Mary R. Seeger

Mary R. Ashley was born June 24, 1924 to George and Zella Ashley west of Logan, Kansas. Her fondest memories of her childhood include being outside with her three brothers and four sisters, helping her dad cut and sell firewood, and fishing every Sunday. Popping popcorn and going hand-fishing were such a treat. She also enjoyed going to Speed to dances as she got older. She attended school in Logan, Kansas and graduated from Logan High School in 1942. Her early jobs include working at the café and substitute teaching. She married Robert Seeger on January 25, 1942. Robert and Mary lived in Logan for the first few years of their marriage where they started their family. Kenny was born in 1942 and Max was born in 1944. They moved their family to Graham County in 1952 and began farming northeast of Hill City. Mary was very active in all aspects of the farm. She stayed busy raising her sons and helping Bob with the crops, livestock, and selling eggs, milk, and cream. Their daughter Joyce was born in 1957. In 1960 the family moved northwest of Hill City to the home and farm they would make their own. Mary always loved her garden and kept busy planting, weeding, harvesting, and canning her crops. Her gardens in the country were enormous and her grandchildren have fond memories of helping her in the garden. After she moved to town she still had a garden—although it was smaller—and she continued gardening until she was 90. Mary also loved fishing and enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren to local lakes and ponds. One of Mary’s specialties was making noodles. Everyone loved her noodles! She always said she didn’t even like noodles but she loved making them for family meals and holidays. In 1976 Mary began working at Graham County Hospital where she touched the lives of so many members of the community. Mary was known as a hard worker and one who loved helping people. She was also fun to work with. Former co-workers say she always had her work done before everyone else and was always making them laugh. Mary worked at the hospital for 25 years retiring in her early seventies. She also served as an EMT for many years during this time. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her son Kenny, her parents, and her siblings. She is survived by her son Max (Shirley) Seeger of Penokee and her daughter Joyce (Dan) Reese of Hill City; seven grandchildren: Ken (Sherry) Seeger of Hill City, Gary Seeger of Omaha, Nebraska, Don Seeger of Healy, Jason (Audrey) Seeger of Moundridge, Rebecca (Aaron) Richmeier of Hill City, Ryan Reese of Plainville, and Robyn (Andrew) Steinmetz of Hill City. Other survivors include 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Mary has been described as entertaining, such a character, a great lady, and a beautiful soul—all of which are true and she will be greatly missed.