Mary Beth Lau, 89, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away March 11, 2023.
She was born on November 17, 1933, to Benjamin William and Clarita Louise (Bungenstock) True in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She graduated from Central High School in 1951 and obtained her teaching certification through St. Joseph Junior College. On August 27, 1953, she married Charles Arthur Lau. He preceded her in death in 2019.
Mary Beth owned and operated CML Ceramics for 26 years. She previously worked for the finance department for the city of St. Joseph, and also was an office supervisor for Revenue Collections.
Mary Beth was a devoted member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. She served as president of the PTA at Edison and Central here in St. Joseph, as well as vice president of the PTA Council. She was the first president of the Cardio Scan Board and raised $15,000 for hearing and heart machines. She was a member of the American Businesswomen Eugene Field Chapter and held every office from president on down. Mary Beth ran the Missouri License Bureau, and also ran the Northwest Missouri Area Census in 1970 for 17 counties and was the federal jury commissioner for 17 counties.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles, and daughter, Mary Ann Lau.
Survivors include her children, Elizabeth Ann Long, Cynthia McQuerry, Kimberle Catron (Donnie), Doug Lau (Robin), and David Lau (Kendra); sisters, Krista Holtz (Leighton) and Benita Graglia; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, St. Paul Lutheran. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
