Our dear mother, Mary Fern (Williams) Royse, of Ottawa, KS peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Neuvant House, Lawrence, KS at the age of 91. She was born August 11, 1931 in Ottawa County, OK, the daughter of Thomas Justine Williams and Iona Inez (Smith) Williams. She was a wonderful mother of 6 who was always there when we needed her. She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the church and her community. We loved her very much and will miss her dearly.
In 1950, Mary graduated from Seneca High School, Seneca, MO, where she was spelling bee and math bee champion. On December 26, 1950 she married the love of her life, Clifford Dean Royse after only 3 months of courtship. Mom was so proud to be on Dad’s arm for their first date to a high school football game. On their wedding day, Dean sang to her as she walked down the aisle. They were married 71 years and were always together holding hands. Every year on their anniversary they recited their vows to each other. They also celebrated and acknowledged the day of their first date and their engagement every year.
Mary was very involved in her community, including, First United Methodist Church, Chapter AU PEO, Mothers of Twins Club, Meals on Wheels, Ransom Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and many others. Volunteering her time after retirement was something she was very passionate about. She served as president for multiple organizations. Mary earned the Volunteer of the Year award in 2012 and receivied the Presidential Lifetime Service award for 4000 volunteer hours in 2016 with RMH Auxiliary.
She was a very dedicated mother of six children, raising them with love, patience, encouragement, kindness and compassion and taught them to live by The Golden Rule.
After spending hours in the kitchen making a meal for 8, she would ring the cow bell and all the kids would come running home. Mary loved playing games during the holidays with family, always having a child-like giggle.
She and Dean enjoyed traveling and camping with family. She served many meals from the back seat of our station wagon so as to save time and money while on vacation.
Mary always looked forward to hosting Grandpa and Grandma’s Summer Camp, when all the grandchildren would come and spend a week. So many fun memories were made making ice cream, swimming, tie dyeing, fishing and a walk to the local fire department.
Everyone that met Mary loved her. She never met a stranger and always said “back door guests are the best.” Mary always put her family first in everything she did. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother ever. She had the biggest heart and gave the best hugs. The best thing for the grandchildren was knowing there would always be cookies in the cookie jar.
She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary always wanted them to be happy in everything they did.
Mary has been reunited with the love of her life, Dean, just 138 day after his passing. She is also proceeded by her parents Thomas and Iona Inez Williams, brother, George, baby sister Eula Mae and granddaughter Amanda Michelle Lanning.
Mary is survived by her sister, Linda Dragoo Rogers and 3 nephews, Seneca, MO, 6 children, Bruce Royse (Terrie) Buffalo, KS, Gary Royse (Jeannine) Eldorado KS, Mark Royse, Dallas TX, Jean Royse, Washington PA, Judy Lanning (Dan) Ottawa KS, Bryan Royse (Traci) Edmond OK, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of which she adored.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday, December 12, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, Ottawa. Prior to the service, family will greet friends for a visitation from 9am to 10am at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or First United Methodist Church Ottawa, sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com
