Mary Denton
Mary Margret Wyper Denton (Mabel) was born on September 20, 1947, in Denver, Colorado and departed this life on July 17, 2025, in her home at Lake Ozark, Missouri at the age of 77. Mary was the only daughter of David and Charline Wyper, both of whom proceeded her in death. She attended school in Lexington, Missouri and graduated with the class of 1965. She furthered her education at Kansas City General Hospital, where she obtained a degree in Nuclear Medicine allowing her to work as an X-Ray technician in 1972. She moved to the Lake Ozark area in the late 70’s. On October 3, 1981, she married the love of her life, Gary Denton. From this union came their only child, Elizabeth Ann Denton of Lake Ozark. They bought acreage and built a home in Lake Ozark where she resided for 36 years. While their love story did not go as intended, they remained friends until Gary’s passing on May 8, 2021.
Mary was best known as “Mabel”, by those that knew her best. She was a true mixologist of the Lake, an avid photographer as well as a server and banquet director. She chose a career in the hospitality field starting at The Garrison and succeeded at it very well! She served the best drinks and laughs in the Pub Lounge at Arrowhead Lodge for many years until its closing. She thoroughly enjoyed her service at Osage National as well as Inn at the Grand Glaize. Mary also obtained her Real Estate License for 4 years here at the Lake. She was active in her community working alongside Dewey’s Toys for Tots, starting the Coats for Kids at Arrowhead Lodge every winter, along with many other non for profits she silently led and donated to. She was also known for her time and efforts within the Lake Area Girl Scout Troops. She was an active leader for eight consecutive years, taking pride in her Troop as well as each one of the girls individually. She fed the lonely during the Holidays and every child that entered her presence was always protected and taken care of.
While raising her daughter, her house was always open to all friends, never feeling rushed and giving the welcoming vibe she did to all that entered her door. She would cook meals that many came back for and passed that legacy to her daughter and Grandsons. She taught many children about nature, animals, cooking, nutrition, health and integrity. We can’t forget “Aunty Mabel’s Charm School” where she would educate those that needed a little help in manners. She truly wanted the best for this world and always wanted to see the beauty in circumstances. In her spare time, before her fall in 2017, you could find Mary always gathered with friends or with her head down in a creek bed looking for arrowheads. Or she might have been, again, headed down on a golf course looking for that little white ball. She thoroughly enjoyed a game of golf, loved antiquing and appreciated nature, while capturing it all with her camera.
In 2007 Mary was blessed with her first Grandson starting her new journey as not only a Mother, but now a Grandmother. Mary was very proud of her family, those by blood and those friends who became family over the years. If Mary loved you, you knew it. If she didn’t, you knew it too. She was respected by many, and impacted those that encountered her in so many ways. She loved a good time in her youth, helping others during motherhood is what she did best. Mary got to retire on her property doing whatever her heart desired, for the first time in her life’s entirety. Mary was loved deeply and will forever be cherished for the knowledge, love and morals she instilled in her daughter(s) and grandsons.
Those left to cherish her, continue to share her beliefs and strive to better those around are her daughter Elizabeth Coplin and Son in Law Brandon Coplin; her three Grandsons that were her world; Brandon James II (B), Konnor David and Jaxsen Olyver Coplin all residing at her established residence since 1989 in Lake Ozark; her mother-in-law Thelma Ann Scott of Lake Ozark. She also has 2 surviving brother-in-Laws; Chris (Jeanna) & Mike Denton as well as her nieces and nephews Rachel & Lucas Denton, Crystal Sawyer and Ben Johnson. An additional daughter mourns her loss Lacie (Les) Nixdorf of Tuscumbia; three additional grandchildren Lillie (Kenneth Snyder), Lane and Logan Nixdorf as well as two bonus great grandchildren Micheal and Conley Snyder. A host of extended family and friends from all over are mourning the loss of Mabel’s legacy.
A celebration of life will be held at Osage National Golf Course in Lake Ozark, Missouri on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.