Mary A. Kaiser

Mary Alice Kaiser, a beloved mother, sister, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Mary Alice was born on July 23, 1939, to Evelyn Ruth (Tomanek) and Joseph Bailey Connally. Raised in the close-knit community of Collyer, Kansas, she grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and learning. She attended grade school at St. Michael’s Catholic School and graduated from Collyer High School with the Class of 1957.

Following high school, Mary moved to Wichita to attend Sacred Heart College (now Newman University), where she was an active student leader and served as her freshman class Student Council Secretary. Driven by a lifelong passion for teaching, she later earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University, specializing in primary and elementary education.

Mary dedicated her professional life to shaping the minds and hearts of young children, teaching at elementary schools across the state of Kansas, including Angelus, Humboldt, Grainfield, and Ellinwood.

Mary—or "Memi," as her family fondly called her—will be remembered for her happy, loving disposition and her unwavering dedication to her family. She was a loving mother and homemaker who took immense pride in her three sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Known for her encouraging spirit, she was deeply loved by all of her nieces and nephews, whom she always championed in all of their ventures.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Norma Weems.

She is survived by her three sons: Jared Kaiser of Hays, KS; Jeff Kaiser; and Jayson (Camille) Kaiser, along with her cherished grandchildren, Karson and Payton, all of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Sherr of Ottawa, KS; her brother, Richard Connally of Ellsworth, KS; and a host of relatives, neighbors, and friends who mourn her passing.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Mary’s family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com