Mary Lou Motes

Mary Lou Motes, age 95, of Palestine, Texas, passed away on Thursday, the 5th day of March 2026. She was born on the 30th day of October 1930 in Lovelady, Texas to parents David W. Mensch and Nellie Rawlings.

Graduating as Valedictorian from Elkhart High School, Mary's academic excellence earned her a college scholarship. However, her deep-rooted love for her hometown and the people within it saw her make the heartfelt decision to stay close to home. She spent many years at Paragon Cable and at Bealls, where her friendly demeanor and loving nature made her not just an employee but a valued member of the team. She never met a stranger and always had a smile on her face.

Mary was a woman of remarkable creative talent. She had a profound love for poetry and songwriting. One of her poems was purchased by the Houston Space Center and proudly displayed. Mary attended the Church of Christ in Palestine where she loved to share her faith. Mary's love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She will be forever remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents David and Nellie Mensch.

Mary leaves behind her loving sons, Shawn R. Motes and wife Cindy, Justin Motes and wife Sharon Elaine; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Graveside services to celebrate Mary Motes’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 8th day of March 2026 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.

Graveside services for Mary Lou Motes are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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