Mary Alice Wright

Mary Alice Wright, 83, of Vandalia, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Baptist Homes of Tri-County in Vandalia.

Alice was born on September 19, 1942, at home in Ashley, Missouri, the daughter of the late Leonard Korte and Florence Ellebracht Korte.

She was united in marriage to Herman “Sonny” Wright in 1963, who survives.

Alice is also survived by her three children: one son, Jim (Lynda) Wright of Rocheport, Missouri; and two daughters, Diana (Thom) Spradling of Vandalia, Missouri, and Allison (Kerry) Loy of Wildwood, Missouri. She is further survived by her Grandchildren: Garrett (Tara) Wright of Lenexa, Kansas; Hope (Jaime) Vaughn of Columbia, Missouri; Lindsey (Sean) Koetting of Columbia, Missouri; Jonathon (Lino Marko Rangelov) Spradling of Chicago, Illinois; Jordan (Todd) Crane of Bowling Green, Missouri; Mara Hunt of Rock Hill, Missouri; Maclaine Hunt of Wildwood, Missouri; Lucas Loy of Wildwood, Missouri; Great Grandchildren: Walker Crane; Owen Crane; Sonny Crane; Drew Vaughn; Tripp Vaughn; and Ellie Jo Wright.

Additional survivors include four brothers: Paul Korte, Dennis Korte, Clyde Korte, and Mark Korte; and two sisters: Jane Trower and Laura Vandelicht.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Branstetter; and two brothers, Sonny Korte and Chuck Korte.

Alice attended beautician school and began her career as a beautician, where she enjoyed visiting with clients and forming lasting friendships. After marriage, she devoted herself to raising her family and creating a warm and welcoming home. She was known for her strong work ethic and also had a painting and wallpaper business with her dear friend Martha Libby, taking pride in every project they completed. Alice was also very creative and had a special talent for scrapbooking, carefully preserving family memories in a way that will continue to be treasured for years to come. She was an amazing baker and cook, known for preparing delicious meals and homemade treats that brought family and friends together and made every gathering feel special.

She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vandalia and was active in the Le Femme Club, where she valued fellowship and community involvement. Alice took great pride in her home, especially in her love for gardening and canning, often sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends.

Above all, Alice’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, always making time for them and supporting them in all stages of life. Her care, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Alice and Sonny shared many happy years together, especially enjoying their winters in Texas and traveling across the United States on long motorcycle rides, creating memories that will be cherished by her family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vandalia. Burial will follow at Vandalia Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Alice's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com