Mary Ralph Maddux passed from this world to the next on July 5, 2016 at home surrounded by family. As a lifelong believer in God’s love, grace and salvation through Christ, she is now in His presence.

Mary Ralph was born in Cookeville, TN on February 26, 1931 to Ralph Robert Jared and Mary Lowe Jared. She was raised in the west end of Putnam County on the Mt. Richardson farm and educated in Smith County. During her high school days she was a cheerleader, basketball player and voted Most Popular Girl her senior year. She attended the University of Tennessee for two years where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, but graduated from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in Physical Education.

After college it was marriage to Sid and farm life in Dry Valley raising crops, cattle, horses and boys. The farming operation grew through the years and it was necessary to hire summer help. A steady stream of high school and college boys were available, once they sat down to one of Mary Ralph’s gigantic home cooked meals, they were hooked.

In her fifties she found the perfect profession, selling real estate. She loved people, houses and showing people houses. Many of her customers became friends and the First Realty employees became like family.

Always young at heart and optimistic, she married Bud Maddux when she was almost 70. They were able to travel and enjoy life and each other for several happy years. She also gained a step daughter from the marriage.

Mary Ralph had several interests and was an animal lover, especially horses and particularly Walking horses. She and Sid were co-owners of Eb’s Black Glory that placed second in the Grand Championship Class in Shelbyville in 1984 and had a streak of at least 50 consecutive years in attendance at the Saturday night championship. She was also a member of the Upper Cumberland Walking Horse Association and a past board member.

Mary Ralph also loved music as long as it was Willie Nelson, Mike Farris, Gospel or about anything you could dance to, particularly Bob Seeger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.”

Like everyone, Mary Ralph naturally acquired titles throughout life; Daughter, sister, niece, aunt, wife, mother, mother-in-law, adoring grandmother, step mother. The titles of “second mom,” “best cousin ever” and “favorite aunt” were bestowed on her by many and earned through genuine love, care and concern.

Through the loss of two husbands, a son and two battles with cancer, she showed how to persevere by walking in faith but with determination, grit and all the while young at heart. Countless family and friends will cherish her memory.

Mary Ralph was preceded in death by her parents Robert Ralph and Mary Lowe Jared, husband Sid Maddux, husband Bud Maddux and son Freddy Maddux.

She is survived by Sister Lucy Stanton (who nicknamed her “Maidie”), Brohter-in-law Garland Stanton, Nephew Brett Stanton, Niece Sandy and Great Nephew Neil (Cookeville); Cousin (but more like a brother) Billy Harper (Wartburg); Cousin (but more like a second sister) Laura Medley (Cookeville); Nephew Ralph Jared (Rock Springs), Nephew Bob Massie (St. Louis), and Niece Joyce Mae Cooey (Akron, Ohio); Son Ralph Grady Maddux (Chattanooga), Daughter-in-law Kathy, Granddaughters Rachael Maddux – husband Joe McCormick (Atlanta) and Sarah Maddux (Chattanooga); Daughter-in-law Susan Brown Maddux (Algood); Step Daughter Susan Maddux Jones (Michael Montgomery), Step Granddaughters Mollie Jones, Erin (Brian) Russell, Step Grandchildren Savanna Russell and Beau Russell; as well as, numerous cousins and other family members.

Pallbearers will be Budd, Brad and Todd Jarrell, Brett and Neil Stanton, Tim and Rob Maddux, Kenny Maddux, Lee and Andrew Woosley, Monti Lowe, Mark and Alf Gill.

Funeral services for Mrs. Maddux will be at 1pm Friday, July 8 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Maddux Cemetery in the Buffalo Valley Community.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5 – 8 pm and again Friday from 12 pm until service time at the funeral home.

Ed Malone of Christ Community Church, where Mary Ralph was a long time member will 

officiate. In lieu of flowers contributions in Mary Ralph’s name may be made to:

Christ Community Church, Mission Fund, P.O. Box 209, Cookeville, TN 38501

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.

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