Mary Esther Schillaci (née Kelley), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, advocate, and friend, returned to God on May 7, 2026, surrounded by love and the memories of the many lives she touched. She was 66 years old. Born June 25, 1959, in Pineville, Missouri to  Donald "Buck" Kelley and Patricia Brown Kelley, Mary was the second of five children alongside her sisters Vickie, Wendy, and Kellie, and her brother Donald.

When Mary was young, the Kelley family relocated from southwest Missouri to southern  California, settling in Newhall in the greater Los Angeles area. Those years helped shape the vibrant, independent spirit that would define her throughout her life — no matter her location,  Mary was always a 'California girl' at heart. She attended William S. Hart High School in Santa  Clarita, where she worked at both McDonald's and Magic Mountain during her school years.

Mary later became the devoted mother of two daughters whom she loved fiercely and sacrificed endlessly to provide them with a better life. Her love for her family was wholehearted, and unwavering. She was immensely proud of her daughters, adored her nieces and nephews, and deeply loved her grandchildren. She had been eagerly anticipating her granddaughter's visit this summer, planning every detail to make it a joyful and unforgettable gathering.

Mary shared a deep and enduring love with her devoted husband, Bob. Their bond was rooted in loyalty, resilience, and unwavering commitment. She loved him wholeheartedly and they stood beside each other through every chapter of their lives together with strength, compassion, and fierce dedication.

Mary had a unique, creative soul and an extraordinary eye for beauty and design. Whether  sewing homemade Halloween costumes for her girls when they were little — including Nicole's unforgettable Care Bear costume — baking exquisitely decorated wedding cakes for her friends, decorating her home for Christmas or with unique oriental antiques throughout the year, planting blooming flowers in her garden to blossom in every season, or preparing incredible meals for family gatherings, Mary brought exceptional warmth and beauty into every space she touched.

An avid reader from childhood, Mary discovered her love of books after her father gave her a Louis L'Amour novel when she was eight years old. Reading became her refuge and lifelong passion. She also loved music, theater, and live performances. Over fifteen years, Mary enjoyed seeing Broadway productions at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center with Bob, her favorites including The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Color Purple. She attended concerts and performances by Andrea Bocelli, Tina Turner, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, The  Eagles, and The Moody Blues, among many others. She also treasured the simpler joys of life — especially a hot dog at Dodger Stadium or a good cup of coffee with someone she loved.

Mary loved animals, especially her darling big dogs that she had over the years including Moose, Sal, and Bruno. She had a special tenderness for babies and young children and friends and family often said her entire face would light up whenever she held a baby.

Strong, resilient, compassionate, and fiercely principled, Mary believed integrity was a person's greatest asset — a value instilled in her by her father and one she lived by every day. She was outspoken in her beliefs, deeply informed, and never afraid to stand up for what she felt was right.

Her passion for advocacy and helping others defined much of her life. Mary spoke publicly about domestic violence awareness and supported Take Back the Night. She served as a board  member of Lafayette House in Joplin, Missouri, actively supporting survivors and contributing to the organization's mission. She was involved with and supported Children's Haven in Joplin and served as a proactive board member of the Majestic Lakes HOA in Moscow Mills, Missouri, always advocating for the welfare and rights of residents. In Carl Junction, Missouri, Mary participated in a political action committee that successfully fought against a city proposal that residents believed would have financially harmed the community. Mary believed strongly in researching every issue thoroughly, understanding both sides before taking a stand, and fighting courageously for what one believes in.

Those who knew Mary will remember her as beautiful inside and out — generous, caring, courageous, and deeply loving. She impacted countless lives in meaningful ways, and nearly everyone who learned of her passing spoke of her kindness, strength, and the lasting impact  she made on their lives. Mary loved wholeheartedly, gave selflessly, and stood firmly for the  people and causes she cared about. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Buck and Pat Kelley of Joplin, Missouri;  her nephew, Sgt. John Allen, of Palmdale, California who was killed in action in Iraq; her brother, Donald Kelley of Santa Barbara, California; and her niece, Samantha Hildenberg of Neosho, Missouri.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" J. Schillaci of Bella Vista, Arkansas;  daughters: Rebecca Dawn Flanagan of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, Nicole Alaine Brannon of  Los Angeles, California, Carrie Schillaci of Sussex, New Jersey, Kristen Schillaci of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Heather Schillaci of South Carolina; and grandchildren: Hailey Nicole Flanagan of Dublin, Ireland, Veronica Mary Flanagan and Olivia Katherine Flanagan of Doolin, County Clare Ireland, Gianluca Lopez Schillaci and Alessio Lopez Schillaci of South Carolina.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary's honor to St. Jude Children's  Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.