Mary Joan Proctor

Mary Joan Proctor was born on March 21, 1941, in Monroe, Kansas, and was called home to be with the Lord on August 6, 2025, in Smith Center, Kansas and she resided in Topeka KS. She lived a life that was rich in love, family, and community service.

Mary dedicated her life to caring for and raising her eight children. Her legacy continues through her children and twenty-two grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Mary’s career spanned several decades, during which she worked in food and nutrition within school systems and at Saint Francis Hospital, where she eventually retired. Together with her late husband, Roy A. Proctor Sr., who she was married to for 64 wonderful years, Roy built one of the McDonald's in Manhattan, KS she was employed there for 15 years, demonstrating her adventurous spirit.

Raised on a farm in Welda, Kansas, Mary cherished her time with her parents and grandparents learning the values of hard work and compassion. She graduated from Highland Park High School, eventually becoming a beloved member of her community. Mary was known for her kindhearted nature, often caring for and looking in on those around her, especially in her church community. Her friendly demeanor was matched only by her love for family gatherings, where holidays were particularly special, with Easter holding a fond place in her heart.

Mary was an exceptional baker, delighting family and friends with her zucchini bread, banana nut bread, hot biscuits, and rolls, often served with hot butter. Beyond baking, she enjoyed gardening and canning, tending to her flower beds, exploring garage sales, and watching game shows and daytime soap operas with her daughter, Marilyn. She was an avid Chief's fan and enjoyed Kansas college sports.

One of her proudest accomplishments was her unwavering commitment to her family. Mary was a born-again Christian, overcoming her fear of water to be baptized at the age of 70 in Lake Shawnee, a testament to her faith and courage.

Mary is survived by her devoted children: Michael (Kim) Proctor, Marilyn Woodyard, Rebecca (Kevin) Colhouer, Darla (Larry) Conaway, David (Vexa) Emery-Proctor, and Katherine (Brandon) Rucker, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Glenda Minnick and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy A. Proctor Sr.; their sons, Roy A. Proctor Jr., Gilbert Ray Proctor, sons-in-law Joe Conway and Evan Woodyard and her parents, Bud and Reva Turner, and her brother, Claude Turner.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1 PM at Dove Cremations Funeral Home, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS 66610. Graveside Services will follow at 2:00 PM at Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Kansas.

Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of Mary Joan Proctor, a remarkable woman whose spirit, warmth, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorial Contributions can be given to Boys and Girls Club of Topeka.