Mary Laurene Rose James, 86, Valley Falls, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at her home following a long battle with cancer.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1926, at Hardy, AR, the daughter of Jacob & Dolly Darnell Rose. Mary attended school in Deerfield, MO. She had a hunger for knowledge, which made her an avid reader. Her love of all God's creation made her an advocate for nature, animals, children, and those with the least hope.

Mary was a homemaker and a care giver. She and her husband were foster parents for many years and managed a private home in Valley Falls, The Lee House, for the disabled.

She married Jesse B. James, on Sept. 19, 1942, at Kansas City, MO. He died on Feb. 2, 2013. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Kermit Rose; a sister, Carmen Lawless; and a granddaughter, Melissa James.

Survivors include three sons, Jesse L. (Carolyn) James, Atlanta, Timothy (Melanie) James, Valley Falls, and Jonathan (Beckie) James, Tecumseh; three daughters, Carol (Richard) Niesluchowski, Valley Falls, Linda (Dan) Spencer, Overland Park, and Laurie James, of the home; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at Mercer Funeral home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Falls Food Pantry and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.