Mary Tarry

Mary Catherine (Boner) Tarry, recently of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on July 31 at the age of 101.

Mary Kay was born on March 7, 1921, in Independence, Kansas, to Mary Exie (Searle) Boner and Emanuel Wesley Boner. She was the youngest child, with four siblings — Helen, Maxine, Marion and Richard — all of whom preceded her in death.

She graduated from Independence High School and Independence Junior College, then transferred to Kansas State Teachers College at Pittsburg for her junior and senior years, where she studied education. She taught kindergarten in Neodesha, Kansas, after graduation and until her marriage.

At Pittsburg, Mary Kay met Ray Tarry from Kansas City, Kansas. They married on Dec. 27, 1946, and later moved to Kansas City. After the birth of their daughter, Linda, they returned to Independence and made a home there until Ray’s death in 2009. They had two more children, Craig and Mark, and later welcomed three grandchildren: Jacob, Evan and Ryan. Mary Kay was an active and involved member of First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years, and of her chapter of PEO.

Mary Kay was an optimistic and positive person, striving to be better up until her final days and always welcoming others with a twinkle in her eye, a smile and a quick wit. In her hometown, she enthusiastically participated in Neewollah and other civic events, and she and Ray enjoyed traveling all over the United States after his retirement. She was very happy in her 11 years living at The Forum of Overland Park, where she engaged in many activities and made dear friends. She was a devoted grandmother and delighted in hearing about her grandchildren’s lives. More than anything, she loved little children and always had a song or a story for those she met.

In a private ceremony, Mary Kay will be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence next to her one true love, Ray, and near other family members.

Mary Kay’s family would like to extend our gratitude to the residents and caring staff at The Forum of Overland Park, at Colonial Village of Overland Park and at Specialized Home Care and Hospice, many of whom became close friends to her over the last decade. Donations may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Independence, P.O. Box 545, Independence KS 67301 (fumcindy.com). Arrangements Webb & Rodrick, Independence.