Mary J. Strack, 82, died Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at her home in Grain Valley. Visitation will be on Monday, December 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with the funeral service on Tuesday, December 20th at 10:00 am, both at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley. Interment will be in Purdee Cemetery, Grain Valley, MO next to her husband Herb. Memorial contributions are suggested to Grain Valley Assistance Council.
Mary Jane was born April 23, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ralph and Florence (Spathelf) Kelsick. She graduated from New Florence High School. She married Herb Strack in 1954. Mary loved working in her garden and sharing her produce with family and friends. She especially enjoyed making apple butter in the fall as a fundraiser for Grain Valley Assistance Council. Mary touched thousands of lives with her community service for almost 30 years. She was involved in the St. Paul United Methodist Women’s group and served in various roles in Boy Scout Troop 253 and Girl Scouts in Independence, Missouri, as well as Boy Scout Troop 310 in Grain Valley. She was a Band Booster from 1986-1990 and chaperoned Grain Valley High School Band to Chicago and Washington, D.C. Mary was well-known for her homemade pies, jellies, and zucchini relish. She was always helping others, and took delight in organizing fundraising events, such as Trivia Nights. Mary sang in the church choir and attended the United Methodist Church and Christian Church in Grain Valley. She enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. She is leaving a legacy for her three children.
Survivors include her two sons: Gary Strack & his wife Gayla of Raymore, MO, & Daniel Strack & his fiancé Amanda, of Grain Valley; one daughter: Susan Seelinger & her husband Shelby, of Warrensburg, MO; twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law: Charlene Kelsick, of Doniphan, MO; many cousins, nieces & nephews; and a million friends.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Paula Gruber
3 Nov 2020So sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mary Jane was a great lady. I fondly remember her and Herb visiting at Grandma Kelsick’s when we were younger. I have a recipe holder in my kitchen that she had made for Grandma. So I always think of Mary Jane when I see that. Hugs to you all. I am sorry that I will not be able to be with you. ~ Paula Gruber
Dolores & Jack Jackson
3 Nov 2020Memories…..many great memories of this wonderful lady. May she find peace and happiness now as she is reunited with her dear husband, Herb. And may her family find peace in their memories of times past. God be with you all as we remember Mary with much love. ~ Dolores & Jack Jackson
Donnie Kelsick
3 Nov 2020Mary Jane was a beloved member of our extended family, one that made us feel so welcome and loved every time we were with her. It was always clear how much she loved Herb and her family, and always clear how much she loved doing things for others. We love her and will miss her. We extend our deepest sympathies to all her family members. ~ Donnie Kelsick