Mary Alice Pacey

Mary Alice Pacey, age 96, of Washington, Kansas, died October 2, 2026, at Washington County Hospital in Washington.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Washington, with Pastor Dianna Webster officiating.

Mary Alice was born December 18, 1929, to Farel and Marian (Ward) Lobaugh at the family home. She was the last baby delivered by Dr. William Earnest.

She attended Washington schools and graduated in 1947 as valedictorian of her class. Mary Alice continued her education at the University of Kansas, graduating from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in sociology.

Throughout her early career, Mary Alice held a variety of positions. She worked for the Wichita Community Chest; H.L. Hunt, the legendary oilman, in Dallas, Texas; a newspaper in Manhattan, Kansas; and the U.S. Army at Fort Riley. She later worked for Louis Walter & Co., a manufacturer of ladies' suits and coats in Kansas City, Missouri.

On October 21, 1956, Mary Alice married Leonard Marvin Pacey. Following their marriage, she traveled with Leonard as his work in the pipeline industry took them to various locations.

In 1964, Mary Alice became licensed as an abstractor of titles in Washington County. She and Leonard developed a complete abstract plant over the following year, and Mary Alice continued working in the profession until 1977.

Mary Alice was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington. She was also a member of Chapter AN of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, where she served as an officer for many years, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. While attending the University of Kansas, she was a member of Alpha Phi, Gamma Delta Chapter.

She was an active member of the Washington County Historical Society and enjoyed spending many hours volunteering at the Historical Museum. Mary Alice served on the original board of Colonial Acres and was also a member of the Library Board. She spent several years as a member of the Historic Fashion Group and volunteered with Meadowlark Hospice.

Mary Alice was a woman who loved life in all its variety. Her principal interests included gardening, reading, homemaking and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard, in 2003; and an infant sister.

A memorial fund has been established for the First United Methodist Church or the Washington County Historical Society. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 West 2nd St., Washington, KS 66968.