Mary Elizabeth Markland Jarboe died peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home in Fayette, following a yearlong battle with cancer.  

She was born to William Asa (Bill) and Earline Howard Markland on November 29, 1954. Growing up in Armstrong, Mary attended first grade in Glasgow, grades two through eight in Armstrong, and graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1972. Mary then graduated from Central Methodist College in 1975, with a B.S. degree in Elementary education.  

Mary married Mark Ellis Jarboe on June 7, 1980, in Martinsburg, MO., while they were both teaching in Wellsville, MO. After moving to Armstrong, Mary finished her teaching career with the Moberly Public Schools. Following retirement from teaching, she worked part-time for many area Edward Jones offices and served on the Armstrong City Council.  

Mary had many interests, including antiques and playing cards, and she belonged to several organizations. Following in the footsteps of her father, she was a long-time member of the Howard County Democrat Committee, serving as Chairperson for many years. She was also a member of P.E.O., Chapter AU, the RD Bridge Club, and the Ganador Bridge Club. Mary enjoyed organizing large bridge parties, and Sunday afternoon Canasta parties. She was an avid cake baker. She also enjoyed traveling, cruising the world, and especially enjoyed visiting Aspen, CO., New York City, London, and traveling with family to cheer on the Mizzou Tigers. 

Survivors include her husband Mark of the home; one son, Seth Markland Jarboe, of Columbia; three siblings: Linda (Larry) Frink, Susan Donnelly (Garry Copeland), and John (Leonette) Markland, and sister-in-law Beverly Markland all of Fayette; brother-in-law Paul Jarboe, and sisters-in-law Callie (Chris) Ludwig, Lori (Mike) Mastin, Susie (Tim) Simerly, and Jan Jarboe, all of Indiana. Surviving nieces and nephews include Greg (Karen) Frink and Blaine (Chris) Frink, of Fayette; Matthew (Bahar) Donnelly of Columbia; Anthony (Lisa) Donnelly of Gladstone; Rebecca (Jake) Bruton and Maddison (Cody) Lynch of Columbia; and 15 great nieces and nephews, and nine great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Joseph and Marguerite Jarboe, and brothers-in-law Mike Donnelly, Joseph Jarboe, and Kevin Jarboe.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, Missouri. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Linn Memorial Church, with Rev. Bill O’Neal and Rev. Harold Young officiating. Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Armstrong, MO with Greg Frink, Blaine Frink, Matthew Donnelly, Anthony Donnelly, Jake Bruton, and Wally Eaton serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Joe Geist, Mitch Monnig, David Asbury, Steve Frevert, George Jacobi, Pete Harrington, Phil Johanning, and Jose Arredondo. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art or the American Cancer Society.