Mary M. Duncan, age 83, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family as she entered God’s hands.
Mary was born on March 13, 1942, in Moberly, Missouri, to William and Josephine Sumpter. She was raised on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and caring for others. Though her dream was to become a schoolteacher, farm life and financial limitations kept her close to home, shaping the strong, capable woman so many came to know and admire.
While still in high school, Mary married the love of her life, Francis Duncan, on February 3, 1961, just before he left to serve in the U.S. Army. Their marriage was a true partnership and remained strong for 64 years. Francis survives and resides at Maple Heights.
Together they had one son, Rick Duncan (Cathy) of Hiawatha, who survives. Mary was a proud grandmother to Lindsey, Levi, Derek, Bailey, and Maggie, and a great-grandmother to one great-grandchild, with another on the way. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she could talk about them for hours. Mary also “claimed” many children as her own, always making sure anyone who came through her home was fed and that their parents knew where they were.
Mary worked for several years at Falls City Meat Company before the family moved to Hiawatha. There, she began her long and well-known career at Curve-In-Hill, which later became Hiawatha Farm and Home. Mary and Francis operated and managed the business together for many years, and she became a familiar and trusted face throughout Northeast Kansas.
Anyone who knew Mary knew she was feisty, hard-headed, and set in her ways—but she also had one of the biggest hearts imaginable. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need and never hesitated to help others.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha with Tony French officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at later date at Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may sign the register book Thursday until 5 p.m. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Friday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to a fund yet to be designated in Mary’s memory, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.