Mary Jo Abildgaard, 60, of Salina, went home to her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with renal failure. Mary was born in Lincoln, Nebraska September 22, 1960 to Irmgard Campbell Terrio and the late Bobby Dean Campbell.

Mary was raised in Delphos Kansas where she had a love of playing in the city park, chasing her siblings, and playing softball. She loved Halloween and can be remembered for climbing on the porch roof, dressed in black and scaring trick-or-treaters. Mary had a passion for baking and decorating, especially wedding cakes and birthday cakes. This passion was brought to fruition when she opened her own bakery in Salina, Kansas, however this came abruptly to the end when her illness made it impossible for her to continue. Mary was extremely proud of her son, Preston and how he enlisted in the Army and served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mary was blessed to be married to Mike Abildgaard and they made their home in Independence, Kansas. When Mike passed away, the one constant, she held on too was the US flag that was presented to her by the US Army for his service to our country. While they had no children together, they raised each other’s children as one family. They loved to entertain friends, particularly BBQs in the back yard where there were always cards to be played, washers and bean bags to be tossed, and lots of laughter and pranks pulled on friends and family.

Mary’s greatest passion was her granddaughter Autumn who Mary loved reading too, taking to Kenwood Cove Waterpark, chasing around the mall and being in the kitchen. Whether it was measuring out flour or cutting the goodies to eat, Mary had an abundance of patience and laughter for the messes they made together.

Mary is survived by her son, Preston Crawford, (Kylie Morgan), Salina; grandchildren, Dakota and Jesse Crawford, Tulsa Oklahoma and Autumn Crawford, Salina. She is also survived by her mother, Irmgard Terrio, Minneapolis Kansas; sisters, Katrina (Rex) Pollet, Delphos Kansas; Diane (Kevin) Garber, Tucson Arizona; and Maria (Gary) Latham, Michigan; brothers, Mik (Dianna) Campbell, Oak Harbor Washington; Robert (Emma) Campbell, Paxico; and John (Danya)

Campbell, Minneapolis Kansas; 6 stepchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

As Mary planned, she will be cremated and a Celebration of her Life will be held in Delphos, Kansas in May. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Kidney Fund online or sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home,500 S. Ohio, Salina Kansas 67401.

To send an online condolence, visit www.carlsonfh.net.