Mary Shockley

It is with heavy heart and great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Shockley who passed away at her home on April 27, 2025, at the age of 87.

Mary Wayland Shockley was born September 4, 1938, to Joseph Wayland Dollarhide and Marie Ellis Dollarhide in Oklahoma City, OK. She graduated from New Boston High School in New Boston TX in 1957.

She married Wendell Ray Shockley in 1965 in Miami, OK. They had 2 children, Scott Gregory and Lisa Gail. They later divorced.

Mary began her career at Southwestern Bell. Her career led her to many cities including Tulsa, OK, Kansas City, MO, Morristown, NJ. She was very successful as a program manager and received many awards and accolades. She retired in 1986.

Mary enjoyed travelling with family and friends. She was an avid reader. She loved going to movies, Broadway shows, dinner theatre, ballet, and symphonies. She loved cats and was rarely without one in the family. She layered her homes with plants and flowers. She collected books, music, art and sculptures.

Mary was deeply dedicated to her Catholic faith. She joined a parish in every city she lived and worked in. She enjoyed attending the weekly mass at her local parish. Later when she was unable to attend in person, she watched masses on television and received communion in her home.

Mary’s sincere kindness, exuberant smile and laughter will be sorely missed. She was polite and gracious with everyone she encountered. All will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Mary is preceded in death by her father Joseph and her mother Marie and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by son, Scott Gregory Shockley of White Lake, MI and daughter, Lisa Gail Shockley Orrick of Independence, MO, and granddaughter, Jane Marie Orrick of Independence, MO and brother Richard Ellis Dollarhide of St. George, UT, and beloved family, dear friends and neighbors.

Mary will be inurrned at Read Hill Cemetery in New Boston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to PBS Television Kansas City or plant a tree in her name.