Mary E. Rardin, 86, of Topeka, died December 25, 2012 at her home. She was a loving, devoted mother who cared deeply for her family and will be profoundly missed. Mary was born in Ida Grove, Iowa on June 10, 1926 the daughter of Edward and Mary A. (Degan) Welch. She was a graduate of Ida Grove High School and attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa and Washburn University in Topeka. Early in her life, she was a secretary in the Kansas Attorney General's office in Topeka. After her children were older, she was a real estate agent for several years, and then worked 25 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas where she was a National and Special Accounts Coordinator, retiring in December, 1994. Mary was a faithful member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and active in the Women's Club at the church. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with the news, and had a real soft spot for her pets. Mary married William W. Bill Rardin on September 22, 1951 at the Assumption Church in Topeka. He preceded her in death on March 17, 2009. She is survived by their seven children. Mary L. Rardin O.S.B., M.D., of Atchison, Edward C. Rardin of Topeka, Catherine A. Colpitts of Topeka, Joseph M. Rardin with his wife, Susan, of Flower Mound, TX, Margaret Peggy Brown of Lewisville, TX, Jane A. Gallion of Topeka and Anne E. Ireland of Overland Park, Ks., ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her only sister, Margaret Carpenter. Mary will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church or the charity of the donor"s choice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.
