Mary Stewart Rayburn closed out her life on May 21, 2015. Born August 18, 1922, she was raised in Vanceburg, Lewis County, KY; preceded in death by an older infant brother Leland Liles & parents Leland and Ella Liles Cook. She was the oldest of four children, whom she outlived; Robert C. Cook. Doris L. Bayer, James F. Cook. After graduating with a degree in chemistry from Morehead State College, she worked for the Bureau of Standards in Washington, DC, participating in the Manhattan Project. Returning to Vanceburg, she taught high school Home Economics, Psychology and Current Events. She and Wilbur Hobart "Ray" Rayburn married on November 7, 1945. He passed away July 24, 2008. They moved to several states as part of Ray's corporate successes. While living in Memphis, she was a Girl Scout troop leader. Throughout her life she was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker. She lived the longest in Overland Park, KS, and was involved in Christian Women's Fellowship Circle 5 of the Overland Park Christian Church (OPCC). Mary Stewart and Ray joined OPCC in November 1959. Mary Stewart leaves behind daughters Ella Sue Rayburn and partner Lynn Gano living in Scranton, PA; Joey Rayburn-Thomas with grandchildren Sean and Shayna Thomas of Overland Park and Ashley JoElla Thomas of San Diego, CA; brother-in-law Charles C. Rayburn, Albuquerque, NM, and several cherished nieces and nephews. The family thanks the nursing team of Continua Care Hospice and the Stratford Commons for taking care of their mother and grandmother during for her final two years. Arrangements have been entrusted to Amos Family Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Services

A memorial celebration will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Overland Park Christian Church. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Contributions

She would be honored if friends chose to send memorials to Overland Park Christian Church, 7500 W. 75th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204.