Mary Rozella Ostmeyer

Mary was born Nov. 13, 1929, in Dorrance. Parents Frederick Francis and Mary Tharsilla (Carl) Thielen and siblings Loretta, Carl and Paul grew up on the family farm just outside of Dorrance.

Mary graduated from Dorrance High School and attended Marymount College, earning her teaching certificate while performing in numerous recitals and programs. It was an opportunity of a teaching assignment in Grinnell that brought Mary to western Kansas and into the arms of the love of her life, Eugene James Ostmeyer. Married in 1951, they enjoyed 52 years together. The newlyweds began their lives in Wakeeney, Ks and then, in 1966, Gene and Mary moved the family to Colby. Mary spent the past 11 years visiting her children’s homes and eventually moving to the Kansas City area in 2006.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings and her beloved, Gene. She is survived by all seven of her children and their spouses, Eugene James Ostmeyer Jr. and wife Peggy, Kevin George Ostmeyer and wife Nancy, Roger Thielen Ostmeyer and wife Christy, Sally Jo Starkweather and husband C.E., Jane Marie White and husband Chris, Jeffery Grant Ostmeyer and Mitchell Quintin Ostmeyer. Left behind to cherish her memory are her 13 grandchildren, Ty, Matthew, Nicholas, Zachariah, Jacob, Jana, Derek, Daniel, James, Jesse, Alexa, Bryant and Quinlyn, and four great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kyler, Logan and Taylor.

Mary was cremated according to her wishes. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 Monroe Street, Grinnell. Inurnment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Grinnell.Arrangements under the direction of McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, 105 East Loula Street Olathe. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilley-frye.com.