Mary Rottinghaus Sieben was joyfully reunited with Our Lord and the love of her life, James M. Sieben, on Monday, May 19, 2025. Mary and Jim shared a loving marriage of 60 years, and their bond was a living example of faith, joy, and commitment.
Born June 27th, 1938 in Corning, Kansas, Mary was the ninth of ten children to Henry and Magdalen Rottinghaus. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents; her brothers Bernard, Clarence, Marcellus, and Edwin; her sisters Rita, Rose, and Helen; her daughter-in-law Jennifer; and her grandson Eli.
Mary’s love lives on through her children: Michele (Michael) Berndt of Pagosa Springs, CO; Lynda (Brien) Heinen of Gardner, KS; Brian (Denise) Sieben of Bucyrus, KS; and Darren (Melissa) Sieben of Olathe, KS. She is also survived by her brother Ray Rottinghaus and sister Dorothy Hammes, as well as her beloved grandchildren: DayShawn of Foshan, China; Robert of Lawrence, KS; Amelia, and Rachael Berndt of Pagosa Springs, CO; Lauren (Stev) Villalobos of Spring Hill, KS; Nathan (Kylie) Heinen of Colorado Springs, CO; Haley (Austin) Davis of Kansas City, MO; Trevor (Jena) Sieben of Denver, CO; Maggie Sieben (fiancé Ray Hamilton) of Overland Park, KS; Emily Sieben of Overland Park, KS; Alaina and Akalino Sieben of Olathe, KS; great-grandsons Anthony and Lane Villalobos of Spring Hill, KS; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Mary knew how to love deeply and laugh fully. These two qualities defined her spirit and carried her through every aspect of her life—from her Catholic faith and marriage to the way she mothered, grandparented, and befriended. Her joy was contagious, her energy uplifting, and her presence a gift to all who knew her.
She met Jim at a young Catholics dance hosted at Redemptorist Parish in Kansas City, MO—a night she always recalled with a smile. Never one to miss a good time, she was too young to attend, yet had her older brother Ed sneak her into the dance. Though Jim would tell it as he approached her, Mary loved to correct the story: it was she who approached him to dance, and the rest was history. Their shared faith and devotion to service shaped their lives. Together, they were founding members of Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Prairie Village, KS, where they served many years as Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers.
Mary cherished holidays and family celebrations, always finding ways to make others feel special and loved. She approached life as a gift to be celebrated—with adventure, laughter, and gratitude. Whether coaching her children through sports, skillfully waterskiing at age 70 just to show she still could, or sweetly dancing the night (and day) away with her beloved husband James, Mary embraced every moment with exuberance.
She loved camping, skiing, family road trips out West, and cheering on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Her spirit of adventure and appreciation for life became part of the legacy she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
Above all, Mary made life beautiful. She showered those around her with unconditional love, unshakable faith, and boundless joy. Her warmth and vivacity will be remembered always by those blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the Rosary Prayed at 10:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass immediately following on Friday, May 23, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Rd. Leawood, KS. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Kansas City Hospice, 12000 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64145. Click here to donate online. https://kchospice.org/donate/