Mary Louise Lund

Mary Louise Lund, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 11, 1929, in Milaca, Minnesota, Mary was one of 4 daughters and 3 sons of Isadore J. Smuda and Mary Matilda Roehl Smuda. Proud of her German and Polish heritage, she carried the values of hard work, devotion, and faith throughout her life. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clayton Paul Lund; and five of her siblings, Katherine, Annie, Isador, Jay, and Joe. She is survived by her sister, Betty (of Overland Park, KS); and leaves behind her legacy in her children, Patricia (Laurence) Kemp of Wichita, KS, Marilyn (Philip) Stufflebean of Burrton, KS, Nancy Lund of Wichita, KS, and Craig (Andrea) Lund of Wichita, KS. She took pride in her grandchildren, Curt Stufflebean, Daniel Stufflebean, Jenny Kemp Haget, Lance Kemp, Shawn Stufflebean, Brittany Lund, Brooklyn Lund, and Bryli Lund; as well as her 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. A true sports enthusiast, she was passionate about college athletics and a loyal fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. She could be heard yelling at the TV when her teams weren’t performing to her expectations-her competitive spirit never wavering. She was especially proud of her great-grandson, Cody Stufflebean, who plays college football for Kansas State University, bringing her endless joy. Mary was a part of the Silent Generation but in truth, she was rarely ever silent. She could be (very) stubborn and always right; yet, she had a mischievous spirit and an unwavering gift for gab. Mary never left the house without a pair of earrings or lipstick. She had a great fashion sense and held the same standards when she dressed her 4 children in tow. She loved Frank Sinatra and Big Band music, and never missed a chance to dance. In her younger years, she and Clayton were often found on the dance floor, whether out for an evening or as part of a square dance club. Mary was a hardworking woman, breaking norms by working even when it was uncommon for women to do so. She started working young. At age 8 she made bread to support her whole family, later she went on to bake pies. As an adult she worked in retail sales and, alongside Clayton, once owned a small bar in Newton, Kansas. She was always industrious, rarely sitting down-except, perhaps, until her well-earned retirement. Despite her busy life, her faith remained her foundation. A devoted Catholic, she prayed the rosary consistently. In fact, her 4 children commonly believe they made it to adulthood because of her prayer life. Mary's legacy is one of family, resilience, and unwavering faith. She was the matriarch of her family, a woman who lived boldly, and left an unforgettable mark on those who knew her. Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Thursday, March 6, 2025; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Friday, March 7, 202t, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Wichita. Burial will follow at 3:00 pm at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.