1917-2012 Mary Ferree lived a life of faith, hope, and love, passing away peacefully Sept. 10, 2012, at the age of 94. Born in Kansas City, MO, in 1917, Mary was the middle child of Harry and Reppa Crosbie. Mary graduated from Westport High School in 1934. She worked as a bookkeeper at Western Auto and as a receptionist at Cammel Taggert, where she was introduced to her husband, Lawrence (Larry) L. Ferree. They were married in 1942 in San Francisco, where Larry was stationed in the Navy. Mary and Larry raised their family in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kirkwood, MO, where Mary lived for 43 years. Mary was a homemaker, who delighted in the care and nurturing of her three children, her 6 grandchildren and her many friends. She was a member of P.E.O. and Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; her brother, Harrison Crosbie; her sister, Martha Kellogg; her parents and her grandson, Jackie Weyforth. She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Weyforth (Jack) of Overland Park, KS; Larry Ferree (Sherry), Leawood, KS; and Janet Burton (Jay), Leawood, KS. She is also survived by grandchildren Katie (Andy) Vanlandingham, Carolyn (Mark) Glanville, Nathan Ferree, Ryan Ferree, Jessica Burton and Meredith Burton, and great-granddaughter, Avery Vanlandingham. Mary's faith in God guided her steadfastly through her long life. She recognized God's handiwork in nature, appreciating birds, flowers, fresh air, and time spent with family at the Lake of the Ozarks. She exhibited hope in an ever optimistic outlook, her gentle humor and gratitude for smallest kindnesses. Her love for her family was unceasing and ever present. Her family greatly appreciates the care Mary received from her long-time caretaker, Kathy, the staff at Grace Gardens, Leawood, KS, and Odyssey Hospice. Memorial gifts may be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210, or to Cottey College, 1000 W Austin, Nevada, MO 64772. Private services. Condolences may be shared with the family at CremationCenterKC.com. Cremation Center of Kansas City, 4926 Johnson Dr, Shawnee Mission, KS. 66205, 913-384-5566
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Published in Kansas City Star on September 11, 2012