Mary Louise Starit

Mary Louise Anderegg Starit, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Topeka, Kansas. Mary was born on September 20, 1919, in rural Anderson County, Kansas, the youngest daughter of Andrew and Louisa (Kanel) Anderegg. She remembered many happy times growing up with her older brothers, Will and Elmer and her sisters Gertrude and Florence. She grew up in the Anderson County area, attending grades 1 through 8 at Springfield School. She graduated from Garnett High School, and, influenced by her sister Florence, took a Normal Training course, taught in country schools in the area, and took summer courses at Pittsburg State College until her marriage to Leonard W. Starit on December 26, 1941, at Garnett, Kansas. She and Leonard lived in Ohio, Alabama, and Florida during World War II when Leonard was in the service. Upon his discharge from active duty, they returned to the Anderson County area to farm, and raise dairy cattle, including a short and interesting trial of raising geese. In 1962 they moved to Richmond, Kansas, to open Starit's Drive In, which they operated for almost 20 years before their retirement. Throughout her married life, Mary loved working in her flower beds, and particularly after her retirement, she shared many of those flowers with friends and neighbors. She provided flower arrangements for many years at Richmond United Methodist, where she was an active member in UMW and served in several capacities at the Church. She also enjoyed Fortnightly Club and spending time with her friends. She moved to Topeka in 2002, as a result of increasing health concerns and lived first with her daughter and son-in-law, and later moving to Rolling Hills Health Center, where she made friends, enjoyed the activities, including bingo and playing cards, corresponding with friends and family, and reading. She continued to delight in her family and particularly her four great-grandsons. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard, in 1997; two brothers, Will and Elmer Anderegg; and two sisters Florence Mead and Gertrude Sobba. Mary is survived by her daughter Sandy Kelsey and son-in-law Lowell; grandson Shawn Kelsey and partner, Phil Brown; granddaughter Paula Will and husband Doug; great grandsons Drew, Matthew, Levi and Ethan Will; nieces and nephews. A private family graveside was held at the Garnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Richmond United Methodist Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .