Mary J. Bevitt

Mary J. Bevitt, 81, of Shawnee, KS, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 22, 2026, at Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center in Olathe, KS.

Visitation began at Noon on Friday, March 27, at St. John's Catholic Church in Hanover, followed by a rosary service at 1:30 p.m. and the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.  Father David Metz officiated.  The organist was Janet Fritschi, and hymns included "How Great Thou Art", "I Will Raise You Up", "Amazing Grace", and "On Eagle's Wings."

The pallbearers were Michael Bevitt, Jack Bevitt, Randy Bruna, Tim Jueneman, Mark Jueneman, and Brian Jueneman.

Burial took place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hanover.

Mary was born on March 14, 1945, in Marysville, KS, to Tony and Emma (Koehler) Bruna. She attended country school at Ballard Falls near her home through the fifth grade and graduated from Hanover High School in 1963.

After high school, Mary worked at the Pony Express in Hanover, KS, where she met Merten. After a two-year courtship, Mary was united in marriage to Merten “Mert” Bevitt on January 14, 1967, and they made their home in Overland Park, KS. This union was blessed with four children: Scott, Jeff, Kevin, and Brenda; and three stepchildren: Joey, Sherry, and Sally.

Mary and Mert enjoyed taking drives, going out to dinner, visiting relatives, spending time at the farm, and attending toy shows and auctions. They also loved traveling and took many cross-country trips together.

Family gatherings during the holidays meant a great deal to Mary. She loved baking and could make just about any dessert. She also enjoyed her coffee, watching westerns, reading, and spending time with her dog. In later years, she especially cherished visiting with family, catching up over the phone, and trying new recipes.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Merten, in 2021; her parents, Tony and Emma Bruna; her brothers, Tom and Bill Bruna; her sister, Alice Jueneman, and brother-in-law, Orval Jueneman; her sisters-in-law, Glenda Bruna and Cheryl Bevitt; her stepson, Joey Bevitt; and her stepson-in-law, John Gill.

She is survived by her three sons: Scott of Shawnee, KS; Jeff (Jennifer) of Shawnee, KS; and Kevin of Shawnee, KS; one daughter: Brenda (Nicholas) Frei of Lenexa, KS; two stepdaughters: Sherry Gill of La Crosse, KS, and Sally Bevitt of La Crosse, KS; two brothers: Harold Bruna and Jim (Deb) Bruna of Hanover, KS; one aunt: Maxine Koehler of Hanover, KS; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Mary Lou) Bevitt of Manhattan, KS, and Clint Bevitt of St. George, KS; eight grandchildren: Grace, Jack, and Michael of Shawnee, KS; Amy (Vince) Perry of Ellsworth, KS; Julie (John) Hoverson of Smithville, MO; Christine (Mark) Baalmann of La Crosse, KS; James (Brittany) Suppes of Smith Center, KS; and Matthew (Sharon) Suppes of Baldwin City, KS; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary P.O Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.