Mary Louise (ML) Davis, 102, passed away peacefully on Aug. 27, having spent her final hours with her devoted children. ML was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was bright, warm, and insightful, and radiated a genuine zest for life. Her gentle wit and delightful sense of humor were a treasure. Her faith, patient resilience, and strength of character guided her through personal challenges and the many remarkable world changes she witnessed during her long and vibrant life.
Mary Louise was born at home in Troy, Kansas on June 7, 1922, to Louise (Rankin) and Frank H. Dillenback. Sadly, her mother became ill shortly after her birth and died when Mary Louise was very young. She was lovingly raised by her father, grandmothers, and paternal aunt who nurtured her intelligence and kindness. Mary Louise attended Troy High School and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Kansas in 1944. In 1946, she married her love, Norman H. Davis. Together, they moved from Troy to Ft. Scott, KS, and in 1963 settled in Topeka. When Norm passed away in 1992, ML remained active and engaged in church and community.
During her lifetime, ML worked at the American Red Cross, at KMDO radio (Ft. Scott), WIBW (Topeka), and in the travel industry. Her love of learning led her to travel to many places around the world. She also loved books, music, theater, and movies, though her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Mary Louise also had great fun admiring and collecting beautiful and unique jewelry.
Even in her later years, ML was dedicated to volunteer work, contributing her time and energy to KTWU Public TV, Everywoman’s Resource Center, Brewster Place, and Countryside United Methodist Church. She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for 50 years, helping women worldwide advance through education.
ML is survived by her loving children, Linda Applegarth and son-in-law, Paul of Naples, FL, and Steve Davis of Pittsburg, KS. She leaves three adoring granddaughters, Katharine Applegarth of Portland, OR., Caroline Applegarth of New York, NY, and Amy Heinz (Jacob) of Katy, TX, as well as half-brother, Hal Dillenback (Linda) of Corrales, NM. Her legacy continues with five beautiful great-grandchildren: Eliza, Micah, and Rani Simons, and Ivy and Piper Heinz.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Countryside United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, followed by a reception at Topeka Country Club. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in ML’s memory to The Nature Conservancy, The Alzheimer’s Association, Countryside United Methodist Church, or one’s charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home
