Mary Boyd Blue, 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at Chateau Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 2, 1917, in Anna, Ill., daughter of Homer and Minnie Boyd. She moved to Cape Girardeau in 1937 and attended Southeast Missouri State University. She taught school in Kewanee, Mo. She and John Lloyd Blue were married Sept. 27, 1940, in Cape Girardeau.

Prior to her retirement, she was a columnist at the Southeast Missourian. She was a renowned gardener and wrote the garden column, "Ladybug Says". Additionally, she was the Missourian food editor.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Castner Waddell of Powder Springs, Ga.; two grandsons and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Blue Waddell of Jackson, Miss., and Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Blue Waddell of Hattiesburg, Miss.

Her parents, husband, and a brother, Carl Boyd, preceded her in death.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. today.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Paul Kabo officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John and Mary Blue Scholarship Fund at Southeast Missouri State University or to First Presbyterian Church.