HOLTON- Mary M. Hower, 88, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at a care facility, The Pines, in Holton. She was born August 18, 1923 in Holton the daughter of Robert A. and Clarice V. (Grubbs) Todd.

Mary attended Brightside Elementary school until 8th grade and graduated from Denison High School in 1941. She was a lifelong member of the Jackson County community.

Mary worked at the Denison State Bank for 31 years and at Mercer Funeral Home for 12 years. She also was a private piano teacher for many years. She was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church where she was the hand bell director for the Evangel Ringers, Sunday school teacher and church organist. Mary was also a member of the United Methodist Women, Beck-Bookman Library Club and St. Cecilia Music Club.

She married Warren Clinton Hower on February 21, 1946 in Holton. He preceded her in death on January 2, 1978. She was also preceded in death by a son, Russell Hower on August 24, 2006 and a sister, Charlotte White Davenport in January 2012.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Allen of Atlanta, GA and Wanda Tope of Independence, MO; two sons, Roger Hower of Holton, KS and Dennis Hower of Topeka, KS; a brother, Clarence Todd of Effingham, KS; 5 granddaughters and a great-grandson.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Interment will be in Holton Cemetery. She will lie in state beginning Sunday at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton where family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Memorials may be given to the EUM Church or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.