Mary Mae Auxier, 89, of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on November 17, 1936, in Wayne County, Arel Township, the daughter of Homer Marshall and Lillie Marie (Trotter) Wells. She married the love of her life and best friend, Donald Auxier, on February 6, 1955, in Peoria, and he preceded her in death on July 4, 2006.
Survivors that will remember Mary’s immense love for her family include her children, Jeffrey L. (Debbie) Auxier of Nashville, Lora (Rick) Cozadd of Centralia, and Nancy Auxier of Centralia; grandchildren, Adam (Allycia) Auxier, Lauren (Dylan) Thompson, Lee (Brittany) Cozadd, Jon (Loni) Cozadd, Taylor Shedelbower; great-grandchildren, Cassel, Bergen, Lottie, Audrey, Sylas, Corbyn, Gretta; sister, Betty (Ron) Kellum, of Alton; sister-in-law, Janet Wells of Morton, IL and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Along with her husband, Don Auxier, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Lillie Wells; brothers, Homer (Juanita) Wells, Joe (Mary) Wells, Melvin Wells; and her special friend, James Jackson.
Mary was of the Baptist faith. She was a loyal employee of Warren G. Murray Center from the time of its opening in 1964 until her much-deserved retirement in 1989. Mary was always active and could be found beautifying her yard and caring for her flowers. She was a thrift shopper who had the uncanny ability to scope out the best sales. Mary was an excellent dancer and loved to spin around the dance floor with her husband, Don. She looked forward to spending winters in Florida, where she and Don made lasting friendships. Mary was a faithful friend, appreciative of the time spent together with her fellow members of the Boot Scooters and Red Hat Society. Above all else that life had to offer, Mary placed her family first, loving them and supporting them all. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Reed Tallman officiating. Private burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Dahlgren, IL. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to the Fireside House Activity Fund or the National Diabetes Association. Online condolences and memories may be shared with Mary’s family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
