Biography: Mary Watkins Bellingrath Boellner, 87,  passed away peacefully on the morning of November 4, 2023.  She lived a life filled with family, friends, and an enduring faith in God which guided her every step in life.   She was born in LIttle Rock on June 6, 1936, the beloved daughter of Mildred Farley Thompson and Edward Albert Bellingrath. She was also the treasured granddaughter of Mary Watkins and Charles L. Thompson, whom she adored and spoke of lovingly throughout her life.


Mary graduated from Little Rock High School and went on to earn her BS in Chemistry at the University of Arkansas.  She was an active member of Chi Omega sorority. She graduated with honors and consistently set the curve in every pre-med class, which was quite humorous to all of the professors, but not so much to all of those who went on to become doctors. 


Upon graduating college, she married Sam Boellner, and after several years of residencies around the country, they eventually returned to Little Rock to raise their three daughters.   She was active in the community and a member of the Junior League of Little Rock and other clubs and organizations, but her true passion was her leadership roles with Bible Study Fellowship.  It was here that she thrived and found her calling and made lifelong friendships.   Fellowship Bible Church and her community of friends there filled her life with love and faith beyond measure.


Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ted Bellingrath and her grandson Thomas S. Cain, Jr.  She is survived by her three daughters, Millie Cain, Beth Boellner (Charles Wilson), and Carol Jeffrey (Bryan).  She loved and cherished her grandchildren Maria Cain (Wills Hooe), Catharine Cain Bowden (Ned), Sam Cain, Janie Munsey Hannant (Chris), Leah Munsey (Orlando Diaz), Sam Jeffrey (Skylar), and Anna Jeffrey.  Her heart expanded to overflowing with love for her great grandchildren Cooper Lee Diaz, Talon Bridger Hannant, Millie Cain Hooe, and she was joyfully awaiting the Spring arrival of great grandchild Bowden.


The family wishes to thank so many people who helped care for Mary in her final years.  The communities at Shepherd’s Cove and Brookdale; the staff and caregivers at Brightstar Care; caregivers Valerie Bradford and Precious Word;  and the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd.  In particular, we are profoundly grateful to Terrica Porchia who consistently shared her smile and gentle care with our mother.  And to Stella Foster, we are forever in your debt for making all of our lives so much better. You and Mom were and will always be each other’s sweet Peabody.


She was Mary to many and Mom to a few, but she loved being Gamo to her grandchildren and their friends most of all. She  will be remembered by so many with love and gratitude.  For those of us who shared our lives with her, we were truly blessed.  John 5:24.


There will be a visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home (6313 W. Markham) on Thursday November 9, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.   Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 10, at Fellowship Bible Church (1401 Kirk Road). Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com