Mary Elizabeth Wall

Mary Elizabeth Wall (née Preston), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, in Burlington, Kansas, at the age of 84. Mary was born on July 31, 1940, in San Diego, California, to John Dabney Stuart Preston and Mary Josephine (Scannell) Preston.

Raised in San Diego, Mary graduated from Cathedral Girls High School and went on to live a life characterized by her faith in God and devotion to her family and friends. In 1958, she married Jack Lee Cook, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Over the years, Mary’s journey took her across the country as she lovingly raised her seven children in diverse communities, including Kansas, Tennessee, Alaska, and California.

 Following her divorce in 1970, Mary moved to Emporia, Kansas, where she met Leroy Brooks Wall. They married in 1975 at Sacred Heart Cathedral and built a life together in Kansas, ultimately settling in the Lebo / Burlington area. Mary was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Hartford, Kansas, where she found fellowship and community.

 Known for her unwavering faith and deep trust in God, Mary had a remarkable gift for encouragement and a warm, “other-centered” spirit. She worked various jobs over her lifetime, from Hallmark Card inspector to waitress, but her true calling was as a mother and grandmother. She embraced the role wholeheartedly, sharing her love, faith and kindness with her seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

 Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Brooks Wall; and her brother, Daniel O’Donahue Preston. She is survived by her brother, John Robert Preston; her daughters, Deborah James (spouse Leroy, daughters: Teac, Brianne and Chelsie) and Cathy Heath (spouse Randy, daughters: Haley, Jasmine, Maddison, Jordan, and Alexis); her sons, John Cook (spouse Rhonda, children: Sabrina, Dustin, Mary and David), David Cook (son Joshua), Daniel Wall (spouse Renee, daughters: Arabella and Danelle), Timothy Cook (sons Connor and Ian) and Richard Wall; as well as her cherished great-grandchildren and extended family members. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who were touched by her life. 

 A funeral Mass to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 9th, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Hartford, Kansas. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow services at Adgate Cemetery near New Strawn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Wichita or St. Mary’s Catholic Church and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.

 Mary’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her unwavering faith, love, and encouragement will remain a source of strength and inspiration for all who knew her.