Mary Elizabeth Dryden of Montgomery City, MO, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the age of 88.

Funeral services were held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 1, 2018, with Father Austin and Father Tony Viviano officiating. Interment was in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, November 30, 2018, at the Immaculate Conception Church from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a prayer service.

Mary Dryden was born June 12, 1930 in Martinsburg, MO, the daughter of Joe C. and Elizabeth Ploss Arens. On October 22, 1951, she married John E. Dryden who preceded her in death on January 17, 1996.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. She worked as a bookkeeper for Roy West Pontiac and for Arens Automotive and Tire. She was a past president of the former Immaculate Conception Council of Catholic Women and the former American Legion Auxiliary Post 277. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. William (Bill) Dryden and wife, Shelly, of Camdenton, MO and Robert (Bob) Dryden and wife, Kim, of Montgomery City, MO. Four grandchildren, Ashley Hays of Camdenton, MO; Christopher John Dryden of Kansas City, MO; Lindsey Nicole Dryden of Columbia, MO; and Jessica Lynn Dryden of Kansas City, MO. Two great-grandchildren, Alyssia and Cayson Hays, two brothers, Norbert Arens of Martinsburg, MO; and Paul Arens and wife, Bonnie, of Quincy, IL, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, John Dryden, her parent, one brother Fred Arens and one grandson, Aaron Dryden, preceded her in death.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Church or to the Gateway Multiple Sclerosis Society, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.

Casketbearers included Pat Arens, Tom Arens, Jim Arens, John Arens, Greg Arens, and Kevin Arens. Honorary casketbearers include John Clark and John Mitchell.