Mary Blessing, 78, Lawrence, died Wednesday, Jan. 11 in Lawrence. She was born Feb. 12, 1933 in Kansas City, Mo. She grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Southwest High School where she met her husband of 58 years James Henry Blessing.

She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1955 with an education degree. She and Jim have four children: Parthy Evans, Overland Park, Julia Ford, Springfield, Mo., James Blessing, Jr., Lawrence, and Melissa Rubin, Los Angeles, Calif.

The family lived in Chanute from 1959 to 1973 where she was active in Grace Episcopal Church, the Girl Scouts of America, and other organizations. She was a pioneer of professional women earning a law degree in 1975 from Washburn University while raising four children. Her career was primarily at Atlantic Richfield Corporation (British Petroleum) where she was a land man and natural gas marketer.

She and Jim retired to Table Rock Lake in Southwest Missouri where she enjoyed serving in various church and charitable organizations. She is survived by her husband, children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. There will be a family graveside service in Lone Jack, Mo. The family has requested that any memorial gifts be directed to the Lawrence Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com