Mary Bell "Murphy" (East) Applegate began making an impact on everyone that was lucky enough to meet her on January 5, 1940. Her parents, Thomas Lionel and Gladys Irene (Williams) East, were given the pleasure of raising and teaching her the things she would need to know to succeed in life. On May 11, 2017, after a lengthy illness, she left this world to reunite with family and friends who had gone before. She was 77 years, 4 months, and 6 days.

She was married to Joe Don Allen and to that union was born a daughter, Donna Lea Allen. This union was not meant to last. Mary later met and married Jerry Doyne Applegate and to this union was born Jerlina Ann Applegate.

Mary was a fun loving, boisterous person who's personality made anyone who met her either love or hate her, there was no in between. She loved to do needlecrafts of all kinds and watch cooking shows. She could sing, play the piano and clarinet.

For many years, she was a member of the International Order of Oddfellows, The Rebekah's and the Ladies Encampment Auxiliary. She loved being a part of and holding several offices in all these organizations.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas L and Gladys I. East; Joe Allen; her loving husband, Jerry Applegate; brothers, Thomas Richard "Rick" East and Daniel Robert "Danny" Dile; sisters, Toinette Conrad and Martha "Jane" Knapp.

Survivors of this beautiful woman are daughters, Donna Routh and husband Greg Routh of Springfield MO, Jerlina Staggs and boyfriend William Doyle of the home; special to her ex son-in-law, Scott Staggs and wife Sandy of Springfield MO; 6 wonderful grandchildren, David Rice and wife Brandy of Colorado Springs, CO, Aaron Rice of Springfield MO, Vada Staggs and boyfriend Travis Goodin of Brighton Mo, Christina Hughes and husband Adam of Humansville, MO, Claris Claypool and husband Gene of Springfield, MO and Joshua Staggs also of Springfield MO.
She has 13 great-grandsons, Bennet and Soren Rice of Colorado Springs CO, Austin, Andrew and Adam Anno of Rogersville MO, Wyatt and Cooper Carrell of Springfield MO, Domanic, Quinton and Ethan Linhoff of Willmer, MN, William Naugle, Abel Staggs and RJ Johnson all of Springfield MO; 4 sisters, Anna Van Kirk and husband Jack of Stigler OK, Sharon Edson of Springfield, MO, Ida Parrick of Springfield MO and Rose Mendoza of Springfield MO. With many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to know her.

Mary requested there be no funeral services. If you want to do something, go have an ice cream to remember her. Her favorite was chocolate for any who forgot. Or donate to a charity of your choice.