Mary Helen Coonce Croxton, 70, of Powhattan, died unexpectedly Friday, January 26, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehab Center in Hiawatha.

Mary was born February 3, 1947, at Falls City, Nebraska, one of fifteen children born to Noah and Mary Steinhauer Coonce and had lived in the Rulo, Nebraska and Powhattan, Kansas all of her life. She attended country school near Falls City before graduating from Falls City High School. Mary worked as a cook at the Powhattan Schools prior to working at the Tri County Manor in Horton. She later worked in the laundry department at the Manor and Hiawatha Community Hospital before retiring.

Mrs. Croxton was a long time member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women of the Church. Mary also was a member of the Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion Auxiliary; and the VFW of Falls City. Mary had a great sense of humor; loved her family and grandchildren; spent a lot of time emailing her friends jokes, and well wishes. She loved her pets as one of her own, her poodle Daisy and Japanese Chin Bert.

She married Victor Croxton, July 19, 1971, at Rulo. They made Powhattan their home all of their married life. He died September 11, 2005. She continued to live in Powhattan until moving to Maple Heights nearly 3years ago. She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Maxine Dannecker, Mona Eckley, John Coonce, Kenny Coonce, Jim Coonce, Bev Simpson, Butch Coonce, Ronnie Coonce, Lula Hall and twin infants.

Survivors include two sons: William Croxton (Angela), and their children Mallory, Eli and Marshall, all of Sedgwick, Paul Croxton (Tammy) of Sedgwick, and their family Kristopher Schmelzle (Miranda), Lucal Curl, Brianna Schmelzle, Colby Croxton, Trinity Curl, Anessa Croxton, Katrina Pracht, and Victoria Croxton; 4 great-grandchildren: Lilliana Curl, Rhyker (Schmelzle) Lambrecht, Gideon Curl, and Elijah Schmelzle. Also surviving are her siblings: Bill Coonce of Rulo, Mary Lou Hill of Falls City, Inez Foster of Louisville, TX

A Celebration of Mary’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, at Powhattan United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kevin Rea officiating. Interment will follow at Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Monday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Powhattan United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Powhattan American Legion Post, sent in care of the funeral home.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com