Mary Elizabeth Smallen, age 76, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Schertz, Texas. Born on September 12, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas, to Louis and Ruth Bobbitt, Mary moved with her family to San Antonio at age two. She grew up close to her sister Sandra and later graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.

In 1973, Mary welcomed her first son, Patrick Louis Ware, taking immense pride in raising him with devoted strength. In 1982, mutual friends Jim and Linda Lagrone introduced Mary to the love of her life, Wadie Smallen, at square dancing. Mary and Wadie married, beginning a beautiful 44-year journey together centered on their combined family, travel, and deep companionship.

Mary dedicated 20 years to AT&T as a long distance telephone operator and service representative. In 1998, she and Wadie relocated to Stilwell, Oklahoma, to care for his mother, Elsie. While there, Mary fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her bachelor's degree in History and Native American Studies from Northeastern State University in 2009. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society and a faithful parishioner at St. Brigid and Church of the Good Shepherd Catholic churches.

A talented artisan and avid traveler, Mary poured her love into handcrafting quilts and receiving blankets for family and friends. Together, Mary and Wadie traveled the world, visiting Germany and Hawaii and embarking on over ten cruises across Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Panama Canal.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ruth Bobbitt, and her sister, Sandra Sue Bobbitt.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Wadie Smallen; her children and their families, Patrick and Virginia Ware, Justin and Amanda Smallen, Jeffery and Lee Ann Smallen, and Kimberly and Clifton Thornton; grandchildren Brennan and Anissa Ware, Jenna and Fernando Gonzalez, Lauren Smallen, Carson Thornton, and Katherine Thornton; great-grandchildren Scarlett, Athena, Kendall, Ariel, Elias; and lifelong friends, Jim and Linda Lagrone.

Service Information

• Visitation & Rosary: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

  • Location: Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM3009, Schertz, TX 78154

  • Family Visitation: Doors open at 4:00 PM

  • Rosary Service: 7:00 PM

• Burial: Wednesday, September 2, 2026

• Interment: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
• Graveside Service: 10:00 AM