Mary M. Gartner

Mary M. Gartner, 88, of Conway, Arkansas, and a former longtime resident of Mound Valley, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Conway Regional Hospital.

She was born December 18, 1928 in Spotted Horse, Wyoming to Peter B. and Margaret (Howe) Riffe. At the age of six, Mary moved to Kansas City, Kansas where she lived with her foster parents, Elmer and Madge Weir.  At the age of 15, her family moved to Labette County, Kansas where she attended school and later graduated from Labette County Community High School in Altamont.

Mary worked as Postmaster in Mound Valley until retiring in 1990 after 27 years of service to her community. She was a member of the Mound Valley United Methodist Church, Red Hat Society, Golden Adventure Club, Over 60 Club, and the AARP Club in Parsons.  Mary loved to travel.  Through the years, she had traveled to all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.  Most of all, she loved her church and her family.  In 2016, Mary moved to Conway where she lived with her son, Rick, and his family.

Survivors include:

Two Sons – Larry Gartner and his wife, Bev, of Odessa, TX

Rick Gartner and his wife, Lana, of Conway, AR

One Daughter – Peggy Kerley and her husband, David, of Parsons, KS

Eight Grandchildren – Holly Jiles and her husband, Mike; Mike Antle and his wife, Brenda; Brandon Gartner and his wife, Taylor; Ben Gartner, Jacob Gartner, Allyson Ferguson and her husband, Zane; Crystal Sage and her husband, Jason; and Ashley Belknap and her husband, Josh

Eleven Great-Grandchildren

Special Niece – LaDawna Barron

Several Nieces and Nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, foster parents, two sisters, and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the Mound Valley United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Mound Valley United Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Mound Valley United Methodist Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

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