Mary M. Razook

Razook, Mary M., passed away after a brief illness, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the young age of 91. Visitation 10 am – 5 pm Thursday, Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca. Trisagion and funeral service 7:30 pm Thursday, St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E 13th St. Mary was born in Wichita, KS on November 10, 1918; just hours after World War I had declared peace. She is preceded in death by her parents, Beshara & Nehima David; husband, Fred F. Razook, Sr.; her son, Fred F. Razook, Jr.; brothers, Eli, George and Albert David; sisters, Alice David and Katie Elkouri. Survivors: daughters, Dyane Razook, Los Angeles, CA, Suzanne Razook, Denver, CO, and Marilyn (David) Walk, Wichita; sister, Freeda David, Wichita; sisters-in-law, Sally David and Colleen David, both of Wichita; daughter-in-law, Gloria Razook, Claremore, OK; 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews. Fred and Mary owned the Jayhawk Café in Pratt, KS during the 1950’s. While Fred ran the café, Mary focused on raising her family. Mary loved flowers and was active in the Pratt Garden Club and was a past president. After Fred sold the Jayhawk Café, he had many other business ventures, including building office buildings for the US Government. She was widowed at age 46 and raised her two youngest daughters alone and attended Pratt Junior College. After his death, with no training, Mary took over the reins of his businesses. After moving to Wichita, Mary, having been out of the work force since her marriage, decided to try her hand at sales with Sears, where she worked for fifteen years. She was one of their top sales persons and later she volunteered with Riverside Hospital for 14 plus years. In 1969, Suzanne and her friends nicknamed her “Mother Mary” and it has stuck for many years. She was always a very loving and caring person, always having a smile for everyone and never met a stranger. She has touched many family and friends that will miss her each and every day. Memorial donations may be made to The George B. David Scholarship Fund at WSU and St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. View tributes at smithfamilymortuaries.com. Culbertson-Smith Mortuary in charge of arrangements.