Mollie Rose Autry Molnar

Mollie Rose Autry Molnar, 90, passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, from a short illness and complications from strokes. She was born in Burdette on Oct. 17, 1931. Mollie attended Arkansas State University for her undergraduate degree. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Music Education from the University of Texas. She worked in music education in public schools and a professor at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, Mo. She finished her career as head of the music department there. She also loved directing the choir at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springfield and was active in her church leadership as an elder. She was an avid genealogist and involved in numerous organizations: The Geological Society, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), DAC (Daughters of the American Colonists), Colonial Dames of the 17th Century. She also belonged to the Capt. Robert Napier PEO DC Chapter, a philanthropic organization supporting women’s education. It is no wonder that Mollie proved to be an inspiration to her family, students and associates.

Mollie married the love of her life, Gene R Molnar in 1987 in Springfield and they had 32 wonderful years together. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene R Molnar; her parents, LH Autry Sr. and Lucile Sullivan Autry; her brother and his wife, LH Autry Jr. and Betty Williams Autry; and an infant niece Dianne Autry. 

She is survived by her niece, Rosanne Autry Florence (Michael) of Lonoke;  her nephew, David Autry (Colleen) of Bronx, N.Y.; her grandniece, Megan Florence Gray (Stafford) of Lonoke; great-grandnieces, Caroline and Charlotte, and great-grandnephew, Hayes; stepdaughter, Mollie Claire Neal (Jay) of Long Island, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Heather Walsh (Daniel) of Long Island, N.Y.; stepgranddaughter, Taylor Neal of Brooklyn, N.Y. and stepgranddaughter, Kelsey Neal of Burlington, N.C.  She also leaves beloved cousins, relatives, family members by choice and many dear friends. Several very special pups will miss her treats and her lap. 

Mollie was an avid traveler and traveled alone extensively. After marriage, the Molars proceeded to travel the world together. In the last year of Gene’s life, 2019, they made a long desired “around the world” adventure. Mollie always said, Gene told me where he wanted to go and I planned it and made it happen. The Molnars also generously took their families on many trips and the family has amazing memories of time spent together - a priceless gift.  

Mollie Rose lived a full and marvelous life of 90 years and her family and friends are grateful for lessons taught to them, her love for them, and most importantly for her encouragement to always travel, to learn and to grow in heart and intellect. Her niece likes to think that Gene’s and her soul are traveling again together on the most beautiful and amazing journey of all.  

Her family plans to hold a Celebration of Life and inter her cremains at a later date to allow out of state family to attend. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Blytheville with Boyd Funeral Home of Lonoke and Cobb Funeral Home of Blytheville providing support. Her family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff and caregivers at The House of Three and to Kindred Hospice for their love, support, and compassionate care of our loved one and us.

Condolences can be made online at Boyd Funeral Home and Cobb Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make memorial donations to the Mollie Autry Molnar Music Scholarship, Missouri State University Department of Music, 901 S. National Ave. Ellis Hall 206, Springfield, MO 65897, tel:417-836-5648. To see obituary in its entirety go to the Boyd’s Funeral Home Lonoke website.