Mary Louise Puckett

Mary Louise Puckett, aged 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep, as she had always wanted, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 17 th , 2026, at 12:34am, in Centerville, Utah.

Survived by six of her nine children (Lillian, Warren, Jim, Janie, Buster and Diana), she was the last living member of her father’s household. Her passing has brought her remaining children, grandchildren and great grandchildren closer together in love and faith, which was her main concern at the end of her life.

Born as Mary Louise Burlew on November 30th , 1931, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, her greatest desire in life was to be a mother. Adopting strangers, strays and any in need, Mary welcomed anyone (human or animal) into her home alongside family with a fierce love and concern for their well being.

She was married twice, first to James Smith in 1948, then again in 1964 to Alvin Warren Puckett. She worked hard to support her household, even after the loss of her husband Al in1983, always being a powerful matriarchal foundation for her family.

Aside from loved ones, Mary’s greatest passion was her faith. This started early in life, in Bridgeton; after sitting on the steps of an unknown church, a very young Mary Louise felt a strong urge to know, “What’s in there?”In 1965, Mary Louise converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1968 with her spouse Al, and her children Jim, Jesse, Warren and Lillian. She was later sealed to her son and daughter, Kerry and Diana, in the Provo Temple. She would continue to show her devotion by later going on a Senior LDS Mission to the Mesa Arizona Mission in 1998. Mary would not cease to share her spirituality throughout her life, never mincing words about her faith in Jesus Christ.

Powered by her devotion to her Savior and her family, Mary’s last great effort, only 42days before her passing, was to leave her bed and her house in Centerville, to make sure she attended the baptism of her great granddaughter Suzanne Mary Louise Tilini. 

Her focus on faith and family had given her strength all her life, and Mary Louise Puckett’s greatest wish was to impart those qualities to those closest to her.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday May 9 th , 11:00am, open to friends and family,at the LDS North Stake Center located at 1461 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah, 84014.