Mary A. Rivera

Mulvane - Rivera, Mary Anne "Pat", 93, died Friday June 16th, 2023 at Maria Court assisted living in Mulvane, KS. She was born March 15, 1930, the daughter of Wendell and Virginia Sutherland in Ottawa, KS. Mary was the oldest of 7 children. She attended school in Labette County Kansas and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1948. She then moved to Wichita Kansas to attend the Wesley Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated with a nursing degree in September 1951. While she was training, she met and fell in love with Joe Raya Rivera. They were married in April 1951 and settled down in Mulvane . They were blessed with two sons, Steven Craig in 1952 and Mark Allan in 1955. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with their family. Mary worked at Beech Aircraft in the First Aid department from 1952 until she retired in 1992.

She was also a volunteer EMT for the Mulvane Civil Defense for many years. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Joe, son Steven, sisters Carol Aikman and Barbara "Bobbie" Pointer and brothers Leslie "Buddy" Sutherland and Larry "Bus" Sutherland.

She is survived by sisters Loretta "Hedy" Vail, Donna Pollock, her son Mark (Jo) Rivera, grandchildren Robert L. (Jennifer) Rivera, Joseph L. "Luke" (Jessica) Rivera, Adam J. (Sarah) Rivera, Jessie L.(Tim) Rivera, Wade A. Rivera, great grandchildren Dominic Liberto, Tripp Rivera, Kenzie Rivera, Adalyn Rivera, and Remi Rivera. Also survived by honorary granddaughter Laken (Colton) Meyer and honorary great grandchildren Ashton and Reagan Meyer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, June 23rd, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm with Rosary at 4:00 pm at Smith Mortuary 501 Louis Blvd Mulvane, KS Funeral Service: will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday June 24 at Smith Mortuary in Mulvane.

Interment to follow at Mulvane Cemetery.

[In lieu of flowers] memorial contributions may be made to Maria Court ALS Memorial Fund