Mary Bovaird Stark

Mary Florence Bovaird Stark, 88, of Prairie Village, KS, passed away Tuesday, March 15th, 2016. Mary was born August 10, 1927 in Tulsa, OK to Davis D. and Florence H. Bovaird. She graduated from Tulsa Central HS and earned a degree in psychology from the University of Kansas. As a young adult, she worked for the Girl Scouts in Dallas, TX and Wichita, KS. While serving as a professional Girl Scout she was selected to serve as an exchange camp counselor in Finland and as an Aide at the World Conference of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides with Lady Baden-Powell. Later, while living in San Francisco, she worked for the 1960 Winter Olympics Committee.

Mary enjoyed being with her family, both the one she grew up with and the one created with her husband, Bob, whom she married in 1958. She treasured the lasting friendships she made from her childhood, Girl Scouting days and her Chi Omega sisters. Her friendships also include her bridge clubs, neighbors, and those she met through school, scouting and church volunteer work. Mary enjoyed travelling with both Bob and close friends. When she was not travelling, she was always ready to meet friends for dinner and concerts.

Perhaps her greatest joy has been spending every summer of her life at her beloved cabin in Green Mountain Falls, CO. Her childhood adventures as well as more recent memories of activities shared with family and friends have always been near to her heart.

In addition, the Village Presbyterian Church has been an inspiration to her. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Women’s Circle leader. She was a warm, caring and generous woman who continued to learn and grow late in life.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Stark, her sister, Ruthanna Snow, her brother, Bill Bovaird, and her son-in-law, David Adelman.

Survivors include her daughter, Maryanna Stark Adelman of Kansas City, MO, her son, William Edward Stark (Kevin Olsen) of Minneapolis, MN, and two grandchildren, Robbie and Anna Adelman.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Care Haven Homes, Interim Hospice, Aimee Rinck and Liz Montgomery for their loving care and kindness during our mother’s final days.

Memorial services will be held 3pm Wednesday, March 30th, at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS; private burial in Corinth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or The Front Porch Alliance. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.