Mary Lee Molz, Deerfield
July 28, 1931 - October 30, 2023
Mary Lee Molz, age 92, of Deerfield, Kansas died on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the Kearney County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. She was born July 28, 1931 in Wilson, Kansas. She is the daughter of John Francis and Caroline Kathryn (Knauer) Healey.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lakin, Kansas.
After the passing of her parents, she completed her high school education in Ames, Iowa. She continued her education in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned her teaching certificate from Drake University. Upon receiving her certificate from Drake, Mary Lee obtained employment as a teacher in her beloved Kansas. She arrived to teach in Deerfield, Kansas elementary school in 1951. She was highly respected and loved by all the students under her guidance.
Mary Lee taught three years before meeting her life-time companion. In January 1956, she married Otis H. Molz of Deerfield and lived on their farm for 67 years.
With Otis, they built a very successful farm business eventually taking their farm knowledge to countries far and near. Mary Lee and Otis were very involved in co-op activities and funded many local agricultural scholarships through the co-op. In 2001, both Mary Lee and Otis were inducted into the National Co-op Hall of Fame, Washington, DC.
Mary Lee had a passion for cooking and baking, collecting hundreds of recipes through the years. Mary Lee loved art and often volunteered her time, talent, and artwork to various community organizations.
She is survived by her husband, Otis H Molz, son, Bobby Joe Molz of Garden City, and daughter, Barbara Ann Franklin of Topeka, and two great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakin with Reverend Magdiel Fajardo officiating. Grave site service will be held at the Deerfield, Kansas cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Salvation Army or American Red Cross in care of Garnand Funeral Home.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Gardand Funeral Home in Lakin.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.