Mary Lova Lloyd was born on February 8, 1925, the first child of Ruby Reta Rees Lloyd and Dwight Evan Lloyd at their farm home in rural Hillsdale, Kansas. She was their only child for 7 years so she was very independent. The arrival of her siblings began with her sister LaRue, Brother Ted, and Sisters Patricia, Lynda and Reta over the next 19 years.
Lova, as she was called throughout her life, attended Paola High School, graduating in the class of 1943 and going on to Kansas City Business College. Ready to start her adult life she got a job with the Olathe Naval Supply Office in nearby Gardner, Kansas. On base she met and dated James William McDonald a sailor stationed there. They were married at her family home in Spring Hill, Kansas on February 16, 1947.
Soon they were having their daughters, Pamela Anita McDonald born January 7, 1948 followed by Paula Lova McDonald born November 9, 1949. The young family had its challenges and on February 10, 1951 they were divorced. Raising her girls alone with the loving help of her parents and siblings, Lova learned the hardships for a young mother in the early 1950’s and she took them all as they came. Getting a job at the Olathe Title Company and later with the County Attorney’s office as a legal secretary, spending the next 24 years there, at one time being the only person on their secretarial staff. Later on she got the job of Office Manager overseeing a much larger staff when it changed to be the District Attorney’s Office. During that span of time there were 6 Republican DA’s and 1 Democrat DA. Of which many because judges and/or state officials.
Lova met Clifford L. Duncan sometime in 1956 and in late August she and the girls moved to the west side of Olathe from Spring Hill, Kansas. She and Cliff were married November 21, 1956 and he moved into her home with the girls. At the end of the next summer Cliff adopted Pamela and Paula.
While the girls were growing up, Lova took time to be Paula’s Girl Scout Leader. She was also very involved with Reach to Recovery with the Cancer Society. Being a double cancer survivor herself helping women after having breast cancer surgery was what she could do to help others. She joined the Legal Secretaries Association as the active member, going on to be elected to eh office of President.
Another pleasure was being involved in ABWA working with other business women to advance their careers, attending conventions and being elected to President of that organization as well.
In the summer of 1962 Cliff and Lova bought a home on the east side of Olathe because the family was outgrowing their current home. As the girls got older she supported their school activities, having friends over for overnights, parties, drill team and always lots of food and fun. Now that everyone was so busy with their activities Lova and Cliff became more involved in their church, First Christian Church of Olathe. They both held several offices, Trustee, Deacon and Deaconess and were Elders. Lova was still a Deaconess Emeritus. She enjoyed being a member of GFW. Since Cliff was a past Commander for the American Legion, Lova was active in their Auxiliary group.
Now that Pamela had been off to college at Washburn University and gotten married, Paula was soon to be going to college at GIUISU in Warrensburg, Missouri. They sold their Ridgeview home in 1969 and returned to their smaller house in the Westview area of Olathe. Building a new house in Gardner, Kansas in 1973 originally to sell but decided to make it their home. Lova loved gardening and quickly had a beautiful yard with flowering trees and vines, roses, wild flowers, and a glassed in porch. She and her oldest Grandson Bart drew up the plans and he put in the next phase, a beautiful coy pond. Lova was still busy in the Court System and in May of 1977 she was appointed 10th Judicial District of Kansas Clerk of the District Court for Johnson County, Kansas. Belonging to the Kansas Association of Court Clerks, She received many awards and accolades for her people being so good and helpful with the public and the court system, she retired in November of 1988. Enjoying being busy she was quickly doing volunteer work in the office of the Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital in Gardner and for the office of the Christian Church. Lova always found time for her Grandchildren, family and had many cherished friends and associates over the years. One that she called her 3rd daughter and was always at Mom’s call was Peggy Mann, her undying love for Mother is amazing and she has been our savior. Mom’s sister Lynda has also given above and beyond, night and day to help Mother with any need and her love. We love and thank you both.
We want to thank all of you that enriched Mom’s life. She is missed and loved so deeply by us all.
Lova is preceded in death by her parents, Ruby R. Rees Lloyd and Dwight E Lloyd, her husband of 40 years Clifford L. Duncan, beloved brothers’ in-law, Lee Shriver and Kenneth W. Hoffman along with nephew Donald Lloyd Blackwell.
Lova is survived by her siblings, Claira LaRue Shriver, Theodore Rees Lloyd and Marcy, Patricia A Hoffman, Lynda K. Doane and Donald, and Reta J. Bell and Lewis; daughters; Pamela A. McDonald Duncan Goddard and Thomas, Paula L. Duncan Doherty and her “3rd” daughter, Peggy Mann.
Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren; Barton C. Goddard, Branda L. Goddard Diehn and Christopher, Ian Doherty and Sinead, Erin Duncan Andrews and Mike, Blaine O. Doherty, great grandchildren; Ashley, Brock, Logan, Madeline, Finn, Nuala Grace, Grayson, Asher, Chandler, Dalton and her great great grandchildren; Hunter and Hank.
Visitation will be from 4-6pm, Friday, October 7, 2016 at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, 105 E. Loula St, Olathe, Kansas. Funeral services will be at 3pm, Saturday, at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home. Private burial will be in Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Olathe or Grace Hospice.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
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