Mary L. Waller, age 88, of Dothan, Alabama, a former resident of Eldon, died Saturday, August 13, 2005 at her home. She was born in Washington, Indiana on July 28, 1917, a daughter of the late Edward Erve and Emily Maude (Williams) Padgett. On October 18, 1941 she was married to Fred Clifford Waller who preceded her in death on October 11, 1977.

Though a former resident of Eldon, Mary may be remembered by many for residing on what is still known as "The Hawaiian Islands" on the Lake of the Ozarks where she and her husband Fred had a dock business for many years that also included a grocery store and gas dock that her family ran until Fred passed away in 1977. Her son-in law, John Blakley and daughter Emily, continue this family tradition of building docks nearly 30 years later.

Those who survive her include: two sons, Richard (Dick) Waller of Washington, Indiana and Edward Waller of Dothan, Alabama; five daughters, Sue Beckett of Washington, Indiana, Patrice (Pat) Fuchs of Dothan, Alabama, Rebecca (Becky) Kincaid of Overland Park, Kansas, Sharon Wyatt of Dothan, Alabama and Emily (Emma Jo) Blakley of Gravois Mills; 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.

Four brothers, William (Billy), Orby (Pat), James and John Padgett and one sister, Sarah Lucille Wiltz, also preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 26, at Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.