SENIOR SALUTE

Editor’s note: The Council Grove Republican is seeking nominations of senior citizens to be considered for future “Senior Salute” articles. Nominations may be submitted by email to flinthillsmediaads@gmail. com or by calling 620-767-5123.

Mary Boyce

Mary Boyce is someone you should know.

Mary was born as Mary Kreger on July 14, 1929 in Dodge City. Kansas, at St. Anthony’s Hospital. At that time, Mary had one older brother, Eventually, there would be 4 siblings, Mary being the only girl.

Tragically, when Mary was just five years old, her beloved father was killed in a car accident. Her younger brother was only three years old, and her mother was expecting her 4th child. This was a very difficult time for all in the family. After the baby was born, Mary’s mother needed to find work. She took employment in a restaurant to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. The family later relocated to Jetmore, Kansas, 28 miles north of Dodge City, where her mom became licensed as a Chef, and worked at Nemetz Hall in Ft. Dodge.

When she was 16, Mary herself was in a near fatal farm accident involving a moving tractor. Somehow, Mary got caught up in the wheel’s spokes. She suffered extensive nerve damage to her entire left side and back, while also severely breaking her right leg. After leg surgery and other treatments, she was put into a full body cast. Initially, she was not expected to live through it, but by the Grace of God, and lots of love, help, and encouragement from family and friends, as well as a great deal of hard work, Mary did recover.

Even with some truly hard events in her young life, Mary has many happy memories of family gatherings and being surrounded by loved ones during her childhood. She also spoke fondly of her best friend back then, Donna Faye, with whom she shared many little childish secrets. She said she and Donna were always there for each other when needed.

While in high school in Jetmore, Mary earned money babysitting, and also washing dishes at the restaurant where her mother worked. After graduating high school, Mary went to Dodge City Community College. She continued her nurse’s training for two more years at St, Anthony’s Hospital. After that, Mary switched her interests to Ophthalmology, working for a local ophthalmologist for 13 years until he retired. By that time, Mary was married. She and husband, Dale, moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they remained until Dale passed away in 1991.

Mary decided to move closer to one of her daughters in Greensburg, Kansas. While in Greensburg, Mary met a retired teacher who became a good friend and traveling companion. They traveled sometimes with a church group, and also on organized trips by a travel agency. Mary has visited the Holy Land in Israel, Italy, Spain, England, Greece, Ireland, Australia, and all over the United States. She also took a Scandinavian Cruise that featured stops in 13 different countries! And this is just a partial list of her many travels! One of her most favorite places to visit has been to Simi Valley, California, north of Los Angeles. It’s a very beautiful valley surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills. It is also home to the Ronald Regan Presidential Library.

Traveling provided Mary with an interesting study of history, culture, and customs of people everywhere that has enriched her life. This is not surprising, given that Mary’s passion is people, especially kids! She always has, and still does, enjoy working with children and senior citizens, saying both groups teach her so much.

While still living in Greensburg, the little town, population of 1,300, was hit by an EF5 tornado that destroyed 95% of the city, killing 11 people and injuring many more. Again, by the grace of God, Mary was unharmed, but lost her house. Faced with having to find a new place to live, her daughters wanted her to come live with, or near, them in either California or Colorado, but Mary didn’t want to leave Kansas. So when her niece, Debi Schwerdtfeger, urged her to come live near her in Council Grove, Mary made the move and has not looked back since. She loves this beautiful town with its rich history so visible everywhere, and the people so friendly, caring, and helpful. It’s a busy place to be with something wonderful going on all the time.

When asked what her favorite book was, she didn’t hesitate to say, ‘The Bible.’ She takes seriously the words God uses to reveal Himself to humanity. Her favorite movie was the musical production of ‘Oklahoma.’ Mary loves the catchy tunes and lyrics.

Mary states that her greatest accomplishment was raising two beautiful, talented, sweet, and caring daughters.

Miss Mary said the most valuable lessons she learned throughout her life were to be still and listen; be patient; give lots of love; and, always care for others. Good advice from Mary to the younger generations: “Put those phones down! Listen and learn from those who know and love you, rather than from some unknown, unreliable, source on the internet. Take advantage of the teachings of family members who have your best interests at heart!”

As far as significant changes during her lifetime, Mary says she has witnessed the change from a more caring, helpful world where people knew and respected the ways of their Creator, to a world that rejects the Creator and is increasingly attracted to sin. This change from seeking God’s will for one’s life, to a place where a person only seeks his or her own will and desire, is evident in the chaos and division we see today. Mary prays for a return to a Biblical worldview, especially for America.

Mary is not only a devoted lifelong learner, but also a life-long volunteer. She volunteers at Morris County Hospital, has served on the local library board and the Morris County Branch of the Friendship Meals Program of the North Central- Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, volunteers regularly in the kitchen of the Council Grove Senior Center, and is also currently active in her church, Council Grove Christian.

Mary is quite an amazing individual, and is definitely someone you should know!