Mary Alice Wood Cassel passed away on August 18, 2024, in Raton, New Mexico. She was born on March 26, 1934 in Port Lavaca, Texas to James Perry Wood and Mary Moreland Wood.
Preceding her in death were her loving husband of fifty-seven years Virgil Claud Cassel, her parents, her sisters Charlotte Faye and Clara Margaret, and brothers Charles Ray Wood and James Robert Wood. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Gary Doffitt.
She is survived by her daughter Cindy and husband Michael Tachman of Granger IN; son Ron Cassel and his wife Jeanne of St. Charles MO; daughter Terri Cassel of Raton; son David Cassel and wife Darlinda of Edmond OK; daughter Julie and her husband Chris Storer of Johnson City TX and Raton; and daughter Casey Garrard of California. She was cherished and will be missed by her fifteen grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well. Mary Alice and Virgil met in Port Lavaca and their journey through life together led them to homes in Texas, Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Following Virgil’s death, she lived in California and came to Raton for an extended visit before she passed. Mary Alice will be remembered for her kind heart and Christian faith, as well as her sharp wit and belief that “home” was anywhere she could be with family.
The children of Mary Alice extend their gratitude to the Raton EMS and all the staff at the MCMC ER, Med/Surg Department, and Clinic for the compassion and care they showed “Miss Mary” while she was under their care. Special thanks, as well, to Robin Pilley of Anvoi Compassionate Hospice Care for the support and guidance she provided in the final hours.
Mary Alice will be interred beside Virgil at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary in St. Louis MO.
