Mary Elizabeth Talbott

Mary Elizabeth Weston Talbott was born to Charles and Neva Weston on November 1, 1930, on a farm just west of Derby. She was the middle of three daughters.

Mary attended Pleasant Valley Grade School for the full eight years. She then attended Derby High School graduating in May of 1948. She was Valedictorian of her class.

In October of 1948 she married Jack Talbott at the First Presbyterian Church of Derby. To this union two children were born – Jacquelyn Ann and Charles Allan.

Mary’s first job was working as a clerk at the Woolworth Store in Wichita, followed by working at Bennett’s Music Store. In 1954 she became the volunteer secretary at the Presbyterian Church. She was hired to this position in February of 1960. She held this position until August of 1988. Her years in this position remained very dear to her in the following years. She also served as Organist at the church for 13 years. In October of 1988 she became employed by Smith Family Mortuaries as a part-time receptionist for evening and weekend visitations. She also served Smith as organist.

Her two children and four grandchildren and four great-granddaughters were the joy of her life.

She is survived by her son Charles of Houston, Texas, daughter Jackie of Derby, two grandsons, Shane Schott and James Talbott, two granddaughters Crystal Schott and Emily Talbott, four great-granddaughters, Taylor and Addyson Grasser of Gardner, KS, and Alexis and Joci Schott of Derby, three nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, and two sisters Doris Brace and Charlene McClure.

Visitation 5-7pm Thursday, August 27, at Smith Family Mortuary in Derby. Funeral services 10am Friday, August 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Derby, followed by interment at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Wichita.

A memorial is established with the First Presbyterian Church.