Mary Ellen Fangman

Mary Ellen Fangman, 84, passed away on July 29, 2024. She was born to Leo and Teresa Skoch Reicherter near Lillis, Kansas on January 24, 1940. 

The family moved to Seneca four years later. She and Richard G. Fangman were married February 5, 1958. They lived on a farm near Centralia for six years before moving to Silver Lake in 1964.

Mary and her husband enjoyed going to garage sales and playing cards. She loved trying new recipes, crocheting, embroidering, making quilt tops and quilting. She was known as the “quilt lady.”

She worked 23 years as a cook in Rossville Valley Manor and two years at USD 321 dietary department. She and Richard took the Marriage Encounter, Richard, the Cursillo, and Mary, the Women’s Day. At Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Mary and Richard participated in the adoration each week. She made craft items for the church’s yearly craft shows, quilts for auctions, and pies for funeral dinners.

Her husband, Richard, and brothers, Charles and Douglas, preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua, at age 32.

She is survived by her five children; Mike (Emilie) of Silver Lake, Brad (Colette) of Shawnee, Gail Duncan (Kelly) of Johnstown, CO, Debbie of Overland Park, and David of Silver Lake; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Surviving siblings are Norma Bennett of Rossville, Margaret Feldkamp of Seneca, and Connie Kroemer of Bern.

Mary will lie in state at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street in Topeka, from 7:00 – 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 1, 2024, followed by a family visitation from 8:00 – 9:30 AM. The rosary will be recited following the visitation and immediately prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery by way of 46th to Thomas Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, KS, 66536.