Mary Edith Gall

Mary Edith Gall, 71, of Leawood, KS passed away peacefully on Monday, December 14, 2009, after battling a reaction to arthritis medication for several months. Mary was born November 16, 1938 in Topeka, the daughter of Lincoln and Edith (Pierce) Norris.
She graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 and attended Washburn University. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.
Mary married John Gall on June 22, 1958 in Topeka, and they moved to Leawood, KS in 1968, where they raised 2 children, Kenny and Beth. Mary was an involved parent and was a leader in the Cub Scouts, Blue Birds, and Campfire Girls. Together the family enjoyed many road-trip vacations, and visited nearly all 48 continental states through the years. Mary especially enjoyed the Colorado Rockies.
Mary and John raced Lightning sailboats for over 30 years and won many district championships, touring around the country every summer. She was among the founding members of Perry Yacht Club, on Lake Perry, KS.
Mary maintained amazing vegetable and flower gardens at her home that are still stunning to behold.
In the 1980's she was president of the Mid-America African Violet Society and also organized the formation of the Topeka African Violet Society. She owned her own African violet hybridizing business, named "Mary's Violet Joy", which produced and sold many champion varieties.
Always an avid seamstress, in the 1990's quilting became Mary's passion and she leaves behind a legacy of many award-winning pieces. She served as President and Vice President of Blue Valley Quilter's Guild, Vice President of Starlight Quilt Guild, and held various offices in the MO-KAN Machine Quilter's Guild and the Kaw Valley Quilt Guild.
She also taught sewing classes through the local Bernina store.
Mary is survived by her husband John of 51 years; her son, Kenneth B. Gall, of Austin, TX; daughter, Beth Whitson and her husband Mark, of Hutchinson, KS; grandchildren, Scott, Tyler John, and Adam. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister.
She was very much loved by all who knew her and will be sorely missed.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 in the Village Presbyterian Church chapel, 6641 Mission Road. A private family service will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Faith Ministries, 1524 Charlotte, Kansas City, MO 64108.