband Adam of Greenville, South Carolina; seven great-grandchildren: Christian Rodriguez and wife Somer of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Eden Easterly, Kaleigha Easterly, Adelynn and Ava Easterly of San Marcos, California, Dalton Sunde, Presleigh Sunde of Greenville, South Carolina; and three great-great-grandchildren: Daisy Rodriguez, Raimy Rodriguez, Lily Claire Rodriguez

Mary Beth was born in Tyler, TX and raised in the heart of West Texas, where she graduated from Ozona High School. A spirited cheerleader in her youth, she often reminisced about her senior class trip to Mexico City - a grand adventure that likely ignited a love for new places and new people.

In 1954, Mary Beth married Gene Ison, Jr. in Lovington, NM, beginning a partnership marked by perseverance and resilience. Together, they were blessed with three lovely daughters who were the pride and joy of their lives. Gene's career in the oil industry took the family to Borger TX, Shidler, OK and later to Oklahoma City, OK, where they built their lives through the early 1970s.

A devoted homemaker, Mary Beth's creativity shone in everything she touched. She lovingly sewed her daughters' clothes, crafting outfits that drew admiration for their beauty and ingenuity. Her artistic spirit extended to countless projects over the years, from intricate crafts to her later passion for painting and coloring. These creations remain cherished reminders of her talent and love, treasured by all who knew her. She was a terrific southern cook and loved pleasing her friends and family with great dishes and holiday treats.

Mary Beth's charisma and zest for life made her a natural in sales roles for beauty and health products, where her charm and enthusiasm left everyone convinced they couldn't live without her offerings. She excelled to become a Mary Kay Cosmetics Director where she won many contests and prizes. Beyond sales, she worked for the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C., in an administrative role, and later as a seamstress in a large Las Vegas casino during the early 2000's.

Mary Beth's humor was as remarkable as her creativity. Her infectious laugh could bring joy to even the grumpiest soul, lighting up any room she entered. She had a knack for finding humor in reality and in life's challenges, reminding those around her of the power of laughter to heal and uplift.

An avid reader with a vast library of political, spiritual, and self-help books, Mary Beth was always seeking knowledge and truth. Her sharp intellect and keen interest in world affairs and politics made her a captivating conversationalist even as she neared 90 years young. She preferred books to television, choosing to engage deeply with stories, history, and ideas.

Not only did Mary Beth enjoy reading books, she had a gift for storytelling. She could weave captivating tales and heartfelt poetry and lyrics, which her musician son-in-law would sometimes put to music. Some of her works, many on current events, were published in local newspapers, leaving a lasting literary legacy for her family and friends to treasure.

Mary Beth's spiritual depth was the singular hallmark of her life and evident to all who knew her. She often reflected on the importance of Truth, reminding her loved ones, ''We just have to know The Truth'', a reference to her Christian Science teaching. Faith was the important cornerstone that guided her thoughts, words, and actions.

Mary Beth was often known to share great wisdom with her family. She cherished her three daughters, two granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, never hesitating to offer guidance that could bring greater happiness, clarity, health, or peace to their lives. It was not uncommon for her to write letters to her great-grandchildren, sharing the strengths that she observed in them along with ideas for how their unique qualities could benefit others. She took immense joy in her family's accomplishments, celebrating each milestone with love and enthusiasm.

She was quite opinionated and one could hardly leave an encounter with her without either having a change of mind on an issue, or at least contemplating other points of view. She was a great Patriot and lover of our country, it's freedoms, and those who defend them! She was smart, intuitive and prophetic. She ''told you like it was'' and embraced those with whom she disagreed, without apology.

Mary Beth did not selfishly limit her love to family. Instead, in a Christlike way, she shared her love with all, forming deep enduring friendships with dear ones across the country. The outpouring of love from her friends (who considered her more a sister), speaks volumes about her character. She had an extraordinary ability to touch lives, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

For her family and friends alike, Mary Beth's passing leaves a void that can only be filled with the loving memories she left behind. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, free from her deteriorating mortal body and it's suffering.

Her love, laughter, wisdom, and creativity will forever be with us and we will strive to carry it on in each of our unique ways. We joyously anticipate the day we will be reunited with her in heaven. Until then, may she delight in the songs of angels and rest in God's eternal peace.

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