Mary Pelton

Mary L. Pelton, of Pittsburg, Kansas (formerly of Goddard, KS), mother of Connie and Kelly Kays, passed away on March 7, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. In her 88 years, Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother continually sharing her love, faith and wisdom. Mary was born at home on March 5, 1926 in Olathe, KS, the daughter of Charles and Rose Hanser Schlagel. Mary was raised on the family farm near Olathe. She achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University in 1949 and worked as a Home Demonstration Extension Agent in Brown County, Kansas for three years. In 1950 she married Elmer Pelton of Ford, KS. Mary was a strong supporter of the 4-H program and spent 10 years as a member of the Johnson County 4-H program. In 1943, she earned the opportunity to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago. As Mary and Elmer made career moves, Mary started local 4-H Clubs in Britton, S.D., Walls, Miss., and served as a leader for the junior leaders club in Goddard, Kan. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren exhibit livestock in 4-H, and compete in athletics. She was always their number one fan. Mary had a contagious smile, a tender heart and was a friend to everyone she knew. She loved her family very much and remained in contact with many close friends throughout her life. Those closest to her felt the core of her love and excelled because of it. She was a life member of the Kansas State University Alumni Association, an enthusiastic K-State fan who attended every home KSU football game the last two years. Her proudest moments were seeing her grandchildren graduate from Kansas State and her grandson be elected Student Body President at K-State. She was active in Rural Life, the Wichita Farm and Ranch Club, and the Extension Homemaker’s Unit. Mary enjoyed cooking and was known for her ability to wonderfully entertain small groups or large crowds. She enjoyed golfing with friends and loved traveling to all 50 states and 21 countries. She is survived by her five children: Pam (Doug) Ott, Coffeyville, KS; Greg (Sandy), Colorado Springs, CO; Chris (Susan), Paradise, KS; Brian (Karen), Zurich, KS; and Connie (Kelly) Kays, Pittsburg. Also surviving are two sister-in-laws, Clara Bradley, Overland Park, KS; and Helen Pelton, Carlsbad, NM; and 12 grandchildren, Summer Ott Dierks (Bobby), Manhattan, KS; Boone Ott, Deerfield, IL; Trevor Pelton and Bryan Ziemann, Albuquerque, NM; Aaron Ziemann (Jamie), Centennial, CO; Chan Pelton (Amanda), Bryan, TX; Sarah and Clay Pelton, Paradise; KS; Holly and Baily Buss, Bogue, KS; and Reagan and Garrett Kays, Pittsburg, KS and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; daughter Kathleen Rose; parents Charles and Rose Schlagel; brothers Paul, Robert, Henry Schlagel; sister Marjorie all of Olathe; and a grandson, Jay Cody Ott. Services will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday (March 9) at the Brenner Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the service until 5:30 p.m. There will also be a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 10), at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS. The family suggests memorial gifts to the Elmer and Mary Schlagel Pelton Family Memorial Scholarship to be sent to the Kansas 4-H Foundation, Kansas State University, 116 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 or to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 916 North Locust, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762.

Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com