Mary “MaryBeth” Elizabeth Rich, 82, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2023, with her daughters by her side. Mary was born on February 24, 1941, to Herbert William McLachlan and Virginia Hope Morse in Houston, Texas. Mary moved with her family to Spring, Texas at the age of 11 in 1952.
Mary was a graduate of Spring High School, class of 1959. She was very athletic and played on the varsity basketball team. After graduation, she attended business school in Houston. Mary held positions with the City of Houston and Houston Intercontinental Airport. In 1971 she and her two daughters moved back to Houston when she married James A. Rich. Through the years Mary took an active role volunteering in her church, community leadership initiatives, and positions as PTA president and band booster club officer roles for her daughters’ school organizations. Later Mary served on the Spring Historical Society’s board for over 20 years. Mary’s stand-out hobbies were sewing, painting, and gardening, and she was an avid sports enthusiast.
Mary gave her heart to the Lord at age 18. She and her family were members of Lindale Assembly of God. In 1985 they joined Champion Forest Baptist Church and were active members for over 30 years where Mary held many volunteer positions. She and James also joined the Mountain Climbers Sunday school class and built forever friendships. In 2019, Mary became a member of First Baptist Church-Conroe where she often served as a greeter. She was blessed to find new friendships in the Uplifters class that became very dear to her.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother and father, Herbert and Virginia, brother-in-law James Clairmonte, brother James McLachlan, and her husband James A. Rich.
Mary is survived by her sister, Joycelyn Clairmonte of Spring, Texas, her children Paula Ohendalski of Conroe, Texas, Charlene Heath of Bryan, Texas, and stepson and daughter-in-law Chris and Sandy Rich of Lincoln, California. Her seven grandchildren, Gerald and Alison Rich, Audrey and Scott Green, Elleny and Jacob Eldridge, Ross and Samantha Ohendalski, Hayden Heath, Hadley Heath, and Hendley Heath.
Services are scheduled for May 10, 2023 with visitation at 9:00am and service at 10:00am at Cashner Funeral Home & Cemetery, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. Family will attend burial at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Ross Ohendalski, Hayden Heath, Hadley Heath, Hendley Heath, Scott Green and Jacob Eldridge. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Rich family.
