Mary Lou Blum

mary blum

November 6, 1929 ~ September 27, 2018

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Mary Lou Blum, 88 died Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Wichita. She was born to Harold A. Newman and Margaret May Conder on November 6, 1929 in Wichita, KS. She drove a truck for her fathers company to help the family withstand the Great Depression. She graduated from Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, KS in 1947. She attended Fort Hays State University where she met her future husband Robert "Bob" Blum. They were married January 18,1950. She held many positions within the family businesses which ranged from keeping the books in order, keeping Bobs side projects under control, and raising their daughters via iron fist. Bob and Mary Lou made their home throughout Kansas; in Holyrood, Grinnell, Oakley and Hays, Kansas. Mary Lou retired in Wichita but continued to manage the family farm from there until her death. Mary Lou had many hobbies and interests. She was generous with her time and talents including most recently knitting 87 hats for the underprivileged. She gave tirelessly to Fort Hays State University, which was recognized through the Nita M. Landrum Award that she received in 2007. She enjoyed watching sports, especially the Fort Hays State Tigers. She had strong opinions about coaching styles, not being afraid to share those opinions with captive audiences. She was an avid reader, prolific at knitting and an excellent seamstress. She excelled at tatting and the making of lye soap; two of many of the lost domestic arts that she enjoyed doing and sharing with others. Many of her family and friends lives will benefit from the lessons of creative "frugality" (her word) that she instilled. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, PEO, Hospital Auxiliary, Numerous Charitable Hospital Boards, and Fort Hays State Endowment Association. Mary Lou will be remembered for a toughness and determination that she received through genetics but were later perfected by the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. A woman with a heart of gold, even in her last hours she was more concerned with the well-being of others than her own. She will be remembered by many for the lessons she taught as not only in word but by action. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, October 4, 2018 at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Margaret Newman; husband, Robert Blum and daughter, Rebecca Jane Blum. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Blum Clark of Wichita, KS, Jane E. Blum (John Schwartz) of Reno, NV, MaryPat Blum Dwyer of Hays, KS; grandchildren, Andrew (Darcy) Clark (great-grandsons, Aedan and Emmett); Caroline Clark, Alex (Katie) Clark (great-grandson, Mason), Rebecca Clark, Sarah Clark, Jackson Dwyer, Ike Dwyer, MaryKathryn Dwyer; and sister, Dixie Pierce of Denver, CO. A memorial has been established with: Fort Hays State University Foundation, Robbins Center, One Tiger Place, P.O. Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601.Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

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  1. To Mary pat And jack, Ike and kit cat, I know she was a huge part in your life and who you have turned out to be. Hope those times you can cherish memories close to your heart. Sandy Brock and family

  2. Mary, Jane, and Nancy, we are so sorry for your moms passing. May God wrap His loving arms around you with peace and comfort. I truly believe your dad greeted her with one of his many goofy rings
    May she Rest in Peace. Much love!!

  3. MaryPat I am so sorry to hear of your mothers death. Just from your reports and your sharing her journey , I know she was a strong and determined woman. She walked the walk she had before her bravely and lived with cancer but did not let it take her spirit and love of life away…she walked on and faced life with strong determination to squeeze the nectar of life each day given to her. GOD bless you and your family, YOU know if there is anything I can help you with I will do it.

  4. Dear Nancy, Janie, and Mary Pat….
    I am so shocked and saddened to hear the news of your mothers passing. I havent been in touch lately, so Im probably behind on the health news.
    Your parents were so wonderful to us as neighbors when we first moved to Hays. We enjoyed our relationship with them, and vividly recall your fathers service. I also enjoyed the activities we shared in….bridge, PEO, FHSU events, and others.
    We send our love to you three and the others in your family. Hugs and peace to you!
    Howard and Cathy

  5. I served with Mary Lou for several years on the FHSU Foundation board. She was one of my favorites. I saw her occasionally after she moved to Wichita but not as often as I would have liked. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all.

  6. Jane, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Even though it has been quite some time since I visited with your mom, I always enjoyed talking to her. She would always stop me at Dillons and visit with me. She kept me Informed on you and your family. She was a very kind and generous person and will be dearly missed.

  7. Please accept my condolences for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but the fond memories you cherish can comfort and sustain you during this time. 1 Peter 5:6,7

  8. Our hearts reach out in love to you in the loss of dear Mary Lou. May her faith inspire and comfort you now.
    Blessings, Hope Circle, East Heights UMW.

  9. Mary Pat, and family,
    I am so glad I got to meet your Mom. She was a wonderful lady! I admire her determination to get through life with what was dealt her, and to flourish through adversity. I will remember her ‘frugal’ ways, because it reminds me so much of my parents and of the Lindseys who lived through the Great Depression.
    Blessings to you, Nancy, and Jane at this sad time. We are never really prepared to lose our parents. PS: I remember Pop and gram really enjoying the time they got to meet Mary Lou.
    All my Love !
    Rita

  10. Such a special lady! Loved to visit with her and admired her spunk! Hope the memories youve had with Mary Lou give you comfort and bring a peace and smile to your heart. Rick and Vicky

  11. In loving memory of a wonderful person. You may not know the name. I am Kay Shanks daughter and I knew Mary when you all lived in Oakley.


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