Mary Theresa Waterman

Mary T. Waterman, 76, of Tonganoxie, KS, passed away Friday, December 19, 2008, at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Washington. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, at the church. Father Jim Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Mary was born February 2, 1932 in Greenleaf, KS, the daughter of Edward E. and Myrtle (Hogan) Rice. On May 17, 1952 she married Donald Waterman at Carlsbad, CA. Mary was co-publisher, along with her husband, of several newspapers including The Ulysses News and The Tonganoxie Mirror. Besides being a loving Mother and Grandmother she was active in the art community. She was an accomplished artist and teacher who utilized watercolor, oil and acrylics. Her passion and creativity could be seen in almost everything she touched. Whether she was drawing a picture, quilting a pillow or designing a stained glass window, Mary's talent was remarkable. Mary is survived by her husband, Don; three children, Debbie Johnson and husband Mike of Tonganoxie, KS, Susan Waterman of Bonner Springs, KS, and Brian Waterman and wife Sherrie of Bonner Springs, KS; one brother, Gene Rice of Phoenix, AZ; three sisters, Darlene Gauby of Washington, KS, Peggy Smith of Phoenix, AZ, and Edna Rice of Washington, KS; sisters-in-law Marilyn Waterman of Greenleaf, KS, and Carolyn Waterman of Woodburn, OR; four grandchildren, Eric Johnson of Prairie Village, KS, Amy Johnson of Pittsburg, KS, and Brad and Cody Waterman of Bonner Springs, KS; and one step-grandchild, Hunter Covazos of Bonner Springs, KS. The family suggests contributions in Mary's honor to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Development Office, 9720 W 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212. Contributions may also be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Theresa Waterman, please visit our flower store.