Mary Beth O’Neal, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at the age of 74.

Mary was born on July 11, 1952. She graduated from Hutchinson Community College and later earned her degree in Marketing from Sterling College. She built a career in marketing and sales, where her warmth, creativity, and ability to connect with people served her well.

Mary married the love of her life, Jeff “Beach” O’Neal, and together they built a life filled with family, friendships, community, and service to others. After their marriage, Mary devoted much of her time and energy to volunteering and giving back to the Hutchinson community.

She served in numerous community volunteer roles, including work with the Hutchinson Zoo, the Hutchinson Tree Board, and Dillon Nature Center. One of the places closest to her heart was the Et Cetera Shop, where she volunteered for more than 20 years. Mary’s dedication, kindness, and willingness to help others made a lasting difference in the lives of many people throughout her community.

Mary and Jeff shared a love for Hutchinson and the Kansas countryside. After Jeff retired from a successful Hutchinson business, the two enjoyed taking long drives through the surrounding communities, appreciating the beauty of the Kansas landscape and the places they called home. These simple adventures together became an important and treasured part of their lives.

Mary also had a creative spirit and loved art and yoga. She regularly gathered with her art buddies, creating artwork from whatever materials inspired them. Her creativity was a reflection of her curious and adventurous nature. She was also a voracious reader, enjoying a wide range of literature and always finding something new to explore through books.

Mary was a devoted wife and cherished member of her family. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Tanya Cohen (Russ); nine grandchildren, whom she loved dearly; her brother, Jeff Ehrlich and his wife, Donna; her sister, Nancy Ehrlich; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jeff “Beach” O’Neal; her father, Herb Ehrlich; her mother, Shirley Smith; and her brother, Mike Ehrlich.

Mary will be remembered for her generous heart, her love of family, her commitment to her community, her creativity, her love of reading, and the many lives she touched through her years of service. She found joy not only in the people she loved, but also in the beauty of the Kansas countryside, the simple adventures she shared with Jeff, the creativity of making art with friends, and the endless worlds she discovered through books.

Her kindness, curiosity, generosity, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Taylor’s Shady Lane Cabin, located at Dillon Nature Center, 3002 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, with Dr. Jeff Ehrlich officiating. Due to roadwork, plan to allow for extra time to arrive at Dillon Nature Center. Just follow the detour signs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Recreation Commission (in memo line please put for Dillon Nature Center), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the Hutchinson community she gave so much of herself to.