Mary Mable Thurman, 73, of Great Bend, Kan., passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. For nearly 20 years, Mary proudly called Great Bend her home.
Born on Dec. 17, 1951, in Clarksville, Tenn., Mary was the daughter of Thelma (Satterfeild) Harris and was lovingly raised by Isaac Harris, whom she proudly and endearingly referred to as ”Daddy.” Raised in a modest but loving home, nestled in the hills of Tennessee, Mary’s early life shaped her into the strong, spirited woman she would become.
Mary was known for her southern charm, sharp wit, unfiltered honesty, and the grace and fire that defined her from a young age. After graduating high school, her adventurous spirit took hold. Through a relationship with a soldier at Ft. Campbell, Mary set out to see the world—living and traveling in places from Alaska to Germany, and dozens of stops in between.
After nearly 15 years of traveling, Mary settled in Alta Vista, Kan., where she spent over two decades and raised her three beloved sons, Peter, Shane, and Andrew. Life brought with it many relationships—some great, some less so—but in 2001, she married the love of her life, Frank Thurman, in Council Grove, Kan. Frank brought his son Frank Jr. and his daughter Shantel to complete this family.
In 2006, Mary and Frank made their home in Great Bend, where she embraced a role more meaningful to her than any title she ever held— “Grandma.” In retirement, Grandma Mary devoted herself fully to her six beautiful grand babies, Isaac, Jacob, Keira, Mya, Ryleigh, and Lexi. Her love for them, along with her deep bond with Frank and her affection for her quirky dogs—especially her beloved mutt Peanuts—filled her heart with purpose and joy.
Mary lived a full and colorful life, marked by resilience, humor, and a fierce love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her son’s, Peter (Beth) Leyva of Emporia, Shane (Jessica) Leyva of Great Bend and Andrew Rush of the home, Frank (Kerith, Sarah Guiet) Thurman Jr. of St. Louis and Shantel (Don) Thurman Staats of Las Vegas; surviving siblings, Reyna Farladeau, of Parkersville, Kan., Hershel (Margi) Harris of Ottawa, Kan. and Vernie (Norma) Harris of Stewart, Tenn. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many extended family members. “Frank and Beans” together again.
Condolences may be sent to Spellman-Christians Funeral Home, 2115 Washington Street, Great Bend, Kansas 67530. A celebration of Mary’s life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.spellmanchristiansfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Spellman-Christians Funeral Home
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 31, 2025
