Mary Catherine Strope

mary strope

October 21, 1937 ~ December 4, 2024

Born in: Folk, Missouri
Resided in: Folk, Missouri

Mary Catherine (Temmen) Strope, 87, of Folk, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Stonebridge Westphalia Hills.

She was born October 21, 1937, in Folk, Missouri, the daughter of Ralph and Marie (Wilde) Temmen.

She attended Folk Elementary School and attended the first year of high school at St. Joseph High School in Westphalia, Missouri. She graduated in 1955 from Fatima High School after attending the last three years at the newly established high school. Two months after graduating she began a job as secretary for Fabick and Company where she was employed for four years.

On November 8, 1958, Mary Catherine married Raymond Strope at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Folk. After she was married, she continued working until her first baby was born. She then resigned to be a stay-at-home mom. Being able to watch her children grow through infancy was a true delight. Three years later Raymond got an incurable illness which required a lengthy hospitalization and her husband she loved died on October 2, 1962, requiring her to return to work. She obtained a job with the Department of Education as a secretary and retired October 31, 1997 – 35 ½ years later as an Executive Secretary to the Assistant Commissioner of Vocational Education.

Mary Catherine had a strong Catholic faith and was active in the parish and Diocese. Her work in the diocese included serving 7 years on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. In the St. Anthony’s Parish, she served 6 years on the Parish Council. She served as secretary and bookkeeper for the Parish for several years and taught in the Parish School of Religion for over 30 years.

Mary Catherine’s biggest joy was her family. She took delight in their accomplishments and enjoyed the short and long trips they took. Her real treasurers were her grandchildren and the time she had to spend with them.

Her hobbies included cross stitch, embroidery and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond; parents Ralph and Marie Temmen; mother and father-in-law Ilde and Cecilia Strope; an infant granddaughter, Nicole Marie Strope; brothers James and wife Dorothy Temmen, Edward Temmen (first wife Betty Temmen and second wife Debbie Temmen), and William Temmen; brothers-in-law, Roger Strope, Harold Rackers, and Kent Copenbarger; sister-in-law, Mildred Sebben; and nephews, Greg and Chad Temmen.

Survivors include her children, Belinda (Thermal Stewart) of Lee’s Summit, Brian Strope of Folk and Michael (Irene) Strope of Folk; grandchildren, Kurt (Emily) Strope, Corey (Chelsea) Strope, Aaron (Megan) Strope, Ryan Strope, Jason Strope and Cody Strope; step-grandchildren, Sharon (Kevin) Ivy and Craig (Kim) Stewart; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (August) Lueckenhoff; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Temmen and Ruth Copenbarger.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia with a prayer service at 4:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Folk with the Rev. Dylan Schrader officiating.

Interment will be in St. Anthony Parish Cemetery in Folk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com

Services

Visitation: Sunday, December 8, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Trimble Funeral Homes - Westphalia
1941 Highway 63
Westphalia, Missouri 65085


Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, December 9, 2024 10:00 am

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
255 Highway EE
Folk, Missouri 65085


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  1. Brian, I am sorry about your mother’s death. She loved you so much and was proud of you. I am thankful I worked with Mary. She did her job well at DESE and was very loyal. Now she is at rest to rise in glory.


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