Mary Elizabeth Otto

Mary Beth Otto (Brune), 71, of Osage Beach, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2025, surrounded by family and love after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Born into a proud Irish and German family, Mary Beth grew up with a strong sense of faith, family, and hospitality. She carried those values throughout her life, welcoming everyone with warmth and generosity.

Mary Beth is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Tom Otto; her daughters Christine, Sarah (and her husband David), and Teresa (and her husband Harsha); her seven grandchildren—Riley, Hailey, Otto, Louie, Jude, Arjun, and Nikhil; her mother, Lucille; her brother, Larry; and her sister, Diane. She was preceded in death by her father, Vince, and her younger brother, Kenny, whose memory lived on in the family’s annual Christmas ski trips to Colorado.

Hospitality was at the center of Mary Beth’s life. She was an exceptional cook who loved preparing meals for others, from birthday cakes for her family to summer gatherings at the lake. She especially enjoyed cooking alongside her grandson Riley. She and Tom created a home where family and friends felt not just welcomed but celebrated.

That sense of welcome extended far beyond her own family. Over the years, Tom and Mary Beth opened their home to multiple foreign exchange students, including those from Sweden and Thailand. No matter where someone came from, Mary Beth made sure they felt like family. Her openness to the world and to people of all backgrounds defined her spirit and left a lasting impression on everyone who entered her home.

Mary Beth also loved new experiences. She and Tom traveled widely, from visiting their daughters in India to exploring Europe, South America, and national parks across the United States. She was equally at home boating on the lake, skiing the mountains, or opening her door to loved ones.

She found joy on the pickleball court, a passion she shared with Tom and their circle of friends. On the court and on the dance floor alike, Mary Beth thrived in community, laughter, and movement. Dancing with Tom was one of her greatest joys, and together they filled their life with music and friendship.

Her Catholic faith was a constant source of strength. For more than five decades, she served as a church organist, beginning at the age of 16. She found purpose in music and joy in her faith community.

Mary Beth worked as a home economics teacher, stepping away from the classroom for 16 years to raise her daughters and lead a preschool and Parents as Teachers program. She later returned to teaching and retired in 2014, having touched countless lives with her dedication to education.

She faced her illness with courage and strength. She had no regrets, only love for the life she lived and the people she shared it with.

Above all, Mary Beth will be remembered for her generosity of spirit—her ability to make anyone feel at home, her openness to the world, and the strength of the family she and Tom built together. Her legacy lives on in her family’s traditions, in the meals and music she shared, and in the love she gave so freely.

She lived a life full of love with no regrets. With that being said, she will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

A memorial mass will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Camdenton, Missouri.

Interment will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

A visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:30 am Saturday, October 25, 2025 in the church.

A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following graveside services in the lower level of the church.

Per Mary Beth's request, no flowers are to be sent to the services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society and may be mailed to the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home at 15 Clint Ave, Camdenton, MO 65020 or by copy and pasting the provided link in your browser: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html