Mary Jean "Granny" Gemberling

Mary Jean "Granny" Gemberling, 88, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 9th surrounded by her family. She was born April 12th, 1924 in Kent. She was the daughter of the late Clarence E. and Fern Anderson.

This is a well-deserved rest after working hard her entire life on her chicken farm, running the former Shawnee Golf Course, as a cashier at Hills Market 43 and Acme, a cook at Davey Middle School, and finally as the beloved lunch monitor at Franklin Elementary. Every spring, she looked forward to the Gemberling tradition of making maple syrup in "Granny's Cooker". She has been a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Kent.

She loved mowing on her John Deere, soaking up the sun, baking her famous Texas sheet cakes, and spending time with her family. Granny had many "dear friends" from every generation, many of whom helped celebrate her 88th birthday last month. As Granny would say, "Bless your heart" to all who made it so special, and she'll "catch you later".

Mary Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Gemberling. She is survived by her five children: Vivian (Jim) Sweitzer, Fred (Meg) Gemberling, Louanne Jenkins, Susan Collier, and Keith (Denise) Gemberling; her 13 grandchildren: Jeff and Kim Sweitzer; Jeffrey Martin Gemberling; Eric, Fern, and Amanda Jenkins; Cori, Danny, Millie, and Chelsea Collier; Adina, Kara, and Beezer Gemberling; her 6 great-grandchildren: Guy, Selena, Mikey, Kayley, Christian, and Cody: brothers, John Anderson of Kent and Jerry Anderson (Shirley) of Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

She has touched many lives over the years and her memory will be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Friends will be received Friday, May 11th from 4:00-6:00 pm at the First Christian Church in Kent, where a Memorial Service will immediately follow at 6PM. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.