Mary Rosamond Shull

Mary Rosamond Shull

Mary Rosamond Shull, 96, of Parsons, Kan., formerly of Fort Scott, died Saturday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2014 in Fort Scott. She was born Aug. 22, 1917 in Fort Scott, the daughter of Frank Henry and Ethelyn Elizabeth (Johnston) Keeney. She married Chester Shull on May 2, 1937 in Wichita, Kan., he preceded her in death July 10, 1975.

In her early years, besides staying at home raising six children, Rosamond also worked in retail. Upon retirement, she baby-sat for a number of years. These families were still in contact with her until the time of her death. She traveled extensively with family and friends; spent time in Hawaii, Guam, Bermuda and New York with her sons and families. Her second career began after her move to Parsons, Kan., where she was a "neighbor" of her youngest daughter. At the age of 89, she volunteered and was later gainfully employed at the Parsons Middle School Library. She was a member of a musical group in which she sang and played the harpsichord. Rosamond was also known as Grandma Rose, Rosie, and Big G. Her biggest love was her family. She enjoyed swimming and boating at Lake Fort Scott, even riding the Wave Runner in her late 80's. Her daughters made sure she was included in every family activity. Her homemade pies and hot rolls were always a part of all family gatherings. She crocheted and knitted afghans and scarves too numerous to count, prayer shawls for Faith Methodist Church in Parsons, and blue and white school scarves for Parsons Middle School. During her active years in Fort Scott she was a member of the Eastern Star at Garland, Kan., the Amaranth at Fort Scott, the Northwest E.H.U. and the First Christian Church of Fort Scott where she belonged to the Anna Bender Guild, and the Union Bend Birthday Club. While in Parsons, she attended the Faith United Methodist Church. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be truly missed.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Leachner of Fort Scott, and Debra Alvord of Parsons, Kan., one son, Robert C. Shull of Cape Coral, Fla., 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Chester, she was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters Sharon Langston and Rose Mary Clayton, a son, Frank Shull, and four brothers, Leonard, Donald, Harold, and Walter Lee Keeney.

Funeral Services for Rosamond Shull will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 at the First Christian Church in Fort Scott with Rev. Reed Hartford officiating, the family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. Private family burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery following the service. The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, donations may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.