Mavis Adeline Plucker was one of life’s rare ones. Born in 1923, she lived to be 100 years old and gave love to all around her until her last breath. Mavis was born in Toronto, South Dakota, the youngest of five, and knew from an early age that farm life was not for her. After graduating valedictorian of her class of seven, she borrowed $100 dollars from the local banker and left for Sioux Valley School of Nursing in the big city of Sioux Falls. Although socializing with the staff was forbidden, she captured the eye and soon the heart of a young orderly, Orvin (O.L.) Plucker. They would exchange greetings and eventually Orv would ask Mavis out for cantaloupe and ice cream at the local drug store. So began a relationship that would last for almost seventy-five years and define the lives of two young dreamers.
Mavis spent the next phase of her life focusing on her husband and young daughter, Mary McArthur (Michael). She worked swing shifts as a nurse in Boulder, Colorado, to help her husband obtain his PhD and to make sure Mary could always stay with family. She also earned her own degree—PHT—Putting Hubby Through. She cherished the recognition almost as much as her nursing degree. When the family moved to Independence, Missouri, she continued nursing for several years until retiring to support on the home front. During these years she was active in the Junior Service League of Independence, First Baptist Church, and PEO, a group supporting education for women. She also became a talented seamstress, able to create the latest fashions or draperies and accessories for their home.
In 1963, the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where O.L. would become superintendent of schools. Once Mary left for college she renewed her nursing license and began a new career at the University of Kansas that would span more than twenty years. Caring for others was her passion and she continued to do so for the rest of her life. Mavis could be counted on to do whatever was needed to help. It might mean cleaning a friend’s home, taking a meal, providing transportation, sitting and holding a hand, or taking a batch of freshly made muffins. She loved arranging luncheons and dinners in her home so friends could gather, and she did it all with elegance and grace.
After retirement, Mavis and OL traveled extensively often with son-in-law Mike and daughter Mary. Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Russia, and all over the United States. They eventually ended up spending winters in Florida with Mike and Mary and summers in Kansas City.
Mavis was loved by all for her sunny smile, caring ways, and of course her delicious apple muffins. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Mike McArthur, Granddaughter Emily (Swain) DeWolf (C.J.), Grandson Matt Swain (Rebecca) and two grandsons Mitchell and Austin Swain. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 May 22, at Old Mission Methodist Church. Memorials may be donated to Old Mission Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Road, Fairway, KS 66205 or PEOinternational.org, Program for Continuing Education.