Mary Louise Reynolds

Mary Louise McCoy Reynolds, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 21, 2024, in Nampa, Idaho.  Mary was born on August 29, 1939, in Boise, Idaho to WJ (Bill) and Helen McCoy.  She was the third of 5 daughters and grew up in Boise.  She graduated from Boise High School in 1957 and then enrolled in Boise Junior College where she attended for one year and met the love of her life Dale Vernon Reynolds. Dale kept asking her to marry him and she finally said yes when he actually produced a ring with the proposal. They were married on June 11, 1960 and lived in Nampa for one year and then moved to Kuna where she learned to embrace country living and the farm life.  

Mary worked for Albertson’s for a few years in various positions and then started her real career as Mom.  Mary and Dale had three children David, Brian and Wendy.  They gave them eight grandchildren, 4 girls and 4 boys and then eight great-grandchildren. 

Mary lived for her family, and she loved and supported them in all their activities and ventures. She made it to every classroom party supplying treats and goodies for everyone.  She attended all of their sporting events, 4-H activities, FFA functions and whatever other things they were involved in.  Her home was a welcome place for all of her children’s friends throughout the years and no one ever left hungry; the more the merrier.

Mary learned to play the piano at a young age and became the pianist for the youth group at the Episcopal church that the family attended.  When she moved to Kuna, she started attending the Kuna United Methodist Church and became the pianist there.  She taught herself to play the organ and she played there for 40 years. She also played for the church choir, Christmas and Easter programs as well as other numerous events including graduations, school programs, FFA banquets and Eastern Star.  The last count she shared she had played for over 120 weddings and funerals, sharing her talents with so many people.

Mary and Dale were asked to take over the Kavemen Kritters 4-H Club and they tentatively agreed. Thirty-five years later they were still the leaders.  They had a huge impact on so many kids and families over the years and they loved watching all their accomplishments.  They encouraged the kids to transition to FFA as they got older.  Mary served on the Kuna FFA Advisory Board for a few years and then passed the torch to Dale as he took the seat.  She was always there to help with various projects, banquets, shuttling kids and baking food.  The advisors called her “Ma Reynolds” and reached out often to ask for her help with things and she always stepped up to the occasion.  For their self-less work Mary and Dale were honored by the Idaho Press Tribune for their volunteer services and they also received an Honorary State Degree from the Idaho State FFA and the Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Kuna FFA. 

Mary also served as the registrar for her voting precinct.  She ran the election for her polling place for many years.  I think it served as a “fun” girls day based on the amount of things she took to work on and snacks she took to eat in case they were slow!

Mary is survived by her children and grandchildren: Dave (Karla), Mac (Michelle), Tyler (Danielle), Jessica (Dusty), Libby (Trent); Brian (Joan) Maggie (Joe), Zack; and Wendy, Jacob (Emma); and 8 great-grandchildren: Ben, Ellie, Ada, Aurora, Grant, Roslyn, Jefferson and Katie. Her sister Janet and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Dale; granddaughter Amanda; her parents; and sisters: Shirley, Baby McCoy and Sue.

The family would like to thank Sunny Ridge for the wonderful care they provided for Mary over the last few years, there were so many people who did their best to keep Mary comfortable, well and happy. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kuna FFA 637 East Deer Flat Rd, Kuna, Idaho 83634. Please make the checks payable to the Kuna FFA and put Attn to: Land Lab – Danielle Reynolds.

A viewing will be held on Friday January 3rd from 5-7 pm at Accent Funeral Home in Meridian, Idaho. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th at 11 am at the Kuna High School Performing Arts Center with a luncheon to follow in the Commons.