Mary Lou Kennedy of La Crosse, Kansas passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on October 27, 2025. She was 88.

She was born May 13, 1937, in Middlebury, Indiana to Harold and Ruth Lehman, who preceded her in death. Mary is survived by her longtime companion, Terry Scheuerman of the home; her daughter, Robyn Aeschliman (Roger) of Topeka, Kansas; her son, Scott Reimer (Jose Torres) of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren, Adelaide Aeschliman (Natalie) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Regan Jones (Michael) of Lenexa, Kansas; and her great-grandchild, Jasper Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Lois Stewart of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Marjorie Szobodi of Elkhart, Indiana, Daniel Lehman of Goshen, Indiana and Phillip Lehman of Woolwich Township, New Jersey. In addition, she is remembered by Terry's family, including his son Jeff Scheuerman (Tammy), daughter Alaura Lillie (Kerry), and their families.

Mary graduated from Mountain Lake High School in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, and went on to earn an associate degree from Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas. She dedicated more than 30 years of her career to the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas, where she built many lifelong friendships working in the public affairs office. Her final role as Director of the Visitors Bureau allowed her to meet people from around the world—an experience she treasured.

Mary was a star baker at home, producing pies with a legendary flaky crust that were always devoured at once by her family. She loved her family dearly and found her greatest joy later in life spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with affection and laughter. Her contagious laugh and warm presence could fill any room. She also had a special fondness for cats, always keeping one close by.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on November 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 3033 MacVicar, in Topeka, Kansas. In her honor, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the High Plains, P.O. Box 311, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Words of comfort and support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.