Mary V. Randall

Mary V. Randall, 87, completed her life on July 6, 2010 in Lenexa, KS. She was born June 9, 1923 in Kansas City, MO to Richard Ahlstrom and Mildred Marsh, Mary was the third of six children. Her family moved to Olathe in 1935, and settled on a small farm near Frisco Lake. She attended Olathe Schools and graduated from Olathe High School in 1941. She married Howard Randall on May 7, 1944 and they moved to Ft. Sill, OK. Returning to Olathe, they purchased their first home on Cherry, then moved their growing family to Sherman Street.

Mary was the owner and co-director with her sister, Sylvia Wendt, of the Olathe Montessori Pre-School from 1967-1989, where along with family members, she taught hundreds of children. For many years, she was a member of First United Methodist Church of Olathe and Bella Vista, AR and provided leadership in mission projects including the Mountain of Food Program, hosting of inner city children, and the Heifer Project. Mary had an incredible capacity to care for her family, her friends, and those in need. She possessed a giving spirit and a hospitable heart. Mary was also involved in Cub Scouts, PTO, the Welcome Wagon, PTA and hosting an AFS international student.

Mary is survived by her children, Kirk Randall and spouse, Georjann, of Olathe, KS, the Rev. Mark Randall and spouse, Roberta, of Ridgefield, WA, and Sylvia Grisham, and spouse, Dr. John Grisham, of Chatham, Il. There are seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Winton Ahlstrom, of Overland Park, KS, and her sister, Sylvia Wendt, of Waverly, IA.

Remembrance are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S. Ridgeview, Olathe, KS 66061, or VITAS Innovative Hospice, 10000 W. 75th Street, Suite 240, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204.