Mary Margaret Busby Stramel

Jun 24, 1954 - Jan 23rd, 2025

Birth Date: Jun 24, 1954
Death Date: Jan 23, 2025
Funeral Date: Feb 10, 2025, 3:00 pm
Location: Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Biography: Mary Margaret Busby Stramel, of Little Rock, passed away in the early evening of January 23, 2025. Born June 24th, 1954, Mary was a fourth-generation Arkansan and one of five children of the late John Vincent Busby, M.D., and Thelma Loretta Massery of Little Rock, AR.

Mary graduated from Mount St. Mary's Academy and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Mary's life was spent in the service of others. She was strong, determined, and generous, always helping everyone in any way she could. She was the consummate professional in her business life at Stephens, Inc., an avid master gardener, accomplished musician, and patron of the arts, particularly local theatre and performing visual artists. Mary was the most supportive and loving mother and friend. She left behind a large circle of influence and was nicknamed “the Yoda of Networking” by one of her countless friends.

Love runs deep in the branches of her family tree. Mary is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Stramel; her daughter, Rosemary Kathleen Lewis Compton, and her husband, Michael K. Compton Jr.; Michael’s sons, Sgt. Spencer M. Compton and Ford M. Compton; Tom’s daughters, Adriane Stramel and Lindsey Williamson and husband Robb; Tom’s Granddaughter Keeley J. Finch and her daughter Rachel Samuelson; her brother, John G. Busby of Santa Barbara, California, and his daughters Meghan S. Stafford and Melissa J. Cheetham; her brother Joseph M. Busby and wife Jolie of Greenville, North Carolina, and their daughter Phoebe Chandler; her sister Martha Busby Cross and her sons Carl Vincent Cross and Gregory Martin Cross; and her brother James B. Busby.

On February 10th, 2025, Mary’s funeral will be held at 3:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, in downtown Little Rock. This will be followed by a celebration of Mary’s life from 4:30-7:30 PM at Next Level Events “Slick Wiley’s”, 1400 W Markham Suite 104, Little Rock AR.

Mary loved flowers, but in lieu of them, the family asks that you consider donating to any one of the following causes: Christ Episcopal Church (christchurchlr.org), 509 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201, (501)375-2342. Our House (ourhouseshelter.org),302 E Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206, (501)374-7383. Humane Society of Pulaski County (warmhearts.org),14600 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210, (501)227-6166.

Mary’s online obituary with condolences can be found at RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(19)

Nikki Ackerman

#19

Feb 14th, 2025 5:01 pm

My deepest condolences. Mary was one of a kind. She made me feel welcome at Stephens Insurance from the first day I met her. Even after I transferred to another department within Stephens, she still said hello and inquired how my family was doing. She will be greatly missed.

Michael Rice

#18

Feb 7th, 2025 10:16 pm

I will always have Mary in my heart. A lifelong friend since 1968....We have had many visits in Arkansas and New York and many points in between.....Her generosity and spirit was boundless......and I carry the many lessons I've learned from her about the human spirit forever in my soul. We will miss you, Mary....but your presence is still here....

Susan Jones Boe

#17

Feb 7th, 2025 7:04 pm

Mary was such a kind and lovely person. I'm sad knowing I won't see her beautiful face around town. I'm sure she and Daddy (Dr. Bill Jones) are in the spirit world catching up, playing the piano, talking about their yards, all while doing some pilates!!!!!!! Daddy loved Mary so much as did everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I will think of Mary every time I'm in the garden or doing pilates. She was so dear. Sending all my love.

Jean Cantrell

#16

Feb 5th, 2025 6:14 pm

I had the great fortune of meeting and getting to know Mary through her lifelong friend, Michael Rice. On my visits to Little Rock, I had the privilege of enjoying many an outing with Mary and Tom, either for dinner or to a show at The REP or both. Mary was one of a kind: fiercely loyal, extraordinarily kind and the best friend one could hope to have. Mary and I shared much in common -- an intense love of animals, an outsized appreciation for music, and a love for working and career, to name a few. She helped so many people in so many ways and was a boundless resource for our good friend, Mike. Mary, you will be sorely missed, for all the things you would do for people, both big and small. Much love and sympathy to your family and friends.

Heather Schiappacasse

#15

Feb 4th, 2025 4:54 pm

Shocked and saddened to hear of Mary’s passing.

Immeasurable talent, multi faceted, great human.

She’ll certainly be missed.

Catherine Rodgers

#14

Feb 4th, 2025 4:30 pm

Mary’s kindness knew no bounds, and her love was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Jody Allison

#13

Feb 4th, 2025 1:44 pm

I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She brightened my life when I met her as a Master Gardener at the Old State House. Her love of flowers, especially roses was so impressive. There was no task too big or challenging for her. Love and prayers are sent to her entire family.

Chucki Bradbury

#12

Feb 3rd, 2025 10:42 pm

Mary was a treasure and has left her mark on all she knew.

Linda Abrams

#11

Feb 3rd, 2025 2:25 pm

Mary, what an awesome, loving, kind, thoughtful human being! Such a beautiful person internally and externally. She was EXCEPTIONAL in her profession and I will miss her but I'll see her soon in heaven where we'll praise The Triune GOD together FOREVER!

Christine Kelly Braun

#10

Feb 3rd, 2025 2:33 am

Tom and family,
I am saddened beyond words to hear of Mary’s passing. She was such a sweetheart. Sending you so much love and prayers for strength and peace my friend

Christine Kelly Braun

Feb 3rd, 2025 2:33 am

Tom and family,
I am saddened beyond words to hear of Mary’s passing. She was such a sweetheart. Sending you so much love and prayers for strength and peace my friend

Beth and Phil Pile

Feb 3rd, 2025 12:21 am

We are sorry for your loss Tom. Mary was a loving person who was loved by many people. She will be missed.
Sorry we will not be able to celebrate her life on February 10. May it be a wonderful celebration. God bless everyone.

Chris Cummings

Feb 2nd, 2025 3:05 pm

Leslie and I are heart broken for you and the girls. You and your family have always been very special in our hearts. We pray for peace and comfort for all .

Steve Madigan

Feb 2nd, 2025 12:13 pm

Mary was full speed ahead all the time and was not shy about anything. Tom, I send condolences to you and your family. I know your life will be so different without your Mary but I’m sure you will find a path forward with God’s grace.

Becky Porter

Feb 2nd, 2025 3:11 am

I am so. Wry sorry for your loss. I loved your mom. My prayers and love are with you and your family

Jill Kaplan

Feb 1st, 2025 9:42 pm

I simply loved her. It was impossible not to. Sincere condolences to the entire family and much love to Tom. May her memory be for blessings. I never met a more generous of life and spirit lady and i will miss her forever.

Jeanneane King

Feb 1st, 2025 4:12 pm

Mary and I had 35 years of friendship together, we traveled, we talked, and we complained. But our friendship will never fade away. I love you Mary, rest in peace. Love Jeanneane

Ginger Penick

Feb 1st, 2025 12:20 am

Such sadness, but good happy memories with her in MSM. God strength to her family with blessings.

Lila Havens

Feb 1st, 2025 12:17 am

Mary was a truly beautiful person and a dear friend of mine. We shared happy memories of attending band camp together as kids, starting in 1967, and over the past 10 years we had gotten close again and made new memories that I will treasure as long as I live. I am mourning her, but I know my loss doesn't compare that felt by her family. You have my sincerest sympathy.

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