Mary Elizabeth Everson, 85, died November 5, 2013, at Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson. She was born December 24, 1927, in Clay Center, to Dr. Guy Benton and Helen (Gardner) McIlvain. Mary graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1945 and from Kansas State University in 1949 with a Bachelor's of Science in Home Economics and Journalism. She taught 6th - 8th grade language arts at Nickerson Grade School from 1966-1975, worked at Cessna for 3 years as Co-Editor for the newsletter, was a secretary for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and retired in 1992. Mary was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, was active in FPC Dorcas Circle, the FPC Sewing Club, the Athena Study Club, and served on the board of the former Hutchinson Mothers' Club. She also played hand bells at the church, played piano from childhood, and enjoyed photography.

On September 3, 1948, she married Ray Everson in Clay Center. They shared 65 years together. He survives.

Other survivors include: daughters, Kathy Brinez and husband Luis of Hutchinson, Janet Buchner and husband Ed of Placentia, CA; grandchildren, Dr. Kay M. Dutz and husband Steve, Mark E. Buchner, Mary E. Buchner; brother-in-law, Garry Everson of Salina; and sister-in-law, Fran Everson of Hutchinson.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Alice McIlvain.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 29, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Lowell Knauss officiating. There will be a private family inurnment in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the book 9-9 today until the service at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Hutchinson Public Library, First Presbyterian Church, or to Wesley Towers Good Samaritan Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, Ks 67501.