Mary Jane Waltman

Mary Jane Waltman, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on September 1, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas. She was born on March 29, 1937, in Wellman, Iowa, to Orville and Grace Morrison. Her father passed away when she was seven years old. Her mother later married C.M. Stoner.

After graduating from Sigourney, Iowa High School, she pursued her education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition, she studied at the University of Iowa where she met Donald Waltman. It was love at first sight as they were engaged 13 days after meeting and married six months later. They exchanged vows on March 29, 1959. That particular day was also Mary’s birthday and Easter. Don claims they were married on that date so he could save money on cards.

Mary and Don welcomed two children into the family, Doug and Vicki. Together, the family lived in seven cities in six states as a result of Don’s career with JCPenney. Throughout those years, Mary was a devoted mother, greatly involved in the lives of her children. She also worked at a variety of organizations providing her talents as a secretary.

Mary had many talents, particularly those that allowed her to use her creative skills such as sewing and quilting. Without a doubt, she was best known for her knitting. She began her knitting legacy at the age of seven. Even in the last few months of her life as her health was failing, she managed to spend time knitting. The greatest joy she received from knitting was the gifting of her finished projects. Immediate family members will cherish the sweaters she knitted over the years. In addition, there is no way to know how many other people benefited from her knitting talents. She not only knitted sweaters, but baby hats and blankets. The last blanket she knitted was nine months ago for her first great-grandchild. She was the leader of a group at the Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, Missouri, who knitted prayer shawls for those experiencing challenges in their life. When you received something that had been knitted by Mary, it wasn’t just an item to wear or use. It was truly an expression of her love and gift from her heart.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Orville Morrison, mother, Grace (Tadlock) Morrison, stepfather, C.M. Stoner and sister, Sherry Rogers (Larry).

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Don Waltman; daughter, Vicki Wilkins (Tony) and son, Doug Waltman (Dawn); grandchildren, Haley Wilkins, Erica Waltman-Lopez (Alex), Paige Livingston (John), Kalli Wilkins; great-grandchild Milo Lopez.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Amos Family Funeral Home, located at 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203. Following the service, burial will take place at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.