LARNED — Mary Elizabeth Hewson, 88, died unexpectedly at home in rural Larned, on Nov. 30. She was born on November 5, 1922 in Larned. She attended Larned schools and graduated in 1940 from Larned High School. She was a 1948 graduate of Kansas State University with a dual degree in secondary education and psychology.
She married Kenneth Dean Hewson on June 21, 1946 at Danforth Chapel in Lawrence. Mary was a substitute teacher in the Larned Schools for many years. She tutored and encouraged students, and helped them obtain college scholarships, which empowered them to succeed in life.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Larned. She served as an elder and was active in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs. She was named Larned Business and Professional Woman of the Year. Mary was a member of Chapter CB, Kansas of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was a charter member of the Larned Branch of the American Association of University Women, Board member of the local YMCA, and a member of H.E.A.L., a local group working with parents and students to eliminate drug and alcohol use.
She was named a patron of the Kansas Press Women in 1988.
Mary was a very involved Kansas State University alumnus, serving the Larned Area alumni club as a volunteer who avidly recruited students to K-State and other state colleges. She and her husband, Ken, have also philanthropically supported their alma mater for many years. A scholarship in the Department of Electrical Engineering and a conference room in the Kansas State University Alumni Building were funded by the Hewsons.
Mary also served as the Alumni Board of Director from 1975-78. She was a member of the KSU Foundation Trustees at the time of her death.
She was recipient of the KSU Alumni Medallion Award in 1986 for her outstanding humanitarian service. Mary was also honored as the CASE Volunteer of the Year in 1983 for her many years of service to the university as a volunteer for the K-State Alumni Association. She is the only K-Stater to have been recognized with this national award.
Survivors include her husband Ken; three daughters Rebecca "Beckie" Anne Hewson Lewis of Baldwin City, Roberta "Robbi" Hewson Grogan and husband Steve of Belton, Missouri and Margaret "Maggie" Marie Smith, MD and husband Andy of Leawood; six grandchildren, Lincoln Landon Lewis, Hamilton Hewson Lewis, Tyler Wade Grogan, Tanner Christian Grogan, Tate James Grogan, and Elizabeth Whitney Smith; nephews, David Stentz, Greg McDonald, Bill McDonald; and sister-in-law, Hassie McDonald. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice (Gregory) and William McDonald; two brothers, Marion "Gub" McDonald and O.R. "Pete" McDonald; and nephew, Robin McDonald.
Funeral was Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, Larned, with Pastor Dennis Scheibmeir presiding. Burial followed in Larned Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Kansas State University Foundation (designate to Ken & Mary Hewson Scholarship)or the First Presbyterian Church in care of Morell Funeral Home.
Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com
Morell Funeral Home*
1021 Broadway
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 5, 2010
