Mary Alta Stimatze

Mary was born in Kingman, Kansas, the 5th of 6 children to Clifford Cornealis Gleason and Alta June Warren. Preceded in death by Clifford Carol Gleason, W. Preston Gleason, Jewel Monroe Gleason, Virginia June Mercer and Doris Irene Hurcomb.

She married Leonard Cheever Stimatze in 1956. They were married for over 25 years. Born of this union were Andrea L. Davenport, Andrew P. Stimatze, Marilyn J. Murphy, Sarah C. Gilbert and Emily J. Stimatze who all survive their parents.

Mary attended the University of Kansas on a violin scholarship, Barton County Community College. St. Mary of the Plains College and Union College. She ultimately received two Masters degrees. She taught at the elementary school level for over 40 years.

Active in the church she was a deaconess, elder, featured musician and guided many sabbath school lessons. Mary was a foster parent for over 10 years.

She loved music, was an avid gardener, baker, animal lover and especially spending time with her family.

She was our number 1 supporter and cheerleader.

People say that they had the best Mom, but we really did. She made our lives so much richer and so full. We did not have much, but we had Mom. Her children always came first. She never made a selfish decision.