Mary Ellen Tiehen, 84, died August 22, 2026. Mary was born December 21, 1941, in Salem, Nebraska. She was raised with steady values and a grounded sense of humor that never left her. She was the daughter of Charles and Margaret Fouraker, and grew up alongside her siblings, Gary and Charles Fouraker, all four preceded her in death.
Her early years spent on the family farm—surrounded by many pets, including a beloved goat and pig—helped shape a life marked by quiet resilience, practical wisdom, and an enduring appreciation for simple joys. Mary graduated from Honey Creek High School in 1960.
In 1960, Mary married James Herman Tiehen. Together they built a family life first outside of Olathe, later retiring to Linn Valley Lake, where they enjoyed many years of lasting friendships, community activities, and lake adventures. In 2023, after James’s passing in 2016, Mary moved to Olathe where she resided until her death.
Mary’s thoughtfulness was most evident in the way she loved her family, especially in her devotion to being a grandma. She found real happiness in baking for those she loved, quilting, gardening, and crafting, and she brought a warm, steady presence to everyday moments. She also delighted in cheering for the KC Chiefs and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and she enjoyed the familiar comfort and laughter of The Golden Girls.
Mary is survived by her three children: Dawn Wake, Debbie Smith (Matt), and Cindy Rokoff (Oliver); six grandchildren: Josh Drury, Erin Boston (Gary), Lindsey Smith, Jamie Smith, Lyla Rokoff, and Sylvie Rokoff; and seven great-grandchildren: Kameron Boston, Quinn Boston, Merrick Boston, August Boston, Jackson Smith, Roman Brown, and Remington Brown.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service to begin at 10:30 a.m. First Christian Church of Olathe, 200 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery 9501 159th Street Overland Park, Kansas.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the Intensive Care Unit of KU Medical Center and the Olathe Hospice House for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Olathe Hospice House, 15310 S Marion St Olathe KS 66061.
