Mary Elizabeth Gaumer, 77, Lawrence, is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, parents, and friends. She died on May 18, 2015, peacefully and surrounded by family at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born on September 18, 1937, in Clay Center, Kansas, the daughter of Archibald and Julia Rose. She graduated from Clay Center High School and earned a degree in elementary education from Kansas State University. She taught in the Topeka School District for a few years prior to becoming a Housewife and small business owner in Kingman, Kansas. She and her husband moved to Lawrence in 2003.
She married David Gaumer on June 11, 1960. They were married for 48 years until Dave’s death. She is survived by 3 sons and their wives, David and Tammy of Allen, Texas, Daniel and Sonja, of Lawrence, and Doug and Kathy of Lawrence. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Nick, Amanda, and Julia, Savanna and Larissa, Alexa and Austin).
Mary was a great entertainer who made Christmas, Birthdays, and other events memorable. She was an avid bridge player (whose day was all the brighter if she won high for the day), doing puzzles, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. She lived a full and rewarding life. She was a beautiful woman with an enormous capacity to love! Her positive spirit and warm smile will be greatly missed.
Friends may call from 6-8PM on Thursday evening at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home. A private service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to either the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research or the University Bridge Club.
May God be with the Gaumer family in the days to come.
Debi & Rod Waggoner
To the Gaumer Boys, Dave, Dan & Doug Sympathy in the death of your mom.
The Whitmer’s have a mind full of happy memories of Mary and Dave and you boys going back to 1963.
We send you our Love.
The Larry Whitmer Family
Sincere Sympathy to Mary’s family. My memories of Mary are many with fun H. S Years, our waitress work and also going to KSU and Rush Week together. We had such good times and the laughter was so good for both of us. Ron and I visited Mary and Dave coming home from our honeymoon and she always was so sweet and kind. She will always be remembered. Julia Rose helped at our wedding. God Bless her family.
I was also a classmate of Mary’s at CCCHS and remember all the good times she and I shared. I’m sure her family is treasuring all of the love and good times she gave to them over the years. Rest in peace, Mary.
I remember Mary so well from our years in school together. What a joy-filled friend she was at that young age, and I am sure she grew older with that same serene disposition and talent for making others happy. How great to know she has loving family and friends in the years beyond high school, but I wanted you to know she was a jewel also as a youngster!
To Mary’s family: Mary was a dear and gentle person as well as a good friend. I will miss her at the bridge table and in conversation about our common love of books and reading. Mary, with all her health difficulties, still made an effort to be with us with a smile on her face. We will all miss her until we meet again. Her boys were her strong support, God bless you.
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. I didn’t know Mary but was sorry to hear of her passing. And may the Almighty God continue with you to comfort and sustain you through this difficult time.
Doug & family,
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Want you to know that Sandy and have you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. Scott
Dave, Dan, Doug, and your families: I am deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a remarkable person as was your dad. I will always have fond memories of them both. I am thinking of you all and praying. Kelly Mason