1927
Mary
2017
Mary Higdon
July 16, 1927 — January 20, 2017
Mary H. Higdon, Lenexa, Kansas, died January 20, 2017, at Lakeview Village. Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. A reception will follow the service. The family suggests contributions to the charity of your choice.
Mary grew up in Findlay, Ohio, the eldest of four children of Carlton and Beatrice (Rinehart) Herge. After graduating from Findlay High School, she attended Bowling Green State University where she lettered in swimming. Mary and her sister, Norma, were pioneers in the art of synchronized swimming. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in Education, she returned to her home town to teach biology at her high school for the next two years.
Lured by the adventure offered by TWA to prospective airline hostesses, she left her teaching career and joined the airline, the first class of “tall girls” hired to serve on the new Constellation aircraft. She flew for TWA for five years, before marrying and taking on the responsibilities of wife, mother and community leader in Kansas City.
Her most dedicated volunteer service was working to insure that girls, young women, children and families with multiple needs thrive through her long time commitment to the National Florence Crittenton Foundation, The Child Welfare League and the local Crittenton Center. She provided nearly 50 years of service to these organizations raising money, serving on boards and committees and providing leadership. She served the Crittenton organizations, both local and national as president of their respective boards, receiving recognition from the National Crittenton Foundation in 2008 as a “Living Legend”.
During her years of dedicated service to the community, she served as an effective volunteer for the United Way for more than 31 years, as a fund raiser, leader, committee member and board member. She was the Women’s Council President, 1973- 1975, and Women’s Division Campaign Chair in 1972. She served on the United Way Board of Directors from 1972-1975.
Mary served the Mid Continent Council of Girl Scouts as Council President and member of the Board of Directors. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Directors of Heart of America Family Services, the American Red Cross, and the Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Art Center. She served as vice president of the Junior League of Kansas City in 1968.
Mary was an avid golfer and mentor to her daughter, Liz Smart for many years. They enjoyed local and national tournaments as well as those at the Mission Hills Country Club. While still able to do so, she maintained her swimming skills at a high level.
A member of the Village Church women’s class “A Path with Heart”, she believed in living and participating in each day in such a way as to bring happiness, beauty and love to others.
Mary is survived by her husband, J. Kenneth Higdon; daughter, Liz Smart Hinton (Curtis); step children, Barbara Higdon, Don Higdon and Rob Custer (Beth); step grandchildren, Jayne Higdon Dreyer (Kelly), Shawn Custer (Geona) and Katherine Higdon; and step great grand daughter August Dreyer.
Mary grew up in Findlay, Ohio, the eldest of four children of Carlton and Beatrice (Rinehart) Herge. After graduating from Findlay High School, she attended Bowling Green State University where she lettered in swimming. Mary and her sister, Norma, were pioneers in the art of synchronized swimming. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in Education, she returned to her home town to teach biology at her high school for the next two years.
Lured by the adventure offered by TWA to prospective airline hostesses, she left her teaching career and joined the airline, the first class of “tall girls” hired to serve on the new Constellation aircraft. She flew for TWA for five years, before marrying and taking on the responsibilities of wife, mother and community leader in Kansas City.
Her most dedicated volunteer service was working to insure that girls, young women, children and families with multiple needs thrive through her long time commitment to the National Florence Crittenton Foundation, The Child Welfare League and the local Crittenton Center. She provided nearly 50 years of service to these organizations raising money, serving on boards and committees and providing leadership. She served the Crittenton organizations, both local and national as president of their respective boards, receiving recognition from the National Crittenton Foundation in 2008 as a “Living Legend”.
During her years of dedicated service to the community, she served as an effective volunteer for the United Way for more than 31 years, as a fund raiser, leader, committee member and board member. She was the Women’s Council President, 1973- 1975, and Women’s Division Campaign Chair in 1972. She served on the United Way Board of Directors from 1972-1975.
Mary served the Mid Continent Council of Girl Scouts as Council President and member of the Board of Directors. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Directors of Heart of America Family Services, the American Red Cross, and the Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Art Center. She served as vice president of the Junior League of Kansas City in 1968.
Mary was an avid golfer and mentor to her daughter, Liz Smart for many years. They enjoyed local and national tournaments as well as those at the Mission Hills Country Club. While still able to do so, she maintained her swimming skills at a high level.
A member of the Village Church women’s class “A Path with Heart”, she believed in living and participating in each day in such a way as to bring happiness, beauty and love to others.
Mary is survived by her husband, J. Kenneth Higdon; daughter, Liz Smart Hinton (Curtis); step children, Barbara Higdon, Don Higdon and Rob Custer (Beth); step grandchildren, Jayne Higdon Dreyer (Kelly), Shawn Custer (Geona) and Katherine Higdon; and step great grand daughter August Dreyer.
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