Mary Peña, a devoted mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away at the age of 93 on February 19, 2025, at Western Prairie Senior Living Community in Ulysses, Kansas. Born into a migrant worker family on September 15, 1931, in Clare, Michigan, Mary’s life journey took her across the United States before settling in Ulysses. Mary married Leon Peña on January 16, 1954, in Childress, Texas. A woman of incredible strength, she raised three children of her own and later cared for and raised her two oldest grandchildren with the loving support of her husband, Leon, and son, Leon Jr.
Mary was a remarkable cook, known for her ability to whip up delicious meals that filled the hearts and bellies of all who gathered around her table. No one ever left her home hungry. Her famous lines were always “Have you eaten yet?” and “You should go eat,” a reflection of her love language of caring for others. Her homemade tortillas were unmatched, and her ability to feed and nourish others was a gift she shared with many.
Her love for cooking extended beyond her home. Mary worked for many years at Western Prairie Care Home and later at the Senior Center, where she served as a cook. Even after retirement, she continued to bake and prepare meals for the senior community, always looking for ways to give back.
A deeply faithful woman, Mary was an active member of her Catholic community, attending Mass every Sunday. She gave her time to organize funeral dinners and help with fundraising meals for church events and always provided burritos for the youth group fund raisers, always putting others’ needs before her own. Family was her world, and she was known for her laughter and the joy she brought to every gathering. Her sisters often joined her in the kitchen, collaborating on meals that became cherished family traditions.
Mary’s hobbies later in life included sewing, cross-stitching, doing word searches, and watching The Food Network. She also enjoyed annual trips to Branson with her Senior Citizens group, where she delighted in the shows and cherished her friendships. She never complained and always showed a deep love for her family and friends. Despite suffering a stroke in 2016 that left her paralyzed on her left side, she remained focused on the well-being of others and continued to be a source of strength and inspiration.
Mary was a woman who loved unconditionally, fed the soul with her food, and lived a life full of love, devotion, and laughter. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her family and community. Her life story is one of resilience, love, and a deep connection to her faith and family.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Kinsinger of Ulysses; son, Henry L. Peña of Ulysses; brothers, Blas Mendoza of Kearny, Nebraska, and Robert Mendoza and wife, Charlene, of Gering, Nebraska; sisters, Delia Quintero of Vernon, Texas, Elvira (Vera) Tristan of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Mary Helen Davila of Lubbock, Texas; four grandchildren, Amanda Peña, Alisha Peña, Steven Peña and wife, Rocio, and K’cie Addison and husband, Marion; and three great-grandchildren, Braeden Forester, Braxton Peña, and Roselea Addison.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Blas and Anita Mendoza; husband, Leon Peña, Sr. in 2001; beloved son, Leon Peña, Jr.; brothers, Bentura (Ben), Frank, Lupe, and Charlie Mendoza; sister, Amalia (Molly) Magdaleno; son-in-law, Michael Kinsinger; sister-in-law, Nancy Mendoza; brothers-in-law, Sergio Tristan and Armando Davila.
Rosary will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM and Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 PM at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Reverend Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, February 21, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant County Senior Center or St. Catherine Hospice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
