Mary Kephart, age 77, of Montfort, passed away on Sunday morning July 29, 2018, at her residence. She was born on July 2, 1941 in Boscobel, WI the daughter of Charles and Clara (Heller) Wieland. Mary was united in marriage to Donald Kephart on Sept. 27, 1958 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.
Mary grew up on a farm outside Wauzeka and graduated from Wauzeka High School. After her marriage to Don, Mary worked at the Cobb Canning Factory until being employed at Rayovac in Fennimore from 1977 until 1982. Mary then was employed at Land’s End in Dodgeville for over 10 years until her retirement. Mary loved gardening, and spending time with her dogs Sam and Pooh Bear. She also enjoyed cooking, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the Depot Exchange in Fennimore. Mary liked going on hikes at the numerous state parks, feeding and watching birds and loved her spring and fall trips to Door County. Mary fought a long battle with lung cancer and was an active advocate for radon abatement. The family would like to extend a “Special Thank You” to Agrace Hospice whose care and kindness will never be forgotten.
Mary is survived by her three daughters; Debby (Jerry) Johnson of Normal, IL, Cindy (Alfredo) Bonilla of Stitzer and Tammy (Pat) O’Brien of Fennimore, five grandchildren; Heather, Hannah, and Eric Johnson, Isaac Wheeler-Bonilla, and Emily O’Brien, and her very special companion, her dog Pooh Bear. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Frances Wieland of Ruidoso Downs, NM, brother-in-law David Bray of Fennimore, niece Sheila (Ron) Rider of Hartford and nephews Marty (Charity) Bray of Fennimore, Billy (Eva) Wieland and Chuckie Wieland both of Ruidoso Downs, NM and Leo Wieland of Roswell, NM.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald Kephart, son-in-law Donald Wheeler, brother Charles Wieland and a sister-in-law June Bray.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday evening Aug. 2, 2018 at the Livingston Free Methodist Church with visitation from 4:00 P.M. until time of service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Mary Kephart. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home of Montfort is assisting the family.