Mary Louise Minden

Mary Louise Minden, born on November 7, 1936 and passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022 at the age of 85. Mary was born in Paola, Kansas to John and Mary Carkhuff. Mary graduated from Paola High School in 1954. Soon after, on July 3, 1955, Mary was united in marriage to Douglas Minden. She enjoyed being a homemaker and becoming a mother to her three boys; Rusty, Randy and Rod. In 1967, Doug and Mary began operating Minden’s Body Shop. During that time Mary also worked for 15 years at Wal-Mart Pharmacy. In 1997, the couple began retirement and enjoyed spending their winters in Texas, alongside friends from all over the United States. Mary enjoyed trips with her girlfriends to destinations across the United States, celebrating many class reunions with her lifelong friends, playing Mahjong at the Senior Center, watching the races, and many, many friends and family enjoying the Minden’s backyard pool for years. Most recently, Mary enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and had started keeping scores on her calendar. Mary enjoyed spending time with her 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Many memories from her grandchildren center around the backyard pool, gymnastics and wrestling matches in the living room and one very memorable trip to Texas. The great-grandchildren enjoyed spending time sharing their toys and imaginary phone calls with “Great-Grandma Mary” or “Grandma Dougie” as she was so lovingly called. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas, in 2014 and her dog Spike in 2022. Her parents, parents’ in-law, and her brother (Gene) also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons Rusty (Teresa), Randy (Kathy), Rod; 4 grandchildren Ben Minden (Della), Marcy Seaman (Paul), Baily Hasselquist (Miles), Jake Minden (Alex); 8 great-grandchildren Shelby and Levi Minden; Miranda and Colby Seaman; Jade and Ella Hasselquist; Jaxon and Cole Minden, all of Paola. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Dengel and Sons Funeral Home from 6-7:30 PM. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at the Paola Cemetery, beginning at 10:00 AM. In remembrance of Mary’s love for her dog Spike and her love for her church, those who wish to make contributions may make them to Prairie Paws and/or the Paola Baptist Church. Family and friends are encouraged to post their memories and condolences on Mary's tribute wall.