Obituary of Mary McDowell

Sedan - Mary Jane (Rector) McDowell, age 94, of Chautauqua, Kansas died Monday, May 14, 2007 at Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kansas. She was born August 31, 1912 in Oak Grove Kansas area, the daughter of Samuel Allen & Lola Mary (Woolsey) Rector. She was raised in the area and went to Oak Grove School. The family moved to Chautauqua, Kansas in 1925 and she graduated from Chautauqua High School in 1931. Mary Married Harold E. McDowell on April 8, 1939 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. They made there home in Chautauqua, Kansas except a brief period during World War II when they lived in Independence, Kansas and Enid, Oklahoma. Mary worked at the Post Office in Chautauqua, Kansas for 45 years, 18 of which she was Postmaster from 1961-1979. After her retirement, she made her home in Chautauqua before moving to Pleasant Valley Manor in 2007. She was a member of the Chautauqua Baptist Church, she loved to latch hook rugs, and in her younger years, she liked to bowl. Survivors include two daughters: Darla and husband Gene Loyd of Sedan, Kansas and Carolea and husband Ron Hannigan of Independence, Kansas; Grandchildren Drew and wife Tiffany Main of Cherryvale, Kansas, Heather and Husband Jason Dillard of Springfield, Missouri, Scot & Wife Jenny Loyd of Galva, Kansas, Brad Loyd of Sedan, Kansas, and Seth Loyd of Ames, Iowa; Great Grandchildren Katelynn and Chance Main, Declan Dillard, and Ethan Loyd. Three nieces, Kathy Caldarelli and Lisa Deklinski of California and Judy Thompson of Parsons, Kansas. One sister-in-law, Frances Rector of Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers and one sister. Friends may call Thursday, May 17, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Friday, May 18, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the Chautauqua Baptist Church with the Reverend Kevin Fogerty officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chautauqua, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the Chautauqua Baptist Church, which can be left with the funeral home.