Mary Ann Lichte, 79, of Norborne, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2026, at her home.
Mary was born on November 7, 1946, in Phoenix, AZ, the daughter of George Julius and Addie Lee (Davis) Peck. She was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck” Ryland Lichte, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, on October 30, 1964; he preceded her in death on February 3, 2025.
Survivors include: son, Charles (Kay) Lichte, III, of Norborne; daughter, Jennifer (Eric) Courtney of Norborne; brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Wendy Lichte; two nephews, Scott Peck and Allen Peck; and niece, Heidi Lichte.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Peck, brother-in-law, Steve Lichte, Sr., sister-in-law, Evelyn Peck, and nephew, Steve Lichte, Jr.
Mary was raised and educated in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from West High School. Following her school years, life eventually brought her to Norborne, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and community. In addition to raising her family, she worked alongside her husband as they owned and operated the Town and Country Drive-In and the Lichte Restaurant for many years, becoming familiar faces to generations in the Norborne community. She also helped manage Norborne Supermart.
When Mary wasn’t busy working or caring for her family, she found joy in growing things and was known to have a true green thumb. Flowers were one of her greatest pleasures, and she took pride in creating beauty wherever she planted. She also enjoyed feeding and watching birds, especially hummingbirds, orioles, and purple martins, and could often be found keeping an eye out for their visits.
Her faith was an important part of who she was. Mary was an active and devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, where she faithfully served as Bible School coordinator for many years. She also lovingly handled church correspondence, sending sympathy and get-well cards and helping make sure people stayed connected and cared for. Mary was a member of the LWML and believed in quietly serving others through acts of kindness. She was also active in 4-H and helped establish the FFA Alumni Chapter in Norborne, reflecting her dedication to supporting youth and strengthening her community. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with memorial services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Norborne. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
