Mary J. Laird, Sedalia

Mary J. Laird, 98, of Sedalia, died Wednesday evening, May 7, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

She was born Nov. 15, 1909, in Cole Camp, a daughter of Abraham N. and Mary A. Walker Bush. In 1927, she was married Henry F. Keseman, who died earlier. In 1947, she was married to Alvin Lumpe, who also predeceased her. In December 1974, she was married to Elmer Laird, who died in 1994.

She retired from Rival Manufacturing Co. She was a member of Christ and Trinity Lutheran Church and the Jolly Elders. She was known for her hand quilting. She also liked to do fancy work and sewing.

Surviving are a son, Herb Keseman, and his wife, Sharon, of Linwood, Kan.; a daughter, Jeanette Wicker, and her husband, Duane, of California, Mo.; a daughter-in-law Audrey Keseman, of Concordia; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a son, Fred Keseman; three brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Yvonne Marshall officiating. Pallbearers will be Tim Keseman, Jeff Wicks, Herbie Draffen, David Strobel, Woodrow Bush and Gary Kranz. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Condolences may be sent online at www.heckartfuneralhome.com.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Christ and Trinity Church.