Mary Holt

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mary Louise Holt, age 103, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at her home in Columbus, Kansas.

Mary was born Sunday, October 5, 1919 in Cherokee County, Kansas. Except for a brief period when she was around 9 Mary was a lifelong resident of Cherokee County growing up around Crestline, Ks area where her grandparents ran a stable and boarding house. Her family worked on farms around the area. 

She attended school in Riverton, Kansas until her freshman year after which she helped care for her sister. On November 5, 1938, Mary was united in marriage to Wayne Holt in Joplin, Missouri. He preceded her in death in 1970. 

During her life, Mary helped run their farm, dairy and raise their children but began working for Elder's Manufacturing in Carl Junction in 1962. Elder's moved to Webb City eventually, and Mary retired at age 62. She was a member of Bethlehem Church until the church closed one year ago. 

Mary was a talented quilter and did machine quilting work for others as well as making many cherished quilts for family and friends. In 1989, the family renovated the barn and opened the Country Loft Bed and Breakfast which was in operation until just four years ago.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her son Gary Wayne Holt in 1977 who was survived by his wife Louise Hart and another son John Wesley in 2019 who was survived by his wife Alice Holt; brothers: Lonnie, Frank, Embree, Wesley, and Raymond; sisters Ethyl, Betty, and Lula; and one great grand-daughter Katelynn.

She is survived by her daughter Marva Holt of the home; grandchildren: Gerald, Gregg his wife Lori, and Gale Holt; great grandchildren: Amanda her fiancée Shelby, Gary his wife Amanda, and Kris (Emily); and great great grandchildren Gentry William and Eleanor Rose, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews

Graveside services are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus, Kansas, and will be held at Lone Elm Cemetery Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made payable to Harry Hines Hospice, in care of the funeral home.