Mary Lucille Harvey was born October 29, 1925, in Hays, KS, to the late Robert and Charlotte (Taylor) Blakely. She passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at WaKeeney, KS, at the age of 85.


As a child, she attended Pioneer Rural School, graduated from Trego Community High School in 1943, and received her master's degree from Fort Hays State University.

On July 20, 1958, Mary Lou married William S. Harvey in the First United Methodist Church at WaKeeney. Together, they farmed near Ogallah. Bill passed away August 30, 2011.


Mary Lou spent thirty-nine years in education and many of those at Trego Community High School. After retiring, Mary Lou continued to substitute teach and provided scholarships to TCHS graduates.


As a very active member in the community, she belonged to the First United Methodist Church, and also served on the church council, the UMC Women's Group, the Literary Club, the Better Farms Club, the Epson Sigma Sorority, TCEA (Trego County Educators' Association), the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, and the VFW Auxiliary. She was one of the organizers of the Golden Age Dinners held for the elderly every month. She was also a benefactor of the Trego County Fairground Exhibit Building in WaKeeney.


Survivors include nieces and nephews, Neil and Demaris Niewald; and twelve great-nieces and nephews; cousins, Donna and Greg Diamond, Bill Blakely, Carol Burch, Virginia Martin, Lloyd Leinmiller, George Leinmiller, and Jim Rich.

Her husband, Bill; and her parents preceded her in death.

Visitation is 6-8 PM Thursday, September 29, 2011 in Schmitt Funeral Home at WaKeeney. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney with Pastor Larry Danforth officiating. Interment is in the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.