Mary died Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born in Canadian, Texas on March 15, 1924, the daughter of Wallace Scott and Orilla May (Haughey) Culbertson. She attended schools in Derby, Kansas and Canadian, Texas. She excelled in basketball all four years of high school. She attended Bethany College at Lindsborg, KS for two years studying music. She taught elementary school for one year in Glazier, TX on a war certificate.
Mary was married on June 24, 1944, in Jacksonville, FL to Ensign Leo Joseph Johnson, a U. S. Navy flight instructor. The union was blessed with two sons, Leo Scott Johnson and Marc Anton Johnson. After WWII the family farmed south of Wichita, KS. They later divorced when their sons were grown.
She taught elementary school in Derby, KS, and served as secretary to the Derby Schools Superintendent. From 1964, she served as a medical social worker at St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita, KS for 23 years. In 1988, she retired and moved to Manhattan, KS to help care for her grandson, Lee Johnson.
Mary loved her family above all else. Other interest were friends made during her life journey, music, art, bridge, sports and her dogs and cats. Over the years she sang, played piano and directed church choir and children’s programs. She loved to travel, visiting many European countries, Canada, Mexico and Colombia.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Wilma Roberta (Bert) Daily and by her three dogs (Spencer, Max and Teddy) and a cat (Lucky). She is survived by two sons: Scott Johnson, Sugar Creek, MO and Dr. Marc Johnson and (Dr. Karen Penner, Reno, NV; three grandchildren: Joseph (Lee) Johnson and (Valerie Slayton, Columbia, MO, Allison Disbrow, Manhattan, KS, and Ashley and (Adrian) Coberly, Gove, KS; six grandchildren: Brooklyn and Easton Disbrow, Carrie Slayton, Marc and Leo Johnson, Charley Coberly; a nephew Stuart and (Anita) Daily, Spokane Valley, WA, and Linda Daily, Colorado Springs, CO; and her cat, Lewis.
Mary was very thankful for all of the dedicated professionals who provided such expert medical care and support for herself and pets. She also treasured her faithful friends and long-time housekeeper Laurie, as well as her daily caregivers who became endeared to her.
There will be no services. Cremation is planned and her family will scatter her ashes, along with those of her beloved, deceased dogs and cats at a later time. Memorials are suggested to the College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Tribute (for dogs) payable to KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan, KS 66502 or the T. Russel Reitz Regional Animal Shelter (for dogs, 605 Levee Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502 or to the Riley County Humane Society Foster Care Program (for cats, P. O. Box 1202, Manhattan, KS 66505.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS is in charge of local arrangements.