Mary Elizabeth (Woods) Templeton, 95, passed away peacefully to her eternal home on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Advent Health in Shawnee, Kansas.

The visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, and funeral services starting at noon at Porter Funeral Home located at 1835 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102. She will be laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery.

Mary was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 3rd, 1930, the daughter of James and Mable (Smith) Woods.

She was united in marriage to Forest Templeton on February 27, 1954. They lived in California for some time before settling in Kansas City where they raised seven children of their own. Mary was a homemaker where she became “mom” to many more. Her motherly nature welcomed those in need of a safe place, a meal, or a warm heart without hesitation. She also worked for a plastics company for many years.

Mary enjoyed bowling, she was a member of the FOE, attending school concerts, traveling, but most importantly being surrounded by family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Templeton; daughters Sheila Templeton and Sharon Van Bebber; one great-grandson Bradley Potter and two brothers.  

Mary leaves a legacy of five children, Jane (Thomas) Venis, Mickey Templeton, Bonnie Templeton (Jim Kirby), Terry (Dana) Templeton and Tiffany Templeton; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; two sisters Margaret Templeton and Betty Cardwell; and many nieces and nephews.  

Mary was a loving wife, mother over everything, friend, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, and giver of a million kisses. Her love and kindness will carry on in our hearts and guide us throughout the rest of our lives. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Advent Health in Shawnee and Phoenix Hospice for their care and kindness in this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater KC, 1000 W. 75th, Shawnee, KS 66204.