Mary Ann Rollins

Mary Ann Rollins, 93, passed away on June 20, 2024. She was born on May 22, 1931, to Edwin and Mildred Sykes in Goodland, Kansas. Mary Ann Sykes grew up on a western Kansas farm north of Brewster during the 1930s. She experienced first-hand the depression, drought, and dust bowl. At age 6, her father died. She and her sister and mother then moved to Yates Center in eastern Kansas. During her teen years, her mother was hired to teach high school in Manhattan, so Mary Ann and family made another move. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1953 with a degree in Journalism and Home Ec. She was employed as a reporter for the Clay Center newspaper, and then the Wichita Beacon. In 1956, she married Charles Rollins, a photojournalist who worked for the Wichita Eagle. Together, they raised two daughters. Mary Ann was busy as a stay-at-home mom after her children were born, but she made time to pursue her many interests. She took landscaping classes, attended a four-year Menninger Bible Study class, was involved in PTA, Girl Scouts, church circle, and Sunday School. She excelled at sewing, knitting, piano playing, and making pies. Even though her house was small, she filled it with love and beauty. Mary Ann was a faithful follower of Christ, a woman full of grace and truth. She was an active member of Countryside Christian Church for 53 years. She is survived by her sister, Jeanie Floyd; daughters, Jeanne (Lane) Myers, and Laurie (Darrell) Garrett; grandchildren, Jonathan (Katharine) Myers, Ryan (Chelsea) Myers, Amber (Brook) Rosenboom, Rachel (Andrew) Scheidt, and Jennifer (Andrew) Loucks; eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Visitation will be 9:30 am to 10:30 am, with Funeral Services starting at 10:30 am, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Countryside Christian Church. Graveside service will follow at White Chapel Cemetery. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.