Mary L. Fuentez

Mary Louise Fuentez, 91, of Parsons, passed away at 10:20 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 21, 1927 in Independence, Kansas to Angel and Lusiana (Larzarin) Reyes. As a young girl, Mary moved with her family to Parsons where she attended Our Lady of Victory, Lincoln Elementary School, and St. Patrick High School.

Mary married the love of her life, Fidel "Bill" Fuentez, on September 5, 1959, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. They were happily married for 59 years. Mary worked at Mercy Hospital, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, and Adventure Line Manufacturing Company, all in Parsons.

Mary Louise loved hosting family gatherings at her home, having her children and grandchildren around her. She was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, its choir, and the Voz organization. In the past, Mary had contributed and enjoyed planning the Feast Day Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe. In her younger years, she enjoyed instructing and participating in the Mexican dance group. She also enjoyed gardening and hosting prayer group in her home.

Survivors include:

Her Husband – Bill Fuentez, of the home

One Son – William "Buster" Fuentez and his wife, Teresia, of Parsons, KS

Four Daughters – Marisa Merchant and her husband, Chuck, of Parsons, KS

Elizabeth Shipps and her husband, Jim, of Parsons, KS

Marie Collins and her husband, Jeff, of Parsons, KS

Gerri Carson of Parsons, KS

Nine Grandchildren

Eight Great-Grandchildren and one "on the way"

One Brother – Frank Reyes and his wife, Maria, of Parsons, KS

Her Extended Family and Caregiver – Judy Diver of Cherryvale, KS

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and three sisters.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 8, 2019 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends at 4:30 p.m., on Sunday, at the funeral home, immediately following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or St. Patrick's Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.