Mary Vanderford

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mary A. (Giefer) Vanderford, age 74, of Carl Junction, formerly of Altamont, KS, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri surrounded by family.

Born on June 20, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas, Mary grew up and attended school in Altamont and was a proud graduate of Labette County High School with the Class of 1969. That same year, Mary was invited on a blind date by the aunt of Leland Vanderford. Soon after they were united in marriage on February 27, 1970, in Miami, Ok and spent 56 wonderful years together.






Her career began with running a daycare in Parsons, Kansas, where she nurtured and cared for numerous children. Following that, she served as an administrative assistant for the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, H&R Block, and Altamont Lumber where she continued her administrative roles until her retirement.

In 1994, Mary and Leland built their family home on her grandparents’ property, embracing the essence of farm life. She took immense joy in creating a loving home for her children and, most importantly, her grandchildren. As the biggest supporter and fan of her grandchildren, Mary never missed an opportunity to attend their activities, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. She was a founding member of the Altamont Quilting Guild, where her contributions were dearly valued. Together with Leland, Mary enjoyed attending community dances and square dances, traveling across Kansas and Southwest Missouri.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Kristen Griggs and Devin Thomas, along with Devin’s husband, Tyler, all of Carl Junction. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Corene Beason, of Altamont, Kansas, Georgia Newell, Gloria Lawrence, and Kevin Lindgren, of Central Point, Oregon and her beloved grandchildren: Taylor Struthers and her husband, Chandler; Andrew Griggs Jr.; Wesley Griggs; Elaina Thomas; and Barrett Thomas. Her great-grandchildren, Bentley, Huntleigh, Kolter, and McKynlee, brought her endless joy. She also leaves several extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Charles Giefer, and his wife, Lela, as well as her mother, Barbara Lindgren.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Fairview Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri, located at 4300 S. Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO 64804, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 AM. Flowers may be delivered to the church beginning at 9:00 AM on that day. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis –ioFoundation and may be entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory,

Service and Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory.