Mary C. Abts, 100, Overland Park, died Wednesday, July 30, 2014 of natural causes. Mary lived a full, good life, and was beloved by family and friends, many of whom helped her celebrate her 100th birthday this past January. Mary was born Jan. 16, 1914 in Iola, Kansas to Morris H. and Catherine Abts. She graduated from the University of Kansas and began a career as a Medical Technologist and educator in her field. During World War II, she served as a WAVE officer (Lieutenant j.g.), working as part of the biological warfare program. After her service from 1943-1946, she remained in the Naval Reserve through 1952. She worked at Kansas City's St. Joseph Hospital for 26 years, retiring in 1976. She later returned to work at the Olathe Community Hospital, retiring again in 1986. Mary was a member of the American Society for Medical Technologists and the American Legion Dwight Cowles Post. Before moving to The Atriums in Overland Park in 2000, she was a devoted member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Maureen Abts; her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Jim Scott; her brother and sister-in-law Maurice W. Abts and Julia Abts; her brothers-in-law Bud Lackey and Dale Robinson. She is survived by her sisters, Louise Lackey and Frances Robinson, and three generations of nieces and nephews and their families, who loved her and will miss her terribly.

Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Road, Roeland Park, Kansas 66205. It will be preceded by a visitation from 9:00 - 10:30 AM with a rosary starting at 10:30 AM. A graveside service and burial will be held 12:00 PM, Monday, Aug. 4, 2014 at Highland Cemetery in Iola, Kansas.

Contributions

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions in Mary's name may be made to the retirement fund of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111 or St. Agnes Catholic Church.