Mary Rose (Waechter) Poe

Mary Rose (Waechter) Poe, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away March 18, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center.  She was born March 29, 1953, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Leo and Rosa Waechter.  Mary grew up on a farm near Olpe, Kansas, with her nine siblings.  She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Olpe High School in 1972. 

In 1973, Mary and Phillip Poe were united in marriage.    Together they raised two children Phillip Poe II and Stacey Marciano.

Mary worked at Hopkins Manufacturing in Emporia for many years where she met her dear, lifetime friend, Debby Carter.  She also worked in the restaurant industry where she enjoyed meeting people and building friendships.

In 2020, Mary began a job she absolutely loved – she was a lunch lady at Clark Elementary School in Wichita.  Mary looked forward to seeing her “kids” each day - they gave her so much joy. 

While working at the school was her joy, the greatest love of her life was being a Nana. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was always there with a hug, advice, and to help out when she could.  

Mary also enjoyed sharing her vast knowledge of cooking, crocheting and crafts with anyone. 

Even in death she was able to give to others as she did throughout her life by donating her organs.

Mary is survived by, Son, Phillip Poe II (Rondee) of Garden Plain, Daughter, Stacey Marciano (Jason) of Wichita, Grandchildren: Jared and Jordon Jones and Alyssa and Caroline Poe; Great- Grandchildren Julian and Jiovani Jones. Sisters: Karen Hayes (Jack) of Olpe, Sandra Crabaugh (Steve) of Kansas City, Kansas, Lori Harmon (Mark) of Phoenix, Arizona; brothers: John Waechter, Leo Waechter  (Kathy), and Alan Waechter, all of Emporia; companion Dale Mills; Dear friend Debbie Carter, many nieces, nephews, coworkers, friends and her beloved labradoodle, Einstein.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Daniel Waechter, Gregory Waechter, and Gary Waechter; and brother-in-law, Ronald Poe.

A Catholic Mass honoring Mary’s life will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Olpe, Kansas on April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with interment at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Olpe, Kansas. Please send all flowers and sympathy cards to 5089 N Hampton, Bel Aire, Ks 67226. 

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