Cover photo for Mary J Osborn's Obituary
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1927 Mary 2019

Mary J Osborn

October 2, 1927 — August 30, 2019

Mary entered into eternal life on August 30, 2019. Our mother was born in Fredonia, Kansas on October 2, 1927, to Minnie (Lessman) and Bob Riggs. She was raised in Henrietta, Oklahoma and, after graduating from high school in 1944, attended the Sisters of Mercy School of Nursing in Independence, Kansas, graduating in 1947 as an RN. She married our dad, Edward B. Porter, the same year in Iola, Kansas, making Iola her home.

God blessed this union with three children: Diane M. Bertone of Iola, Fr. William B. Porter of Roeland Park, and Dr. Frank Porter (Robyn) of Iola. Mom and Dad owned and operated the Porter-Kinser Mortuary until 1967.

As a single mom, she supported our family by returning to nursing, eventually earning her degree as a Nurse Practitioner. In 1973, she married Dr. T.O. Osborn. Our mother had many gifts and talents; besides having a wonderful sense of humor, she was also a beautiful seamstress, did intricate handwork, was an immaculate housekeeper, wonderful cook (especially pie crust), and gracious hostess. Mom loved entertaining friends and hosting family dinners. She enjoyed attending Unity, reading, watching KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs, working crossword puzzles, and especially playing bridge with the same group of friends for over 60 years.

Mom loved her Catholic faith and was a member of St. John’s Parish, Iola, for over 70 years. She exercised a variety of ministries from choir to parish council. She prayed her rosary daily, was staunchly republican and pro-life. She had a special place in her heart serving on the board of Hope Unlimited. She enjoyed her home, and loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana.”

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, sister Alice Harlan, as well as our dad and Dr. T.O. Osborn.

She is survived by her sister, Marge MacKinnon, and brother-in-law, Jack Harlan; her three children, Diane, Bill, Frank (Robyn); six grandchildren, Heather (Simon) Kuo, Jill (Terry) Canning, Christopher (Olivia) Porter, Dylan Porter (Erin Murphy), Alex (Lindsay) Porter, Lauren (Jordan) Hughes; and seven great-grandchildren.

A rosary followed by visitation with the family will be from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Iola. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, September 5, 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Roeland Park, Kansas. Preceding Mass will be a Rosary at 9:00 am, followed by visitation until mass. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola at 3:30 pm.

We wish to thank Dr. Tim Spears and the staff at Allen County Regional Hospital for their personal and gentle care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St, Johns Catholic Church, Allen County Regional Hospital, Hope Unlimited, or Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF).



Nana,

Eternal rest grant unto you O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed by the mercy of God, rest in peace.

We love you Mom.
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Rosary

Thursday, September 5, 2019

9:00 - 9:30 am (Central time)

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Visitation with Family Present

Thursday, September 5, 2019

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

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Mass

Thursday, September 5, 2019

10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)

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Committal

Thursday, September 5, 2019

3:30 - 4:00 pm (Central time)

Highland Cemetery (Allen County)

1800 North Cottonwood Street, Iola, KS 66749

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