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Mary K. Sullivan, age 75, of Ulysses, Kansas died Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was born July 23, 1940, in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin Douglas and Cressie Elizabeth (Martin) Sears.

Mary grew up in Pratt, Kansas, and graduated in 1958 from Pratt High School. She then moved to Liberal, Kansas and went to work for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. While there, she met James H. Sullivan, and the two were married on December 26, 1960. After Jim was discharged from the Army, they moved to Ulysses and went to work for the family business, Sullivan Inc. She and Jim operated the elevator at milepost. She and Jim ran cattle as well during this time, and Mary was often called upon as assistant cowboy. In the early 1970’s, she went to work for the Hathaway and Kimball Law Office, working there approximately 20 years as a legal secretary. She was then appointed as the Grant County Register of Deeds, a position she held from March 1, 1994 until December 31, 2013, when she decided to retire.

Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, The Kansas Registers of Deeds Association, and The Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Altar Society. She served on the Board of Directors of Sullivan Inc. for many years, where she held the position of secretary. She also served on the Grant County Scholarship Committee, and the Grant County Cemetery Board.

Mary loved traveling, with Red River, New Mexico being one of her favorite places to visit. She also was a very avid reader. She enjoyed her Thursday Night Social Group, she also enjoyed going to Laughlin, Nevada, and Cripple Creek, Colorado, in order to assure continued operation of those casinos.

Mary always made time for her family, making sure cards were sent for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

She is survived her son, Kelly Sullivan of Ulysses, and a sister, Betty Liebst of Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Her beloved granddog Sadie survives also. There are many nieces and nephews, along with a host of other family and friends who also survive.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; a brother, Bob Sears; and an infant brother, Jimmie Douglas Sears.

Vigil and rosary service will be held Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:00 PM and funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 10, 2016 both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Peter Fernandez officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery.

Family and friends may call Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.

Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Heart Association, Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, or donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.