Mae McNeil

Alta Mae McNeil, 82, of Salem, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on July 6, 1944, in Salem, Missouri, Mae was the daughter of Wilburn and Imogene Johns. She was one of four children and is survived by her brother, Bill Johns (Pauline). She was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Johns, and her sister, Emma Gray (Leroy).

Mae married Otto Mooney in February 1963, and they shared 22 years together. In 1964, they welcomed their daughter, Tracy Mooney, who was the center of Mae's world and a source of tremendous pride throughout her life.

Mae was blessed with two granddaughters, Lindsay Williams (Brandon) and Riley Mooney, and one great-granddaughter, Diana Mae, who was truly the apple of her eye. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured the time she spent with them.

Mae also shared a special bond with her nephews, Rick Johns (Jackie), Billy Gray (Tina), and Stanley Johns. She loved them dearly and treasured the relationships she shared with them. Billy's daughter, Giselle, was also very special to Mae, and she loved watching her family grow and being part of their lives. Her love for her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter was a special part of who she was, and those family connections meant so much to her.

Mae worked as a lab technician at Crown Packaging, where she retired in 1999. During her years there, she formed many close and lifelong friendships. She was known for being generous and kind, always willing to help anyone whenever she could. If someone needed a helping hand, Mae did what she could to be there for them.

Mae had a wonderful sense of humor and never seemed to be without a funny saying or a quick remark that could make everyone around her laugh. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, and her friendship was something many people treasured.

Above all, Mae will be remembered for her generous heart, her loyalty to the people she loved, her wonderful sense of humor, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.

She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by her daughter, Tracy; granddaughters Lindsay Williams (Brandon) and Riley Mooney; great-granddaughter Diana Mae; brother Bill Johns (Pauline); nephews Rick Johns (Jackie) and Billy Gray (Tina), and Billy's daughter, Giselle; as well as many extended family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Imogene Johns; her brother, Earl Johns; sister, Emma Gray (Leroy); and nephew, Stanley Johns.

Mae's laughter, her funny sayings, her kindness, and the love she shared with those around her will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 6:00 pm at Twin Chimneys Family Center, 7145 Twin Chimneys Blvd, O'Fallon, MO 63368.