Mary Lou May Beard was born in Blueberry Mt., Alberta, Canada January 19, 1936. In 1950 the family returned to the United States when she was 14 years of age.In 1965 she married Billy R. Beard, who went to work for the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department in 1967 and later became the undersheriff.Following his retirement in 1982 from the DNSO, the two became entrepreneurs and opened Shooters Supply in 1984, which is still open and operating today. Mary developed many friendships over the years through Shooter Supply and was fondly known by her customers as Shotgun Mary!For many years the couple was involved in the community and influential members of Del Norte County.Mary passed away peacefully in her home in the early hours of September 3, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents James Howard and Lavonne Rogers, her husband Billy R. Beard, her daughter Debbie G. Cromwell, brother Larry Howard, brother-in-law Neil Chaffee, and nephews Jim and Ross Chaffee.Surviving her are her children Randy Pittman, Rick Pittman, and spouse Sharon, William (Bill) Beard, and spouse Lisa, Laurie King, and spouse Herman, brother Glen Howard, sisters Lucille Chaffee, Bonnie Clawson, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.This matriarch of her community will be sorely missed by her family, friends and many customers from over the years. She will not be forgotten.Private services were held at the Del Norte County Veteran’s Cemetery.Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel.Please sign the family’s online guest book at wiersmortuary.com. To plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Beard as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });