Mary Jane Theel, 89, of Hiawatha, peacefully passed from this life, surrounded by loving family Thursday evening, January 17, 2019, at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Hiawatha.

Mary, the youngest of four children, was born in Peru, Nebraska, June 6, 1929, the daughter of Lloyd Aaron and Marie Earls Mason.  She grew in Peru where she attended school, later graduating from California, Missouri High School with the class of 1949.  Due to the premature death of her parents, she went to live with her brother in St. Joseph.  Mary enjoyed working in a clothing store in St. Joseph before meeting and later marrying Lawrence Robert Theel, November 27, 1955.   His work with the Union Pacific Railroad, located them in various towns throughout Northeast Kansas.  They made their home in Hiawatha in 1972, where she enjoyed being a homemaker and loving mother.  Larry died July 23d, 2005.

Mrs. Theel was a member of Union Pacific Old Timers Club of Marysville, KS, and AARP.  She was also an avid Nebraska Cornhusker’s fan and loved Bingo!

Survivors include her daughters:  Mary Shaw Kaufman (Kenneth) of Hiawatha, Marie Schler of Topeka, Lea Tilton, also of Hiawatha; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, son Henry, and brothers: Charles, Harold, and Finley Mason.

Services are planned for 2 p.m. Monday, January 21. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor James Ferris officiating.  Interment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Monday where the family will meet one hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the funeral home in her name to help with funeral costs, c/o 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com