Mary Fay Ritter Crook

Amory – Mary Fay Cox Ritter Crook, 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Oak Tree Plantation. Born on July 10, 1923, in Monroe County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Mary Lou Durrett Cox.

She was a graduate of Hatley High School. Mrs. Crook was fortunate to have two loving husbands during her life time. She married her first husband on December 25, 1943, and they were married 19 years. After Mr. Ritter passed away, she remarried Ira Crook Jr. on March 26, 1982, and they were happily married for 31 years. After working for Amory Garment for several years, Mary retired to become a homemaker. She was an active member of Hatley Antioch Methodist Church. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gave her the most joy in life. She loved to serve others and was a former 4H leader and a member of the Home Demonstration Club.

Survivors include her daughter, Marsha Wren (Tommy) of Batesville; sons, Van Ritter (Mary) of Amory and Tom Crook (Nina), Hatley; grandchildren, Amy Easter, Brandon, Sam Ritter (Dara), Saltillo, Daniel Wren (Ashley), Oxford, Rebekah Gray (Glenn), Batesville, Sarah Brashier (Brad), Tupelo, Elisabeth Carney (Jay), Madison, Chris Crook, Dallas, TX, Kevin Crook (Jill), Hatley, Cory Crook, Atlanta, GA; eighteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Griffin Ritter and Ira Crook, Jr.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, December 27 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory with Bro. Sammy Washburn, Bro. Kevin Crook, and Bro. Charles Coggins officiating. Burial will follow in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Wren, Sam Ritter, Andy Easter, Glenn Gray, Brad Brashier, Jay Carney, Cory Crook, and Aubry Luke.

Visitation will be from 12-1:50 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials or donations in lieu of flowers may be given to Smithville United Methodist Church, 60003 Gum Street, Smithville, MS, 38870; Meadowood Baptist Church, 1510 Hatley Road, Amory, MS, 38821; or St. Andrews Methodist Church, 1123 Veterans Legion Drive, Amory, MS, 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.