Mary Beth (Anderson) Stephenson passed quietly from this life on Sunday, August 30, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Mary survived cancer and lived a full life for several years before passing from other complications.

Mary was born September 2, 1944 in Oberlin, Kansas the youngest of three daughters to Cap and Doris Anderson. She was raised on the family farm in Decatur County in a small close-knit Swedish community. She attended a one-room grade school where she was often the only student in her grade level, as such she along with other older students would help teach younger students. Mary attended and graduated from Decatur County High School in 1962 and enrolled in Hays State. After two years, she left college and worked in various positions in California and Colorado. After returning to Kansas, her only child, Kim, was born in Manhattan and became the center of her life. While in Manhattan, Mary enrolled in Kansas State University pursuing a degree in elementary education. After graduating, she began her teaching career in Missouri where she taught for several years, After Missouri, Mary returned to Kansas State University (Manhattan) where she received an advanced degree in Elementary Education. She continued to live in Manhattan and began teaching at Fort Riley. She met and married George M. (Mike) Stephenson then serving in the Army at the installation. They married in June 1980 and made their first home in Manhattan. In Manhattan they began friendships that she cherished and maintained all her life. After Manhattan, they moved to Fort Leavenworth while Mike attended CGSC. They continued their military life in assignments at Fort Knox, Kentucky followed by assignments in Germany. In Germany, Mary returned to teaching in military schools and traveled extensively in Europe – she especially enjoyed “EurRailing” with friends. As an avid collector of just about anything, she continued to add to her collection of “Flow Blue China” and other “collectables”. Returning to the US and after Mike’s retirement from active duty, they settled in Leavenworth; where Mary continued making and selling crafts. She loved being in several home-based businesses featuring crafts, jewelry, baskets and knitting. She loved all it. Mary used her love of small children and talent as a mentor in the Parents as Teacher program. Mary continued her life-long love of exercise. She especially loved her many friends in her exercise classes even in her final months. Mary enjoyed volunteering in several organizations: Mother-to-Mother ministry, Leavenworth County Historical Society, Deeper Window Association – an organization that helps people with Dementia among others.

Mary was a wonderful person who enjoyed life and a party bragging to Mike that she never turned down an invitation. She possessed a great heart who loved her family, friends and Swedish heritage/family. Her infectious laugh, enjoyment of life and friendship will be greatly missed. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and older sister (Sandra). She is survived by her husband of forty-six years, her daughter Kim and her husband Joe and her beloved grandchildren Sam and Kate. And her oldest friend and sister, Karen Thompson of Oberlin and her family.

Mary’s family is very grateful for the care and compassion given to Mary by KU’s oncology staff, Twin Oaks and the Hospice organization. Final arrangements are entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel. Visitation will on Thursday, 3 September from 4 to 7 at Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee Street, Leavenworth. Funeral service is scheduled for Friday September 4 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, 422 Chestnut Street, Leavenworth. On-line obituary can be accessed at ww.davisfuneralchapelc.com. Mary’s Celebration of Life will be planned and announced at a later date. Farewell My Love. God keep you the apple of his eye and under Thy wing.