Mary Guy

Mary Guy, 74, of Abilene, Texas, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at Hendrick Medical Center, surrounded so many of those who she had wrapped with love in life.

Mary-a cowgirl every moment of her existence-did every day BIG. Born in Fort Worth to Edgar and Lillie Davis, Mary built a life of legend on the Guy ranch outside Abilene, raising a family-some by marriage, some birth and most by pure love for the wayward soul. The rodeo world was her family, and she loved every member of it like her very own. There was simply no life she'd have rather lived.

Mary wed the love of her life, Larry Guy, March 10, 1967, in Abilene. Together, they had a son, Tommy, and a daughter, Lari Dee, who would give Mary her greatest joy as their mother. She lived to crack the chute for her kids to rope, from Abilene to Las Vegas and beyond. Nobody would dare question her fierce support of them, as she never failed to show up everywhere they'd back into the corner and nod their head. Along the way, Mary acquired dozens of adopted children she'd lovingly call her 'strays', for whom she supported through good times and bad.

Mary's house was stacked from floor to ceiling with memorabilia and awards from the rodeo arena and photographs reminding her of all her family's great adventures. Always cozy and welcoming, her door was open at any time of day or night for a college rodeo kid who'd lost her way and needed a place to stay, a newborn fawn whose mom was hit on the highway, or any number of professional rodeo cowboy who needed a little motherly tough love. Mary had a couch, warm bed, hot meal, and some no-holds-barred advice.

Known best for her unmatched skill for honesty, Mary didn't care if you were the "King of the Cowboys" or her ornery, teenage grandson-she never left you questioning where you stood or what she thought of the choices you were making. A fierce advocate for women in rodeo, Mary lobbied hard for all her girls and loved cheering for her boys, young and old.

She was never one to overcomplicate the truth, with a quick wit and God-loving moral compass that always pointed due North. To Mary, right was right and wrong was wrong, and those who loved her had an immeasurable appreciation for her ability to clearly let you know where you stood between the two.

Mary is survived by Larry, her husband of 56 years; son, Tommy, of Abilene; daughter, Lari Dee, of Abilene; grandson, Tegan Guy; granddaughter, Adison Guy; nephews Roy Hurd Manahan (Kendra) and Cole Manahan; great nephew, Lanham Manahan; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Taylor County Expo Center Round Building, immediately following the service, lunch will be provided by Joe Allen's.