Mary Irene (Brose) Sturges

Mary Irene (Brose) Sturges, age 76, passed away at Southwest Medical Center early Saturday,
January 27, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on March 31, 1947, in Liberal, KS to Lillian Aleene
(Harmon) and C.E. “Humpy” Brose.

During her early childhood, she spent time with her family at her father’s business, Humpy’s
News Stand. When not working at the news stand, she enjoyed spending time cooking with her
mother and helping out at the horse barn. As a young adult, Mary became a reputable pen rider
at the Liberal Sale Barn. Gaining a passion for the horse business, she spent many years helping
with Thorton Thomison Quarter Horses.

Mary attended Liberal High School in Liberal, KS, graduating with Class of 1965. While attending
school she met her husband, Tom D. Sturges, they both enjoyed working at the Liberal Sale
Barn together. On April 2, 1967, Tom and Mary got married in Liberal, KS. Together they had
three children, Kandie S. Sturges of Liberal, KS, Stacie L. (Sturges) Freeman of Bixby, OK, and
Levi D. Sturges of Liberal, KS. She was an active member in 4H and PTA when her children were
young. Later in life, Tom and Mary divorced and went their separate ways.

While raising her children, she made the hobby of cooking with her mother a career. Working
for the USD 480 food services for several years, as the well-known red-headed lunch lady. After
leaving USD 480, she went on to be a cook at Seward Community College, a Deli associate at
Walmart, and then the head cook at Good Samaritan Society until she retired.

Aside from her passion for the horse business and cooking, Mary enjoyed spending time with
her family, friends, and dogs. Some of her most fond memories included time spent with her
grandchildren, playing dress up, beauty school with granddaughter Tierny, baking cookies
during Christmas time, annual Christmas fashion shows, and bouncing ball bull-riding. As many
know, Mary was a strong – willed and opinionated person who would not hold back from
letting her opinion be known. She knew no stranger and loved to talk, spending most of her
retired years on the phone with whoever would answer.

She is survived by sister Cindy S. (Brose) and husband Pat VenJohn of Pierceville, KS. Her three
children; Kandie S. Sturges, Stacie L. (Sturges) and husband Roy Freeman, and Levi D. Sturges
and wife Amber Franklin. Four grandchildren; Areena R. (Freeman) and husband Walker
Kinslow of Bixby, OK, Nevaeh Bess of Rago, KS, Deigon Sturges of Liberal, KS, and Tierny Sturges
of Liberal, KS. One great-grandson; Braxton Kinslow, with another on the way. Two nephews;
Jason A. VenJohn and wife Sarah and their three children of Winfield, KS, Keith E. VenJohn of
Garden City, KS, and niece; Marcy VenJohn of Garden City, KS.

She is preceded in death her parents; Lillian A. (Harmon) and C.E. “Humpy” Brose, and
granddaughter, Lilli Anna Sturges.

There will be no viewing.

A Graveside Service will held at 10:00 am on Thursday February 1, 2024 at the Liberal City Cemetery, with
Pastor Rex Petty, officiating.