Mary Jane Stepp

Obituary



Mary Jane Stepp, age 88, of Plainville died at Hays Medical Center on December 2, 2019. She was born November 9, 1931, in Plainville, to Edward and Edith McClay Williams. She was the youngest of four daughters. She graduated from Plainville High School, then met and married the love of her life, Harold Lloyd Stepp on November 27, 1952. While residing in Sterling, Colorado they expanded their family with two sons, Steven Craig and Jeffrey William. Mary Jane loved children and also loved fun. The family moved near Potter, Nebraska when the boys were small where they hosted many family gatherings including nieces and nephews on their own for adventures on the Nebraska prairie.

When the boys were still in grade school, Harold was diagnosed with terminal melanoma and the family moved back to Plainville. Harold died soon after at the age of 37. While the boys were in school, Mary Jane looked for her own challenge and went back to school herself at Ft. Hays State University. She gained first an undergraduate degree and then a masters degree in education. Her passion was helping children learn to read, and she was employed as a reading specialist for a time before returning to the home to parent her children full time.

Mary Janes sons were her pride. They were handsome and funny and loving and gifted. Steve graduated from the University of Kansas and began his career in California before he was stricken with the same type of deadly cancer his father suffered. Mary spent much time with him in his final days before he died at the age of 27. Jeff joined the military after high school but shortly after was diagnosed with schizophrenia for which there was never an effective treatment. He moved to Seattle, Washington where he eventually died in 2017 at the age of 57.

Mary Jane kept busy. She completed numerous bible studies over the years and was always a voracious reader. She knitted and crocheted and made beautiful quilts. She could put a fabulous meal on the table in no time with little notice. She may hold the record for coffee consumed in a lifetime while visiting with friends. While she was able, she was one of the first to help a friend in need.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, sons, Steve and Jeff, and sisters Kay, Lois and Flora.

Mary Jane is survived by her nephews Mike Macke, Charles Kittrell and Lewis Wilbur, her nieces Mary Ann Evans, Karen Sears and Patty Macke Dick, her beloved cousin Judy Rachel and a host of family and friends. We rejoice knowing she has joined Gods choir of angels.

Memorial Graveside Services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Plainville Cemetery. Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rooks County Health Center.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

















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