Mary Lou Davis Margrave died Nov. 24, 2014, just a few days after her 87th birthday. Mary Lou was born Nov. 14, 1927, in the rolling farm country of southeast Kansas. She lived on the family farm during her childhood years, attended college at the University of Kansas, and eventually moved to Houston in 1963 when her husband, John, joined the faculty at Rice University. Mary Lou spent her early adulthood first as a young working woman and teacher and then raising her two children with her wonderful husband, John Margrave. Love of family, a commitment to education, and involvement in church and her community would be defining themes throughout her life.
Mary Lou spent many of her adult years pursuing the advancement of education at all levels. She was a natural teacher and brought a joy of learning to virtually all of her activities. Over the years, she was asked to serve in many capacities involving Rice University, and Mary Lou often worked hand in hand with her husband John on various projects involving the Rice community. In recent years, one of her “labors of love” was the Rice graduate student loan closet (a program allowing students to borrow furniture and other household items) where for almost 20 years she played a leading role, positively impacting the lives of countless students. Recognition of her outstanding contributions over the years to the Rice community included a Rice University Meritorious Service Award (for helping establish an interest-free, emergency loan fund for Rice graduate students), a Friends of Rice Graduate Students Award and a Friend of Fondren Library Award.
Throughout her life, Mary Lou made a multitude of contributions across diverse settings, exemplifying her commitment to the larger community. Organizations where she spent substantial time included St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, including time with her beloved Sunday School class; Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS), a national organization dedicated to student scientific research, where she was a past President of the Houston Chapter; and Delphian, where she had also served as President. Mary Lou was a former President of the Rice University Faculty Women’s Club and a former Vice President of The Friends of Fondren Library. She loved her Book Club and just the past few days was preparing to lead a discussion on the War of the Roses.
Mary Lou’s early years imparted to her a love of the land that continued throughout her life. Some of her happiest memories were spending time at her family farm, where she continued to remain actively involved in farm operations – she loved a clean fence line. In 2006, Mary Lou received the Kansas Bankers Association Award for her Soil Conservation efforts. Despite leaving to attend college at age 16 and then living in other states for the next 67 years, she maintained an active and continuing connection with the community where she grew up, attending her annual high school reunion virtually every year since 1944.
Mary Lou’s family will always remember her wonderful sense of fun and the love she showered on her children and grandchildren. She had distinct and close relationships with each of her five grandchildren, and her influence helped give all of them a shared love of reading, playing games, and being informed about the world. She was a great storyteller, and some of her family’s favorite stories included hearing about the pony, Patsy, she rode to school and stories about trips and discussions with her grandfather, who had been the Governor of Kansas.
Aspects of Mary Lou’s character that stood out to family and friends included her energetic personality, her creativity and her truly giving spirit. She loved to read and stay informed, and worked the crossword puzzle in the paper on most days. Possibly one of her most remarkable traits was her ability to make a distinct connection with virtually everyone she met. She loved to travel and took joy in having actually visited all 50 states.
Mary Lou received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Kansas, where she met John, whom she married on June 11, 1950. She received a Master’s degree in Business Education from the University of Wisconsin, and taught business in a Wisconsin high school for five years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mary Lou was predeceased by her dearly loved husband, Dr. John L. Margrave. She is survived by her two children, David Margrave and his wife Allison, and Karen Margrave Bornhofen and her husband R.J.; and by her five grandchildren, Meredith Margrave MacKay and her husband Doug, Andrew Margrave, and Jennifer, Brittany and Hannah Bornhofen.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of Blue Mound United Methodist Church, 509 E. Walnut, Blue Mound, Kan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that consideration be given to making donations to either Blue Mound United Methodist Church, 509 E. Walnut, Blue Mound, KS 66010; or to the University of Kansas, made payable to KU Endowment and mailed to Gift Processing Department, KU Endowment, PO Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
