On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, MaryDean Nelson, loving wife, mother of three, grandmother of five, and great grandmother of two passed away at the age of 83 in Wichita, Kansas.
MaryDean was born on October 22, 1936 in Cuba, Kansas to Verlin and Agnes (Cibolski) Ryser. She attended Concordia School District from kindergarten through high school. She married Darrell Lee Nelson of Concordia on January 9, 1957. They raised one daughter, Charleen (Sherry) K. Reeves, and two sons, David L. Nelson and Randall A. Nelson.
MaryDean had a devotion to her family. She was a collector of antique bowls, plates and Hummel figurines. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren like no other. She loved to play bridge and attempted to keep Darrell in check. She even knew how to cope with his sense of humor and never ending one-liners. They just were made for each other! She was an avid fan of college basketball and would not miss a KU basketball game, even to the extent of watching a KU/Dayton game earlier this year while leaned over a counter to see the TV when she was supposed to be watching her grandson play a few feet away!
MaryDean had a strong devotion to her faith and was an active member of The Baptist Church. She felt a deep commitment to her church family.
MaryDean worked in the local banking community with various positions throughout her career until her retirement in 2002. In the latter part of her professional career, MaryDean became a CASA volunteer because of her love of children.
MaryDean was preceded in death by her son, David, her parents, and her brother, Gary Ryser.
She is survived by her husband Darrell of Concordia, daughter Sherry and husband Scott of Basehor, KS, son Randy and wife Heather of Lenexa, KS, grandchildren Jacob McCray-Reeves, Joshua Reeves, Abigaile Molzer, Zachary Molzer, and Jordy Nelson, great-grandchildren Vivian Reeves and Elijah Reeves, brothers Dan and Dick, and sisters Margaret, Lesley Ann, Glenna, Jan, Pam, and Annette.
Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2020, from 1-8 pm with family greeting friends from 6-7 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia.
Memorial services will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at The Baptist Church, Concordia with Pastor Jonathan Peppers officiating. Family burial will be prior to the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Baptist Church or NCK Teens for Christ in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.