Mary Jane Haltom, 87, died January 12, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born June 5, 1938, in Dodge City, to Clayton H. and Levina (Bowen) Tucker.
Mary worked numerous jobs throughout her career. She loved working for First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, in pastoral care; she visited and met with those who were in nursing homes and homebound. Following retirement, Mary enjoyed volunteering at the hospital, schools, and serving on the election board. Mary never knew a stranger and would stop and talk to everyone at the grocery store. She liked to garden, cook and bake for her grandchildren, shop, and collect teddy bears. Mary was a member of the Red Hat Society and First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.
On December 16, 1954, she married H. Duane Haltom, Sr., in Hutchinson. They shared over 56 years of marriage, prior to his death on December 6, 2011.
Mary is survived by: children, Randall (Polly) Haltom of Hutchinson, Duane Haltom, Jr. of Wichita, Cindy (Larry) Kershner of Hutchinson, Debi (Terry) Porter of Shawnee, and Jack Haltom of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jason (Susan Dome) Haltom, Sarah (Deston) Rizzo, Jeremy (Beth) Stone, Jennifer Porter, Jesse Porter, Emily (Chris Hienman) Haltom, Ashley (Kevin) Norfleet, Jackson (fiancée Gabby) Haltom; great-grandchildren, Palmer, Ryann, C.J., Will, Corinne, Channing, Waylon, Kensley, and Elwood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; siblings, Lucille Patterson, Norman Tucker, Louise Deaver, and George Tucker.
Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Lisa Dale officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday. Family will greet friends from 1:30 till service time Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view the funeral service for Mrs. Mary J. Haltom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.