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Mary L. Hart

Mary L. Hart, age 64, formerly of Johnson died Monday, May 17, 2021, at Life Care Center of Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born September 19, 1956, in Jacksonville, Florida, the daughter of J.W. and Lora (Waldren) Mitchell.

Mary grew up in Jacksonville. She met and married John Charles Hart on September 23, 1972, in Jacksonville. They moved to Johnson in December 1973. Mary enjoyed sharing her many talents which included being a volunteer firefighter, bowling, being a tennis and sewing teacher, and waitress at the B&B Café. She drove the school bus for many years and also served as a lunch lady. She was and an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mary owned and operated Rinky Dink Café and also an upholstery shop which she really enjoyed. Mary’s pride and joy were her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her sons, John Charles Hart, Jr. and wife Amy of Ellicott, Colorado, Marshall Wayne Hart and wife Shayla of Syracuse, Kansas; brothers, Rick Adams and wife Regina of Portland, Oregon, Greg Adams and wife Tina of Fossil, Oregon, and Jay Adams and wife Lillian of Jacksonville, Florida; sister, Lora Ann Bennett of York, South Carolina; ten grandchildren, Michael, Dalton, Joyia, Austyn, Kaylin, K.C., Reece, Jason, Shelby, and Sheldon; and two great-grandchildren, Payton and Dusty.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John in 2016; and brother-in-law, James Bennett.

Memorial service will be at 3:00 PM Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Johnson, Kansas, with Reverend Kurt Rovenstine officiating. The service will be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home facebook page. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson. Memorial contributions may be given to the Stanton County Senior Center Meals on Wheels in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

OBITUARIES

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SPORTS

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NEWS

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OPINIONS

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