Mary Torrance

Mary Elizabeth Torrance, 88, of Independence passed on April 3rd at Eagle Estates surrounded by family.
A celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Mount Hope Cemetery, with burial to follow. Visitation will be Friday, April 6th, at Webb & Roderick Funeral Home with the family greeting friends from 5:00 - 7:00. Memorials are suggested to VFW Post 1186 Auxiliary or to First United Methodist Church in Independence.
Mary was born to Harry Milton Pittman and Edna Faye Newmaster Pittman on September 12, 1929 in Independence, Kansas. She graduated from Independence High School in 1947 and continued her education at Independence Community Junior College. While attending ICJC she met Paul Torrance at a dance after a basketball game.
Mary was united in marriage to Paul Torrance on October 22, 1950. They made their home in rural Independence. Paul and Mary had four daughters, Georgianna, Sandy, Kathy and Lisa. Mary would remain at home to care for her daughters until they were all in school.
Mary began working first as a bus driver so she would still be at home with the girls when they were out of school. Later she began working at City Publishing, and then at Union Gas/United Cities/Atmos Energy. She retired from Atmos after 30 years, but continued as a part time bookkeeper for Young's True Value Hardware.
Mary was involved as a 4-H leader when the girls were young and also helped with PTA. She was a past member of Women for Independence and Epsilon Sigma Alpha Beta Rho Chapter. She had been a past member of Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, and became a member of First United Methodist Church in 2017. Mary was a proud life member of VFW Post 1186 Auxiliary.
Mary loved life on the farm, and especially enjoyed watching the cattle out in her pasture. Paul and Mary raised cattle, sheep and occasionally goats and pigs. She loved her dogs dearly, especially her last dog Angel. Mary had many fond memories of traveling to Paul's Steamer Bay Navy reunions across the country, and met many dear friends. She loved it when they got to travel to Hawaii for the reunions. They also loved Independence Community College sports, especially basketball. They traveled all over the area watching the Pirates play. The Torrance home was always open for any student athletes for meals especially at the holidays. They were known to take in Pirate Basketball players when they needed a place to live. Mary was an avid reader, who always needed to have a few extra books around so when she finished one she could begin immediately on the next.
Mary is survived by her brother William (Bill) Pittman of Tulsa, daughters Georgianna Epps of Independence, Sandy (John) Burkhart of Dearing, Kathy (David) Shepard of Independence, and Lisa (Ron) Goins of Independence. She has seven grand children and six great grandkids.
Arrangements by Webb & Rodrick Chapel. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com.

Visitation

Webb & Rodrick Chapel
306 W. Main
Independence, KS  67301
Friday, April 6, 2018
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Service

Celebration of Life

Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, KS  67301
Saturday, April 7, 2018
11:00 am

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

VFW Post 1186 Auxiliary
113 E Myrtle St
Independence, KS  67301

First United Methodist Church
200 S. Penn
Independence, KS  67301