Mary C. Conover

Mary Conover, 95, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Galesburg, died Saturday, July 15, 2017 in Bickford Place, Overland Park, Kansas.  Mary Conover was an amazing person. She devoted her life to her family and helping others. She was a devout Catholic and a member of many Galesburg parishes, most recently Corpus Christi. She had a wonderful sense of humor and quick smile. She had deep empathy for others and enjoyed many close friendships throughout her life. Mary enjoyed the company of dogs.  She was an adventuresome traveler sharing trips with family and friends that took her throughout the US, China, and back to her family roots in Ireland.  Mary was an avid reader, seamstress and enjoyed knitting. She closely followed politics, sports and the news.Born Mary Agnes Graves, she was raised in Galesburg and placed importance on integrity and education.  A graduate of Knox College, Mary worked at the Galesburg Register-Mail prior to her marriage on January 30, 1945 to Robert James Conover.  She had many roles in the Conover family business, the former Lucky Boy Bakery in Galesburg.  Upon her husband’s death in 1963, and the closing of the bakery in the mid-60s, Mary taught school.  Fondly known as “Mrs. C” to her students, she taught at Costa High School, and then at Galesburg Senior High School.  After her teaching retirement, she enjoyed helping students as she worked the Knox College Library.   Mary also volunteered at Galesburg FISH, and taught literary programs through Carl Sandburg College helping people earn their GEDs and prepare for life.  She was a member of the Knox 50 year club, participated in a local investment club, and was known to share her quick wit and warmth to all.  She was preceded in death by her husband Bob (1963), eldest son James Conover (2000), his wife and her daughter- in- law- Eileen Conover (2014), and their son, her grandson, Chris Conover( 2015), her youngest son Thomas Conover (2000), her only brother and world traveling companion, Thomas Vernard Graves (2001), and her daughter-in-law Shirley Conover (wife of son Bob, 2017).   She is survived by eldest daughter Edie (husband David) Hansen of Webster City, IA, son Robert Conover of Coventry, RI, daughter-in-law Roberta Conover-Senecal of Salem, MA (wife of son Tom), daughter Ann Conover MD, of Leawood, KS and youngest daughter Pat Conover-Lox EdD (husband Charles) of Lubbock, TX.  She was blessed to share time with her grandchildren JD Hansen, Jill Hansen, and Julie (husband Tony) Conover Solliday – and great grandchildren Tony and Ava Solliday. She loved to hear the adventures from her brothers’ children, her nieces and nephews (Kathleen, Tom, Mary, and Chris).  Her wish for you is to remember Mary with many smiles.    Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Rev. William T. Miller will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please remember Mary through donations to the Galesburg City Library or Corpus Christi church.