Mary Elizabeth Chambers

View Memorial Slideshow Mary Elizabeth Chambers, 86, of Topeka, KS and formerly of Wamego, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 in Topeka at Midland Care Hospice House surrounded by her family. On May 25, 1930, Mary was born to Lorraine and Edith (Matthews) Kelly in Abilene, KS. She grew up in Chapman, KS and later moved to Manhattan, KS where she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended Kansas State University. Mary married Don Fath, and they had five children together. In 1972 she married Robert Chambers and the family moved to Hutchinson, KS. They divorced after 13 years of marriage. Mary spent many years working as a secretary for Farm Bureau Insurance in Manhattan and Topeka. After moving to Hutchinson, she was an executive secretary for 13 years for Cessna Fluid & Power. In 1984, she returned to Topeka where she worked for the State of Kansas as a Data Processor before retiring in 1995. Besides her love for her family, her passions included sports, playing cards, reading and keeping a journal. She also loved going out and dancing with friends. She was very social. After retirement, she went back to work waiting tables 3 days a week. This not only kept her active, but allowed her to spoil everyone at Christmas. She was a strong, independent woman who overcame many challenges throughout her life with strength and grace. Mary is survived by 3 children: Janet Messing (Doug), Hutchinson, KS, Kelly Dunn (Brad), Hutchinson, KS, and Kevin Fath (Kelli), Topeka, KS; a daughter-in-law: Debra Fath, Wamego, KS; 5 grandchildren: Danielle Wegener (James), Manitou Springs, CO, Joe Fath (Rachel), Wamego, KS, Jay Fath (Laura), Wamego, KS, Judi Dunn, Lawrence, KS, Sarah Fath, Lawrence, KS, and 6 great-grandchildren: Sage, Hailey, Caiden, Hunter, Cody, Kendall and Jaylyn. She is preceded in death by her children: Judy Hageman and Dan Fath; a sister: Ruth Bridgewater; a brother: Larry Kelly; and 5 siblings in childhood. Private graveside services will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 in Wamego City Cemetery, with family greeting friends during a visitation Friday, December 30, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Memorials are suggested to the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.