Mary Elizabeth (Transue) Davis was born September 16, 1925, to Ira James Transue and Margaret Elizabeth (Byrne) Transue. Mary had two brothers, Leonard and John. Mary was born and raised in Summerfield, KS, graduating from Summerfield High School in 1942. She worked with her brother, Leonard, at an airstrip in Belleville, KS. She also worked at Fort Hayes as an airplane tech log clerk during WWII.
Mary met her husband, Bill, when the motorcycle she was riding had a flat tire along Highway 36 in Kansas. They attended a street dance at a nearby town while her motorcycle was being fixed. They instantly hit it off. They married on October 28, 1946, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Belleville, KS. Mary and Bill showed movies in the parks of small rural towns in the early years of their marriage.
Mary and Bill lived in Athol, KS, when their first child, James, was born. They moved to Hamilton, MO, soon afterward. Their second child, Mary Maureen, was born. Later, they moved to Lenexa, KS, and then to Overland Park, KS, where their third child, Jacqueline was born. Mary and Bill lived in Overland Park until their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They moved to Marion, KS, and lived there until Bill’s death in 2009. Mary lived with her daughter Maureen for four years in Lubbock, TX. Mary then moved back to Kansas in 2013 to live with her daughter Jacqueline.
Mary worked for Dickinson Theaters and Western Electric until the birth of Jacqueline. Mary sold real estate for several years in Johnson County. Mary raised and trained purebred Norwegian Elkhounds for nearly 20 years. Several of her dogs were AKC Champions. Mary dedicated many years as a 4-H Leader, managing the countywide 4-H Dog program.
Mary loved all mediums of art, but particularly enjoyed oil painting. She attended classes at Johnson County Community College and earned an Associate of Arts degree. She was also a member of the Senior Arts Council.
Mary and Bill were active in the Good Sam Club and toured the United States in their motor home. When they moved to Marion, they became active members of the Marion Lake Chat and Dine Club.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Davis, her son, James W. Davis, two grandsons, John Cortright II and Samuel Cortright, her brother, Leonard Transue, and her parents.
Mary is survived by her younger brother, Dr. John R. Transue, her daughter Mary Maureen Blandin, her daughter, Jacqueline (Bret) Cortright, her daughter-in-law, Jan Davis, grandchildren: William Davis, Michele (Cal) Seadeek, Jamie (Brian) Penning, James (Elizabeth) Davis, Jessica (Derek) Euwer, Mary Beth (John) Taylor, Mark (Sara) Allen, Theresa (Tanner) Franklin, Bret (Jessica) Cortright, Jr., Jacob (Maria) Cortright, and Margaret E. Cortright, and 22 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Angels Catholic Church (small church building), located at 15438 Leavenworth Road, Basehor, KS, on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Visitation will be at 9:00 am, the Rosary will begin at 9:30 am, the family’s Eulogy reading will begin at 9:50 am, and Mass will follow at 10:00 am.
Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, 61st & Quivira Road, Shawnee, KS.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to: Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, 3221 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235-3799 or Our Lady Queen of the Holy Angels Adoration Chapel, in care of Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15438 Leavenworth Road, Basehor, KS 66007