Missouri Woman Rescues Grandson from Fire

A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized Monday after rescuing her grandson from a fire in her home, KMBC's Peggy Breit reported.

The fire broke out early Monday at Lake Tapawingo when the two were asleep.

Investigators said the source of the blaze was faulty electrical wires in the kitchen.

"The fire went up into the attic space and started going across," family friend Richard Radford said.

The wail of smoke detectors woke Mary Stokes up, and sent her on a frightening trip through the home to find Cody, her 3-year-old grandson.

The fire spread fast, and firefighters said it could have been a killer, but the smoke alarms and Stokes' fast thinking changed that, Breit reported.

"She came out of the bedroom in her bare feet and her nightgown, went into a room, scooped up Cody," Radford said.

Radford said he heard the story from Cody and from Stokes, who is his future mother-in-law.

Stokes said the most frightening moment happened at the back door in the kitchen, which was the source of the fire.

"She couldn't get the door open, so she set Cody down on a table and just ripped it open," Radford said.

Both suffered burns but are expected to recover. Cody is in fair condition. His parents were away at the time of the fire, and Stokes will soon be moved out of intensive care.

Stokes' home of 47 years is a complete loss. She did not have homeowner's insurance; she said she couldn't afford it on a fixed income and since her husband died a few years ago. Radford said he is rallying friends and neighbors to help Stokes, saying she has done so much for others.

"The strongest lady I've ever met. She beat cancer three times, she had lymphoma, and now she's still spry, and she saved her grandson," Radford said.

Family Fund

A fund has been set up to help out Mary Stokes. Donations can be sent to:

Mary F Stokes Fund

c/o Bank of America

1104 SW Highway 7

Blue Springs, MO 64014.

For more info, contact Richard Radford at 816-229-5123.