Mary Sue Carlson

Mary Sue (Ward) Carlson went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on October 24, 1940, in Chanute, Kansas, to Clayton and Mary Jane (McMinimy) Ward. Mary Sue's passing has left a void in the hearts of her surviving family and friends.

She graduated from Chanute High School with the class of 1958 and married Gerald Frederic (Fred) Gifford of Chanute. They moved to Logan, Utah, in 1960. Mary Sue’s four (4) oldest daughters were born in Logan, Utah. She attended Utah State University (USU) for multiple years, studying a variety of interests. It was while attending USU that Mary Sue developed her love and talent for ceramics, pottery, art and photography. While living in Utah Mary Sue also developed a love of hunting for arrowheads and Indian artifacts. Fred and Mary Sue divorced in 1981 and she moved back to Chanute, Kansas.

Mary Sue's life was a testament to love and commitment. She found her soulmate in David Carlson, whom she lovingly married on July 16, 1982. Together, they built a life filled with 42 years of love and shared memories. In the fall of 1988 David and Mary Sue fostered 2 young siblings. A few years later Deana and Daniel officially became a part of the Carlson family. Mary Sue’s dedication to her Lord and family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Mary Sue was a woman of remarkable talent and versatility. Her career spanned various positions at Churchill Oil and Gas, Justice Enterprises, Coombs and Pringle Law Office, Tioga Restaurant, Clerk of the District Court, and SEK Regional Conservation District. Even after retirement, she devoted her time to the family farm and caring for elderly relatives.

Known for her strong work ethic, Mary Sue was often described as someone who set a high bar for those around her. Beyond her professional life, she was passionate about creating 5 corn mazes for public enjoyment and indulging in activities like tending to her garden, beekeeping, pottery-making, playing card games, cooking delicious meals, and, most importantly, showering love upon her husband and family.

In celebrating Mary Sue's life journey, it is important to recognize the profound impact she had on those around her. She leaves behind cherished memories that will forever linger in the hearts of her beloved husband, David Carlson; her children Susan Stewart (Jemez Springs, NM), Amy Gifford (Independence, MO), Mary Ann Tackett (Leavenworth, Kansas), Sara Williams (Great Bend, Kansas), and Deana Angleton (Chanute, Kansas); along with 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren who were truly blessed to have had her love and guidance.

Mary Sue Carlson is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Her legacy of loving her Lord and Savior, love for family, and hard work will continue to impact those fortunate enough to know her.

Memorials are suggested to Westview Baptist Church or Star of Hope International and can be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, KS.

A visitation for Mary Sue will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Westview Baptist Church from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Good News Center, Chanute, Kansas.

Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas 66720