Mary L. Cowger, 80, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO; after a brief illness.  She was born October 30, 1936 in Delia, KS the daughter of Jesse E. and Mabel Henrietta (Van Valkenburgh) Cowger.

Mary graduated from Soldier High School in 1956. She had worked at Dillon’s in Wichita in the meat department. She also worked at Liberal’s Grocery in Ohio, also in the meat department as Meat Market Manager. In 1977 Mary injured her back and she then enjoyed being a homemaker.

She married Bill Chrisman in 1954 at Circleville, they later divorced. She married Ronald Eby in 1967 at Brookville, OH, they later divorced.

Survivors include 3 sons, Ron Chrisman of Arcanum, OH, Jerry (Becky) Chrisman of Versailles, OH and Russell L. Eby of Fairborn, OH; 2 brothers, Marvin and Melvin Cowger both of Topeka, KS; 2 grandchildren, Kristina (Matthew) Robinson and Devin Chrisman; 3 great-grandchildren, Sofia (age 9), Zoey (age 6) and Brantlee (age 2); an aunt, Irene Cowger (age 100) of Holton, KS; a nephew, Keith Cowger of Topeka, KS; 2 nieces, Becky (Dike) Cowger and Traci Cowger all of Topeka, KS;  loving dog, Pepper; close neighbors, Bob & Alice Primm and John and Peggy Jenkins.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, James Leon Cowger and her former spouses.

Graveside inurnment will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Olive Hill Cemetery. A guest book will be available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Saint Luke’s Hospice Foundation or Bucks Grove United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.  To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.