In gentle memory, we celebrate the life of Mary Kathleen Keffer, 66, known affectionately as Mary K. Born under the bright summer sun on July 30, 1956, in Hutchinson, Kansas her life was a radiant tale until her departure on July 12, 2023 in the city of Wichita, Kansas. Like a flower that blooms and adds beauty to the world, Mary K. was a beacon of love, spirit, and thoughtful care to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
As the cherished daughter of Floyd and Frances Keffer, Mary K. graced this earth with boundless love and compassion. Though she was preceded in death by her beloved sister Carolyn Veatch and brother Michael Keffer, her spirit lives on in her surviving brother Dennis (Renee) Keffer, sisters Joni (Brian) Hunt, and Denise (Harley) Nelson. Her love also thrives in her cherished daughter Kellie (Chris) Wade, six adoring grandchildren Makenna, Josalyn, Layton, Chloe, Camdyn, and Callahan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who were all touched by her warmth and kindness.
Mary K's quest for knowledge led her from the halls of Hutchinson High School before moving during her senior year to Wichita, Kansas to finish at East High School then to the esteemed St. Mary of the Plains College. She was a beacon of hard work and perseverance, which shone brightly throughout her career at the Kansas Turnpike Authority where she served dutifully as a toll collector. Her dedication to her work was paralleled only by her commitment to her many passions.
As the cherished daughter of Floyd and Frances Keffer, Mary K. graced this earth with boundless love and compassion. Though she was preceded in death by her beloved sister Carolyn Veatch and brother Michael Keffer, her spirit lives on in her surviving brother Dennis (Renee) Keffer, sisters Joni (Brian) Hunt, and Denise (Harley) Nelson. Her love also thrives in her cherished daughter Kellie (Chris) Wade, six adoring grandchildren Makenna, Josalyn, Layton, Chloe, Camdyn, and Callahan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who were all touched by her warmth and kindness.
Mary K's quest for knowledge led her from the halls of Hutchinson High School before moving during her senior year to Wichita, Kansas to finish at East High School then to the esteemed St. Mary of the Plains College. She was a beacon of hard work and perseverance, which shone brightly throughout her career at the Kansas Turnpike Authority where she served dutifully as a toll collector. Her dedication to her work was paralleled only by her commitment to her many passions.
A woman of many passions, Mary K. found joy in the simple pleasures of life. From baking cakes to embarking on delightful adventures with her family, her zest for life was contagious. She was a wonderful storyteller and relished in the company of others, her laughter echoing long after the tales were told. Her heart never far from those in need, Mary K. devoted her time to Traditions Hospice, cherishing the opportunity to serve others.
At the heart of Mary K’s life was her role as a caregiver. This she took up with grace and love, caring for her grandmother, her father, and her mother in their winter years. Yet the light of her life was always her grandchildren. Their laughter was her sweetest melody, their smiles her brightest stars. Teaching them to cook, to sew, to garden, and to explore the world around them, Mary K. was ever the adoring Grammy, their shared adventures the stuff of cherished memories.
In the words of the great Bard, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Mary K. played many roles in her life - daughter, sister, mother, friend, caregiver. Yet, in each role, she brought her unique love and spirit, touching the lives of all who knew her.
As we bid adieu to our beloved Mary K., let us not mourn her departure. Instead, let us celebrate the joy and love she brought into our lives, and the memories that will continue to light our days. For her spirit, like a star, never truly fades but continues to shine, a beacon of love, spirit, and thoughtful care, forever in our hearts.
As we bid adieu to our beloved Mary K., let us not mourn her departure. Instead, let us celebrate the joy and love she brought into our lives, and the memories that will continue to light our days. For her spirit, like a star, never truly fades but continues to shine, a beacon of love, spirit, and thoughtful care, forever in our hearts.
A Rosary was held at 7:00 pm, Sunday July 16, 2023; Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 am, Monday, July 17, 2023, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
A memorial was been established with: Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211.
Services were in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Makenna, Mary K., Kellie
