Mary Alice Ising

Mary Alice Ising, 95, passed away peacefully with her nieces by her side on November 17, 2025. She was the last surviving child born to Bruno and Alice Ising, passing just 37 days after her baby sister Martha. Mary Alice was an early morning Christmas present, born in 1929. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Redemptorist High School. Mary Alice retired from Amoco Oil in 1988.

She was a dedicated member of St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church before they closed their doors in 2023. Her church was a huge part of her life; she volunteered for endless activities and in addition to giving monetarily each week she would always give to additional causes the church would ask her to. Donating was very important to her. She donated to a long list of charities on a regular basis, such as: St. Jude, Firefighters, Shriners, Little Sisters of the Poor to mention just a few of a really long list, too many to mention. In her later years, as some of us would assist her with bills, we would have to sometimes break the news that in some months she would need to pick just 2-3 charities to send money to. She was always disappointed and had a hard time picking so few!

She was also a life-long sponsor to children in the UNBOUND charity program. She was very devoted to these children; she cared for them as they were her own family…. which they were!

She was an avid Royals fan and would attend many Royals baseball games with several nieces and nephews. It was extra sweet when she would be given season tickets from one of her friends, we felt like Royalty.

Mary Alice loved to travel. She enjoyed several vacations with family and friends, going to places like Hawaii, Arizona, Caribbean cruises, yearly trips to Branson with her sisters and the gang, many many trips to St. Louis and Memphis.

Mary Alice enjoyed being outside either on her porch swing or piddling around in the yard. She had a constant battle with the acorns on her driveway, the neighbors would always see her out sweeping them away, day after day. She was so happy with a broom in her hand inside or out! She enjoyed reading, making baby quilts, and puzzles of all kinds. She was a whiz at puzzles. She would complete them faster than we could find the next one for her. Her nephew Bob even built her a special table to keep everything safe while she worked on it. She also enjoyed watching “old” movies, the Hallmark channel, and reading Danielle Steel large print books, but most importantly she loved being with family. She continued our family Friday night get-togethers even after our grandparents passed. Friday nights were full of family (extended family and friends) sharing memories and stories, laughing…playing cards and dominoes; EVERYONE was WELCOME!!! She was known for her famous cheesecakes. She would make enough to share with each house she visited for the holidays. These were so scrumptious that the St. Louis cousins would buy the ingredients for her to make some for them when she visited.

After her retirement she enjoyed taking care of great nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces…. She loved babysitting!!!!! Although MaryAl (as she was known by the family) never had children; she was Godmother to several of us and a very involved aunt to all of her nieces and nephews…as well as great-nieces & nephews! Well over 30+

She also unofficially adopted several families in her neighborhood as they did her. She was very loved and cared for by these families and neighbors, and they all meant the world to her!!!!!

To Tyler, Joanna, Jimmy and Grace, you were her kids and grandkids. She loved and talked about you all the time!

To Mark and Mary, you always watched out for her, including her in your family, and she especially loved watching old movies with Mary.

You all made her feel special and loved, and for that we extend our deepest gratitude.

There are so many others that I know looked out for Mary Alice, too many to name. We thank all of you for caring for our aunt when we couldn't always be there. We knew she was safe and loved!

A special thank you to those family members that continually checked on her.

She loved her traditional drive on Sundays with Tim. She would never plan anything else on Sunday, that was her Tim Day! And Tim, as we all know, completely spoiled her. Thank you, Tim, for the constant love and care you gave her every week.

Thank you to Nancy and Bob for the visits and the pedicures. She felt like a queen.

Thank you to JJ for all the last-minute trips to the hairdresser, doctors, or even the ER. It takes a village.

Thank you to Glena, her longtime friend, for ALWAYS checking on her, taking her to the store and eventually her monthly hair appointments. You are such an angel, for always checking on and caring for Mary Alice. We are also so grateful for all your hard work keeping the yard cleaned up. Your energy is amazing!

Thank you to Podge (Greg) for your constant care of the house and especially MaryAl. You two were quite the pair. You took her on as she did you. You cared for her even with your crazy work schedule. We are so thankful that you always had eyes and ears on her, as well as all the scrumptious meals you cooked.

It definitely takes a village, and I am proud of all of us that cared for MaryAl. I know she is grateful for everyone's care, that allowed her to stay in her home all these years.

Although we were not able to accommodate her wish to die at home, she did pass with the constant love and care by Dianne, Mary and Joyce at her sister’s (Martha and Dick) home.

Dianne, thank you so much for all your care both day and night. I know she felt your love, and we could not have done it all alone.

Mary Al, we love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. Love you always, Joyce and Mary.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of John Knox Hospice; especially LaStar and Sara for their extraordinary kindness and compassion during Mary Alice’s final days.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno “Boots” and Alice Ising; sisters and spouses, Kathryn Douglas (Howard), Ruth Freund (Jack), and Martha Parish; brothers and spouses, Ed (Jeannie), Jack (Connie Pat) and Mike Ising; infant niece, Mary Kathryn Freund; nephew, Dennis "Bussy" Douglas; and nephews, Rick, Gary, Dan and Tom Ising.

Mary Alice is survived by her brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Parish and sister-in-law, Sue Ising Benson; nieces, Susie Gnefkow, Dianne Gormly, Nancy Westly (Bob), Debbie Borgman (John), Theresa Rellihan (John), Lisa Wilkins, Joyce Rowe, and Mary Hayde (Steve); nephews, Kenny (Diane) and Greg “Podge” Douglas, Jack (Kathy), Eddie (Luanne), Donny (Linda), Bob (Dena) and Tim Freund, John “JJ” (Paula), Chris (Erin), Edward (Kathy), Steve, Bob (Jane), Mark (Lizette), Michael (Bonnie), Dennis (Kristi) and David Ising.

The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am followed by visitation, with the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:15am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO with interment to follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

For those that will be traveling to the cemetery, due to the parking lot design, the funeral home suggests that guests park for easy departure in order to join the procession line behind funeral cars.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to any charity of your choice in honor of Mary Alice.