Mary Ellen Spidell, 80, of Solomon, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Born in Conway, Iowa, on October 30, 1944, to Edrie Arlene (McCreary) and Frank Mackillen Gardner.
Mary’s compassionate spirit led her to work in various caregiving roles throughout her life, including in the nursery, as a hairstylist, and in the kitchen at St. Francis Boys Home. Her nurturing nature extended beyond her work, as she poured her heart into her hobbies and time with loved ones.
She found joy in sewing, swing dancing, and line dancing, and spent many years creating beautiful ceramics for her family. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Lisa Holliman (David) of Solomon, Kansas; Hiedie Hurde (Donald) of Salina, Kansas; Julie Hogue (Kevin) of Solomon, Kansas; a sister, Joann Pryor (David) of Mt. Washington, Kentucky; brothers, Keith Gardner (Kathy) of Camdenton, Missouri, and Ronald Gardner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She is also survived by grandchildren, Andrew and Angelica Moyer, Geoffrey Holliman, Ashley Hurde, Tiffany and Skyler Klein, Alyssa Hurde, Michael and Bailee Holliman, Alexandra and Shaun Myers, Brandon Hogue, Jordan Hurde, Darlene Moyer, Kaylene Allen, and Kara Allen; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Lorie Morgan; grandson, Dustin Moyer; great-grandson, Tyreeke Hurde; and sisters, Norma Chase, Donna Vittoe, Linda Miller, and Francis Gardner.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, June 4th at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home in Salina, Kansas.
The family requests donations be made to Sunflower Adult Daycare Services, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.
To send online condolences, please visit www.carlsonfh.net or the funeral home’s Facebook page.