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Mary Ann Mackel Groody, Age: 83
Mary Ann Mackel Groody, 83, of Lenexa, KS died July 15, 2020 after a battle with cancer. 
 
Mary Ann was a Pasadena, CA native. She was a graduate of South Pasadena High School class of ’54 and Pasadena City College.  She moved to Kansas in 1972. She and her husband, Bob owned and operated Miller Abstract Co. Inc. in Leavenworth, KS for 35 years.
 
Mary Ann enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved traveling, and spending time with her friends. Mary Ann was known for her kindness and generosity. Her laughter was infectious and her adventures were many and always legendary. 
 
Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her four grandchildren. Whatever they were doing, she was always game to go along. She loved traveling with them, attending their concerts (even if she didn’t understand the lyrics); their marching band performances (even if she couldn’t tell which one they were on the marching field); and being their biggest cheerleader at swim meets, lacrosse, hockey and baseball games (even if she didn’t always understand the rules.)
 
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Robert Groody, parents Vincent and Helen Mackel, and brother Vincent Mackel, Jr. 
 
She is survived by daughters Tracy Ballesteros and husband Mark of Stafford, VA; and Christine Cahalan and husband Timothy of Leawood, KS; grandchildren Sydney Ballesteros of New York; Christopher Ballesteros of Los Angeles, CA; and Liz and Nick Cahalan, both of Leawood, KS.
 
The family will not hold a service at this time, but instead plan to have a celebration in Mary Ann’s honor at a future date when everyone can attend safely to share stories of their adventures together. She will be reunited at sea with Bob off the coast of Newport Beach, CA. 
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Carol Page Jul 22, 2020

Feisty Friend ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

Tracy & Chrissy, Thinking of Mary Ann being reunited with Bob and so many mutual friends brings a measure of comfort to me. Will always remember the photos she shared with me of Bob’s ashes in the basket with the flowers after touring the cooler around ‘their old stomping grounds!’ I have so much love and admiration for your mother! Blessings for all your family. Anxious to share stories of our trip to Ireland and our many Red Hat adventures! With love, Carol Page

Terry Andrews Jul 22, 2020

Neighbor and friend ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

I worked for 50 years at Mutual Savings of Leavenworth. We owned the building where Miller Abstract was located. I became close friends with Bob and Mary Ann when they first moved to town. They moved Into a house across the street from my wife and me. Bob or the “Ranger” as he was known too his friends took me goose hunting Which was a first for me. Bob and I became Close friends as did Mary Ann. Mary Ann taught me how too make Kahlua. A very Potent liquor that would sneak up on you if you weren’t careful. They were a fun couple that certainly enjoyed life to it’s fullest. Knowing them has certainly enriched my life as their love of life was infectious.

Celeste Hawley Jul 23, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Chrissy and Family, My condolences on the loss of your mom. She was a classy lady, as was your father, class act. Losing a parent is traumatic, I've also lost both of mine, so I get it. I look forward to celebrating her life with you at a later date.

Pamela Wages Jul 27, 2020

Feisty Friends ,Olathe ,Kansas

Chrissy & Tracy, One of my first road trips with Feisty Friends was with Mary Ann. We barely slept talking all night. It turns out I still have an aunt and cousins in Clay Center, KS where your father lived. We did some shopping at the Pendleton factory store in Omaha. She bought a great short red swing coat. I love your plans for the ashes for your folks. I lived in Santa Ana, CA for awhile. I'm looking forward to the celebration of life after this pandemic. Mary Ann certainly celebrated life. We will all miss her.

Nathalie Crew Jul 30, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Extending sympathy for your loss. I very much enjoyed Mary Ann's humor and friendship at the Friday night dinners with the Cure' of Ars Singles group.